Ponticelli, Cavite's Little Italy

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Dedicated to uplift the quality of living in the Philippines through its mid-market and high-end brands, Vista Land delivers themed communities with the world-class Filipino in mind.

A proud development of Crown Asia, Ponticelli is characterized by the impression of the beautiful, sloping terrain meeting the serene skies. Homes exude the radiance of a relaxed lifestyle and the appeal of a holiday destination where spending time away from the bustling city life does not mean you have to travel so far. Offering a dramatic flair to the rich history of Italian-style homes, Ponticelli creates the perfect place for family and friends to gather.

Bring to life visions of grand balls and intimate soirees with the elegant homes here at Ponticelli. Evocative of the original Italian countryside towns, this 18-hectare enclave gets its name from the Italian words ponti meaning bridge, and celli meaning skies.

Follow your heart to a new home.

The entrance gate will greet its residents and visitors alike with superb Italian architecture. Round the clock security will be positioned to preserve the safety of its exclusive paradise and as you step inside, you’ll notice right away the green scenery surrounding Ponticelli.

A community with a lifestyle like no other.

Just after the community’s main entrance is the clubhouse where homebuyers can hold get- togethers and other private functions. Well- integrated amenities such as playing courts, swimming pool, children’s playground, parks and pocket gardens are conveniently placed and put the last touches on lifestyle of comfort homebuyers have always wanted.

Home sweet home.

Available for varying needs and tastes, the home design selections of Ponticelli are inspired from classic Italian architecture.

HOUSE MODELS

Bellini Compact (84 sqm) Bellini (91 sqm) Pearl (93 sqm) Martini (109 sqm) Sapphire (110 sqm) Torelli (119 sqm)

Emerald Compact (122 sqm) Francesco Compact (122 sqm) Francesco (142 sqm) Emerald (143 sqm)

Stefano (143 sqm) Domenico (146 sqm) Murano (155 sqm) Beryl (177 sqm) Lladro (211 sqm) Franco (242 sqm)

Since its birth, Ponticelli has attracted the most distinguished set of buyers: Overseas Filipino Workers, entrepreneurs, and high-ranking employees. Because of the community’s quality homes, Ponticelli became the benchmark of noticeable elegance and grandeur of subdivision developments in the area.

Ponticelli homes exemplified commanding aesthetic value which made Phase 1 a phenomenal success. And by 2009, it was imminent to follow the success of Phase 1 with another promising development, Ponticelli Hills.Phase 1 and 2 were cultivated passionately. It is where necessity, beauty, and joyful memories breathe side by side. With all of these desirable selling points, it is only apt for Ponticelli to expand once more.

Everything is within reach.

The strategic location of Ponticelli is a mere 5 minute drive from the commercial and major business district of Alabang; while the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) as well as other major routes and highways are just a few minutes away.

Ponticelli is also a few minutes away from various entertainment places, like the Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall, Molito Alabang and SM Molino. Ponticelli is also close to schools, membership clubs, golf courses, business hubs, as well as health care and medical facilities. There is also a shuttle service within the community that can take you to Ortigas and Makati.

The company spend around P50 billion in the next four years for the development of Vista City, Vista Land's most ambitious development yet which houses Lifestyle Retail, Prime Office Space, University Town, Themed Residential developments and other leisure components. The project covers a total of 1,500 hectares strategically located where Muntinlupa, Las Piñas, Laguna and Cavite meet.

Vista City is expected to play a major role in the development of the mega-metropolis for strengthening its own growth and increasing revenue opportunities.

Now on its third phase, this community continues to provide not only a home but a lifestyle like no other.

For more information and inquiries : Email me at enjoyingwonderfulworld@gmail.com

Photos : Arts & Travel Magazine

“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” all set for a move-over engagement run on July 3

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Due to insistent public clamor, Manila’s newest theater group Dalanghita Productions, proudly brings back the highly-acclaimed “KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY THE MUSICAL” in a move-over engagement beginning July 3 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” revolves story of two sisters named MELY and VIVA who both yearn to fulfill their dreams. Their sibling relationship and rivalry becomes more complicated due to an unsettled past and a budding romance, all in the context of an ongoing war between the superhero and supervillain teams. Being a maid is tough enough, but when Mely lands a job under a group of superheroes, she steps up to the unique challenge for the sake of her family. The musical takes us through the journey of the characters as each tries to find his/her place in the world where superheroes and supervillains exist. 

Based from Carlo Vergara’s one-act play and graphic novel of the same title, “ KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY ” will once again prove how can an original Filipino musical combine comedy, drama, romance, action, deception, confessions, superheroes, supervillains, family and a maid in one fantastic show. 

The cast of “KUNG PAANO AKO NAGING LEADING LADY” boasts of the most talented and highly-respected artists coming from the theater, television and film industry. Topbilled to play the various roles are Bituin Escalante and Frenchie Dy (Mely – maid of Puwersa Pilipinas), Kim Molina and Natasha Cabrera (Viva – Mely’s younger sister), Markki Stroem and Hans Eckstein (Leading Man – newest member of Puwersa Pilipinas), Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Astarte Abraham (Madre De Dios – leader of Puwersa Pilipinas).

Lending support are the multi-faceted actors from Manila’s different theater companies namely include May Bayot (Nanay – Mely and Viva’s mother), Giannina Ocampo (Nena Babushka), Caisa Borromeo (Windang Woman), Chesko Rodriguez (Popoy Pusakal), Jef Flores (Bazooka Man), Nar Cabico and Domi Espejo (Senyor Blangko – leader of Kayumanggilas), Red Nuestro (Maracas Marko), Red Concepcion and Joshua Cabiladas (Itak-Atak), Elliot Eustacio (Jeryc Sans Rival), Mikoy Morales and Rhenwyn Gabalonzo (Henyotic).

The ensemble is composed of Kakki Teodoro, Raflesia Bravo, Jem Baldisimo, Juancho Escoto, Miguel Ocampo, Francis Benjamin Jorvina, Alejandro Santos and Brian Sy. 

The artistic and creative teams of “Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” are as follows: Carlo Vergara (Creator and Writer), Vincent de Jesus (Music and Lyrics), Chris Martinez (Director), Ejay Yatco (Musical Director) Mara Marasigan (Assistant Director), Tuxqs Rutaquio (Production Designer), John Batalla (Lighting Designer and Technical Director), Jethro Joaquin (Sound Designer), Nancy Crowe (Choreographer). 

The production team is composed of Ansis Aldrich Tan Sy, Pertee Briñas and Claudia Fernandez (Producers), John Aries Alcayaga (Stage Manager), Ayam Eckstein and Ria Pangilinan (Production Managers), Julius Martin Lunar and Kim Mendoza (Assistant Stage Managers), Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Prodbook PH (Social Media Manager), Chester Ng (Photography).

“Kung Paano Ako Naging Leading Lady” is set to open on July 3 and will run for three weekends until July 23, 2014. The show starts promptly at 8 p.m. (Friday-Satiurday). Matinee shows (Saturday-Sunday) start at 3 p.m. 

All performances are at ONSTAGE, Greenbelt 1, Makati City.

For bulk reservations, show buys, and inquiries, call or text at mobile number 0998-5311389 or send email to dalanghitaproductions@gmail.com. For tickets, please call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or via http://www.ticketworld.com.ph

Connect to Dalanghita Productions online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DalanghitaProductions

www.facebook.com/LeadingLadyTheMusical

Twitter: @dalanghitaprod

Instagram: @dalanghitaprod

Boy Abunda's Advocacy : MYNP honors Nanays nationwide

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TWO years since Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation, Inc. started, MYNP continues to deliver its message to all to make our nanays proud.

Last May 5, 2015, recipients of Gawad Ulirang Ina ng Muntinlupa visit the office of the founding chair, Mr. Boy Abunda of Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation. Also in the photo are officers of MYNP. From left is Ms Bemz Benedito, Managing Director; Ms. Aileen Robles, Treasurer and Ms. Nini Borja, Vice President and Mr. Boy Abunda, founder and chairman.

This year, MYNP embarks on various activities including: Rehabilitation Program for Typhoon Ruby Survivors in Eastern Samar, Tulong Kay Nanay, Research Project, MYNP-Radyo Balintataw text Tula, MYNP Hong kong Project for Overseas Filipino Working Mothers with Generika, Outreach Project, Soup Kitchen Project in different areas in Metro Manila, visits to the liberty-deprived women and mothers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and “Meeting of Nanays” where dozens of nanays from different communities shared their experiences with Ms. Nini Borja, MYNP Vice President; Ms. Bemz Benedito, MYNP Managing Director with the support of MS Sicat Construction and Nikon Tough Mama.

MYNP Founding chair, Mr. Boy Abunda shares his love and advocacy on mothers during the Meeting of Nanays last May 22, 2015 at Mesa Moderne Restaurant in Timog, Quezon City

On the other hand, the MYNP book is still at the top as one of the bestselling publications. The book is a compilation of poems, reflections, anecdotes, musings, stories, photos and artworks of close to 100 people who were asked, How Do You Make Your Nanay Proud? Another project is SineNanay, a student film festival using cellular phone cameras.

MYNP Founding chair, Mr. Boy Abunda were surrounded by nanays from different sectors during a gift giving in Brgy Roxas, Quezon City.

Recently, MYNP has formally announced its search for the Best Nanay Awards 2015, which is on its 2ndyear.

The 10 winners will each receive Php 10,000 cash, a handcrafted mother-and-child trophy carved by Ifugao sculptors, along with gift certificates.

The nomination of the Best Nanay is now on going until August 31, 2015. The Nomination Forms can be downloaded at www.makeyournanayproud.com or you may contact the awards committee atmynpawards@gmail.com or 0917-611-1556.

DepEd teachers, personnel to receive one-month PEI

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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PhP14 Billion for the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) to the Department of Education (DepEd). Eligible DepEd employees shall receive a one-time PEI equivalent to one month basic salary, pursuant to Executive Order 181, s. 2015.

DepEd has complied with all the conditions stipulated under Section 4 of EO 181, s. 2015. DBM has recently issued the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to cover the release of funds for the grant of the PEI for fiscal year 2015. The said funds are being downloaded to DepEd regional offices. DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro FSC has directed its field offices to prepare the payroll of the qualified employees.

As stated in EO 181, s. 2015, qualified employees refer to those who “have (1) rendered at least a total or an aggregate of four (4) months of service as of May 31, 2015, including leaves of absence with pay, and who are still in the service as of May 31, 2015; and (2) obtained at least a satisfactory performance rating.” Employees who have rendered less than four months of satisfactory service as of May 31, 2015 may still be paid the full amount of the PEI upon completion of the four months and satisfactory service rating requirements before the end of FY 2015.

What's In My Pocket? (ASUS Zenpower Powerbank)

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What’s In My Pocket?

ASUS launches the world’s first credit card-sized powerbank in Lazada.com.ph on June 26, 12 Noon!

With so many powerbanks that you can find in the stores left and right, finding the perfect one is just as important as finding the right outfit, especially if you don’t want to be carrying a bulky powerbank on a night out with friends – or probably with your date.

ASUS just announced its newest offering to all those who are always out and about but still require an unfailing amount of battery power on their mobile devices – the ASUS ZenPower which will be exclusively sold in Lazada.com.ph (via www. lazada.com.ph/asus-zenpower/) starting June 25 at 12 Noon

With the ASUS ZenPower, you can expect stylish, lightweight, and compact design of a 10,050 mAh powerbank but with the same size as your credit card – fitting perfectly and seamlessly into your pocket.

Coming in Blue, Pink, Silver, and Gold, and weighing at 215 grams, ASUS ZenPower is the best solution for all urban lifestylistas who are always on the go and let style speak for themselves.

With the partnership of ASUS and Lazada Philippines, the superior quality and design of the ZenPower can now be experienced effortlessly through Lazada’s innovative shopping solutions. Shop anywhere, and anytime with the Lazada Mobile App, available for FREE in both Google Play Store and iOS Appstore- so whether you are stuck in the traffic or in between meetings, you can still shop with the Lazada Mobile App. With Lazada’s nationwide Cash-on-Delivery network, you can pay in cash once the items are delivered to your doorstep.

So the next time you dig into your pockets, reach out for the ASUS Zenpower!

Avaiilable this June 25 (Thursday) at 12 Noon in the Philippines’ One-Stop Shopping Destination – Lazada.com.ph!

TPB helps preserve PH environment, culture

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The first batch of Tourism Promotions Board employees getting ready for the mangrove-planting activity

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), led by TPB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Domingo Ramon Enerio III, encouraged its employees to participate in a series of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects lined up to help preserve the country’s environment and cultural heritage.

Mobilizing hundreds of TPB employees, the campaign kicked off in Boracay this summer, in time for the country’s busiest tourist season. TPB employees, in cooperation with the Boracay Foundation Inc., conducted a series of beach clean-ups. As one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, Boracay plays host to concerts, sports events, and other major summer activities which leave its shores heavily littered.

TPB OIC for Marketing and Communications, Brand Management and Advertising Ma. Nedalin Miranda (left) with Boracay Foundation Inc. Marine Biologist Trixie Asis

They also planted acropora coral fragments in response to the destruction of coral reefs in the island due to pollution and the influx of tourist vessels, as well as natural stresses like strong current and waves. Through this restoration project, Boracay’s corals can continue to be one of the island’s attractions and home of marine creatures.

The team from Boracay Foundation Inc. explains the importance and process of replanting coral fragments

In addition, they helped plant mangroves along Lugutan Beach on the other side of the island. Mangroves play an important role in protecting the coastlines from erosion, while also serving as nursery area for fish and other sea organisms.

Planting mangrove at Boracay’s Lugutan Beach

Also lined up for TPB employees are visits to Camiguin and Bohol – areas which were devastated by natural calamities. In 2013, Camiguin and Tacloban were both hit by Typhoon Yolanda while Bohol met a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

Aside from destroying lives and properties of thousands of Filipinos, these disasters also led to the destruction of many cherished historical and cultural sites in the Philippines, including the Church of Our Lady of Light in Loon, Bohol, and the Children’s Park and Sto. Niño Church in Tacloban.

Cleaning up right after a major event

From left: Nerissa Jean Cruz, Romina Patricia Blacer, Alvin Jeffry Barcelona, Rona Jean Olaivar, Pamela Denise Cababasay, and Mikhail Camacho

“These activities show TPB’s commitment not only to promoting our many tourist destinations, but also helping preserve our country’s cultural heritage and rebuilding communities whose residents depend on tourism,” explained Enerio.

Orange is the new color of beauty

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Along with health and wellness, beauty is one aspect of human existence that people—especially women—will always make time for because it’s important to look good, since looking good is key to feeling good about one’s self and positively impacts the way we relate to others as well.

Businesswoman Joby Linsangan-Moreno, owner of the Orange Blush Salon (with several branches in Luzon and soon Metro Manila) had always dreamed of going into the salon business.

So when the opportunity to open her own place presented itself in October 2003, Joby didn’t hesitate. She had always been passionate about the beauty business and all it entailed. She even loved going to salons herself.

Joby Linsangan-Moreno

“I have always loved the beauty business: Hair, makeup, fashion,” says Joby. “I was always curious on how hair is styled, colored, treated. For me, the beauty business is the closest to my heart and I know that I will be at my best if I choose a business that is related to beauty: And how I love going to salons! That was why I chose to put up a hair salon business.” 

Orange Blush Salon offers traditional salon services just like any salon in Metro Manila--Haircutting, Hair Treatments, Hair Rebonding, Hair Straightening, Hair Coloring, Manicure and Pedicure, Footspa and Makeup—and yet it's what Joby calls a “proudly probinsyano” brand (they have more than 20 branches scattered throughout Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces, towns and cities; their branches are located, aside from Nueva Ecija, in Tarlac, Pangasinan, Pampanga and Bulacan) although Joby discloses there are plans to eventually expand the brand into Metro Manila and bring to customers in the big city the same kind of down-home service that Orange Blush customers have become used to.

Says Joby: “We take pride in the fact that we came from Cabanatuan City , Nueva Ecija. Our vision is to put up branches in Central Luzon area first, where we came from, and saturate it and become the best hair salon in the area; then move to conquer the metro, carrying with us that unique and probinsiyano brand that we represent.”

As to why she called the salon Orange Blush, Joby explains: “ Orange has always been my favorite color. I am a very optimistic person, and for me, the color orange represents happiness, positivity, and optimism. It’s the color we want people to see (and feel) when they come to our salons; that’s why I chose Orange Blush Salon for its name.”

The salon’s motto—“Orange ” is the New Color of Beauty”--identifies with what the color itself represents.

“We want our customers to feel that the color orange, is the color of happiness, optimism, and love. Beauty for me is more than skin-deep. It’s happiness. It’s love. And that’s what we want to share to our clients as well. That when they come to orange salon, they see orange colors that represent our mission to each client: To make our customers feel happy and beautiful with their every visit.”

For more information on Orange Blush Salon, prices, and services (or even franchise inquiries), please visit their website, http://orangeblushsalon.com/index.html.

Join Epson's #BrightenUp and win Home 3D Gaming System

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Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) is inviting the public to enhance their gaming experience by winning a full HD, Epson 3D home projector. 

Twitter users will have a chance to win an Epson EH-TW550 3D home projector and a Sony Playstation 4 game console by following Epson’s Twitter account (@EpsonPH), and tweeting their answer to the question, “What do you do to add color to your life when life gets a little dull?” Entries must use the #BrightenUp hashtag and must be publicly visible to be valid.

“Epson is all about pushing the boundaries of technology and exceeding the vision of our customers – not just from the business sector or the academe, but also for entertainment enthusiasts. Customers will enjoy larger than life images and leap-from-the-screen excitement through the clear, crisp colors of our full-HD 3D home projectors,” said Lyn Lizarondo, Product Manager for Visual Instruments of Epson Philippines. 

“By answering just one simple question, our Twitter followers have the chance to experience next-level gaming and movies through our 3D home projectors that are perfect for home entertainment,” added Lizarondo. The contest runs from June 23 to August 25, 2015. 

Through Epson’s proprietary 3LCD technology, Epson projectors are able to project colors three times brighter than the 1-chip projectors of competing brands. Epson advises that aside from knowing the usual lumens specification of projectors (it usually just refers to ‘white lumens’), discerning customers should ask for the color lumens (or color brightness) to determine the real color brightness that their projectors are able to provide. 

The full terms and conditions of the sweepstakes can be found at www.epson.com.ph/brightenup.

Cherry Mobile launches smartphone brand CUBIX to be sold exclusively in Lazada

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From the company behind Cherry Mobile Brand, Cosmic Technologies Inc. is officially launching their first exclusive online brand, CUBIX. With the growing shift towards e-commerce, the CUBIX aims to become a significant contributor in the growing online market. Amid staggering numbers in smartphone users and improved connectivity, consumer lifestyle has changed drastically. With new payment methods being created as well as better delivery services, consumers are provided with more affordable smartphones with the benefit of effortless online shopping.

Cosmic Technologies Inc, has partnered with Lazada for retailing CUBIX to online customers. “We believe that Lazada has the right e-commerce strategy and expertise to help bring awareness to the Cubix Brand. We are also confident that with the strong logistics capability and the wide cash-on-delivery network, CUBIX will be enjoyed by Filipinos nationwide,” says Maynard Ngu, President and CEO of Cosmic Technologies, Inc.

“Cosmic Technologies, the makers of Cherry Mobile, has been our partner since Lazada started in the Philippines and with the launch of CUBIX within the Cosmic Technologies family - their first exclusive online brand. We at Lazada are very much excited to be part of this milestone and bring CUBIX to Filipinos nationwide,” says Inanc Balci, CEO of Lazada Philippines

The CUBIX is an opportunity for Cosmic Technologies to increase its target consumers specially those looking for their next smartphone. Starting June 26 at 12 Noon, customers may purchase the CUBIX CUBE exclusively on Lazada for onlyP4,490 via www.lazada.com.ph/cherry-mobile-cubix/. The device runs on Android Kitkat with a crisp 5” HD On Cell Display. Photos look great with its 13MP Camera and selfies look good with its 5MP Front Camera. With a fast 1.4 Ghz Octa Core Processor coupled with a 2GB RAM and 16GB ROM, the CUBIX Cube can handle resource hungry apps with ease. All CUBIX CUBE devices will have the Lazada App which enables online consumers to purchase other items from the convenience of their mobile device. 

Technical Specifications:

Brand Name: CUBIX Model Name: CUBE Operating System: Android 4.4 Kitkat (Upgradeable to Lollipop) Processor: 1.4 GHz Octa Core SIM Slot 1: Standard SIM SIM Slot 2: Micro SIM Display: 5.0" IPS On Cell Full Lamination Resolution: 720 x 1280 (HD) Dimension / Weight: 140 x 71.9 x 7.9mm ; 135g Memory: 16GB RAM: 2GB Expansion Slot: microSD, up to 64 GB Network GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz WCDMA 2100/900 MHz Connectivity: Wifi b/g/n Bluetooth 4.0 I/O Port: Standard MicroUSB port 3.5mm Audio Jack Rear: 13 MP with Flash Front: 5 MP Battery Capacity: 2000mAh, Removable

Eight Official Entries to Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2015

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MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino led the reveal of the lineup of films in this year's MMMF, last Saturday, June 20.

This year's 8 films include the movie projects of Kris Aquino, Robin Padilla, Coco Martin, Vice Ganda, Janella Salvador, Herbert Bautista, Jennylyn Mercado, JM De Guzman and Japanese actress Maria Ozawa are included in this year's entries for Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2015.

Here are the Eight Official Entries to MMFF 2015:

1. Beauty and the Bestie

Production: ABS-CBN Film Production, Inc. and Viva Communications, Inc.

Director: Wenn Deramas

Lead Actors: Vice Ganda, Coco Martin

2. Death and Senses

Production: Quantum Films

Director: Randolph Longjas

Lead Actor: Rayver Cruz, Jayson Gainza, John Lapus, Ian Veneracion

Lead Actress: Janine Gutierrez, Lotlot de Leon

3. Haunted Mansion

Production: Regal Entertainment, Inc.

Director: Jun Lana

Lead Actor: Marlo Mortel, Jerome Ponce

Lead Actress: Janella Salvador

4. Hermano Puli (Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Apolinario Dela Cruz)

Production: Teamwork Film Productions

Director: Gil Portes

Lead Actor: John Prats

Lead Actress: Karylle

5. MR and MRS Split

Production: ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc.

Director: Antoinette Jadaone

Lead Actor: Herbert Bautista

Lead Actress: Kris Aquino

6. Nilalang (The Entity) 

Production: Haunted Towers Pictures, Inc.

Director: Pedring Lopez

Lead Actor: Robin Padilla

Lead Actress: Maria Ozawa

7. “Romcom-in Mo Ako”

Production: Octoarts Films, MZET Productions, APT Ent., Inc.

Director: Jose Javier Reyes

Lead Actor: Vic Sotto

Lead Actress: Ai-Ai Delas Alas 

8. Walang Forever 

Production: Quantum Films

Director: Dan Villegas

Lead Actor: JM De Guzman

Lead Actress: Jennylyn Mercado

Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2015 movies will be shown starting December 25, Christmas Day.

Preparing healthy baon for kids

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With the help of Philips, moms can prepare nutritiously delicious meals for the kids this school year

Another school year is just around the corner and soon the students will be back to their daily grind. And there’s a lot to look forward to: new classmates, new teachers, new faces, new books, new subjects and many more.

It's a new start for everyone. Mothers, for their part, must make sure that everything is in order.

Aside from ticking off the usual checklist of school supplies and uniform, mothers should also prepare for the back to school baon,ensuring that their kids eat the right meals to keep them healthy in school as they brave another year of education.

“Mothers must make sure their children get the perfect start. Such preparations include planning in advance for their healthy baon,” says RJ Buenaventura, Philips General Manager for Personal Health.

He says that the task can be daunting for mommies if they don’t have the right partners. Buenaventura explains, “Indeed, having the right kitchen tools for one’s back-to-school preparations can make a huge difference.”

And because school cafeteria food may not always be healthy, most moms prefer to prepare home cooked baon for their kids. Towards this end, Philips, the world’s no. 1 home cooking and food preparation appliance brand according to Euromonitor International, offers a line of helpful kitchen appliances.

“With these tools, both mother and child can definitely breeze through the back-to-school jitters with flying colors,” promises RJ.

Delicious with less fat

Nowadays, mothers have to consider the taste of the food as much as its nutritional value.

Philips Airfryer for instance, can cook delicious fried food with 80% less fat. It has a unique Rapid Air Technology that enables home chefs to fry with air to make food, which is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Healthy blends

For healthy fruit drinks, salads, dressing or vegetable dishes, mothers can use the Philips Avance Collection Blender. This kitchen tool can handle just about anything from fruits and vegetables to ice.

Its multi-speed function will help moms blend, crush and cut for perfectly smooth blending and any consistency they want, says Reah Ronsayro, Business Development Manager for Kitchen and Domestic Appliances. 

The Philips Avance Collection Juicer can help mommies make healthy drinks for the little ones, as well. This product, Ronsayro explains, extracts more juice from fruit and vegetables with an innovative quick clean sieve and has an integrated pulp container that allows the consumer to clean the products easier.

Bread and breakfast

Preparing for back-to-school meals begins at home, with breakfast. As the old adage goes, it is the most important meal of the day. For children, fiber is quite important in the morning as it aids digestions and helps relieve and prevent constipation.

In line with this, the Viva Collection Toaster is yet another kitchen partner that can help mothers prepare bread for the morning meals of their kids.

With its wide deep slots and self-centering feature, this toaster ensures evenly golden brown toast on thick or thin slices. It also features an integrated bun warming rack, slide out crumb tray and one-touch reheat and defrost buttons, describes Reah.

Don’t forget rice

For older children whose classes are longer and extend through lunch hours, there’s the Philips Rice Cooker, which comes with automatic cooking functions that better preserve the freshness and nutrients in rice. It can serve up to 10 cups.

Faster, mom

Finally, there’s the Philips Induction Cooker, which shortens cooking time and makes preparing baon more convenient for moms who don’t have a lot of time. The kitchen tool comes with a variety of cooking functionalities such as an automatic temperature control, timer, sensor touch surface, and several cooking presets that make cooking a breeze.

Indeed, mommies need not go crazy over the back-to-school preparations for their little ones. They just need to find the right partners that would enable them to do their preparations in a smarter way.

For more information about our products, visit www.philips.com.ph or check out our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PhilipsPhilippines or https://www.facebook.com/Philips-Home-Living-Philippines/.

You can also call our customer hotline at (632) 6679000 if you are within Metro Manila or 1-800-10-7445477 if you are outside Metro Manila.

#BilisNgPinoy : Marlon Stockinger competes in Austria prior to Slipstream 2.0

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Filipino Jr. F1 driver to represent PH in 2015 Status Grand Prix

Filipino Junior F1 Racer Marlon Stockinger is sole Philippine representative for premier one-make racing championship GP2’s eleventh season in Austria.

The Formula 1 aspirations of Filipino-Swiss​ Jr. F1​ racing driver Marlon Stockinger shifts to a higher gear today with the staging of the 2015 Status Grand Prix (GP2) season in Austria.

Twenty-six drivers representing 13 teams that will race over 10 rounds are participating in the said event. Entering the Austria event, GP 2 has already completed three rounds, which started last April in Bahrain. Stockinger, 24, is joined by New Zealand’s 23-year-old driver Richie Stanaway for Status Grand Prix this year.

According to Stockinger’s mother Egin, his son has been adjusting well in this GP2 series, noting that he is still in his rookie year as a GP2 participant. “It’s very challenging because the car he now uses​ is heavier, and​ this series​ ​is ​different from ​where he used to race. But overall as a rookie driver in a series of GP2,​ he is doing very well,” she said. “I talked to him four days ago. He is confident and hopeful that he will earn points in this series. Of course, it will be tough but he is doing everything he can.” 

The GP2 Season is considered as the support series for the 2015 Formula One World Championship. Marlon Stockinger ​is a junior driver of F1 team​ Lotus. The lone Filipino F1 bet got his maiden victory during the 2012 GP3 Series in Monte Carlo while racing for Status Grand Prix.

Meantime, Stockinger will return to the country June 25, in time for Slipstream​ 2.0​ happening two days later on the 27th and presented by his main corporate sponsor,​ Globe​ Telecom.

Slipstream 2.0 is a one-day event for the public, particularly motoring aficionados, where Stockinger is set to drive his Lotus World Series racecar around the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The event will be a sequel to last year’s exhibition of fast cars and fancy vehicles which attracted thousands of enthusiasts and their families who saw history in the making by witnessing a World Series car burn rubber on the streets of Manila.

K to 12 key to social economic development - Salceda

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Albay Governor Joey Salceda expressed his full support to the government’s K to 12 Program amidst calls for the Supreme Court to declare the program unconstitutional. 

Salceda said it is necessary to add 2 years to the current basic education program to give Filipino graduates a chance to compete in the international labor market.

“Number one talaga para sa kabutihan ng ating mga graduates kasi kung kulang din naman talo sila sa international labor market so hindi sila napo-promote. Sa dami naman ng graduates natin taun-taon na umaabot ng 450,000, kulang sila ng dalawang taon, so kailangan talaga matugunan natin,” Salceda said.

He also stressed that the general public should look at the additional years as added value that the government is providing for free. 

“Dati binabayaran ng government 10 taon lang (ng basic education), ngayon 12 na, ayaw mo pa ba ‘yun? Nakatipid ang mga pamilya ng two years,” he added.

As a policy maker, the governor said he has long been advocating for the program, believing that the K to 12 Program, partnered with 4Ps and health programs, will finally put an end to the inter-generational transmission of poverty in the country.

“Itong triumvirate na ito sa pananaw ko ang solusyon para finally hindi tayo pabalik-balik sa napakataas na poverty ratio at mabibigyan ng chance ang mga ordinaryong pamilya na maging competitive o makilaban po hindi lang dito sa loob ng Pilipinas kundi sa labas. Kailangan globally competitive po ang bawat indibidwal pati na po ang mga komunidad so talagang puspusan ang aming pagma-market ng K to 12 bilang pillar ng ating socio-economic development,” Salceda emphasized. 

He is also calling on the public to be open to the K to 12 reform admitting that, while it may not be easy to change a system that we have all been used to in the past, it is also not acceptable for the citizenry to remain shortchanged. 

Salceda believes that if the vast majority accepts system change pushed for by the government, this will lead to social cohesion which allows the necessary sacrifices to make reforms work for everyone.

The Joy of Printing Memories at the 1st Wonder Photo Shop in Ph

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Print more photos to preserve our family memories, feel and relive their cherished moments like never before.

I have many boxes of old photos as they span decades, piles of photos - from the time when I was a kid, high school, college, my wedding, and with our children and all! It's really great to look through them, memories, memories. Printed old photos is a great way to preserve memories.

I am a photo girl. Every occasion, events, travel and almost all activities in my life are preserve through in my camera, mobile phones and iPad. Many clicks, and photos are save in my files. But some photos deserve to be printed. My love and passion reminds me that just printing them is the important part of my life. However I choose to memory keep, share it with my family and friends.

How do you keep those photos from getting lost and make your memories last a lifetime?

Before social networking sites became popular, people preserved memories by capturing important milestones, family traditions, and every little discovery and printing these photos. In every household, you would find family albums, tomes of snaps in hard copies, lifetimes’ worth of printed memories.

Being the number one country that loves to take photos, the Philippines was an easy choice for the famed photographic brand.

YKL Color, Inc., a FUJIFILM distributor, revives the habit of printing photographs by launching the first Wonder Photo Shop-Tokyo, a photography and printing store originated in Tokyo, in the Philippines at the Ayala-U.P. Town Center last June 19, 2015

The Wonder Photo Shop Opening  at Ayala-U.P. Town Center, Quezon City, June 19, 2015.

“We believe that we can show the Filipinos the excitement in capturing memories and bringing their memories to life by printing their photos,” says Yu Tung Tung president of YKL Color, Inc.

Established in 1934, FUJIFILM Corporation is the first Japanese producer of photographic films. In the decades that followed, the company diversified into other markets. The company has survived and thrived even in the era of digital photography by focusing on the user experience. YKL Color, Inc., a distributor of FUJIFILM products, runs Wonder Photo Shop-Tokyo with support from FUJIFILM Philippines Inc.

A fun, enjoyable, multi-pronged experience is what awaits the public at the first Wonder Photo Shopin the Philippines.

Part store, part print center, and part workshop hub, Wonder Photo Shop-Tokyo in U.P. Town Center is a one-stop boutique and learning center that offers an array of products and services: a Selfie Studio, where customers can delight in taking and printing complex photos; printing services with high-quality professional paper, photobook service, WPS (Wonder Print Station) kiosk printer, which provides a variety of quick photo printing; photo accessories such as washi tapes, fancy photo albums, photo frames and stickers and Fujifilm Instax and digital cameras.

The Wonder Photo Shop-Tokyo in U.P. Town Center closely resembles the two-year-old Wonder Photo Shop in Tokyo. It is almost the same except that there are more printing options at Wonder Photo Shop-Tokyo in the Philippines. Customers can print on different materials like glass, cork boards, sintra boards, wood boards and canvasses. There are also the much-anticipated complex prints. 

In the age of selfies, the process of actually printing a photo for younger generations has become a tedious chore. YKL Color, Inc. embraces the so-called selfie generation and brings back excitement to the art of photo printing by giving it a fresh, young, trendy take. 

“The photo itself is necessary and interesting, and as long as we provide excitement to printing photos, people will enjoy prints,” stresses Tung Tung. 

Filipinos are a sentimental lot. They love chronicling moments in their lives spent with family, friends, and loved ones. They take pleasure in looking at and sharing to the world snaps taken during a child’s graduation day, an office outing, a relative’s birthday, their many travels, a dinner date with one’s spouse. These photographs serve as mementos that remind us of days well spent, challenges met head-on, friendships forged along the way. And nothing beats having these memories printed bursting with colors on vivid prints.

With YKL Color, Inc. and at Wonder Photo Shop-Tokyo, the task of printing memories becomes a communal activity where everyone we hold dear can take a part in.

Shop in RP YKL Color, Inc. brings back the joy of printing memories at first Wonder Photo.

Just printing the photos is a step in preserving our family’s memories.

Here's "Keeping the Memories Alive" by Mikoy Morales and Issa Rodriguez.

For more information, visit www.yklcolor.com. Contact +632 743-6601 to 06 or email digital_info@yklcolor.com.

Photos : Art & Travel Magazine