Yana Asistio and Martin Escudero team up on "kilig "mini-series on Wattpad Presents "Pristine Academy"

Now on its 4th season, TV5 's primetime "kilig" mini-series continues to capture the hearts of many Filipino viewers. 

TV5's latest offering, WATTPAD PRESENTS "Pristine Academy" with Yana Asistio and Martin Escudero starting on August 10, 9pm. 

Showbiz royalty Yana Asistio makes a name for herself as she appears on her first wattpad starrer together with TV5 hearthrob Martin Escudero on WATTPAD PRESENTS "Pristine Academy".

The TV adaptation of one of the most well-loved Wattpad novels, which now has 3.8 M reads and 14.5 K online votes to date, elevating its author Kuya_Soju to celebrity status in the i=online community.

WATTPAD PRESENTS "Pristine Academy" features showbiz royalty and promising young actress Yana Asistio as she ventures in her first Wattpad starrer along with hearthrob Martin Escudero. 

In this romatic-comedy story which revolves around the fictional school Pristine Academy, Keifer (Martin Escudero) is a known playboy who later on finds himself in a sticky situation as one of his conquests goes after him and claims to be bearing his child. Fearing for his life because the girl who is now huntig him belongs to a family of gagnsters. Keifer hides in an exclusive all-girls school with the help of his cousin and assumes the identity of a girl named Keira. This would have been the most convenient waybto get away from all his troubles had he not met Aenoa (Yana Asistio), the girl who eventually becomes his true love How can Keifer survive his double life and protect his blossoming relaionship with Aeone? Will Aeone be able to accept and forgive Keifer for what he has done and for who he is truly is? 

Follow this "kilig" story on WATTPAD PRESENTS "Pristine Academy" and fall in love all over again. Monday to Friday starting on August 10, 9pm, exclusvely on TV5.

Joanna Ampil and MiG Ayesa lead the cast of the Tony Award winning musical THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

Two iconic performers share the same stage for the first time in what is sure to be the most romantic musical of the year. West End musical theatre star Joanna Ampil and Broadway and West End rock star MiG Ayesa lead the cast of the first international production of the Tony Award winning musical THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, produced by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) in November 2015.

Fresh from the success of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, which is now embarking on an Asian Tour, ATEG brings you THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, one of the most romantic stories ever written. 

Now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY tells the story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson and her life-changing, four-day whirlwind romance with traveling photographer Robert Kincaid. It’s an unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more.

Joanna Ampil

This brand new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. The Daily News hails it as “one of Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.”

Joanna Ampil, who rose to stardom in London’s West End as Kim in Miss Saigon and Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, says of her latest role, “It will be my first musical in Manila after a long hiatus. The last one was The Sound of Music in 2012. I'm hungry for a new challenge and this role of Francesca will certainly give me that challenge, stretch and creativity that I'm always craving for as an artist. Jason Robert Brown and I performed in London sometime ago way before he wrote Bridges and to be able to play a lead in one of his works will be a wonderful experience; because I know that he writes some amazing stuff. I look forward to sharing the stage with MiG Ayesa, also. But, the thing that appealed to me the most was the idea of working for ATLANTIS for the first time and being directed by Bobby Garcia.”

MiG Ayesa

MiG Ayesa, who performed the role of Stacee Jaxx in ROCK OF AGES on Broadway and in Manila. “I am so thrilled to be returning to the Manila stage with this production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. The score written by Jason Robert Brown is so breathtakingly beautiful it has to be considered a modern classic, and well deserved of the Tony Awards it received. I cannot wait to show such a different side to me, as the last time Manila audiences saw me was as the crazed rocker ‘Stacee Jaxx’ in ROCK OF AGES. The chance to be working opposite such a world class performer such as Jo Ampil, as well as under the direction of Bobby Garcia, promises to be an experience I will never forget. This will be my second stage production with ATEG, and it has always been a labour of love in that camp. Any excuse to visit the Philippines is worth the work! I cannot think of a better way than to return with such a production as beautiful as this,” said MiG .

Directed by Bobby Garcia, who recently directed the critically acclaimed Asian Tour of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY opens on November 20, 2015 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Select shows are now available for Show Buying and fundraising opportunities. Corporate Packages are also available. 

Contact Jorelle at 0917-8381534 or info@ategasia.com for more information.

China to host 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup

(L-R) Chinese delegation, basketball star Yao Ming, Chinese Olympic Committee vice president Gao Zhidan : Vice Mayor of Beijing and China 2019 bid committee chairman Zhang Jiandong; and Philippines’ delegation, president of Philippines Basketball Manuel V Pangilinan; Eight-time world boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao; and actor Lou Diamond Phillips during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup host announcement ceremony in Tokyo on August 7, 2015. (Photo by Toshifumi Kitamura/ AFP)

China wins the bidding war against the Philippines in the final presentations to become the official host of the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the FIBA Central Board announced Friday, August 7 in Tokyo, Japan.for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup hosting.

The delegations of the People's Republic of China and of the Republic of the Philippines presented clear impressions that the love of the sport is what drives them to want to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

China edged Philippines, which banked on the Filipinos’ passion for the sports and reach on social media in its bid for the hosting, with a presentation focusing on its strength in infrastructure, hosting experience, and resources.

The Chinese have hosted several international tournaments including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2010 Asian Games and the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics. They will also host the upcoming 2015 Fiba Asia Championships. Last Friday, July 31, China also won the rights to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. 

China also boasted of holding the Fiba World Cup, which is held every four years, in eight keys cities which are easily connected by several forms of modern transportation.

Presenters for the Philippine pitch were business tycoon and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan; Filipino Hollywood actor Lou Diamond Phillips; former national team player Jimmy Alapag; and former national team head coach Chot Reyes.

The Philippine bid highlighted the Southeast Asian nation's deep-rooted love affair with basketball as FIBA's ticket to achieving its goal. It also leverage the country's Internet reach as the Social Media Capital of the world.

Basketball's world governing body made the decision after a stringent process that began right after last year's World Cup in Spain, and culiminated Friday in Tokyo with 20-minute presentations from each country followed by question-and-answer sessions.

Here are some of the strong statements of intent that were made. An evident as the leading figures behind both bids addressed the media, just hours before FIBA's Central Board is set to make its decision.

Yao Ming, China 2019 Ambassador and basketball star (asked to compare, based on his visits to the Philippines, the love of basketball there compared to the love of basketball in China): "You can't say that one type of love is better than the other. Both are great. Both countries have a great passion for basketball, particularly for FIBA basketball."

Manny Pacquiao, Philippines Congressman and eight-time world boxing champion: "I am a boxer but I am here because I love basketball so that tells you the passion that Filipinos have for basketball. If we host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, we can show that passion to the world."

Zhang Jiandong, Vice Mayor of Beijing and Chairman of the China 2019 bid committee: "At least 300 million people play basketball in China and if we host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, we can increase that participation. China is the most populous country in the world and we can make basketball the most popular sport in the world. We believe that we can make the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup a complete success because of China's economic stability, strong financial guarantee and the government's complete support. We can make it a safe, most reliable and risk-free event."

Manuel V Pangilinan, President of the Philippines Basketball Association: "In our country, basketball is number one. Ninety percent of the population play, watch or follow the sport in one way or another. It's not just Filipinos in the Philippines that are passionate about the sport. It's Filipinos all over the world. Football may be number one in many places around the world, but basketball is number one in the Philippines."

Gao Zhidan, Vice-President of the Chinese Olympic Committee: "Basketball is very popular in China and if we host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, we can foresee a great rise in that popularity. This will have a great impact on the professional league (CBA) as well as the university league which is developing very fast. It will help with our aim to train more athletes and get a bigger pool of talented players."

Lou Diamond Phillips, Filipino actor and director: "The Philippines has come of age and we are incredibly hopeful of geting to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. We are the biggest social media country and we already have more than two billion impressions of #PUSO2019."

Source : 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga next movie will push through in 2016

The most awaited reunion movie of Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga will push through in 2016. 

This was announced by Star Cinema managing director Malou Santos during the “Chat with the Chairman” event at ABS-CBN on Tuesday, as reported by Star Cinema in its website.

According to a report from Star Cinema’s website, Star Cinema managing director Malou Santos confirmed the news during a “chat with the chairman” event last August 4.

Aga Muhlach and Lea Salonga were together in  their 1995 film “Sana Maulit Muli.” The first one was in 1993, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal.) Both films earned Muhlach Best Actor trophies from the Gawad-Urian critics society

Aga and Lea remaining good friends over the years.  

They were asked by reporters on separate occasions about that long-awaited third team-up. Last July, Lea and Aga attended and been reunited at the premiere of digitally restored version of "Sana Maulit Muli' held at the Cine Adarna, University of the Philippines Film Institute, Diliman, Quezon City. This is a part of ABS-CBN’s ongoing Film Restoration campaign.

In an interview with some reporters, Aga said he was hoping for the reunion movie for them to happen soon.

In an interview with dzMM, Salonga hinted that the warm reception at the premiere could help railroad the reunion movie that has been in limbo.

"Maraming oras na ang nakalipas since we did a movie and then to receive that kind of reception doon sa screening, talagang hindi ako makapaniwala na ganun ang naging pagtanggap ng very, very young audience," she said.

"I think microcosm siya of a possibly bigger market na siguro tatangkilikin din nila 'yung pelikula namin kung sakaling gumawa kami ng isa pa," she added.

Salonga earlier said that she will be very busy in the remaining months of 2015 and won’t be able to do a movie this year.

"I have 'The Voice' and then I have a Broadway show. As in the day after the grand finals, I leave for New York. Our finals will be on August 29 and August 30, August 31, I'm on a plane out. So no movie this year," she had said.

Salonga will be part of the musical "Allegiance" with Japanese-American actor George Takei, which is scheduled to start previews October 6 at the Longacre Theater in New York prior to its official opening on November 8.

Salonga had said that she only wants to be paired with Muhlach because she is already comfortable working with the actor.

“Minsan lang kasi ako gumawa ng pelikula. As in once every 17 years. I don’t do movies very often so I want to be with people that I’m already comfortable with. There are certain risks that I’d like take when I perform live. But when I do a film, I’d like to stay with a team na nakasanayan ko na,” she explained.

This will be the 3rd time Aga and Lea will do a movie together. Aside from "Sana Maulit Muli," Muhlach and Salonga starred in an earlier movie, "Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal."

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SM shares PWD social inclusion efforts in US Embassy Forum

Photo shows (L-R) SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia,  US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, SM VP Bien Mateo and United Architects of the Philippines’ Committee on Accessibility Chair, Arch. Jaime Silva during the event.

Just days after the culmination of the Philippine National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week, the U.S. Embassy held a forum to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) act. The forum, entitled “PWD Rights: Diversity and Social Inclusion”, served as an avenue for inclusive dialogue between PWD advocacy groups and various stakholders like the academe, the government, and private companies.

Distinguished members of the panel included Senator Sonny Angara, Honorable US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga, Executive Vice President and CEO of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH) Joy Cevallos-Garcia, Be-medaled Paralympian Powerlifter Adeline Dumapong, and SM Vice President for Operations and Program Director of Disability Affairs Bien Mateo.

US Ambassador Goldberg expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders present during the forum, with special mention to SM, which according to him has done so much in the area of disability affairs.

SM VP Mateo affirmed during his talk that SM is strongly advocating for PWD inclusion and that several programs under SM Cares underscore this advocacy. Some of the projects he mentioned were the Angels Walk for Autism, the Happy Walk for Down Syndrome, the earthquake resilience briefing for Senior Citizens and PWDs, and the SM Supermalls’ special screening of audio descriptive movies for the blind and the deaf.

The forum concluded with the agreement that providing equal opportunities and helping PWDs to become active and contributing members of the community are necessary in creating a caring, nurturing, and more sustainable society.

Seven heritage places in the Philippines worth visiting

Vigan Ilocos Sur - Calle Crisologo

It's more fun in the Philippines! Explore the diverse culture of the Philippines as MyProperty.ph lists some of the most popular heritage towns and cities in the country.

If you attended a Filipino school as a kid, chances are you know that whenever August rolled around, it was time to polish your skills in declamation, singing, or slogan making in celebration of the Buwan ng Wika . As a nationalistic event, it aims to celebrate the Filipino language while also embracing our linguistic diversity.

This month is also an apt time to visit some of the country’s towns and cities that helped shape our history and heritage. You can make a holiday out of your visit to any of these sites, as many of them are located in distant provinces, although some of them are close enough to Metro Manila for a day tour.

Kawit Cavite - Aguinaldo Shrine by Antonio V. Oquias

Kawit

Province: Cavite

Spoken languages: Tagalog, Chavacano

Considered as Cavite’s oldest municipality, Kawit was founded in 1587 for the Spanish Crown and referred to by the Spaniards as “Cavite El Viejo.” Its most famous spot is the Aguinaldo Shrine, the ancestral home of General Emilio Aguinaldo and the site where the Philippine independence from Spanish rule was declared. It is also home to St. Mary Magdalene Church, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines; as well as the Battle of Binakayan Monument, which commemorates a struggle between Spanish and Filipino soldiers in 1896.

Malolos

Province: Bulacan

Spoken languages: Tagalog, Kapampangan

Malolos is recognized as the Premiere Heritage City of Bulacan for its ancestral houses, Spanish colonial churches and chapels, and historical landmarks. The Barasoain Church, for one, is the site of the First Philippine Congress in 1898. Also worth visiting is the neoclassic Bautista-Uytangcoy Mansion, known as home of Aguinaldo’s interior secretary Don Antonio Bautista, but is more recognizable as the site where Jose Rizal and Marcelo H. Del Pilar spoke with the 21 women of Malolos in 1892.

Pila

Province: Laguna

Spoken language: Tagalog

Pila, specifically the Pila Historic Town Center, was declared a National Historical Landmark for being an early pre-Hispanic center of culture and trade, owing to the discovery of clay potteries during excavations in Pinagbayanan in 1967. Some of the Spanish- and American-era architecture found in the locale are the 19th-century Baroque church Diocesan Shrine, and the Parish Church of San Antonio de Padua, founded in 1578 and regarded as the country’s first Antonine parish.

Taal

Province: Batangas

Spoken languages: Tagalog, Spanish

Most famous for its namesake lake and for balisong (fan knife) and barong (local garb) making, Taal has been labeled a National Historical Landmark because of its well-restored ancestral houses. One such property is the Agoncillo-Mariño House, considered a national shrine by the National Historical Institute where the national flag was first made by Marcela Mariño de Agoncillo. Other historical landmarks include the Old Taal Church ruins, where the original Church of St. Martin de Tours was built in 1575; and Escuela Pia, built in 1885 and considered the central school during the American regime.

Vigan

Province: Ilocos Sur

Spoken languages: Ilocano, Pangasinan, Tagalog

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and recently named as one of the New7Wonders Cities, Vigan is one of the few Hispanic towns in the country where visitors can appreciate intact buildings that display a fusion of Filipino, Oriental, and European aesthetic. Its most famous attraction is Calle Crisologo, a cobblestone street flanked by Spanish-era homes and traversed by horse-drawn carriages or calesas. Other points of interest include the earthquake Baroque-style Vigan Cathedral, the history of which can be traced back to 1574; and the Archbishop’s Residence, which was built in the 16th century.

Silay Negros Occidental - Balay Negrense

Silay

Province: Negros Occidental

Spoken languages: Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Tagalog

Silay is often referred to as the Paris of Negros and considered by the Department of Tourism as Western Visayas’ seat of arts, culture, and ecotourism. The city is known for its artists and numerous cultural shows, but its most prized attractions are its well-preserved heritage houses, which were built during the heyday of the Philippine sugar industry. Some of the more famous homes are Balay Negrense, a late-19th-century home that has been transformed into a museum; and Hofileña Ancestral House, which was constructed in 1934 by Manuel Severino Hofileña and continues to be occupied by one of his heirs.

Dapitan

Province: Zamboanga Del Norte

Spoken languages: Cebuano, Subanen, Zamboangueño, Chavacano, Tagalog

Known as the “Shrine City in the Philippines,” Dapitan’s popularity lies in its historical significance as the place of exile of Rizal. In fact, its most famous sites are ones related to Rizal, such as Liwasan ng Dapitan, which the national hero helped designed; Punto del Desembarco de Rizal, where he disembarked from the steamer “Cebu” in 1565; and Rizal Park and Shrine, where he lived from 1893 to 1896.

Source : MyProperty.ph,  a leading Philippine real estate online and print brand that brings property buyers and sellers together. The website’s main offerings are listings of pre-selling properties and properties for sale and for rent. Both website and magazine also provide relevant and updated industry news and information for its clients and consumers.

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Cooking a tastier Madrid Fusión Manila 2016

The team of chefs and organizers behind the success of Madrid Fusion Manila 2015

“We are excited to host the second edition of Madrid Fusión Manila, which brings international culinary experts from the East and West and provides our local chefs a significant platform to perform for the international audience. This is not an accidental occurrence, but the continuation of an activity that will put Manila to its rightful place as one of the centers of culinary excellence in the world,” says Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. at the contract signing in Fairmont Makati.

DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.

After its delectably successful debut edition in April, Madrid Fusión Manila (MFM) will return next year for a bigger and tastier culinary extravaganza. Supported by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), MFM is set on April 7 to 9, 2016. It is expected to draw together another line-up of Michelin-starred chefs from Spain, Japan and other parts of the globe, including both 3-Michelin-starred Chef Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, and Chef Eneko Atxa of Azurmendi in Larrabetzu, Spain; and 2-Michelin-starred chef Yoshihiro Narisawa of Les Créations de Narisawa in Tokyo, Japan.

Formally signing the agreement to stage MFM 2016 were DOT Secretary Jimenez, DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Development Benito Bengzon Jr., DOT Head of Market Development Group - Director Verna Buensuceso, Foro de Debate General Manager Lourdes Plana, and Arum Estrategias Internacionalizacion Director Iñigo Cañedo and Gastronomic Coordinator Mielle Esteban.

Secretary Jimenez also awarded plaques of appreciation to the sponsors, industry partners and local chefs who contributed to the success of the first MFM, including chefs Margarita Fores, Myrna Segismundo, Claude Tayag, J. Gamboa, Fernando Aracama, J.C. de Terry, Jose Luis Gonzalez, Pepe Lopez, Rob Pengson, and Bruce Ricketts.

L-R: TPB COO Domingo Ramon Enerio III, Madrid Fusión Director Lourdes Plana and Arum Estrategias Internacionalizacion S.L. Director Iñigo Cañedo

DOT Director Verna Covar-Buensuceso and TPB OIC for Media Relations Arnold Gonzales 

Chef Margarita Fores and DOT Undersecretary Bong Bengzon 

Chef Claude Tayag and Chef Myrna Segismundo 

From left: Chef J. Gamboa, Chef J. Luis Gonzalez, Chef Tatung Sarthou and Chef Fernando Aracama 

From left: Chef Pepe Lopez, Chef Francisco Coque and Uri Singca 

Glenda Barretto and Angelo Comsti

From left: Joel Pascual, Anton Diaz and Josh Botwood

“Madrid Fusión Manila 2016 will hopefully reaffirm the Philippines’s place on the global culinary map and will help attract more foreign tourists to come and sample our dishes,” says TPB Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon Enerio III. “With Filipino foods being heralded by foreign food reviewers as the next ‘it’ in international cuisine, expectations are high. The whole culinary world is looking forward to the event.”

Buddy Valastro is back with an all-new season of Cake Boss on TLC

TLC, the number one travel and lifestyle channel in the Philippines, Singapore, and Malaysia, will be premiering an all-new season of CAKE BOSS this August! Starring famed baker Buddy Valastro and his cake crew family, the team is back and whipping up amazingly crazy cakes and confections.

Over the years, the team has successfully made their burgeoning bakery, Carlo’s Bakery, a household name. And as the business has grown, so have their responsibilities. But at the end of the day, Buddy wants to be true to his roots: cake and family. Whatever the challenge, the Valastros prove that no matter how sticky the situation, the family that bakes together stays together!

CAKE BOSS is now a partnership between Discovery Networks International (DNI) and TLC in the United States with seasons seven and eight produced by original series producer Jon Sechrist, High Noon Entertainment and Valastro’s own Cakehouse Media. The new partnership enables more creative control globally, giving the show a truly international flavour and appeal. 

Catch Buddy Valastro and his team create the cakes of your dreams, starting August 12, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on TLC. 

Episode Descriptions:

• EP 1: Everything Old is New Again. After 50 years and millions of customers, it’s time to renovate the original Carlo’s bakery. It’s a bittersweet process as the family reminisces over the memories they’ve made spanning the past half a century.
• EP 2: Kid Crush and Carnival. Buddy hopes nothing gets lost in-translation when he creates a colorful Carnival cake for a local Brazilian restaurant. Back at the bakery, love is in the air as the Valentine’s Day rush has everyone pitching in, old school style. At home, Buddy helps his 7 year-old son, Marco, impress his Valentine by doing what Valastro guys do best… bake!
• EP 3: Naked Fishing. Things quickly get out-of-hand when Buddy fills an order for an ice-fishing cake. An important client requests a naked cake as a “naked trend” makes its way to New Jersey, but Buddy struggles to embrace the controversial design.
• EP 4: The Butcher and the Baker. Things really get cooking when the guys go for a consultation at a butcher shop and take a slab of inspiration home for lunch. There's more than a "meat" covered cake to eat when Buddy, the baker, also tries to become a butcher.
• EP 5: Bacon, Banana and Bling. One part St. Patrick’s Day… one part pig roast… it is St. Piggy’s Day, and it’s a huge deal in New Jersey. This year, the event coordinators asked Buddy and his team to make a cake fit for a pig – both inside and out.

Hitachi Launches 13th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative : “ASEAN Perspectives on the Social and Environmental Challenges of Designing and Implementing Public Transportation Systems”

Hitachi Asia Ltd. held the 13th Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI) with the 31 students selected from over 230 applications from 51 universities in the region.

High-profile regional leaders gather in Manila to address pressing transportation issues.

This year, 31 top university student leaders from eight countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan gathered in Manila and held meaningful discussions with high-profile regional opinion leaders on pressing transportation challenges facing the ASEAN region.

All student applicants were put through a rigorous selection process based on their academic results, participation in extra-curricular activities, leadership capabilities, fluency in the English language and knowledge of current regional issues.

The students, divided into four groups, were tasked to present what they’ve learn in the past three days and were allowed to make recommendations with regards to the over-all theme.

The event, which is held between 27 and 30 July 2015, sees a strong line-up of speakers from the region. 

Mr. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya

Mr. Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya, Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications of the Philippines, graced the event as Guest-of-honour.

Under the theme “ASEAN Perspectives on the Social and Environmental Challenges of Designing and Implementing Public Transportation Systems”, the first two days of forum discussion will centre around the following three sub-themes:

A snapshot of the current state of urbanization and sustainability in ASEAN 

An overview of the infrastructural options for people-centric and environment-friendly transportation systems  

Shaping a culture of sharing: Lifestyle changes for efficient transportation 

“For almost two decades, it has been extremely encouraging and heartening for us to be supported by many of the most respected and prominent leaders in the region. Their passion and enthusiasm in grooming the future generation has allowed HYLI to cultivate a strong community of leaders in ASEAN with a sound understanding of the region’s challenges. Our HYLI alumni will prove to be an important asset to bring about a brighter future for the region,” said Mr. Hirohiko Morisaki, Managing Director, Hitachi Asia Ltd. 

This year, providing significant insights on Southeast Asia’s transportation issues to the HYLI delegates during the four-day event are (in order of speech): 

Mr. Arnel Paciano Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) from the Philippines 

Ms. Nana Soetantri, Transport Specialist, Regional and Sustainable Development Department, Asian Development Bank 

Prof Dr. Danang Parikesit, President of the Indonesia Transportation Society 

Dr. Somprasong Suttayamully, Director of Business Development, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand 

Mr. Nobukazu Nagai, Director, International Policy and Project Division, Railway Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan 

Mr. Jiro Yasuda, Division Director, International Business Development & Sales Division, Hitachi, Ltd., Rail Systems Company 

Mr. Mohinder Singh, Advisor, LTA Academy, Singapore 

Mr. Laurence Cua, General Manager, Uber Manila 

Ma. Pham Thanh Tung, General Director of International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Transportation Vietnam 

Honorable Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Senator, Senate of the Philippines and 3rd HYLI alumni also graced the event on the second day. 

Mr. Ichiro Iino, Chief Executive for Asia, Hitachi, Ltd. said, “HYLI provides a unique platform to broaden the regional and global outlooks of students through interactive discussions with regional subject experts. In addition, it also allows Hitachi to understand real issues faced in the world, which is crucial in ensuring that Hitachi develops solutions that answer society’s challenges."

Apart from various forums and workshops designed to ensure students rich networking and learning opportunities, the students will also visit Gawad Kalinga Village and Bonifacio Global City on the third day of the programme. These visits will provide students with the opportunity to experience first-hand the various types of transportation systems used in different parts of the country, to understand how transportation and urban development affect the lives of residents. 

Finally, students will share what they have learnt over the course of HYLI at the Student Presentation. Their recommendations will subsequently be published in a white paper, and shared with the business, government and academic sectors for their consideration.

Tsunehiro Takahashi, Vice Chairman, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar (JCCM) 

About Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative (HYLI)

The "Hitachi Young Leaders Initiative" (HYLI) is a community relations programme that aims to identify and nurture potential Asian leaders by bringing them together to discuss regional issues with influential government officials, prominent business leaders, academics and NGO representatives. Since its inauguration in Singapore in 1996, the HYLI has been successful in bringing the best and brightest students in Asia together. From 2015, Myanmar will join existing participating countries Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan in the program. The initiative offers student participants a unique platform to broaden their outlook on regional and global issues while promoting Asian values and cross-cultural understanding.

For more information, please visit http://www.hitachi.com/csr/sc/activities/hyli/. 

About Hitachi Asia Ltd.

Hitachi Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. and established in Singapore in 1989, has offices across seven Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). Focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, Hitachi Asia’s business includes information systems, power and industrial systems, R&D, international procurement and Centre of Excellence. For more information on Hitachi Asia, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.sg.

LG Electronics Philippines joins Metro Manila Shake Drill

LG Electronics Philippines (LGEPH) has provided mobile communications technology to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Digital team for use in the recently held Meto Manila Shake Drill. In photo during the turnover of the LG smartphones at the MMDA headquarters are LGEPH Corporate Marketing Head Ana Salapantan (second from right) and officers and members of the MMDA digital team.

With data powered by Globe SIM cards, the MMDA digital team utilized the LG smartphones to deliver real-time updates during the metro-wide Earthquake Drill.

Food and Family take center stage on TLC

Relish the fine taste of travel with the sweet relief of familial ties this August on TLC! 

Best-selling author, reluctant food celebrity and culinary adventurer Anthony Bourdain returns with an all-new season of ANTHONY BOURDAIN: PARTS UNKNOWN. This season, Anthony has carved out a distinct place as a gastronomic Indiana Jones and his quest is the perfect dining experience.

 Join his travels to parts unknown in places like Jamaica, Tokyo or London and beyond, on the new season of Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, premiering on August 4, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m.

Vietnamese chef Luke Nguyen stars in his new series LUKE NGUYEN’S UNITED KINGDOM. The show follows Luke as he travels and cooks his way across the length and breadth of the UK, discovering the wide and wonderful food delicacies of this fascinating island.

Explore London, now widely acknowledged as one of the finest food capitals in the world, through Luke’s eyes as he discovers regional specialties, local culinary secrets, meets a host of local producers and characters and visit some of the world’s most historic iconic locations. Luke Nguyen’s United Kingdom premieres on August 10, airing Mondays at 9 p.m.

In an all-new season of CAKE BOSS, Buddy Valastro goes bigger as he makes seemingly-impossible cakes. And as he does so, he and his family struggle to manage the growth of Carlo's Bakery. Buddy is challenged week after week with escalating cake orders – from slot machines that really work to replicas of Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty. Cake Boss season seven premieres on August 12, airing Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

Life is not slowing down for THE LITTLE COUPLE as they become new parents in the show’s latest season. After returning from their once-in-a- lifetime adventure to China to adopt their 3-year-old son William, the couple tackles the challenges of parenthood. Jen struggles to balance motherhood with her career as a doctor while Bill and Will bond over their love of cars. 

The couple stands strong in the face of Will's medical needs, and always tempers the struggle with their own brand of fun and optimism. And, after a long wait, they finally get approval to travel to India to meet and bring home their adopted two-year-old daughter, Zoey.

The new season of The Little Couple premieres on August 26, at 10 p.m.

TCL Sponsor Promotional Tour of Mission Impossible: Rouge Nation Endeavoring to enhance global entertainment marketing

TCL, a leading player in the global TV industry, recently announced that it will sponsor the promotional tour of the highly anticipated Hollywood movie “Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation” which will be initially released on July 30th, 2015 in the Philippines. The promotional tour led by the leading actor, Tom Cruise, is expected to make a big hit among the movie fans. Unsurprisingly, the audience will find that TCL has also placed one of its products in the movie when it is on show. 

In recent years, TCL has been endeavoring to enhance its global entertainment marketing as the company transforms from a conventional TV manufacturer into a multimedia entertainment technology enterprise and expands its global presence. Entertainment marketing has helped TCL to build brand equity globally, especially among the younger generation. In 2013, TCL bought the naming rights on the landmark Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Along with that, TCL has previously sponsored movies such as Iron Man 3, The Avengers, Transformers 3, and X-Men: Days of Future Past.

“TCL has emerged as a true player on the Hollywood landscape. The global reach of the brand makes TCL a very valuable partner in our plan to build audience anticipation for ‘Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation,’” said LeeAnne Stables, President of Worldwide Marketing Partnerships & Licensing at Paramount Pictures. 

“Entertainment marketing is a key part of our globalization strategy and is essential for our transformation into a multimedia entertainment technology enterprise,” said Warren Wang. General Manager of TCL Multimedia Overseas Business Center.

“The ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise has a legacy of delivering high quality entertainment experiences, which aligns with TCL’s goal to offer consumers high quality products with superior content, stylish design, and the latest technology at a great value. We believe that Paramount will be the perfect partner to help reach a global audience and enhance our tie with the younger generation.”

In order to provide more diversified entertainment content and smart TV experiences for the users, TCL has developed GoLive, a revolutionary international video entertainment platform that delivers a diverse selection of licensed live content from quality TV stations around the world. It has also partnered with leading content providers such as iQIYI, Tencent Games and Roku, and as a result launched TCL iQIYI TV and TCL Roku TV. 

Apart from the abundant contents, TCL is also leveraging its R&D strengths and innovation capabilities to bring better entertainment and smart TV experiences to the users. For example, its latest products H9700 and H8800 are both equipped with world-class display and acoustic technologies, including Quantum Dot display (H9700)/Curved Surface (H8800) and Wide Color Gamut technology to guarantee ultra high definition and vivid colors, Harman/Kardon speakers to generate an unprecedented immersive experience in sound, along with a Nordic design of the TV set. 

TCL is currently ranked No. 4 in LCD TV shipment, No. 5 in LCD panel manufacturing and No. 6 in mobile phone shipment on global basis. In Q1 2015, TCL’s sales revenue stood at $3.9 billion, with TCL Multimedia contributing $1.1 billion, or 28%. TCL Multimedia recorded a net profit of $6.18 million in Q1 2015, up 184.6% year-on-year. 

Casts reunite in Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical Finale

Resorts World Manila (RWM), an active supporter of Philippine performing arts gained a resounding success for its latest theater production Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical as it held its finale last July 18 at Newport Performing Arts Theater with original cast members and creators sharing the stage with the new cast and creators at curtain call.

Originals Mr. Christopher De Leon, Mr. Joel Torre and Ms. Chanda Romero with film director Mr. Emmanuel “Maning” Borlaza, storywriter Ms. Nerissa Cabral and songwriter Willy Cruz joined new generation cast of Bitung Walang Ninging: The Musical for a fitting nostalgic ending to its first run with a chorus of the musical’s theme. 

With its run of 25 shows, the first-ever musical production to crossover from mainstream media (first in print, to film and television) earned rave reviews from both audiences and critics.

“Go see it! It’s very entertaining and you’re going to enjoy it,” said noted actor Mr. Christopher De Leon who played the character of Nico Escobar in the film version.

Other original cast members of Bituing Walang Ningning also gave praises to the new version of Nerrissa Cabral’s timeless story including veteran actor Mr. Joel Torre who played Garry Diaz in the film. “I was very entertained because I couldn’t figure out how they would make a movie into a musical play. It was very engaging, the songs are still there. It’s beautiful and it’s nice to see an iconic pop culture being translated into the stage,” he said. 

Critics likewise had good words for the pioneering theater effort in Philippine performing arts saying that its multimedia success is a testament to its appeal among Filipinos.

With much clamor from fans, Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical will come out form a two-month hiatus and resume for its second run on October 8 this year.

Bituing Walang Ningning is headlined by new discovery Monica Cuenco who was also a testament to how Filipinos embraced the new version of the classic in how she portrayed antagonist Dorina Pineda. 

Monica’s own life story even closely resembles her character as Dorina in how she first had her own struggles vending puto cheese at school prior to earning a spot to one of the most celebrated musicals this year. “I’m very happy, excited, and blessed for this opportunity. This is the star I’ve always been praying for,” shared Monica.

Catch the second run of Bituing Walang Ninging: THE Musical this October at Newport Performing Arts Theater. 

For more updates and other entertainment events at Resort World Manila, visit www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (632) 908-8833.

RWM is the first one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination in the Philippines that features recreational thrills, world-class performances, unique events, and exciting lifestyle options.

Conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality and is home to three international lodging brands, (MAXIMS Hotel, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, and REMINGTON Hotel), a three-story convention center housing the country’s largest hotel ballroom (Marriott Grand Ballroom), and two more hotels (SHERATON Hotel Manila and HILTON Hotel Manila) currently under construction. 

Also home to RWM is The NEWPORT Mall which features international luxury brands, state-of-the-art movie theaters the Newport Cinemas, an award-winning, ultra-modern Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), and a cozy, 24/7 entertainment hub at Bar 360. Dine in one of almost 50 restaurant outlets offering a diverse selection of local and world cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and foreign chefs and paired with a wide selection of the finest wines and popular liquors.

Resorts World Manila— Nothing Compares.