"Transform", Project Headshot Clinic's 8th World AIDS Day series with UNAIDS and SHIP Foundation

"Transform" is Project Headshot Clinic's 8th World AIDS Day series in partnership with UNAIDS and SHIP Foundation. The exhibit will be launched on December 3, 7 PM at the Pineapple Lab, and will run through December 19. 

This year's exhibit will provide a new multimedia experience that merges photography,video and performance that will require a free mobile augmented reality app called "Ismartphoto".

The HIV epidemic in the Philippines has been described as "explosive" because of the rapid increase in the number of new HIV cases in the country. As early as 2008, when the HIV epidemic started to rapidly expand, Project Headshot Clinic had used social media and photography to call attention to the growing challenge of HIV. 

Project Headshot Clinic is a digital media platform that merges stylized profile photos and advocacies. Created in 2007 by award winning photographer Niccolo Cosme it has supported advocacy campaigns on HIV awareness, Climate Change, LGBT rights,Youth empowerment and anti tobacco companies.

The photos that will be showcased will transform into a video with the use of this free mobile app.

The show aims to highlight the importance of collaboration, and that transformation of a society can be achieved through partnership and commitment.

While government action and support are important, the actions of individuals and their communities are essential for behavior change that can make a dent in the HIV epidemic. And social media can bring together individuals, communities, and government leaders in a transformative discussion on addressing the challenge of HIV.

Some of the collaborators include actors Irma Adlawan, Anthony Falcon, Alex Medina, model and host Joey Mead, Marina Benipayo, award winning film director Pepe Diokno, paper sculptor Royd Santiago to name a few.

The first Project Headshot Clinic series on HIV started in 2008 when writer Wanggo Gallaga came out to founder Niccolo Cosme about his HIV status. Gallaga had then been recently diagnosed, and Niccolo asked him if he wanted to collaborate and do the first ever Headshot Clinic series on HIV for World AIDS Day 2008. It has since then become a yearly personal project with continued partnership with UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS).

Taking advocacy to a whole new level, Headshot Clinic TRANSFORM is partnering with top designers Francis Libiran, Albert Andrada, Nat Manilag, John Herrera and Norman San Diego for a one of a kind Fashion Art Installation. 

Everyone is invited to view this innovative and transformative exhibit! 

For more information visit www.headshotclinic.com. 

Transform is made possible by 2GO Travel, Maldita, Mac cosmetics, Hooch, Persia Grill, Pineapple Lab and SneakClip.

Visit one-stop-shop website, 24/7 access to everything Cebuana Lhuillier's services

Cebuana Lhuillier, a multi-industry company that owns and operates businesses dealing with financial services such as pawning, international and local remittance, microinsurance, bills payment, collections and payout services, and banking. Cebuana Lhuillier also ventured into other industries such as retail, hotel and restaurant management, IT, sports management, and real estate.

To enable more Filipinos to have access to financial solutions and to microfinance service needs, Cebuana Lhuillier offers a one-stop-shop service. Aside from pawning, clients can avail of international & domestic money remittance, microinsurance products, bills payment, foreign exchange and e-loading services.

Cebuana Lhuillier's services available to clients through all the available channels possible.

Aside from over 1,800 branches nationwide, you may access Cebuana Lhuillier's services using your mobile phone or computer.

The online domain of Cebuana Lhuillier was recently enhanced to consolidate all of the brand’s products and services in one website. Besides containing Cebuana Lhuillier Pawnshop, Cebuana Lhuillier Pera Padala, Cebuana Lhuillier Microinsurance, and Cebuana Lhuillier Bank, the new website also contains information on PJ Lhuillier, Inc., the mother company of Cebuana Lhuillier 24K Plus online portal and a dedicated section for corporate clients.

Cebuana Lhuillier desires to respond to the increasingly fast-paced, changing times through this consolidated website. It will giver customers access to information on remittance, insurance and pawnshop in one sitting and at the touch of their fingertips.

Cebuana Lhuillier is your one-stop website, your 24/7 access to everything Cebuana Lhuillie's services.

Cebuana Lhuillier introduces its Android application that will enable clients to use their mobile devices in availing Cebuana Lhuillier 24kOnline services like Appraisal Calculator, Renewal/Redemption, Rates Inquiry, Remittance Tracking and more.

Special Features

Knowledge Base

Instead of a regular FAQ section, the Cebuana Lhuillier Website has a knowledge base equipped with its own search engine so it’s easier or customers to look for the articles that address their concerns.

Brach Locator

With its geo-tagging feature, the branch locator has been enhanced to not only indicate the location of Cebuana Lhuillier branches but also to show the nearest one. It also lists all of the branches nationwide and all the partners for international remittance.

Appraisal Calculator

The appraisal calculator allows customers to get an estimated appraisal value so they already have an idea of how much they would get for their pawn items even before the visit a branch.

Mobile Optimized

The new website has been designed to be easily navigable through a mobile device so customers can conveniently check it even when on the move.

Shortcut Menu

On the first instance of opening the site for each day, a shortcut menu appears, containing its main sections. This is to assist clients with their concerns with less clicks and a shorter amount of time.

Cebuana Lhuillier App Center

The app center is a special part of the website that provides links to Cebuana Lhuillier’s online applications.

• Cebuana Lhuillier App – a mobile application that enables clients to avail of Cebuana Lhuillier 24K Online features like the appraisal calculator, renewal/redemption, rates inquiry, and remittance tracking, above anything else.

MicroPINOY – the first microinsurance mobile app that allows users to browse the roster of microinsurance products and services of Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions. It also allows clients to get customized insurance quotations online.

Cebuana Maze – a puzzle game that features Ninong Ceb, the mascot of the Philippine’s leading microfinancial and business-to-business solutions partner. The goal is to help Ninong Ceb get through mazes to find Cebuana Lhuillier branches I different parts of the country.

The 24k Plus Membership Rewards Program is Cebuana Lhuillier's way of showing gratitude to their loyal clients. 24k Plus cardholders are entitled to discounts, special offers, and other exciting freebies. The 24k Rewards Program instantly grants clients with exclusive privileges, discounts, and special service offerings as they transact at Cebuana Lhuillier branches. The first of its kind in the pawnshop and money remittance industries, the 24k Rewards Program allows clients to earn 1 point for every Php30 interest or service fee paid. Each point is equivalent to Php1. To join, the client has to earn at least 50 reward points or pay a Php100 processing fee.

Cebuana Lhuillier leads the pawning industry by offering safety and high appraisal rates in its more than 1,800 branches nationwide. Accepting an array of items, from jewelry to gadgets, as collaterals, the company’s core business has evolved with the needs of its clients.

Cebuana Lhuillier’s money transfer service is an easy, quick, and safe way to send and receive money. With more than 1,800 branches nationwide and accredited international partners, this service is made available to clients within and outside the Philippines. All transactions are real time, which enables clients to claim the money as soon as the sender completes the sending process in the branch.

With affordable insurance products to help low-income Filipinos avail of financial services and privileges that higher-income earners have easy access to, we offer innovative microinsurance products and services that promise to minimize impact of distress and misfortune on one’s financial position.

There are Upcoming Features of Cebuana Lhuillier

• Live Chat
• Online Transactions
• Loans Section

For more information and updates, visit www.cebuanalhuillier.com

Lea Salonga stars in international premiere of FUN HOME

Lea Salonga

Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) is proud to announce that Tony Award winning Broadway star Lea Salonga will be playing Helen Bechdel in the first international production of FUN HOME, which opens in Manila in November 2016.

FUN HOME is the most awarded and acclaimed musical of the year, winning 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family’s Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father’s hidden desires. 

FUN HOME is a based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME features music by Jeanine Tesori and book and lyrics by Lisa Kron. The New York Times calls it, “THE BEST NEW MUSICAL TO OPEN ON BROADWAY.” Both, Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, who won the Tony Award this year for, are scheduled to grace FUN HOME’s Opening Night in Manila next year. 

FUN HOME will mark Lea’s first musical in Manila since she played Grizabella in CATS in 2010. Her last stage appearance in Manila was in Atlantis Productions’ critically acclaimed play GOD OF CARNAGE in 2012. She is currently appearing as Kei in the Broadway musical ALLEGIANCE, where she garnered rave reviews.

Bobby Garcia (Saturday Night Fever, The Bridges of Madison County), who will be directing FUN HOME, says, “Dreams do come true, It is an honor to be able to stage FUN HOME in Manila with Lea Salonga as Helen. It is a ground breaking musical that needs to be seen by audiences all over the world. I am thrilled that it will premiere internationally in Manila and that we will be welcoming Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron to our Opening Night. We hope you will all come to the FUN HOME next year.”

ATEG producers Tony Tuviera and Bobby Barreiro say,

“It is with great pride that we welcome Lea Salonga to FUN HOME. A Tony Award winner in a Tony Award winning musical. Our dreams have come true and we know FUN HOME will be a momentous theatrical event in Manila.”

The New York producers of FUN HOME issued a statement saying,

“We’re thrilled to have the first international production of ‘Fun Home’ confirmed for the Philippines, and how exciting to have Lea Salonga, one of Broadway’s most beloved stars, leading the company.”

ATEG recently presented the first leg of the new international production of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, which played Manila, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It currently has THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY running in Manila until December 6 and will also have JERSEY BOYS opening in 2016.

For more information follow ATEG on Facebook at ATEGasia.

Bumper to Bumper XI on Dec. 5-6 at the SM MOA Concert Grounds

"Filipinos love car shows because we can relate to the cars we see. It is always a delight for us to see so many nice cars in one place. You can always see the excitement in people's eyes when they are in a car show and you also know deep inside that they feel inspired—that one day, they will also have these upgrades or these kind of rides in their garage," muses Jonathan Chio, CEO of Ladder Events Production.

Bumper to Bumper, the longest-running car show and automotive lifestyle event, is once again happening on December 5 and 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. 

Now on its 11th year, the multi-event happening features the biggest production setup in any car show in Asia. 

Since 2005, Bumper to Bumper (B2B) has been bringing the car show not only to Manila but to 10 key cities, including Baguio, Batangas, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Laguna, La Union, Pampanga, and Pangasinan. It is the only local car show known to do so, in its pursuit to bring the best of the best automotive mods across the Philippines.

Jonathan Chio, CEO of Ladder Events Production

"Bumper to Bumper Car Show is like a theme park of sorts, a theme park for car enthusiasts. We have a wide array of vehicles on display, we have full blown entertainment to fill in your time, and we have unique activities all the time during the event," says  Chio.

The event usually attracts a crowd of 70,000 car enthusiasts and spectators. This year promises to be bigger and better. Activities include a two-division (Pro and Street category) car show competition, off-road vehicle display competition, engine roar competition, drive-in movie, dance showdown, concert, and Sneaker Fever Manila for those who love kicks. 

Chio shared : "There are so many things B2B has done to our market. A lot of shops that does not have big budgets for bigger shows were known to have started in our car shows. We have given work opportunities to our car show models. Our event has served as a playground for aspiring photographers and bloggers. But more importantly, a lot of long lasting-friendships were born in our events." 

Exciting events to look forward to in 2016 include the B2B Car Show Sinulog in January; "Hot Import Nights V Manila” to be held at Metro Tent, Metrowalk on April 23 and 24; “Hot Import Nights Davao” to be held at The Peak in Davao City; and the first-ever Race Wars Unlimited Philippines.

Bumper to Bumper XI is presented by B2BCarshow.com, Total Excellium, PenserQ Multimedia Company, Repsol Motor Oils, No Fear Apparel, Task Us, SM Mall of Asia, and Chevrolet Philippines, among others. 

(For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/b2bcarshow/.)

Rémy Martin Launches New Brand Campaign Featuring Actors Jeremy Renner and Huang Xiaoming

Rémy Martin Cognac announces the launch of its new global campaign that recognizes and celebrates individual’s multi-talents. 

The campaign tagline, One Life/Live Them®, which assumes its grammatical accident, identifies that today’s consumers are not defined by one talent or skill, but are multi-faceted and should be applauded for their many passions. 

Rémy Martin’s One Life/Live Them campaign encourages consumers to explore and celebrate all their talents. It is a call to live richer, larger lives, to expand the horizon and seize all the wonderful opportunities that life can offer, beyond the one-dimensional paths that former generations could have embraced.

To embody this brand philosophy and lifestyle, Rémy Martin is partnering with two talented multifaceted personalities: the American actor Jeremy Renner and Chinese actor Huang Xiaoming.

Two-time Academy Award® nominee, Jeremy Renner has received wide acclaim for his ability to embody characters of broad depth and appeal, from Sgt. James in Kathryn Bigelow’s award-winning Hurt Locker to a thief in Ben Affleck’s The Town, a mayor in American Hustle... These performances have been coupled with blockbuster roles in such Hollywood super-productions as The Bourne Legacy, Mission Impossible and his inimitable role as Hawkeye in The Avengers.

Renner expanded his cinematic skills by creating a production outfit The Combine with Don Handfield in order to produce quality, character-driven content for TV and film. Their company released the crime thriller Kill the Messenger in 2014 and is currently working on the historical tale Knightfall for The History Channel. Renner is also an accomplished singer and musician, skilled on the keyboards, drums, guitar and vocals, playing in a band since his youth. Although best known as an actor, Renner has extended his creative talents into the field of home renovation, successfully renovating and selling several houses, turning this hobby into a flourishing business with fellow actor and home designer Kristoffer Winters.

A famous actor/musician/model, Huang Xiaoming is also a philanthropist/wildlife lover who adopted twin pandas in his role as an ambassador for the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. He grew up planning to be a scientist but turned to acting and into a householdname with his roles as a martial arts hero in the wuxia TV series The Return of the Condor and in the series Shanghai Bund, set in the world of 1920s gangsters. A keen musician and singer, he sang the closing theme song for Shanghai Bund, which featured on his first album. He even met his fiancée Angelababy, whom he married on October 8, while singing at a karaoke party.

His move into cinema has seen him star in films such as The Sniper, The Message, and Ip Man 2, but he is also known for his charity work and advocacy of environmental friendliness. In 2007 he performed at the Live Earth concert in Shanghai and became a UNICEF ambassador in 2009, taking part in a charity run to raise funds to reconstruct the Sichuan region following the earthquake.

“Actor/Producer/Renovator/Musician on the one hand, Actor/Environmentalist/Ambassador/Singer, on the other hand, both Jeremy Renner and Huang Xiaoming are the ideal representatives for the brand’s One Life/Live Them campaign,” said Eric Vallat, CEO of Rémy Martin.

“This is a new chapter in the history of Rémy Martin, and we’re delighted to be working with two personalities who perfectly embody the lifestyle that we are celebrating.”

“I am excited to work with this iconic brand and to help launch this new campaign. The story of how to live your life really resonates with me personally. I think to fully realize one’s potential you must take action, remain curious, embrace your failures as they are gifts, and honor your successes with humility. We are all many things and cannot and should not be defined by one thing, which is truly awesome,” said Renner.

“I think the meaning of life is about challenging the unknown, and experience the different ways of living. Everyone has unlimited potential talents and more possibility of living waiting to be unleashed. I desire to help more people reveal their talents so they can live life to the fullest. That is the exact reason why I feel so honored and enthusiastic to be part of the Remy Martin Global Campaign: try to let more people understand “One Life/Live Them”, says Huang Xiaoming.

Rémy Martin will launch its campaign simultaneously in Cognac, France, and in New York City, U.S.A. on October 20, and in Shanghai on October 23. Two 60 seconds commercials featuring the many talents of Jeremy Renner and Huang Xiaoming will be previewed for guests. The commercial will be launched on television in the US and in China at the beginning of November, and all around the world on www.remymartin.com and social networks. In addition, print executions with Jeremy Renner and Huang Xiaoming will be featured in national publications and the

One Life/Live Them tagline, along with exclusive, behind the scenes footage, will appear prominently in the brand’s social media channels.

Rémy Martin remains committed to the core principles and values that its founders used to establish the company more than 290 years ago. Supporting the community, highlighting skills and revealing the talents of people and nature, honoring craftsmanship and embracing the luxury of time enables Rémy Martin to cultivate the most premium products. It is this depth of history and skillful mastery that goes into every bottle of Rémy Martin Cognac.

“Rémy Martin has always been about sharing – the fruits of our labors, the talents of our cellar masters, a range of cognacs crafted to suit different tastes but always with a distinctive style. It’s a philosophy which strikes us as tailor-made for today’s social networked world,” said Augustin Depardon, Executive Director of Rémy Martin. “The most inspiring people are never just one thing, they are diverse and multitalented and we can’t wait to discover their passions. Just like Rémy Martin.”

Have You Said ‘Thank You’ Today?

An old saying reminds us that we should always count our blessings. However, with all the stress and problems that we encounter on a daily basis, this sometimes becomes difficult to do. It is easier to complain than to express gratitude for the big and small good things that we receive.

Everyday, we have to take time to be thankful for the blessings we have. Here is a quick list to remind you of some of the things you can say ‘thank you’ for:

Be thankful for the opportunities that are about to come your way. 

Be thankful for the possibility of turning things around. 

Be thankful for the great moments you had this year. 

Be thankful for the chance to become better and better each day. 

Be thankful for the choices you’re allowed to make. 

Be thankful for the clothes that are keeping you warm. 

Be thankful for the love you receive from the people around you. 

Be thankful for your friends. 

Be thankful for your family. 

Join SM in celebrating the #NationalThankYouDay, today, November 26 in all its malls nationwide. This year’s celebration officially begins at 9:00 AM with a Thanksgiving mass. 

For the rest of the day, you can enjoy the exciting dining deals for lechon dishes and food bundles in various restaurants and capture fun snapshots at the “Thank You” photo area with your loved ones. This week, you can spend time and create memorable moments at SM with the people you are truly thankful for.

For more information about the #NationalThankYouDay celebration at SM, please visit www.smsupermalls.com, or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber.

So, have you said ‘thank you’ today?

Epson and Asia's Most Influential Designer Avel Bacudo set the trend in textile printing: ‘Print Your Passion’ pays homage to the beauty of the Philippines

EPSON printer brought to life the designs that pay homage to the beauty of the Philippines at the “Print Your Passion” fashion show held November 24 at the Grand Ballroom, EDSA Shangri-la Hotel.  

Epson, a global technology leader, continues to set the trend in digital textile printing with the unveiling of new SureColor textile printers: the SC-F6270, the SC-F7270, and the SC-F9270 -- the company’s next generation textile dye-sublimation printers at the “Print Your Passion” fashion show. 

Epson’s new SureColor textile printers feature a new high-density black ink that produces richer black prints, especially for high-volume commercial applications that require impressive print quality at a low running cost.

Epson F9270, the most advanced textile printer, promises to deliver amazing performance for highly efficient and reliable production runs. It combines the speed, precision, and durability of the PrecisionCore printhead technology with an original dual 1.5L ink tank system.

“Epson has integrated the speed, precision and durability of PrecisionCore technology -- Epson’s foremost printhead technology, to create this digital textile printer masterpiece. It is a testimony of Epson’s perseverance to stay ahead of the burgeoning growth of digital textile printing for fashion and other applications. Digital textile printing trend in Asia Pacific is the largest and fastest growing market with a Compound Annual Growth Rate or CAGR of 21.4%,” explained Shaun See, regional head of Epson Commercial and Industrial (C&I) printers.

Launched during the “Print Your Passion” fashion show, the printer brought to life ten (10) new designs that pay homage to the beauty of the Philippines.

The designs were created by Asia’s Most Influential Designer Avel Bacudio, who has recently utilized digital prints to bring his creative ideas to life.

Avel Bacudio

“Digital prints really make a difference; I am no longer constrained by traditional limitations. I can do a lot to express myself in new ways,” said Avel. 

“My new designs featured tonight were printed by Epson’s digital textile printer. For me, Epson is the best fabric printer to showcase the beauty of the Philippines.” 

Avel designs have been worn by celebrities and praised in the international scene. He has won several fashion awards, including the People’s Choice Award – Concours International Des Jeunes Createurs De Mode, Top 10 Timeless Terno – Metropolitan Museum of Manila, 2012 Breakthrough Designer of the Year, and the 2014 Asia’s Most Influential Designer.

“Our mission at Epson Professional Imaging is to always provide expertise in digital printing and make it possible for creative designers and other professionals to get their ideas out and directly on to their materials with high quality, speed, and minimal cost, unlike traditional methods. The F9270, with its faster speed provided by its dual print head, as well as our future endeavors, will continue to focus on this mission,” said Epson Philippines C&I Head Pamela Albar.

Before the fashion show, Epson Philippines held a ‘Print Your Passion Solution Day’ at the same venue where the digital imaging leader highlighted the capabilities of other Epson professional imaging printers for Digital Lab, CAD, and Signage.

Signage 

CAD 

Digital Photo Lab 

Digital Textile Printers

“Epson has the most complete line of professional imaging printers in the industry -- each one customized to deliver the best quality and most productive digital prints. This is how Epson will continue to innovate, because we believe that our customers and end-users deserve to have a reliable printing partner that fully understands their needs and passions,” concludes Epson Regional Managing Director and EPC Country Manager Toshimitsu Tanaka.

Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco (FMA) celebrates 60th year in the Philippines

The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (a.k.a. FMA or Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco) in the Philippines are celebrating their 60th year of presence in the Philippines at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on November 30, 2015. The Eucharistic celebration at 2 P.M. will be presided by His Excellency, Most. Rev. Bishop Patricio Buzon, SDB, DD of Kabangkalan, Negros Occidental. The Mass will be followed by a thanksgiving program participated in by the different educating communities of the Sisters from all over the Philippines. 

For ticket reservations, call Cherry at (02) 7145937.

Exciting Holiday Offerings at Orange Blush Salon

“The coming year 2016 is a very exciting and promising year for Orange Blush Salon's expansion plans,” says Joby Linsangan-Moreno.

“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 probinsiyano brand that we represent. We have laid the ground work and plans for expansion in 2015, and I can say that we shall strive to be more innovative in our processes and services, and shall continually strive to become the best in our field.”

For the coming holiday season, Orange Blush salon welcomes clients with new promos and treats designed not only to pamper, but make sure they come out looking their best in this time of celebration.

Start your Orange Blush holiday treatments with the Brazilian Keratin treatment designed to bring life back to severely damaged hair with keratin as its main ingredient.

Keratin is the protein component of the hair, and makes it shiny, soft and healthy. When hair is regularly colored and treated, the natural keratin in our hair tends to be lost, and that’s when hair becomes dry, frizzy, damaged and unmanageable. Brazilian Keratin can get it looking normal and healthy again and bring your hair back to what it used to be.

Joby Linsangan Moreno of Orange Blush Salon

“Brazilian Keratin contains the keratin needed to revive our hair's luster and softness after all the hair chemical processes. This is a revolutionary solution to most of our hair problems,” says Orange Blush salon owner Joby Linsangan-Moreno.

At the same time, clients can also avail of the salon’s other popular services such as the hair re-bonding, hair coloring and foot spa services to get into a holiday mood and get ready for all the partying that is sure to come.

Or if you’re tired and frazzled after shopping and trying to beat the holiday rush, you can treat yourself to a pampering day at the salon and feel better again.

At Orange Blush salon, they focus mostly on hair services, which they consider to be their main area of expertise. They are sought out for their haircutting, hair treatments, hair rebonding, hair straightening, hair coloring, and also their manicure and pedicure, foot spa and makeup.

“We have decided to concentrate in the hair services, less the facials and massage treatments that other salons usually offer along with the hair treatments,” says Joby.

The best thing about Orange Blush salon is that it has a warranty, a virtual guarantee that when a client leaves, you will do so feeling good about the time you spent there.

“The warranty means being responsible and accountable to do your very best at work, and to give your very best for your customers. That also means caring for the welfare of your customers, and that is what our warranty is all about; that we welcome our customer's concerns, and that it is our main purpose to exceed our customer's expectations,” explains Joby.

To make the holiday salon experience even more awesome, this year they are also giving away free Orange Blush Salon mugs to customers (with a minimum of P2,000 worth of salon services) as their Christmas treat.

Ultimately, though—and regardless of what time or season of the year it is—the Orange Blush experience is all about providing their clients with the best possible service.

Explains Joby: “Since our services come with a warranty promise, our clients can be assured of the high quality and standards that we offer in our salon services; that we are responsible for the work we have done; and that we certainly care about our customers' concerns and feelings.”

One of the fastest-growing salon chains in Luzon, the Orange Blush salon (which first opened in 2003) is located in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. But Joby discloses that plans for a 2016 expansion are already in place. It’s something that they started preparing for this year, and they’re quite excited about it.

To know more about Orange Blush and its services, visit them at the Sotto Building, Del Pilar Street, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija or call (044) 464.4114. 

Check out their website at http://orangeblushsalon.com/index.html or visit them on Facebook.

Levi’s kicks off the Christmas Season with a Pre-holiday sale at SM

Levi’s Philippines kicks off the most wonderful time of the year with a pre-holiday sale on select items from Nov. 28 to 30—and a chance to meet some of the country’s fashion icons and fashion-forward celebrities.

And because you are special to Levi’s, the iconic blue jeans brand is also bringing back Levi’s Tailor Shop on Nov. 28 and 29 at SM MOA, SM Megamall, SM Dasmarinas, and SM THE BLOCK, North Edsa. At the shop, Levi’s customers can avail of free customization of their Levi’s jeans for every P3,000 single receipt purchase, inclusive of any men’s bottoms, women’s bottoms, or trucker jacket.

Kaths Laudit, Levi’s Philippines Marketing Head, says, “Levi’s is giving its fans a very early Christmas gift—the pre-holiday sale—because they are very special to us. Through Levi’s Tailor shops, too, people can have their perfect-fitting pairs of Levi’s in no time at all and customized it based on their style 

“And for the fun factor, Levi’s is treating its fans to meet-and-greet sessions with celebrities at the Tailor Shops.”

These include international singer Charice Pempengco who will be at SM Dasmariñas; socialite, columnist, and interior designer Tessa Prieto Valdes, who will hobnob with Levi’s fans at SM Megamall; menswear blogger AJ Dee at SM Mall of Asia; and Spongecola lead vocalist Yael Yuzon at SM North The Block.

Levi’s first sale this season will offer 30-percent discounts on all regular-priced women’s bottoms and men’s tops at all SM Original Levi’s stores and at SM Department Stores nationwide. 

ABOUT THE LEVI’S®BRAND

The Levi’s® brand epitomizes classic American style and effortless cool. Since their invention by Levi Strauss & Co. in 1873, Levi’s® jeans have become the most recognizable and imitated clothing in the world – capturing the imagination and loyalty of people for generations. Today, the Levi’s® brand portfolio continues to evolve through a relentless pioneering and innovative spirit that is unparalleled in the apparel industry. Our range of leading jeanswear and accessories are available in more than 110 countries, allowing individuals around the world to express their personal style. For more information about the Levi’s® brand, its products and stores, please visit levi.com. 

“Manang Biring” hailed as Best Film at Cinema One Originals

The winners of the 2015 Cinema One Originals film festival

Director Carl Joseph Papa’s touching animated drama film “Manang Biring,” was recognized as the Best Film at the 2015 Cinema One Originals awards night. 

Carl Joseph Papa accepts the best film award for Manang Biring together with Erlinda Villalobos who plays the titular role

The only animated entry in this year’s Cinema One Originals, “Manang Biring” also won in two other categories namely Best Music and the Champion Bughaw Award. 

Carl’s animated film revolves around Manang Biring, a terminally ill old lady diagnosed with stage four breast cancer who gets an unexpected letter from a dear loved one who wants to reunite with her for Christmas. 

“I just entered ‘Manang Biring’ in Cinema One Originals because I wanted to fulfill our team’s dream to make a full-length animated film,” Carl said. He elaborated, “I am thankful to Cinema One Originals for giving us a chance to make our project. I hope our film will be screened in more cinemas in the Philippines.” 

Meanwhile, director Ralston Jover’s “Hamog,” a story on the lives of four street children who suddenly get caught in a web of consecutive and unforeseen tragedies, reaped four recognitions including Best Editing, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actress, and the coveted Jury Award. 

Child actors win big at Cinema One Originals. Therese Malvar (best actress) with co-star Bor Lentejas (best supporting actor), the stars of Ralston Jover's Hamog

Young stars Therese Malvar and Bor Lentejas also captured the crowd’s attention at the awards night when they were hailed as the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor of the festival, outshining seasoned actors in their respective categories. 

The two newcomers from “Hamog” were speechless. Therese, 15, who cried onstage as she accepted her second best actress award in her career, credited direk Ralston for her award-winning performance. 

“My role in ‘Hamog’ is serious. I’m very thankful to direk Ralston for his help and mentorship for me to do well,” Therese shared. She added, “I did not expect this at all. I did not even prepare a good speech. I’m just thankful to my management, my parents, and to God.” 

The awards night also paid tribute to Rox Lee, Joey Agbayani, Mike and Johnny Alcazaren, Nick Deocampo, and Raymond Red, the pillars of Philippine alternative cinema. 

Cinema One Originals is an annual film festival that allows talented Filipino storytellers to showcase their stories through film for 11 years. It is a local independent film festival of Cinema One, one of the cable channels of Creative Programs, Inc., a subsidiary of ABS-CBN. 

The following are the winners at the 2015 Cinema One Originals festival: 

Jury Prize winner: Hamog, Ralston Jover 

Best Film: Manang Biring, Carl Joseph Papa 

Best Actress: Therese Malvar, Hamog 

Best Actor: Dino Patrano, Baka Siguro Yata 

Best Supporting Actress: Chai Fonacier, Miss Bulalacao 

Best Supporting Actor: Bor Lentejas, Hamog 

Best Director: Dayang Asu, Bor Ocampo 

Best Screenplay: Miss Bulalacao, Ara Chawdhury 

Best Cinematography: Dayang Asu (Albert Banzon)

Palarong Pambansa top athletes to go for gold in Brunei Darussalam ASEAN Schools Games

Philippine delegation for the 7th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools Games slated in Brunei Darussalam, from November 21 to 29, 2015.

Palarong Pambansa top athletes will be competing at the 7th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Schools Games slated in Brunei Darussalam, from November 21 to 29, 2015.

An orientation program and pep rally for the Philippine contingent was held at the Department of Education Central Office on November 20, 2015 before they depart from Manila on November 21.

The pep rally was headed by Undersecretary for Regional Operations and Head of the Delegation Rizalino D. Rivera. The Undersecretary challenged the athletes by saying that “there are two ways you can win and make the country proud, one is winning. When you win, you do it not just for yourself but for the entire country. There is no prouder moment than having the national anthem played when you receive your medal. The other way is fighting with your heart. Puso! Laban! Kahit mas malakas, mas malaki ang ating kalaban, walang susuko nang ganun-ganun lang. And by so doing, you will gain the respect of your opponent, your countrymen and you will make your country proud.”

“I hope you also find time to make friends with the delegates of other countries. Enjoy your stay in Brunei and fight for the country,” Rivera added.

The ASG is an annual sporting event which aims to promote the spirit of partnership and equality in the region through cooperation in the field of sport and engage in cultural exchange. Among the objectives of the ASEAN Schools Games (ASG) are to make sports as a contributor to regional peace and stability, act as a base to produce world-class athletes and encourage healthy life style through sports.

It will be participated by athletes and coaches from the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brunei Darussalam as the host country. The venues for each sporting event are Tutong Sports Complex for Athletics, Indoor Stadium for netball, Pusat Belia (Youth Center) BSB for badminton, Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex Multi-Purpose Hall for pencak silat, Jerudong Park Golf and Country Club for golf, Rimba II Secondary School for sepak takraw and Swimming Complex, HBNS for swimming.

Completing the delegation are Assistant Secretary Tonisito M.C. Umali Esq., NCR Director Luz S. Almeda, Director Ponciano A. Menguito as Chef de Mission, Director Rizalino Jose T. Rosales and Schools Division Superintendent Elizabeth E. Quesada both as Deputy Chef de Mission and Mr. Cesar S. Abalon as Technical Official.

Don’t let wrinkles ruin your perfect OOTD

Keep the wrinkles on your clothes at bay with Philips’ ClearTouch Garment Steamer and SteamGlide steam iron.

What is your OOTD?

“Clothes play a big part in creating first impressions among people. Philips wants to make sure that our consumers’ clothes look their best everyday without adding extra effort to do so,”  says Reah Ronsayro, Philips’ Business Development Manager for kitchen appliance.

“Steam technology makes ironing effortless by working through hard-to-smooth creases faster and easier. Clothes are sure to be wrinkle-free throughout the day.”

Showing off your personal style is now as easy as simply uploading a picture on your social media accounts. Being the main focus of the Outfit of the Day (OOTD), the look of the clothes is essential. Garments, whether branded or not, can look just as good when carefully washed and ironed—and just as bad when they’re not.

Wrinkled clothing can turn an OOTD from wonderful to disastrous. It shows a lack of care and meticulousness, giving you a bad image to the viewers of your post. Wrinkles can and will break your attire.

Any kind of fabric needs extra care. So in choosing an appliance to iron your clothes, it is essential to find one that is easily customizable to meet the delicacy of your garments so they stay free from wrinkles and damage. To address this need, Philips offers the ClearTouch Garment Steamer and SteamGlide Steam Iron that will ensure picture-perfect clothes with every single use. 

The Philips ClearTouch Garment Steamer, equipped with state-of-the-art steam distribution system and an extra large stainless steam nozzle, easily clears creases off both delicate and non-delicate fabrics. In addition, its extra powerful steam output, clothes come out looking perfect for OOTDs.

For those who want to stick with the traditional way of ironing, the Philips SteamGlide Steam Iron will ensure clothes are ironed out to their finest thanks to its unique SteamGlide soleplate and constant high steam output. The iron also features a 110 g steam boost, enabling easy removal of even the most stubborn of creases

Philips is currently offering the ClearTouch Garment Steamer and the SteamGlide Steam Iron as part of its Big Switch Garment Steamer upgrade at True Value stores. Enjoy 40 percent off on Philips ClearTouch Garment Steamer and SteamGlide Steam Iron in exchange for any used or unused iron from any brand. Promo runs from November 1–30, 2015.

To learn more about Philips products, log on to www.philips.com.ph or like our Philips Home Living Philippines facebook fan page.

The perfect shoes for the holiday season

For this holiday season, it’s time to break the hoarding habit and slip on those special-occasion shoes that are truly worth it— shoes that you will truly, proudly, enjoy wearing, the ones that are fashionably on point, expressive, comfortable and lasting. 

According to a recent fashion poll, the average woman owns 20 pairs of shoes, but only wears five of them because the rest are either uncomfortable to wear or too difficult to match with outfits. Some are even too afraid of damaging their expensive pairs so they choose to keep it in the closet instead! 

Ging Pajaro of Via Venetto firmly believes in the significance of owning good pairs: “More women buy new shoes during the Christmas season. It is a fashion statement, at the same time a fulfilling reward, that help women establish their trademark, and express their persona. But what we truly deserve to have are the ones that express our lifestyle, that can make us go the distance happily for a long time.” 

Meticulously crafted in the brand’s fatto a mano (made by hand, handcrafted with years of experience and innovation) tradition to create that perfect silhouette for the feet, Via Venetto shoes speaks to every personality and for all occasions. For the Holiday 2015, the brand puts forward a collection that’s perfect for the season of celebrations. 

From leather ankle boots perfect for that edgy look, studded pumps that can make a statement in night parties and balls, to the posh and vintage feel of slingback heels and the insouciant modishness of flats—Via Venetto’s Holiday 2015 collection marries glamour with comfort and lastingness by providing the right cushion,support and fit. 

This Christmas, reward yourself with an investment pair that is not meant to be kept in your closet nor easily needs to be replaced. 

Visit Via Venetto stores at Greenbelt 1, Alabang TownCenter, Trinoma and SM Megamall. For inquiries, you may contact them at Phone: 63 28926334; Telefax: 63 2 8432725; or visit http://viavenetto-phil.co