Cinemalaya 2014: “Hari ng Tondo” by Carlos Siguion-Reyna

Tweet

Award-winning filmaker Director Carlos Siguion-Reyna and screenwriter Director Bibeth Orteza presents “Hari ng Tondo” as one of the official entry to the Director’s Showcase category of Cinemalaya Film Festival 2014 showing on August 2 to 10 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Greenbelt 3, Trinoma and Alabang Town Center.

Hari ng Tondo is the welcome back movie of Director Carlos Siguion-Reyna after a 14-year break from feature-length filmaking. He's very grateful to have returned in film making and in this project  with a great company of production administrators, energetic and professional creative staff and talented cast  an exciting mix of people from different worlds - from film television and theater. Cinemalaya has been a learning experience, as it was his first time to shoot a film in 12 days.

Director Bibeth said that Hari ng Tondo is not an action movie, as people said when hearing "Tondo" movies. This is a drama, family oriented film and will feature what is Tondo now, not what people used to know, no longer what it used to be. 

Hari ng Tondo, performed by Robert Arevalo, Liza Lorena, Rez Cortez, Aiza Seguerra, Cris Villonco, Ciara Sotto, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Lui Manansala, Gian Magdangal, Lorenz Martinez, Menggie Cobarrubias, Carlos Canlas, Mark Tayag, Raul Montesa, Jelson Bay, Hans Eckstein, Gino Ramirez, with the special participation of Eric Quizon, Ali Sotto, and Audie Gemora.

“Hari ng Tondo” is the story of Ricardo Villana, a self-made man on the verge of bankrupctcy. Ricardo, a grandfather played by Robert Arevalo, finds out he lost his fortune the day his granddaughter (Cris Villonco) told him her wedding is not pushing through and his grandson (Rafa Siguion-Reyna) disclosed he is not graduating from college again.

A grandfather on the brink of bankruptcy, brings his grandchildren back to the community that made and shaped him, only to find out the place is no longer the same. Thinking that his grandchildren’s’ lack of direction in life is due to their sheltered upbringing, he decided to bring them to Tondo, his birthplace, as he called it "Alapaap."  A grandfather hoping the place would shape them and give them time to reflect on their own problems.

According to Director Carlos, there is much he emphatized with all the characters in the world of this film: Ricardo's singlemindedness, the grandchildren's initial skepticism, the rich parents' indiferrence to the world outside of their own, and the Tondo dwellers' pragmatic mockery of messiahs. This contradictory attitudes refrect current polar attitudes among different classes, particularly between sel-styled saviors and the dispossessed.

A presentation by Renafilms, Inc. and Central Digital Labs, Inc. Produced and written by Bibeth Orteza. Directed by Carlos Siguion-Reyna.

Sound Design by Albert Michael Idioma. 

Original Music Score by Myke Salomon. 

Art Direction by Rolly Carino. 

Edited by Manet Dayrit. 

Cinematography by Jay Abello.

Line Produced by Tess Fuentes, Ruth Racela. 

Executive Producers are Francisco Tiu-Laurel, Jr. and Carlos Siguion-Reyna. 

The much-awaited CineMalaya festival, a showcase of intelligent and sensible movies by Filipino filmmakers, will be on Aug 2-10 in CCP Theaters and Ayala Cinemas in Metro Manila.

Cinemalaya Film Festival features more than fifty films showing covering everything from documentaries, short films to full length narratives. This year's festival, Cinemalaya X highlights fifteen films in competition.

The films in competition are divided into two categories: 

Director’s Showcase (5 entries) and the New Breed category (10 entries).

Cinemalaya 2014 Official Screening Schedule for HARI NG TONDO:

Manila Water Foundation, brings importance of Earth Day to kids

Tweet

Manila Water Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Manila Water group for areas within Metro Manila and beyond, engaged youngsters in a day full of exciting activities that expressed the value of taking care of Mother Earth.

“The Foundation’s Earth Day celebration reflects how we would like to implant the importance of being mindful of the environment’s condition and the efforts needed to be taken to improve it at grassroots level,” said Carla Beriña-Kim, Executive Director of Manila Water Foundation. “Educating the youth during their developmental years would promote the formation of consciousness and habits that will shape an active public geared at forging a sustainable future,” she adds.

Almost a hundred children aged six and above participated in a story telling teaching the role of water cycle in the environment and in the Amazing Kiddie Race which included stations that stressed the importance of using water wisely such as the Water Relay Station. 

Christine Casabar, parent of one of the participants shares the Foundation’s vision of inculcating the value of protecting the environment in an early age. 

“This stage is very crucial because it is the time that the learnings are readily accepted and embraced,” said Casabar.

According to Roy Gonzaga, parent of one of the participants, his daughter Rayne shared how she gained environmental awareness and enjoyed her first step to taking care of Mother Earth through the seedling planting activity. “As parents, we play a critical role of developing the awareness and responsibility of the future generation towards the environment,” said Gonzaga. “After all, they will be the ones who will inherit our planet and reap or sow depending on our present actions”.

The full day event ended with splashes and laughter as kids jumped and swam in the pool the rest of the afternoon. 

This Earth Day celebration was done in cooperation with Manila Water Company, Museo Pambata, Philippine Book Fairs and Education Inc., and Metropolitan Water Works and Sewerage System.

6th Binondo Warehouse Sale April 28-May 4

Tweet

MCT Events Management will stage the sixth edition of the BINONDO WAREHOUSE SALE on April 28-May 4, 2014 at the Ground Floor of the State Center Investment Building, along Juan Luna St. and across the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church. The event venue, being in the heart of the Binondo district, has attracted thousands of shoppers in one of the most viable market in the Metro.

6th BINONDO WAREHOUSE SALE is a seven-day event that showcases different brands who will do their summer sale. Price cuts up to 70% discount from shoes, bags, men’s and ladies’ fashion, sporting goods and accessories, and personal care among others.

Brand participants like Adidas, Nike, Reebok, Levi’s, Oakley, Hush Puppies, Sebago, Europak, and Victor will surely delight the shoppers with their offerings and promos.

RCBC Bankard cardholders are also in for a treat! You can enjoy 0% Installment with a minimum of Php 3,000 purchase from any of the merchants of the 6th BINONDO WAREHOUSE SALE.

All major credit cards are accepted. For more details about the event, please call 643-5490/ 576-6362/ 502-1546/ 399-2935 or follow us through Facebook Fanpage: facebook.com/MCT-Events-Management or in twitter: @mcteventsmngmnt for more updates on this event.

This event is organized by MCT Events Management in partnership of RCBC Bankard and World Vision Philippines with our media partners: WhenInManila.com, DivisoriaGuide Mobile App, OutofTownblog.com and WhatsOnSale PH.

Thousands of Youth Gather for Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

Tweet

This year’s Youth Build is expected to be one of the biggest youth gatherings in the country. Over 5,000 youth will converge at Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” as this year’s Habitat for Humanity “Youth Build”, happening simultaneously on May 3, 2014 in five key provinces in the country, to make a commitment to help rebuild homes across calamity-stricken areas in the Philippines. 

Beginning May 3, young volunteers will sweat it out as they get their gloves, hard hats, and shovels ready to begin the construction of Habitat houses in earthquake-hit areas in Bohol, and Yolanda-affected communities in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga. After Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) destroyed parts of the country in November last year, Habitat launched its “Re-Build PH” campaign with a target to rebuild 30,000 houses. This year’s Youth Build aims to rally the youth to do their share to meet this target.

“Rebuilding the Philippines is everyone’s responsibility. This time, we want to gather our youth and tap into their passion and energy to help get the job done while at the same time serving as role models to the younger generation,” shares Charlie Ayco, Habitat for Humanity Philippine’s CEO and Managing Director.

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

Since the build-sites are mostly around the Visayas region, this year’s theme was taken from the local Visayan dialect-- “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” (Let’s gather. Let’s build. Let’s do it.) It hopes to speak more urgently to the Visayan youth to rise to the challenge of helping their own neighbors, friends, and kababayans rebuild their own communities by taking part in the Youth Build.

“For us to be able to truly move forward from the horrors of the earthquake and typhoon, we need to work hand-in-hand as one community-- the progress of one is the progress of all. We encourage the Boholanos to help their kababayans, because by doing so they are helping the entire province,” Ayco adds.

Rebuilding 7,000 houses in Bohol

In October last year, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked parts of Bohol leaving houses in shambles and families homeless. The Youth Build targets to rebuild 7,000 homes in 16 municipalities across the province providing decent shelter to families still living in tents and make-shift houses.

To kick-off festivities in Bohol on May 3, a motorcade of celebrity youth supporters will take place in the morning leading all the way to the Habitat site in Loon, Bohol where Habitat’s Youth Council will begin the initial build. To cap the day, a youth concert open to the public will be staged to further urge the Boholano youth to respond to the call.

Other local festivities to kick-off the “Youth Build” will also happen in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga.

The Habitat Youth Build is a movement that engages young people to raise funds for, and awareness of the poverty housing situation in the Asia-Pacific region where one in eight people live in slums, according to the United Nations.

Now on its third year, the annual campaign challenges the youth to do something concrete to help. Young people from 11 other Habitat countries across the region will also participate and build or repair homes for low-income families. 

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a global non-profit organization committed to addressing the housing backlog in the country.

To know more about Habitat and its programs, log on to www.habitat.org.ph.

Manila Doctors Hospital opens new fully-electronic Vision Center

Tweet

Eyes look very simple but could be so amazing. They are the very complicated and complex organ. Make sure to give them the attention they deserve by seeing eye doctors for a comprehensive eye exam every year or when you feel something different.

MaDocs opens new fully-electronic Vision Center with the blessing and inauguration ceremony held last March 13.

The newly renovated and upgraded Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) Vision Center aims to be the first fully-electronic hospital-based eye care center in the country.

Designed to take advantage of the latest advancements in technology, the Vision Center features an advanced computer system that introduce paperless transaction and enables near real-time processing and transmission of results.

The Forum System is the powerful system that serves as the Vision Center’s nerve center. Patients are issued a unique ID card that stores relevant information and history. After the test, results are uploaded onto the Forum System making them available to both the patient and doctor online and near real-time which allows doctors to make faster and more accurate diagnosis whenever, wherever.

Photo shows (from left) MDH Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs Dr. Dante Morales, MDH President Aniceto Sobrepeña, Carl Zeiss Regional Business Development Director Sujay Debnath, Microlab President Vicente Mercado, MDH Hospital Director Dr. Hian Ho Kua, and MDH Department of Ophthalmology Chair Dr. Cesar Ramon Espiritu leading the blessing of the Center.

The Vision Center is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment including the latest Humphrey visual field analyzer, an Ophthalmic Technologies Inc. (OTI) 3-dimensional ultrasonography machine, capable of both A and B scan ultrasonography, the IOL Master 500 Biometer for precision measurements of intraocular lens powers essential in cataract surgery visual outcome. Recently, the Center has acquired the latest Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) the Cirrus 5000, a non-contact, non-invasive imaging technique used to obtain high resolution cross-sectional images of the retina. This is in addition to the Digital Fundus camera, which generates excellent photos of the retina and optic nerve, the Digital Flourescein Angiography machine. There’s the 532 and Nd:Yag Lasers that is used to treat some forms of retina diseases and glaucoma.

More than the top-of-the-line equipment, the Vision Center also boasts of the most proficient eye specialists and top-notch medical staff to ensure that your eyes are kept in the best possible condition.

SERVICES

The Vision Center aims to provide a comprehensive range of ophthalmologic diagnostic and therapeutic services to further help nurture the gift of sight.

Diagnostic Services:

            Automated Perimetry / Visual Field Analyzer

            Digital Fundus and Optic Disc Photography

            Digital Fluorescein Angiography

            Optical Coherence Tomography (anterior and posterior)

            Pachymetry

            Specular microscopy

            Biometry (IOL Master)

            A and B scan ultrasonography (OTI)

            3D Ultrasonography

Therapeutic Services:

532 Laser for Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Retinal holes, Vascular Occlusion, Central Serous Retinopathy, Neovascular Glaucoma. and other eye pathology needing the procedure

532 Laser Indirect Ophthalmoscope for Retinopathy of Prematurity

Nd:Yag laser for Glaucoma and After cataract capsular opacity and other eye pathology needing the procedure

CLINIC HOURS

Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 NN

CONTACT NUMBERS

524 3011 local 8138 or 2020

Eye Room (OPD): 3720

Some Photos : Facebook.

Tutuban Center pushes for another prosperous 25 years

Tweet

Tutuban Center Mall in Divisoria, Manila, offers you a one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Here’s you can have great deals and best value for your money. From shirts to pants, dresses, accessories , local made or even from asian countries like Korea, Japan, Hongkong and others; shoes, bags, accessories. . . name it and get it !

Tutuban Center is 25 years old, but will certainly push for another 25 more.

Everything was simple, straightforward but with a deeper sense of purpose. This was demonstrated by a blood-letting activity in the morning where many of its employees participated and gamely donated precious blood for the benefit of those in need of it, like those suffering from certain blood-related ailments and other life-threatening diseases.

A Mass was also held in the afternoon in thanksgiving for all the blessings Tutuban Center received the past year.

But for this year’s celebration, Tutuban Center decided to forego with the usual glitzy celebration by focusing on activities that will help foster a stronger bond with its tenants, suppliers, partners and customers and the community. 

In the evening, Tutuban Center took its anniversary celebration a notch higher as it held a “fashion-for-a-cause” charity event called “Fashion for Compassion.”

The show was in partnership with Mode Elle, a fashion house that holds fashion shows to raise funds for charity, and select Tutuban Center tenants who served as clothing sponsors. The event sought to raise funds for Tahan-Tahanan and Child Haus to help them sustain the care and provision of shelter for cancer-stricken kids and their families from the provinces while seeking treatment in Manila.

A prosperous future is in the eyes of Tutuban Center but definitely, they won’t forget and leave behind those that helped them get to their first 25 years as they chart their course toward the next 25.

Shown in photo are some of the models wearing the dresses provided by select Tutuban Center tenants such as Sohrab Arcega, Eva Miranda, Benita Garcia, Allen James, Nick Riveral, Jimmy and Josephine Raborar, Nedy’s Bridal, Justine Bridal, Jeane Do Oma, Merly, Jocelyn Fabia Boutique, Marilyn Peraje, Tess, and Sarah/Jose Boutique during the “Fashion for Compassion” event.

Tune Hotels continues expansion in Philippines with Launch of Eight Property

Tweet

Tune Hotels has continued its expansion in the Philippines with the opening of the 182-room Tune Hotel Ortigas. The new and affordable hotel,  the eighth Tune Hotel to open in the country in the last two years, is located along Shaw Boulevard. 

Other Tune Hotels in the country are located in Angeles City in Pampanga, Ermita in Manila, Makati, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan De Oro and Quezon City.

Sahlee Zaldivia, country head of the hotel’s owner Red Planet Hotels said that there are two more Tune Hotels would open this year.

“By the end of 2014, we will have a total of 1,720 rooms with 10 hotels in the Philippines, cementing our position as the largest internationally owned and operated hotel brand in the country,” she said.

“Not only are we growing in numbers, but we have received a great deal of acceptance among the travelling public for the value for money that we provide,” she said further.

The first of the two Tune Hotels, which would have 200 rooms and open in May, is located in Aseana City, while the second hotel, which has 189 rooms and would be operational by November, is located along Ayala Avenue in Makati City

The expansion would allow the company to take advantage of the 24 percent growth in tourist arrivals projected by the Department of Tourism for 2014.

“We are fully committed to helping expand, and grow with the international and domestic travel industries in the Philippines,” Zaldivia said.

Red Planet Hotels chief executive officer Tim Hansing said they are looking for more sites to build new hotels in the Philippines.

“We see the Philippines as the perfect platform to drive the Southeast Asian expansion of Tune Hotels because of the country’s acceptance and embracing of new and inspiring brands that enable travel to the wider population,” he said.

“Our performance since opening our first hotel in Cebu and Angeles City in February 2012 have given us a great deal of confidence to expand further,” he added.

Tune Hotels was established in Malaysia in 2007 and currently has 41 operating hotels worldwide.  

Tune Hotels is a sister company of Air Asia Airlines.

Philam Life gears up for bigger milestones in the Year of the Wood Horse

Tweet

The country's premiere life insurer, Philam Life gears up for bigger milestones this year 2014.  As the Filipino-Chinese community ushers in the Year of the Wood Horse, Philam Life kick started the new Chinese year with its annual dragon parade held in Binondo.

Philam Life head of Marketing, Jessica Abaya shared to us that Philam's Chinese New Year celebration is a gesture of solidarity with and respect for the Filipino-Chinese community.

“Philam Life is part of the AIA group, a leading Pan-Asian life insurance organization across Asia Pacific, which has roots in Shanghai, China. This celebration is important to us as it affirms our deep roots in Asia,” she said.

Philam Life’s Chinese New Year dragon is known for being the largest parade dragon in the Philippines.

Long-standing tradition

During the celebration, Abaya also noted that the Chinese “highly value face time when they interact with anyone for business purposes.”

“Aside from our long-standing tradition of welcoming the Chinese New Year in Binondo, Philam Life has year-round activities that aim to help the Filipino-Chinese community achieve their financial goals through our products and services,” she added.

“We hold regular client forums wherein we discuss current economic conditions, wealth management principles, and applicable product solutions.”

While the Filipino-Chinese market has the same financial needs as other life insurance clients, they prefer products with earning potential, thus the tendency to purchase investment or savings products. Philam Life is also doubling efforts to undertake a more specialized recruitment strategy to be able to serve the Filipino-Chinese community better.

Winning year

In 2013, the Philippines’ largest life insurer reinforced its leadership when it bested 16 other AIA countries and won both AIA Premier League Gold Cup and the AIA Champions League Gold Cup. This recognition highlights Philam Life’s outstanding performance in achieving its growth targets specifically in new business and annualized new premiums. The award also recognized the company’s leadership style that focuses on continually improving the quality of the company’s business.

Philam Life’s recent milestone reflects the robust performance of the local insurance industry, which also grew significantly last year. According to data from the Insurance Commission, total industry premium income ballooned to P135 billion as of third quarter of 2013 from P82.6 billion in the same period in 2012.

Improving financial literacy

With bigger milestones in store for 2014, Philam Life sustains its commitment as The Real Life Company that is genuinely engaged in real people’s lives through meaningful dialogue, and empowers them to achieve financial security and prosperity by providing solutions and plans that turn their real-life struggles into success.

To enable their clients to turn dreams into reality, the life insurance leader bared plans to drive financial literacy programs in key markets through strategic partnerships. “This year, Philam Life will reach out to more Filipinos through our financial planning programs in tandem with partners from key sectors — OFWs, parents, entrepreneurs and employees,” said Abaya.

Abaya also shared product plans for the year. “Right now, only 16 percent of Filipinos say they’re financially prepared for health setbacks. And since Filipinos still prefer unit-linked products especially after the country was upgraded to investment grade, Philam Life will launch a unit-linked health product early this 2014 to address this key yet unmet need,” she added.

Rey Centeno, Philam Life Chief Operating Officer, noted that there is a lot of opportunity to increase insurance penetration in the country especially given the Philippines’ demographic window which is expected to begin in 2015 and last until 2050. 

“Data from the National Statistical Coordination Board projected a population of almost 103 million Filipinos by 2015, of which more than 65 million will be aged 15 to 64. The United Nations defines demographic window as the period “when more people or a prominent portion of the population is of working age,” Centeno said.

Financial planning made easy

According to a Philam Life Brand Tracking Study in 2010, limited accessibility is a key barrier for Filipinos who do not own a life insurance policy. Another significant barrier is the apparent complexity of how insurance works (Philam Life Consumer Study 2010).

To bridge this gap, Philam Life commits to make financial planning easier and more accessible for more Filipinos by launching new programs and applications. The nine-time Reader’s Digest Asia Platinum Trusted Brand award winner is set to become the first local insurance company to use an iPad-based Interactive Point of Sale (iPoS) — a paperless platform that allows proposal presentations, filling out of policy owner details, and even signing of applications to be done through the financial adviser’s iPad.

The company is also launching ePlan, a convenient customer self-service online facility for policy inquiries, transactions and payments. Philam Life policyholders can now choose to go online, instead of calling the hotline, for faster and real-time transactions. 

“We at Philam Life are dedicated to making dreams and goals real for our clients,” Abaya said. “Regardless of what their Chinese zodiac forecasts say, Philam Life is dedicated to empower more Filipinos to achieve financial security and rein in prosperity this Year of the Wood Horse.”

For more information about Philam Life, log on to www.philamlife.com.

LINE generates more than Php25 million for Yolanda victims

Tweet

Proceeds from LINE’s special-sticker campaign to help storm-battered communities in PH

LINE, the world’s leading mobile platform with 330-million users, has donated funds raised by its “Pray for the Philippines” special-edition sticker set to victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The stickers, which were sold worldwide through the LINE Sticker Shop from November 15 to December 31, 2013, generated over Php25-million (58,773,190 Yen). The proceeds have been forwarded to relief and rebuilding efforts in storm-battered communities in Visayas and Mindanao. 

To express LINE’s support for the cause, Akira Morikawa, the company’s CEO, paid a courtesy call to the Philippine embassy in Tokyo, Japan this past week. Morikawa sat down with Ambassador Manuel Lopez to present the proceeds from LINE’s “Pray for the Philippines” campaign.

He was likewise given updates about ongoing relief operations in the country.

The donations were transferred to the Philippine Red Cross last January 10, 2013, with the assistance of the Japanese Red Cross.

Greg Kim, Senior Manager at LINE Plus Corporation said that they are grateful for the donors from around the world for making this generous contribution possible.

“LINE has been in the Philippines for two years now, and our relationship with the country and its people will be strong through thick and thin,” he adds. 

*Useful Links:

LINE Homepage

PC: http://line.naver.jp/en/

Mobile: http://line.naver.jp/app/en/

LINE Facebook Page

www.facebook.com/Line.Philippines

LINE Official YouTube Page

www.youtube.com/lineappglobal

LINE Official Blog

http://en.lineblog.naver.jp/

For LINE Partner:

http://line.naver.jp/partner/pc/index/en

Manila, the 4th most preferred city for surveys in Asia Pacific – ULI and PwC report

Tweet

Manila, Philippines is the 4th most preferred city for real estate investors in Asia Pacific.

A new survey by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) showed real estate  in the capital region is one of the “best bets” for investors to get into this year.

The ULI and PwC report, called “Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific 2014,” Manila ranked fourth out of 23 city clusters in Asia and the Pacific in terms of investment prospects.

John Fitzgerald, chief executive for Asia Pacific at ULI, said “The Philippines is a big mover in terms of sentiment this year, drawing a lot of mention in our surveys for the report and emerging as one of the most preferred among all emerging economies this year.”

Stated at the report, there was “an ongoing willingness to look at emerging markets, Indonesia and the Philippines in particular, as alternatives to other more traditionally favored markets.”

The 'Favored markets', Tokyo topped the list, followed by Shanghai and Jakarta. Sydney rounded out the Top 5. Hong Kong ranked 18th, Ho Chi Minh City at 19th, Bangalore at 20th, New Delhi at 21st, Chennai at 22nd, and Mumbai at 23rd.

For Manila, this ranking is a record eight-notch leap from its 2013 spot.

The ranking under the Emerging Trends City Investment Prospects are as follows:

Tokyo

Shanghai

Jakarta

Manila

Sydney

Guangzhou

Singapore

Beijing

Osaka

Shenzhen

Bangkok

China's secondary cities

Melbourne

Kuala Lumpur

Seoul

Taipei

Auckland

Hong Kong

Ho Chi Minh

Bangalore

New Delhi

Chennai

Mumbai

The report tagged Manila as one of the respondents' “best bet,” putting a “top buy” tag for the residential, office and retail segments.

"Viva Señor Jesus Nazareno!" Feast of Black Nazarene 2014

Tweet

"Viva Señor Jesus Nazareno!"

The Feast of Black Nazarene, annual event every January 9th. It commemorates the 'Traslación' or Passage of life-sized, dark wooden statue of Jesus Christ through procession or transfer of the image to its present shrine in Quiapo Church, Manila.

Highlight of the celebration is the grand procession of sea of devotees from Quirino Grandstand at seven in the morning.

(Photo: Jim Guiao Punzalan)

The organizers said that an estimate of 12 million people are expected to join the activities for  the Feast of Black Nazarene.

MMDA releases Feast of Black Nazarene 2014 procession route, traffic rerouting scheme. Since the procession will not pass through the usual route, McArthur Bridge, which the Department of Public Works and Highways said is only fit to handle 20 tons or 10,000 people at any given time, the procession is expected to last 10 to 12 hours.

Here's a map detailing the parade route of the annual procession for the Feast of Black Nazarene 2014:

Route from Quirino Grandstand (Luneta), right Katigbak Drive thru P. Burgos, left Taft Ave.(P.Burgos) thru McArthur Bridge, right Palanca, thru under Quezon Bridge, left Quezon Blvd., right Fraternal, right Vergara, left Duque de Alba, left Castillejos, left farnecio, right Arlegui, left Nepomuceno, left Aguila, right Carcer, right Hidalgo thru Plaza Del Carmen, left Bilibid Viejo thru Puyat, left Guzman, right Hidalgo, left Barbosa, right Globo de Oro thru under Quezon Bridge, right Palanca, right Villalobos thru Plaza Miranda to Quiapo Church.

Here are the Traffic Re-routing scheme for Feast of Black Nazarene 2014:

1. All vehicles coming from northern part of Manila intending to utilize the stretch of Bonifacio Drive (for Port Area offices) or right to A. Soriano to Magallanes Drive, right to P. Burgos, go straight to Lagusnilad to Taft Ave.

2. All vehicles coming from Taft Avenue northbound shall turn right at A. Villegas (Arroceros), right at Quezon Bridge to point of destination.

3. All vehicles coming from southern part of Manila intending to utilize the northbound of Roxas Blvd. from T. M. Kalaw to P. Burgos shall turn right to T.M. Kalaw to point of destination.

4. All vehicles coming from Quezon City using the stretch of Espana shall turn right P. Campa, left Andalucia, right Fuguso, left T. Mapua to point of destination.

5. All PUJ’s/light vehicles coming from Espana intending to proceed to South Pier Zone take the usual route using Quezon Bridge.

6. All vehicles coming from Divisoria intending to utilize the stretch of C. Recto Avenue shall turn left to T. Alonzo, right at Furguso, right at Andalucia to point of destination.

7. All vehicles coming from Legarda shall turn right Recto or left Mendiola to point of destination.

8. All heavy vehicles/cargo trucks coming from the south shall take Pres. Osmena, right Pres. Quirino to Nagtahan via A.H. Lacson to Capulong (vice-versa).

Some notes from MMDA:

1. All motorist intending to proceed to North of Manila or South of Manila shall advise to utilized the stretch of Lacson to Nagtahan (vice-versa) or to utilized the stretch of Road 10 to Roxas Blvd. (vice-versa) to point of destination.

2. All buses coming from southern part of Manila (Laguna and Cavite) utilizing Taft Ave. are not allowed to enter from 7:00 AM to 12:00 NN and allowed only up to Pres. Quirino as their turning point. #mmda 

THE Manila City Council has declared January 9, the Feast of the Black Nazarene, a special non-working holiday in the city.

A resolution passed on first reading by the council said the feast would highlight the “religious significance and cultural importance of the Feast of the Black Nazarene” and that there is truly a need to “preserve, enshrine, and promote its observance, commemoration, and celebration in the City of Manila.”

Councilor DJ Bagatsing who authored the ordinance, said that it is essentially sound for Manila to propose a local holiday on the Feast of Black Nazarene. 

“This would give loyal worshippers a better chance of engaging in this sacred tradition,” Councilor DJ Bagatsing added.

The city had earlier announced the suspension of classes on Thursday to spare students from being stranded because of the expected deluge of devotees. 

Barefoot devotees will again be allowed in trains, according to the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA). LRT rides will not be free and security inspections will continue. He said the number of LRT commuters doubles during the Feast of the Black Nazarene.

The traditional “pahalik” of the Black Nazarene had already started after the venerated image was transferred to Quirino Grandstand Monday evening.

The Bootleg Beatles Live in Manila

Tweet

The Bootleg Beatles – The World’s Premier Beatle Band Live in Manila on January 17, 2014, 8pm at the PICC Plenary Hall, CCP Complex, Pasay City. 

Tickets now available atticketworld.com.ph/thebootlegbeatles

The Bootleg Beatles will also be at the SMX Convention Center Davao on January 18, 2014 and at Solaire Resort on January 19, 2014. 

The Bootleg Beatles Live at Solaire Tickets now available at ticketworld.com.ph/thebootlegbeatlessolaire

Ticket Prices: (PICC Plenary Hall)

Price Zone 1: P4,897.40

Price Zone 2: P3,855.40

Price Zone 3: P3,230.20

Price Zone 4: P2,605

Price Zone 5: P1,042

Price Zone 6: P625.20

Buy your The Bootleg Beatles Live at PICC Plenary Hall Tickets now at ticketworld.com.ph/thebootlegbeatles

Ticket Prices: (SMX Convention Center Davao)

Silver – P1,500

General Admission – P700

Tickets available at SM Ticket Outlets or visit smtickets.com

Ticket Prices: (Solaire Resort)

Price Zone 1 – P4,941

Price Zone 2 – P3,843

Price Zone 3 – P3,294

More Connections, More Fun! P14 Base Fare Sale, perfect for your immediate travels through AirAsia Zest

Tweet

It's more fun in the Philippines! AirAsia Zest will really make everyone fly this year!

To kick-off your 2014, AirAsia is giving you P14 Base Fare Sale, perfect for your immediate travels!

Fly to/from Manila (NAIA Terminal 4), Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Kalibo (Boracay), Puerto Princesa and Tagbilaran (Bohol) from as low as P368 or fly international to Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur & Macau from as low as P474 – everything’s all-in! 

You can also fly to/from Cebu (Mactan International Airport), Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Puerto Princesa from as low as P569 or overseas to Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur from as low as P474 all-in fares!

Booking Period: Now till 19 January 2014

Travel Period: Now till 31 March 2014

Book your P14-seats at: 

-http://bit.ly/1lLOjVy (Pay online through major credit banks using Dragonpay or cash via payment partners: 7-Eleven, Bayad Center and Cebuana Lhuillier)

-AirAsia and AirAsia Zest Call Center (+632 742 2742)

-AirAsia Travel & Service Center (SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa – The Block, Gaisano Mall Davao and Tune Hotels Angeles)

-AirAsia Zest Sales Offices (NAIA Terminal 4, Mactan Cebu International Airport, & D’ Mall Boracay Kalibo)

-AirAsia & AirAsia Zest Accredited Travel Agencies

So if you’re looking for promo fares for impulsive and on-the-go travellers like you, there’s no other way but to go the AirAsia Zest way!

Manila Bay Resorts to rise in 2015

Tweet

Anything in the spirit of fun,  Manila Bay Resorts to rise in 2015 is a place to change the face of entertainment in Asia.

The Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment, Inc., (a subsidiary of Universal Entertainment Corporation, led by Japanese tycoon Mr. Okada, Kazuo) developer of the ambitious Manila Bay Resorts project, proudly shared its lofty goals in line with the ongoing construction of the 44-hectare facility to rise within the Entertainment City complex in Paranaque City come 2015.

Top honchos president Masahiro Terada and vice president Kenji Sugiyama met with members of the press to share their ultimate vision for a huge and integrated resort with the three-hotel property (each a 15-storey-structure) bound to be home to the biggest casino in the country. The said Resort is touted as a natural, desirable addition to Manila Bay's cultural and commercial venues, with expectations of two plush hotels, a six-star and a five-star at that, and around 20 food and beverage destinations, retail and spa facilities, and residential properties.

"Our target is to really attract lots of people, local and foreigners, and in the process be of great help to the Philippine economy and employment," stated Sugiyama whose background includes being a world-class hotel asset protection chief.

With emphasis on providing high class, safe entertainment and recreational activities, Manila Bay Resorts promises to be a go-to destination among Filipino families, foreign tourists, and fun-loving individuals of exquisite taste. Its hiring initiative will more or less generate 15,000 employments for Filipino job-seekers.

The 30,000 sq.m-casino alone, to open 24/7 and expect 20,000 daily guests, will have more than 500 table games and 3,000 machines to offer, while its man-made beach resort will boast an impressively looking 100-meter diameter indoor Glass Dome.

Considering that the country is currently engulfed in earthquake scare brought by the 7.2 magnitude tremor that just shattered Bohol and neighboring provinces, the Japanese-standard construction being employed in Manila Bay Resorts obviously delivers great news to everyone. Japan is known as an earthquake hotspot, thus, the use of Japanese technology in strengthening the complex means more significant safety assurance.

Apart from hotel development, the Tiger, Inc. has also opened its doors to community involvement through the project, having helped the victims of recent typhoon Pablo by donating a rice supply worth Php 2.5 million. A new effort of similar nature is being spearheaded, this time to provide assistance to victims of the devastating earthquake in the Visayan region.

Sugiyama expressed in connection, "It is part of our mission to extend a helping hand to those in need."

The extent of wanting to make a positive impact to the country's economy is also embedded in Tiger's plan of giving tax contribution off its casino cash flow.

Believing that luxury signifies attention to detail, originality, exclusivity, and above all, quality, Manila Bay Resorts is seen as a state-of-the-art dream vision of producing more than a thousand spacious hotel suites, topnotch restaurants, world-class banqueting, 24-hour butler service, among others. There will also be a good blend of international luxury brands, jewelers, and specialty stores in three unique areas, including one called the "Jewel Square."

With ethos that echoes "anything in the spirit of fun," it is a place to change the face of entertainment in Asia.

Avril Lavigne Live in Manila 2014

Tweet

Avril Lavigne, Canadian singer/rock icon is coming back to Manila for another major concert to be held on February 2014 at the Big Dome. 

"Avril Lavigne Live in Manila" will be her 4th concert in the Philippines, presented by Midas Promotions to be on February 17, 2014 - 8:00 pm at Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.

Tickets available at Ticketnet outlets and at www.ticketnet.com.ph

Call 470-2222 for ticket inquiries.

TICKET PRICEs

PATRON VIP - Php 7,475(reserved seating)

PATRON REGULAR - Php 5,885(reserved seating)

LOWER BOX CENTER - Php 5,355(reserved seating)

LOWER BOX REGULAR - Php 4,825(reserved seating)

UPPER BOX A - Php 2,705(reserved seating)

UPPER BOX B - Php 1,645(free seating)

GENERAL ADMISSION - Php 905(free seating

Rock N Roll by Avril Lavigne

Visit : 

http://www.avrillavigne.com

https://www.facebook.com/avrillavigne

Here's To Never Growing Up by Avril Lavigne

Canadian recording artist Avril Lavigne has completed concert tours beginning with the "Try to Shut Me Up" Tour in 2002-03. This was followed by the 13-month "Bonez" Tour in 2004-05 and the "Best Damn Tour" in 2008, and the "Black Star" Tour, was completed in February 2012.

When Avril Lavigne first emerged on the music scene at age 17, she was known as a young, pop-punk tomboy who refused to resort to skin-baring come-ons, preferring to entice the record-buying public with her powerhouse voice, high-spirited melodies, and straight-talking lyrics. Staying steadfastly true to herself and putting music before image paid off both critically and commercially for the small-town girl from Napanee, Ontario. In 2002, Lavigne shot to international pop stardom with the 6x-platinum Let Go, followed by 2004’s 3x-platinum Under My Skin, 2007’s platinum The Best Damn Thing, and 2011’s Goodbye Lullaby, which sold more than two million copies worldwide. Over the course of her decade-plus career, Lavigne has scored a string of international hit singles, toured the globe on multiple sold-out tours, earned eight Grammy Award nominations, won eight Canadian Juno Awards, and sold more than 35 million albums and 20 million tracks worldwide.

A self-taught musician, who plays guitar, piano, and drums, and who writes on every one of her songs, Lavigne had already been singing and performing for several years before releasing Let Go, which featured the smash singles “Complicated” and “Sk8r Boi” and sold more than 16 million copies worldwide. Her second album, 2004’s Under My Skin, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200, and sold more than eight million copies worldwide fueled by the hit singles “Don’t Tell Me” and “My Happy Ending.” Four years later came The Best Damn Thing, which featured the No. 1 single “Girlfriend.” Lavigne’s biggest record to date, “Girlfriend” was the top digital track of 2007, selling more than 7.3 million downloads in eight languages. “Here’s To Never Growing Up,” the first single off her self-titled new album (released in November), debuted at No. 1 in 22 countries and was a Top 10 single in 44 countries.