LINE unveils new TVC starring Super Junior’s Siwon

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Filipino K-POP fans will be delighted to see Siwon’s familiar face gracing their TV screens starting this May as LINE, the world’s hottest mobile messenger, is unveiling its new TV commercial starring Siwon of Super Junior.

Siwon is the lead singer of the wildly popular Korean boy band that had already held concerts in the Philippines twice in the past three years, with the first one being in April 2010 and the second last February 2011.

A global K-POP sensation, Siwon is LINE's newest brand ambassador. Through the TVC, he vividly shows how LINE can be an excellent communication medium that connects beloved friends and family no matter where they are. Siwon and acting partner Patricia play the role of a couple separated by physical distance. They eventually grow closer despite their distance via their connection on the digital social platform, LINE. They use LINE's fun and expressive virtual stickers to share thoughts and feelings about their daily lives.

Siwon expressed how LINE has helped him stay in touch, and express his feelings with friends and family at home amid his busy touring schedule around the world.

“Oftentimes, I am away from home, so I miss my families and friends a lot. But sometimes I am a bit too shy to express my feelings. Since I started using LINE, it became much easier for me to exchange my feelings with my families and friends, even when I am far away in other countries,” he remarked.

He also noted the diversity and creativity of LINE’s stickers. “LINE stickers are very expressive and perky, so if you use stickers, you can express your feelings more effectively than using just words,” said Siwon.

Siwon also added that communicating using LINE has become much easier for him. “I think LINE is an excellent communication tool that keeps the relationship between you and your friends and family even tighter, because it is possible to communicate subtle emotions through LINE. Now, I can’t imagine life without LINE.”

The TVC, directed by Cannes Lion winner John Park, is part of LINE’s efforts to initiate new and fresh approaches in the mobile messaging industry.

“We at LINE have always been open to innovative and creative ways to put our mobile messaging platform out there and to reach as many people as we can,” explained Lee Jin Woo, General Manager of LINE Business Office at LINE PLUS. “Starting with this TV commercial, we plan to cooperate with various Philippine local businesses and brands for more localized offerings in order to provide a more exciting and enriching experience for Philippine users.

Through the continuous release of diverse features, LINE has become wildly popular worldwide, reaching 140 million users globally. LINE has also shown a strong presence in western countries as it has hit 10 million users in Spain. Furthermore, LINE is constantly achieving great success from globally-acclaimed features such as LINE Camera, which has recently hit 30 million users, and LINE JELLY which is the newest LINE Game starring LINE’s beloved characters.

The TVC will air in the Philippines starting May 1^st.

www.facebook.com/Line.Philippines

www.youtube.com/lineappglobal

Be Hue This Summer with Marks & Spencer Collection 2013

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Enjoying the wonderful world of M&S!  The colors come out to play with the release of Marks & Spencer SS2013 Collection.

Men can definitely wear color with confidence this Summer by stocking up on this season’s essentials from Blue Harbour, North Coast, and Autograph. With an update on the traditional red, blue and white, Blue Harbour is the go-to brand for pieces that embody that sporty and classic British look. Nautical and tonal stripes, two-colored ginghams and checks are key designs aptly reflected in shirts, polos, and rugbys, while bold color choices of deep reds, graphic whites, and bright blues are brought out in a wide range of tapered chinos. These sporty and timeless casualwear staples are translated into this Holiday’s must-haves, which celebrate Spring & Summer. Swim shorts, lightweight jerseys and design tees boast bright color combinations of geranium, aqua, pink fizz, dark jade and hyacinth, and are highlighted with shades of gold, buttercup and peach. With the perfect pair of boat shoes and sunglasses, that effortlessly stylish summer look is complete.

For that casual and laidback feel, North Coast draws inspiration from classic America and embodies an easygoing California Beach lifestyle. Definitive of the vintage feel, garments from this sub-brand boast retro prints, lighter color palettes, and softer fabrics, The first of three collections takes you to Santa Monica, with clothing pieces predominantly colored by fatigued greens and enhanced with military detailing. Moving closer to the colors of the ocean, the next stop is Venice Beach, where faded brights, powder blues, and  washed aquas keep things cool in the summer heat. The day ends on Laguna Beach, as the warmth of the sunset takes over and hues of sun-kissed reds and light indigos complete the experience of a relaxing day out and about.

With its tailored designs and slim silhouettes, Autograph delivers the luxury and fresh sophistication that the modern man needs. Embrace the lush Tropics with casual tops in shades of emerald greens complemented by easy-to-wear khakis or opt to take it easy and welcome in the super cool neutral tones of Palm Springs, with a fashionable take on sun-faded colors, whites and greys. Looking sharp and smart will definitely not be a problem this summer in these outfits.

Women celebrate Spring in style from Marks & Spencer brands M&S Woman, Autograph, Classic, Per una, Indigo collection, and Limited collection. Bringing stylish clothes in great value, M&S Woman embodies the season in timeless hues of brown, white, and black with a pop of red, bright blue, and greens. This collection also features tropical and tribal prints for its swim pieces.

Embodying the understated, international style, chic and sophisticated Autograph collection builds on classic staples such as blouses and jeans, in colors inspired by top summer destinations such as Panama and Indochine.

Give in to comfort and style, without missing the elegance with fashion essentials from Classic. Coordinate your spring and summer wardrobe in stand-out prints and seasonal colors of blue, greens, gray, and black.

Inspired by the spirit of fashionably lively Italy, per una embodies feminine, vibrant, and passionate femmes who live for the romance and drama of the chic European country. Flattering dresses in floral, staple tops in white and fuschia, in contrast with dark romantics such as violets, gray, and black make up this season’s per una collection.

Perfect for those who leads a busy life, the Indigo collection encapsulates the pretty and well coordinated modern lady of today. Casual wear in wearable fabrics inspired by denim and ethnic inspired prints covers this collection, perfect for women who want to live the easy style on the go. Choose from maxi dresses, jeans in various cuts, and knit wears in fashionable spring colors.

Live life with the sexy, edgy, and confident Limited collection. This trendy collection has a wide range of dresses, cardigans, jeans, and accessories perfect whether you are up to dressing up or down. Turn heads in pieces featuring the shades of moss green, whites, blacks, and grays, with a pop of pink, orange, floral, and animal prints. 

Choose the color that best represents your style and pick from all the Marks & Spencer SS2013 collection made especially to bring out the best ‘hue’ this season.

Thanks so much Nuffnang Philippines and Marks & Spencer  for an exclusive invitation to experience a celebration of colour and style though a fashion show, showcasing the latest M&S Summer Collection. The event was held last April 27, 2013, at the Shangri-La Atrium.

More Photos Click here.

Polyeast Records re-releases Bamboo Manalac’s album NO WATER NO MOON with brand new single “Carousel”

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Bamboo, recently re-releases his debut album No Water No Moon with a brand new single “Carousel”, last April 24, 2013 at the media night held at Cerchio Grill and Lounge, Tomas Morato, QC. 

"Carousel", produced and written by Manalac, features a pulsating and anthemic drum beat along with haunting vocals that Manalac is known for. While the song was recorded by Manalac in Manila, final mastering was done in California by Brad Blackwood at Euphonic Masters as well as the other songs in the album. The song was launched on radio in April 22 and expected to release its music video soon 

Bamboo reminisces of his youth and past experiences with music.  He was with a band before, but he's now on a solo. It's been two years now and he has change. He was so shy, quite and has been a private person. 

Bamboo is doing collaboration with other writers and singers. He said that it's “the best part of this journey.” It is now being “happy” with the project, using orchestras and different instruments.

Teamed with some of the top musicians in the music industry like Ria Osorio, Kakoy Legaspi, Jun Jun Regalado, Bong Gonzales and Simon Tan— Manalac is now a regular performer at the ABS CBN’s Sunday concert show ASAP and gearing up as a mentor/judge for the upcoming premiere of THE VOICE in the Philippines to be aired on ABS CBN this coming June. Globe Telecoms also introduced Bamboo Mañalac as the ambassador of Tattoo@Home early this year.

“It (Carousel) speaks of inspiration and finding oneself by going back. As the refrain starts “remember before….rush hour…” and that once you do open that door it’s a hard thing to close.  And that “home” for me isn’t a place but it’s me finding meaning in what I do what drives me to dare, be confident and continuing to look for that spark… and that is home.” - Bamboo Manalac 

Bamboo Manalac’s debut album NO WATER NO MOON with a brand new single "Carousel"  will be out in stores in May 1, 2013.

Asked about Carousel’s lyrical wordplay with children singing the background chanting “I’m home…” he recalls “…’the nursery line’ which brings you back to a special time in your life. For the choruses, I also put into lyric of the images and the idea that we’re here to not think of the “perfect storybook ending” but to live and take the present…”

No Water No Moon marks Manalac's first solo album and was originally released in 2011 and crept to Gold record status in February 2013. Producing the chart-topping hits that made his comeback as one of the most anticipated albums of 2011, NO WATER NO MOON produced the singles “Questions” “Spin”, Ikot ng Mundo” and “In This Life.” The same album gave him another taste of victory at the 25^th Awit Awards for the Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist award for his song "Questions."

Marking his name as a band’s front man to a solo act is no easy feat. That did not stop Mañalac’s ambitious resolve to conjure up a new and eclectic set. 

Manalac will embark on a promo tour for the release of No Water No Moon Repackaged version via Polyeast Records. Promo dates will be announced soon.

For more information, you may log onto www.polyeastrecords.com or follow Bamboo updates on facebook.com/Polyeastrecords or twitter.com/PolyeastRecord

Official hash tags:

#BambooCarousel

#NWNMRepack

THE HUNGER GAMES hits Philippine Pay TV on Star Movies

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On April 28, 2013, Sunday at 9 PM, Star Movies will premiere one of 2012’s biggest box-office breakthroughs, “The Hunger Games,” on pay TV. This film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling book series of the same name was a critically acclaimed top-grosser, and audiences will be excited for the chance to enjoy the action-packed drama that entertained millions of moviegoers once again in the comfort of their homes.

"We were so excited to carry the title that we acquired the rights as early as when the project was at the script level. We believed in the film's appeal and were bent on being the first to deliver quality content to our viewers," said Rohit Tharani, programming head of Star Movies.

Although the film is an adventure story that centers on the life of a young girl named Katniss Everdeen, its underlying themes resonate with issues that young Filipinos are facing today. In the fictional world of Panem, which is controlled by a wealthy authoritarian sector called The Capitol, severe poverty and oppression exists along with a widening gap between the rich and the poor. In such a society, residents from the 12 poorer districts do what they can to survive, and suffer quietly as each year a ritual called The Reaping is imposed upon them by The Capitol. Every year, two young “tributes”, a male and female between the ages of 12 and 18, are selected from each District to participate in The Hunger Games, where they fight each other to the death until a sole survivor emerges.

However, in this sea of hopelessness and ruthless self-preservation, goodness prevails in the form of Katniss, who volunteers herself as tribute in place of her younger sister Primrose. These qualities of upholding the importance of family and self-determination in the face of a challenging social and political environment are also bright spots in the Filipino psyche, which faces similar issues today that need to be analyzed more closely as the local elections draw near.

Katniss’ strength as the lead character of “The Hunger Games” was one of the reasons why it drew hordes of adoring audiences when it was shown in the Philippines in March 2012. Viewers identified easily with her character’s love for family and strong will to survive, which were excellently portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence, who later won an Academy Award for her role in the movie “Silver Linings Playbook”. Her maturity lent well to the character of Katniss in “The Hunger Games,” and it was what convinced author Suzanne Collins to cast her in such an important role.

Lawrence was supported by a cast of promising young actors, with Liam Hemsworth playing Katniss’ best friend Gale Hawthorne, Amandla Stenberg as Rue, and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss’ partner from District 12 Peeta Wellark. Hollywood heavyweights also gave the film amazing performances, with Woody Harrelson as her trainer Haymitch Abernathy, Stanley Tucci as host Caesar Flickerman, and Donald Sutherland as President Coriolanus Snow.

Widely considered by fans all over the world to be a first-rate adaptation of the first book of a well-loved series, “The Hunger Games” is another highlight in a long list of outstanding films featured on Star Movies that have made it the number one English movie channel. 

Catch “The Hunger Games” on April 28, Sunday at 9 PM exclusively on Star Movies!

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 - Gold Winners Presented

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Enjoying the wonderful world as we meet and greet the Queens of Binibining Pilipinas Gold! 

The lovely queens of Binibining Pilipinas Gold answers questions from the media during the post coronation press conference held at Gateway Cineplex 4 last April 23. 

Signing of the 2013 Souvenir program

The Beauty Queens signs their photos featured in the exhibit at the Gateway Mall. Their photos along with the other 45 binibinis' glamshots are featured in Metro Magazine's special edition for Bb. Pilipinas Gold.

Binibining Pilipinas crowned its 50th batch of beauty queens Sunday night April 14 in a star-studded golden anniversary celebration held at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Binibining Pilipinas Gold presented its newly proclaimed winners at the Gateway Cineplex more than a week after a magnificent coronation night staged at the Smart Araneta Coliseum which was made even more meaningful with the special appearance of almost 70 former Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens.

The winners have been busy in several television guest appearances and are about to indulge in a rigorous training program that will include personality development, beauty sessions, and the like to be conducted by seasoned beauty and television experts. Being the newest celebrities of the country, the new queens’ schedules are also replete with sponsors visits and tourism activities that usually abound during the summer. 

On May 18, the Golden Batch as they are called will be the main stars in the traditional Araneta Center Grand Santacruzan that will traverse the roads of the shopping complex. Other past contestants and queens are expected to grace this glittering event. The ladies will be wearing gowns done by leading Filipino and international designers.

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 is presented by the Araneta Center, ABS-CBN, CreamSilk with major sponsors San Miguel Brewery, Petron Corporation, San Miguel Power, Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Food. Other sponsors are Casino Filipino, PAGCOR, Avon, Lactacyd, Philippine Airlines, Jag Jeans, and Manhattan Garden City. Service sponsors are EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Manila Bulletin, Pizza Hut, David’s Salon, Gold’s Gym, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Joylong Van, Picture City, Dale Carnegie Training Center, Entrepreneur School of Asia, Charter, Ping An Insurance Corporation, Raymond Saldana Photography and Rightspot Electronic Media. 

Here is the complete roster of the Binibining Pilipinas Gold winners: 

Ariella Arida - Miss Universe Philippines 2013
(by Bruce Casanova)

Ariella Arida, 24 

Miss Universe Philippines 2013, Best in Swimsuit 

Alaminos, Laguna native Ariella graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines – Los Baños. She is a keen sportswoman, having tried swimming, volleyball, and now running. She recently ran a 21K. She also did ramp modeling after graduating from college.

Her beauty queen idol is Venus Raj. She likes watching Venus’s pageant videos because she wants to emulate the way she moves and speaks.

Apart from bagging the Miss Universe Philippines title, Ariella also won the Best in Swimsuit award. Ariella will be one of the candidates in the 62nd edition of the Miss Universe pageant this year. Miss Universe is one of the biggest and most prestigious beauty pageants held annually. 

Bea Rose Santiago - Bb. Pilipinas International 2013 (by Bruce Casanova)

Bea Rose Santiago, 23 

Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013, Miss Avon

A Communications student majoring in Public Relations at the York University in Toronto, Canada, Bea was born in the Philippines, but she and her family moved to Toronto when she was 14.

Bea moved back to the Philippines to try her luck in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant. She now lives on her own here in the Philippines. She is a Gawad Kalinga Ambassador who plays the banduria and would like to promote her province, Masbate, through joining the pageant.

Apart from winning the Binibining Pilipinas-International title, Bea also won the Miss Avon special award. Bea will be representing the country in this year’s edition of the Miss International pageant. The Miss International pageant aims to promote world peace, goodwill, and understanding. 

Joanna Cindy Miranda - Bb. Pilipinas Tourism 2013 (by Bruce Casanova)

Joanna Cindy Miranda, 20 

Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism 2013,Miss CreamSilk, Miss Petron

Cindy used to be a noontime show co-host. She decided to resign from the show because she really wanted to join Binibining Pilipinas. She used to be very shy in person even when she was already working as a TV host.

Despite her achievements, Cindy wants to maintain her simplicity.

Cindy also won the Miss CreamSilk Beyond Beautiful and Miss Petron special awards. She will be the Philippines’ representative in the Miss Tourism Queen International pageant, an annual international beauty pageant held in China.

Mutya Johanna Datul - Miss Supranational Philippines 2013 
(by Bruce Casanova)

Mutya Johanna Datul, 21 

Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational 2013, Miss Photogenic, Best in Long Gown 

Mutya describes herself as a “simpleng probinsyana na may matayog na pangarap.” As a young girl in Isabela, she helps catch salagubang in the fields, which they make into a delicacy. She says Binibining Pilipinas is her “ultimate dream.” She has watched the pageant since she was a little girl, and has since wanted to be one of the queens.

In her spare time, Mutya likes to listen to music and sing. Her beauty queen idol is Venus Raj, because “nakikita ko ang buhay ko sa kanya, na nabuhay sa hirap, pero nagsikap. Sa kanya ko nakita na hindi imposible na makamit mo yung pangarap mo.”

Mutya turned 21 a few days after winning one of the crowns. Apart from winning the new Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational title, Mutya also bagged the Best in Long Gown and Miss Photogenic awards. Mutya hopes to do well in this year’s Miss Supranational pageant slated on September 6 at Belarus. The Miss Supranational pageant is a fairly new international pageant established in Poland in 2009. 

Pia Wurtzbach - 1st Runner-Up 
(by Bruce Casanova)

Pia Wurtzbach, 23 

Binibining Pilipinas 1st Runner Up, Miss San Mig Zero Fit and Sexy Body

Half-German Pia is from Cagayan de Oro. A former ABS-CBN talent under the screen name Pia Romero, Pia believes being a beauty queen is different from being an actress. She believes being a beauty queen requires one to be herself and presentable at the same time.

One thing that most people don’t know about her is that she’s approachable and can get along with anybody.

Apart from landing the first runner up honors, Pia also won the Miss San Mig Zero Fit and Sexy Body award. 

Sponsors/Special Awards 

Miss Philippine Airlines - Nicole Kim Donesa 
(by Bruce Casanova)

NICOLE DONESA. Miss Philippine Airlines 

A talented singer who used to perform in various Fil-Am events in the United States, eighteen year old Nicole will certainly be busy promoting a good image for the country and its official carrier as Miss Philippine Airlines.

Best in Talent - Anna Carmela Aquino 
(by Bruce Casanova)

ANNA CARMELA AQUINO. Miss Talent 

This twenty-two year old educator from Taytay wowed the audience during the Talent Competition held at the Gateway Suites with her world class dancing skills, a gift that has brought her to performances abroad. 

Lourenz Grace Remetillo - Miss Friendship 
(by Bruce Casanova)

LOURENZ GRACE REMETILLO. Miss Friendship 

Despite the pressures and rigors of the competition, this twenty-five year old Iligan City lass has managed to maintain cordial relations with the rest of the candidates, proving that the journey is just as important as the crown. 

Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice - Ellore Noelle Punzalan 
(by Bruce Casanova)

ELLORE NOELLE PUNZALAN. Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice 

A veritable jill of all trades, Ellore Noelle was named as Manila Bulletin’s Readers Choice for this year. As a person who dabbles in musical theater, painting, taekwondo, basketball and volleyball, she will certainly be very interesting for the readers of Manila Bulletin. 

Best in National Costume - Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay 
(by Bruce Casanova)

MA. TERESITA ALAINE BACCAY. Best in National Costume 

The grace by which she carried her Filipiniana costume simply took the judges’ breath away. Even as a child, she used to fashion “gowns” out of her curtains and practice her walk, a practice that certainly augured well for her to bag the Best in National Costume award. 

Bb. Pilipinas-PAGCOR - Imelda Schweighart (by Bruce Casanova)

IMELDA SCHWEIGHART. Miss Pagcor 

Imelda Schweighart from Puerto Princesa will certainly be a good ambassador for PAGCOR’s charitable projects, especially that which espouses more schoolrooms for the country’s poor children.

Congratulations to all the winners! 

Visit the Bb. Pilipinas Gold exhibit at Gateway Mall. It runs until May 4. 

The Bb. Pilipinas Gold souvenir program is available in these National Bookstore branches : 

Main Branch (Araneta Center), Glorietta, Rockwell, Greenbelt, Global, Megamall, Shangri-la, North Edsa and Trinoma. It will soon be available nationwide.