Google opens office in the Philippines

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Google Inc. officially announced its deepening investment in the Philippines by opening a new office in Manila. The Philippines has a vibrant and growing online community with over 33 million Internet users, a number that is likely to double in the next 3 years.

Philippines will be the 5th representative office in the Southeast Asian Region, alongside with Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and their Asia-Pacific headquarters in Singapore. With Google’s local presence now here in the Philippines,  new office is in line with Google’s ongoing efforts to provide and improve its services for its Filipino users, to help Filipino businesses grow both locally and globally and to tap into local talent.

During the press briefing yesterday Julian Persaud, Managing Director of Google in Southeast Asia said the Philippines is a key country in Southeast Asia in terms of its digital economy and tech-savvy population. 

"This new office will allow us better engage with our local users, partners and advertisers. Over 33 million Filipinos access the Internet regularly to study, shop, search for ideas, opportunities, create news businesses, and connect to each other. And Internet use in the Philippines is set to grow exponentially. Research indicates that the number of Filipinos online will have nearly doubled by 2016!” 

Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III

“We are delighted that Google has decided to set up an office in Manila,” said Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III. “Their presence is a testament to their commitment to the Philippines. We hope that Google's entry will encourage more local businesses to go online and tap into international markets. We are looking forward to collaborating with Google more in the future.”

Narciso Reyes has been appointed Country Manager for the Philippines, bringing to his new role over 16 years of digital marketing and finance experience in Asia and the US.

Narciso Reyes, Country Manager for the Philippines

“We’re excited to be deepening our investment in the Philippines with the opening of our office here in Manila. Our local team will be committed to providing better services to our Filipino users and to helping businesses -- large and small -- grow locally and globally, contributing to the growth of the Philippine economy. We envision Google as part of everyday Filipino lives and as a partner in the development of local communities, culture and business,” said Narciso Reyes.

Google is currently hiring for its Manila office. Job openings can be viewed on its website, www.google.com.ph/jobs, in the coming days.

Filipinos can expect Google to provide more impact and significant role in the lives of Filipinos.

"Apoy sa Dagat", a most passionate primetime series on fire beginning Feb 4

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Apoy sa Dagat (fire in the sea) a passion and full emotional, someone who is not afraid to fight for what she knows what is right. This how the consuming fire of love can remain burning amid waves of denial, deceit, and despair.

ABS-CBN’s most passionate primetime drama series “Apoy Sa Dagat” will set TV screens on fire as it unravels a compelling story of burning love among four powerful characters namely Serena (Angelica Panganiban), Ruben (Piolo Pascual), Anton (Diether Ocampo), and Rebecca (Angelica Panganiban).

Angelica revealed that she is set to portray two characters that will play a vital role in resolving the conflict.

A riveting tale of a woman named Serena who grew up with no memory about her real identity and why she was swept off an island. With no families to hold on to, Serena finds and forms a special bond with Ruben, the fishing village’s roguish champion, whom she will eventually fall in love with.

Just when everything seems perfect, an unfortunate accident will suddenly test Serena’s love for Ruben. How far will Serena go just to save the life of the only man she loves? What is Anton’s relevance in Serena’s life? And the biggest question is—who is Rebecca and how will she affect the lives of Ruben, Anton and Serena?

Diether Ocampo will star in the water-themed soap "Apoy sa Dagat." after almost a year since his last lead role in the series "Guns and Roses.”

Angel Aquino and Liza Lorena

Aside from Angelica, Diether, and Piolo, also part of the cast are Angel Aquino, Aiko Melendez, Sylvia Sanchez, Perla Bautista, Liza Lorena, Freddie Webb, Melai Cantiveros, Eric Fructuoso, Regine Angeles, Bryan Santos, and Mikaila Ramirez; with the special participation of Nikki Gil, Empress, and Patrick Garcia.

“Apoy sa Dagat” is directed by FM Reyes and Nick Olanka.

Don’t fail to witness the ABS-CBN’s newest drama series that will introduce a lovely face with two personalities, “Apoy Sa Dagat,” starting February 4 (Monday), weeknights on Primetime Bida.

For more updates, log in to www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.

MAXIE The Musical. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" Auditions set on March 9 and 10

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“ MAXIE The Musical. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros”  auditions are set on March 9 (Saturday) and 10 (Sunday), 2013 at Studio A of the Peta Theater Center, No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City.

Registration starts at 12 noon. Auditions begin at 1 p.m. and will end 8 p.m.

Bit by Bit Company proudly the audition details of its forthcoming production “MAXIE The Musical. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros. ”

Auditionees are advised that they are expected to sing, dance and act with equal facility.

The roles are as follows:

MAXIE - Must look 13 -15 years of age. Must be androgenous; able to pass off as both male and female. Has a strong soprano voice. Must be able to dance. If auditioning for this role please prepare a pop song that will showcase your vocal range.

VICTOR - Police officer, object of Maxie’s puppy love, affection.

Must look like in his mid to late 20s. Should be willing to appear on stage in underwear. Strong baritone or tenor voice. Must be able to sing both ballad and rock songs.

BOGS - Early 20s. Maxie’s brother. Preferably able to play the guitar. If auditioning for this role, please prepare a slow OPM song and showcase guitar ability.

           BOY   - Late 20s. Maxie’s brother. Eldest of the siblings. Strong baritone voice.

           ART    - Mid to late 20s. Victor’s police partner. Willing to play multiple roles.

          PETER - 15-17years of age. A closet bully. Must have comic timing.

                           Background in dance is preferable.

           PACO -  40’s. Petty crime lord. Maxie’s father.  Must have a strong Tenor voice.

         Ensemble players : 15 years old and above with strong singing voices (all vocal ranges) and acting capacities. Be ready to sing 1 song from a PINOY ALTERNATIVE BAND and 1 song from a BROADWAY MUSICAL. Be ready with a dance piece, Either HIPHOP, CONTEMPORARY or JAZZ. Be ready to learn a dance combination.

“MAXIE The Musical. Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros ” --- Book and Lyrics by Palanca Hall of Fame Awardee Nicolas Pichay. Music by William Elvin Manzano, Arkel Suaco Mendoza and Jj Valiente Pimpinio. Direction and Choreography by Dexter Martinez Santos.  Presented through special arrangement with Origin8 Media. Based on Michiko Yamamoto's screenplay "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros" (ufo Pictures, 2005)

“Maxie The Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” is set to open on Nov. 15, 2013 and will run until Nov. 24, 2013 at the Peta Theater Center in New Manila, Quezon City.

For more information, visit the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MaxieTheMusical.

Jensen Gomez bares heart in "Umpisa"

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Mangangarap na lamang ba na mahagkan ka

O may pag-asa pa na bumalik tayo sa umpisa?

These lines are lifted from young singer-songwriter Jensen Gomez’s debut single Umpisa. The poignant song talks about a man’s longing to have a restart with his lady love. The single will be part of his soon-to-be-released album, also entitled Umpisa under Universal Records.

The song Umpisa opened many doors for Jensen, because it is through this song that Universal Records and management group Orion Entertainment discovered him.

 “Umpisa is one special song for me because it is the first Filipino song I have written,” shares Jensen. “Luckily, the reception to the song has been overwhelming. I am excited to make people hear new versions of the song including a duet cut of the song.”

Jensen started his music career five years ago, playing for gigs around town, slowly making a name for himself and building his audience.

“Playing music is my vehicle to express my personal mishaps, experiences, stupidity,” says the young singer-songwriter. “I hope my music will make you feel that you are the only one who is experiencing stuff- heartbreaks, and heartaches. There is, after all, safety in numbers.”

Umpisa was also picked to be the theme song of the movie MNL 143.

Umpisa is also the title of the soon-to-be-released full-length album of Jensen, which will be launched this February 1, 8 p.m., Saguijo, Makati City. The launch will also feature performances from She’s Only Sixteen, Mayonnaise, Carlos Castano, young singer-actress Tippy Dos Santos (who performed a duet of Umpisa with Jensen in the album) and former Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez.

Download Umpisa here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/umpisa-single/id594093180

http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph/music/jensen-gomez/509035/Umpisa.html

Jensen Gomez: Young singer-songwriter on the rise

Young singer-songwriter Jensen Gomez, at his young age, has already amassed a solid following by continuously gigging over the past years. He is, in fact, one of the most identifiable personalities in the De La Salle- College of St. Benilde, where he is currently taking up Music Production.

“I am glad that people enjoy the music I do,” says Jensen. “I am humbled whenever I see them singing my songs. I am thankful that I get to do what I love to do the most – writing and performing my music.”

His songs and performances gained critical acclaims that he was invited to various music festivals, here and abroad. He has been featured in Fete dela Musique in Cebu, Original Music Society event in the National University of Singapore, and Pengasih event in Malaysia. 

Jensen also performed for IamTV in Malaysia.

Followww.facebook.com/jensengomezofficialw Jensen Gomez:

Website: www.jensengomez.com

Twitter and Instagram: @IAmJensenGomez

Facebook:

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/jensengomez

The High Point of High Fashion ! The Great Northern Sale on Feb. 1-3 !

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SM City North EDSA's "Great Northern Sale" is back again!

Ascend to the high point of high fashion for a shopping experience you will never forget. 

The biggest sale up North!

We're excited for the Great Northern Sale  with 70% off on selected brands. 

Enjoy the wonderful world of SM City North. 

Go and indulge at the GREAT NORTHERN SALE this February 1 to 3! 

For more exciting updates visit http://www.facebook.com/smnedsa