“GAME ON! The Chevrolet Sonic Celebrity Challenge!” @ Studio 23

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“For any kind of adventure that comes your way… It’s always GAME ON!” 

“GAME ON!The Chevrolet Sonic Celebrity Challenge!” 

@Studio 23 airs on April 6 and 13

CHEVROLET PHILIPPINES launched the CHEVY SONIC GAME ON campaign. The campaign is geared towards high spirited individuals who strive to achieve success and does not settle for anything average. They find excitement in being the dependable go-to-guy of the team. The Chevrolet Sonic man or woman is a natural born winner and achiever. Their weapon of choice is the sporty Chevrolet Sonic. The Sonic’s aggressive stance gives him or her distinct character, an upscale brand prestige and an exceptional driving experience. 

The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI), exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet vehicles, parts and accessories in the Philippines brings in a sub-compact sedan that exudes the characteristics of individuality, youthfulness and fun - the all-new Chevrolet Sonic. The Sonic comes in two great looking body styles: a 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan. The sedan has a sophisticated and upscale appearance while the hatchback projects a more aggressive and sporty look. Both variants are available in 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic with manual mode option transmissions. Apart from its impressive styling, the Chevrolet Sonic is a dependable 5-seater sub-compact vehicle and it delivers sufficient power, fuel-efficiency, refined ride and handling and a remarkable entertainment system. The Sonic is the perfect Chevrolet vehicle for those who are looking to make their daily city commute or weekend getaway drives more fun and exciting. 

The Chevrolet Sonic is an outstanding car that is ready to take on life’s challenges, achieve commendable success and rise above the rest. 

What better way to communicate the GAME ON campaign, than to tie-up with the country’s premiere “kabarkada” channel, Studio 23! 

This April, buckle up and hold on to your seats as Studio 23 and Chevrolet Philippines brings you, “GAME ON!: The Chevrolet Sonic Celebrity Challenge!” 

Hosted by Boom Gonzales, this one of a kind celebrity challenge pits two teams against one another, in a quest to be hailed the best! 

For Team Sonic Blue we have real-life friends: PBB cutie Paul Jake Castillo, one of Star Magic’s most talented young actresses today, Melissa Ricks and TV Patrol’s vibrant showbiz anchor, Gretchen Fullido. 

Team Sonic White consists of Fear Factor Hunk Manuel Chua, The Blue Eagles Volleyball Siren, Gretchen Ho and ABS-CBN’s seasoned host Andrei Felix! 

Using the all-new Chevrolet SONIC, these two teams will undergo some of the most grueling physical and mental challenges –the highlight of which is an intense TAGAYTAY FOOD TASTING CHALLENGE! 

Plus exciting behind the scenes that include tension, drama, action and possibly romance? 

In the end, only one team will be crowned as the most “GAME-ON!” 

Which team will that be? 

“GAME ON!: The Chevrolet Sonic Celebrity Challenge!” Press Conference held March 18, 2013 at Annabel's Restaurant , Quezon City 

Find out when the GAME ON: The Chevrolet Sonic Celebrity Challenge airs on April 6 and 13, 2013 at 6:00 pm only on Studio 23! IbaKabarkada!

It Takes A Man and A Woman, Part 3 of John Lloyd and Sarah's Love Story

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John Lloyd and Sarah will reprise their roles as Miggy and Laida in the third installment of their hit romantic-comedy movie series -  "It Takes a Man and a Woman" directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina.

The tandem of John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo will once again make us smile, love and thrill the fans as the two reunite for romance comedy love movie It Takes a Man and a Woman  featuring the love story of Miguel "Miggy" Montenegro and Adelaida "Laida" Magtalas as portrayed by John Lloyd and Sarah, respectively. Let us find out as we will witness the continuation of their love story and how and why did they break-up! Will they be together again and live happily ever after?

Under the direction of Cathy Garcia-Molina, who also directed the first two films of the franchise    [A Very Special Love (2008) You Changed My Life (2009)] , "It Takes A Man And A Woman" shares the lives of Laida Magtalas (Sarah) and Miggy Montenegro (John Lloyd) four years after their break-up. 

 It Takes a Man and a Woman Press Conference held at Dolphy Theater , ABS-CBN Compound, March 17, 2013

From 'a very special love' that both 'changed their lives,' Laida and Miggy will start to deal with their new selves in the same old company where their feelings started to blossom. The ex-sweethearts were transformed by the deeper emotional journeys that they both went through-from the simple and obedient executive assistant, the film reveals the braver, fiercer and career-oriented Laida; while the naughty bachelor Miggy will be seen now on a new phase in his life. 

According to actor-director Rowell Santiago, who played as Miggy's elder brother, Art Montenegro in "A Very Special Love" and "You Changed My Life," it is not only the public who are excited in the nearing launch of "It Takes A Man And A Woman" but all the cast members of the film themselves.

"Hindi namin talaga inasahan na manganganak at manganganak 'yung kwento. At ngayon, after four years since ipinalabas 'yung part 2, siguradong mas nananabik ang lahat sa kung anong pupuntahan ng buhay pag-ibig nina Laida at Miggy. Kaya kahit kami, nae-excite na. Magandang regalo itong part 3 sa lahat ng mga sumubaybay sa kanila," said Rowell. 

Rowell admitted that he is still in awe with the huge following of Laida and Miggy's love story. "Ang nakakatuwa, hindi naman loveteam sila Sarah at John Lloyd at hindi rin naman sila real sweethearts, pero kinapitan sila ng tao dahil nagustuhan at nakarelate sila sa characters nina Laida at Miggy at kung saan patutungo ang love story nila Hindi na nila nakita sina John Lloyd at Sarah," explained Rowell.

Now that Laida and Miggy are reunited, will old feelings be rekindled? What was the real reason behind the break-up of a relationship that everybody thought was meant for happy ever after? 

"It Takes A Man And A Woman" is the third installment of the hit film series co-produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films that is considered as the most successful Filipino franchise of its time. 

Aside from Sarah, John Lloyd and Rowell, also part of "It Takes A Man And A Woman" are Joross Gamboa, Gio Alvarez, Matet De Leon, Al Tantay, Irma Adlawan, Guji Lorenzana, Miles Ocampo.Johnny Revilla and Dante Rivero. The film also introduces model-host Isabelle Daza, who will plays the character of Belle, the socialite girlfriend of Miggy. 

Isabelle Diaz Daza

This her first movie, Isabelle Diaz Daza is the actress, print, ramp, and commercial model and daughter of the actress and beauty queen Ms. Gloria Diaz.

Here's the trailer.

Don't miss the return of the most successful romantic-comedy movie series "It Takes A Man And A Woman". "Produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films, It Takes A Man And A Woman is under the direction of box-office director Cathy Garcia-Molina.

The movie will be hitting Philippine theaters nationwide on March 30, 2013.

For more information and latest updates about "It Takes A Man And A Woman" visit www.StarCinema.com.ph, http://facebook.com/StarCinema and http://twitter.com/StarCinema. 

Well it just takes a star to get up so high
One touch of blue to paint up the sky
And it only takes a master of art
To paint a mother and child

Well it just takes the dawn to wake up the sun
One lullaby they do picked on
But these wondrous things
Aint got what it takes to make two hearts beat as one

It takes a man and a woman and one magic moment
To know their in heaven
It takes a man and a woman to feel what we’re feelin’
And aint it a miracle that you’d take a woman like me
To love a man like you

Well it just takes a rainbow river to flow
Just take something up to catch you a rainbow
And if you got some time and a ladder to climb
You’ll find the rainbows end

Well it just takes some notes to write a song
La, la, la, la, to sing along
But since Adam and Eve when feelings get strong
To do what comes naturally

It takes a man and a woman and one magic moment
To know their in heaven
It takes a man and a woman to feel what we’re feelin’
And aint it a miracle that you’d take a woman like me
To love a man like you

It takes a man and a woman and one magic moment
To know their in heaven
It takes a man and a woman to feel what we’re feelin’
And aint it a miracle that you’d take a woman like me
To love a man like you

“BAYAN MO, iPATROL MO” - From Election Reportage to Moving for Change

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“Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo” (BMPM), the largest in the country and ABS-CBN’s citizen journalism arm, continues to organize voters’ empowerment and citizen journalism workshops that teach citizens skills for mobilizing campaigns and encourage them to vote based on important national issues.

BMPM has come a long way from being the election-focused campaign “Boto Mo iPatrol Mo” established in 2007 that primarily called on citizens to patrol their votes by using technology and social media.

BMPM, which has almost half a million Bayan Patrollers, reflects the growing influence of citizen journalism as a year-round vehicle for change and citizens’ strengthened capacity to expand the use of social media – from mere reportage to organizing platforms for causes and advocacies.

In Iligan City, Bayan Patrollers launched collaborative projects to bring attention to the plight of Typhoon Sendong evacuees and the nagging problems of illegal logging in the region.

Batangas province students from different communities are networking on social media to map out their most serious infrastructure problems and the effect these have on their lives.

In Surigao, citizen journalists attended workshops to learn how to broadcast the consequences of environmental abuse in their communities.

And in Ubay, Bohol youth launched a campaign to force local government officials to fulfill a promise to complete a high school that lacked walls, windows and even a basic bathroom for students.

“It is impressive to see youth aware of the need to use social media and digital technology for those without access to it,” said Ging Reyes, head of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. She pointed out that in key cities, the youth have pledged to serve their communities by helping voters find out their precincts’ locations even before election day. This, she pointed out, would help minimize election day chaos that frays tempers of both voters and poll watchers.

In the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, advocates of Fully-Abled Nation and BMPM volunteers used lessons in community engagement to launch a community help service to help transport differently abled voters to polling places.

Youth are also using social media to spread the need for independent votes. Students of the University of St. La Salle (USLS) Bacolod City started the ball rolling with a video pledge: “My vote is my birthright, it is not for sale.”

This has since been translated by Bayan Patrollers in Baguio, Naga City, Cebu City, Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, Surigao City, Cotabato City, Cagayan de Oro City and other communities into their local languages. In election violence-plagued Masbate, even high school students are involved in turning around a perennial problem with the production of a video message appealing to their parents to safeguard the integrity of their votes.

BMPM head Inday Varona explained the significance of BMPM’s evolution to citizens who see it not only as a platform for exposing election-related problems but as a tool to hold people in power accountable. 

“We have cleaner, safer elections when we maintain vigilance in between elections. That includes community concerns and social services. Our Bayan Patrollers don’t just report but have built a community where they interact about issues that are relevant to them,” she said.

She reported that of the 24 exclusive Bayan Patroller reports aired on ABS-CBN’s newscasts, 13 led to the completion of long-delayed projects, sanctions imposed on erring government officials, and the rescue of endangered animals and people in vulnerable and dangerous situations.

As the May election approaches, more workshops will be conducted in schools and universities in Lanao del Norte, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Bulacan, Bukidnon, and Metro Manila.

Kung may nagaganap sa Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo,  send reports and photos to ireport@abs-cbn.com, tweet them to @bayanmo, or upload them to bmpm.abs-cbnnews.com and www.facebook.com/bayanmoipatrolmo.akoangsimula.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila Supports Earth Hour 2013

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Earth Hour 2013 aims to be the largest environmental mass-participation event in Philippine history. Organizers hope to inspire 15 Million Filipinos in 1000 cities and towns to join the global switchoff.

The movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations. It aims to be the largest environmental mass-participation event in Philippine history. Organizers hope to inspire 15 Million Filipinos in 1000 cities and towns to join the global switchoff.

As part of the brand’s signature corporate social responsibility campaign, Thrive, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila proudly participates in Earth Hour’s annual global campaign by turning the lights off for an hour on 23 March from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

In support of Earth Hour 2013 plight to go beyond one hour of “lights off”, Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila the hotel is turning off exterior lights and minimising non-essential lighting in all public areas and offices, as well as stopping the escalator for an hour. To add a touch of charm to this event, a romantic candlelit dinner experience awaits diners in all the outlets, especially at The Fireplace where premium steak and wine is the main draw. Guests can also enjoy Room Service in an evening picnic setting with the family in their own room, as well as being pampered at the candlelit Spa at Club Oasis.

Aside from these activities, all in-house guests are urged to participate by reducing their power usage during this hour.

A limited-edition offer at the Pastry Boutique throughout March allows guests to go the extra mile in saving the earth by purchasing a pair of panda cupcakes for only P400 net, with a P60 donation to the World Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour for every pair sold.

Inspired by the World Wildlife Fund mascot, they are made of a chocolate cupcake base with coconut cake and Oreo biscuits, offering a triple treat of luscious goodness.

Dimming the lights on 23 March is not only an exciting tradition at Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila, it’s also an opportunity to experience the hotel and restaurants in a different light.

For inquiries and reservations, please call the hotel’s food and beverage reservations centre on +63 2 247 8666. Alternatively, e-mail cath.mn@hyatt.com or make restaurant reservations online by visiting manila.casino.hyatt.com.

You can also visit Hyatt Hotel and Casino Manila Facebook.

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a worldwide event organised since 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and held annually towards the end of March, encouraging households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change.

Wonderful World of Kuse ! A Traditional Filipino Cuisine

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I have been invited to see and experience the KUSE. I enjoyed the wonderful world of traditional Filipino cuisine. I had the chance to dine in Kuse's first branch at Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Taguig.

I thought what means Kuse? Is that the name of the chef or the owner? Surprisingly, Kusě, among the Tagalogs, refers to the local chef. The word is perhaps derived from the more common term, kusinero. During special occasions in the community, people always ask, “sino ang magku-kusé?” They are always curious who will head the kitchen, who will manage the feast. Being a Kuse is considered a distinction. The Kuse’s reputation lends prestige to the affair, gives pride to the host, and makes everything more exceptional for the guests. 

The menu of Kuse showcases traditional Filipino cuisine -- dishes that are familiar and are regularly sought by the Pinoy palate. It’s the perfect go-to place for local cravings and for entertaining balikbayan guests.

The Chef’s Quarter Group of Restaurants opened the first branch of Kuse in November 2009 at Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill. The second outlet opened its doors last March 2012 at Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo which was shortly followed by another at Eton Centris Walk in Quezon City.

Here in Venice Piazza branch, the ambiance is super cool. I love here, feeling that I am in a fresh air cool place around the bamboo trees even the outside is the super heat summer.

The parade of specialties from various provinces include best-sellers such as Pork Sisig Kapampangan, Pancit Lechon de Lucban, Vigan Bagnet, Mini Ukoy with Visayan Sauce, and Batangas Bulalo Soup.

Dining at Kuse is like being in a typical Filipino salu-salo so serving portions are all big enough to share. Other items topping the favorites list of regular visitors are Paco Salad ng Laguna with Kesong Puti and Itlog na Maalat, Sinigang na Bangus sa Bayabas, BBQ Beef Back Ribs Adobado, Kuse Lechong Baka.

I love all the dishes we had but my favorite among the specialties, is - Adobong Kuhol sa Gata! A new and unique menu from Kuse. After trying what they served us, our group asked for more Adobong Kuhol ! 

And as the desserts, Banana Langka in Filo with Caramel Sauce, and the innovative Sapin-Sapin Creme Brulee.

Behind the recipes is Chefs’ Quarter Group executive chef, Mauro Arjona Jr. whose father was a Kuse. “He was actually a farmer in our province Liliw, Laguna but every time there’s an occasion such as weddings and fiesta, he would always be called to cook. And he would work for the love of it, even without pay,” chef Mau recalls. 

The Chefs’ Quarter Group of Restaurants includes Chefs’ Quarter Restaurant, Beurre Blanc Restaurant and Wine Bar, Old Vine Grille, Uncle Cheffy Brick Oven Global Cuisine, and just recently, Larry & Mau Diner.

Kuse at Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill (836-4969) Operating Hours: 10am – 11pm, Monday to Sunday with seating capacity of 50 persons.

Kuse at Lucky Chinatown Mall, Binondo, Manila (708-9576) , Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday. Seating capacity: 70 persons.

Kuse at Eton Centris Walk, Quezon City (709-9817) Operating Hours: 11am to 11pm, Monday to Sunday. Seating capacity: 90 persons.

And watch out soon to open in Festival Mall, Alabang!

Kuse also offers catering services. Visit and enjoy Kuse. It’s the perfect go-to place for your cravings!