Enjoying Wonderful World

August 7, 2013

Lampara Story-telling Competition , Join Kwentong Bata, Kwentistang Bata 2!

The children storytellers are back! Kwentong Bata, Kwentistang Bata , the Lampara Story-telling Competition, is now in its second year.

Following on the success of last year’s competition, Lampara Publishing, one of the Philippines leading children’s books publishers and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) , invite elementary school students to join this year.

There will be two categories: Category A – Grades 1-4 and Category B – Grades 5-7. Finals will be held at the Manila International Book Fair on September 15, 2013 at the SM Mall of Asia SMX

Teachers and parents tell stories to impart lessons and traditions to children. Now, children not only listen, but also tell their own stories. Last year’s almost 200 participants prove that storytelling is alive and kicking among our youth, even in this age of cyberspace.

Contestants, parents and coaches can look forward to great bonding experiences as they not only compete for great prizes, but also join in creative workshops. Through the workshops, they can gain confidence and skills in performing and expressing themselves.

Big prizes await the top 3 winners this year. Registration forms are available at the PETA Theater Center in Quezon City and in all Precious Pages outlets.

Deadline for registration is on August 17. Register now for a fun experience of bonding, creating and performing exciting and value-laden children’s stories!

For more information, contact Patricia Liwanag or Tin Palattao at Kuwentong Bata, Kuwentistang Bata Secretariat: (02) 7256244, (02) 4100821-22, 09179002665 (Patricia Liwanag) or 09175704733 (Tin Palattao). Or email petastorytelling2013@yahoo.com

JAMES HARDIE: THE SCIENCE BEHIND HARDIEFLEX ADVANCED BUILDING COMPOSITES

HardieFlex advanced building composite is made at its world-class facility in Cabuyao, Laguna,
proving James Hardie commitment to its guarantee to homeowners.

James Hardie has a long history of providing innovative building products to customers in Australia, the USA, the Philippines and other international markets. Today, HardieFlex advanced building composite remains one of the most trusted and reliable building materials. The high regard for James Hardie’s products stem from the following characteristics:

High durability and strength. HardieFlex advanced building composite is designed not to crack even under the harshest weather and environmental conditions. It is resistant to damage due to wind, rain, moisture, and humidity. Furthermore, HardieFlex advanced building composite is combustible: it will not ignite or catch fire even when exposed to flame. HardieFlex advanced building composite is resistant to termite-damage. HardieFlex advanced building composite is designed to perform.

Convenience and versatility. HardieFlex advanced building composites are very versatile and may be used for ceilings, walls, sidings, eaves, and fascias. They are easily and conveniently installed and conform to any design requirement.

Warranty and environment-friendly. HardieFlex advanced building composite is made from plentiful non-toxic materials that have minimal impact on the environment. In the case of the Philippines, James Hardie manufactures its products in its own facility in Cabuyao, Laguna. This reduces the “carbon footprint” or fuel emissions required to transport its products to the homeowners. In contrast, imported fiber cement products use up a lot of fuel and release greater emissions into the environment. James Hardie offers a 10-year warranty on its products.

HardieFlex advanced building composite is made for strength and durability.
Photo shows HardieFlex during bending strength test.

The process

Do you wonder how James Hardie is able to create such a superior, reliable, and trusted product? Well, while the details of the manufacturing process are trade secrets, we can still find out some of the science behind HardieFlex advanced building composites.

First of all, the basic materials that are combined to create James Hardie’s advanced building composite are of utmost importance. James Hardie began, in the late 1980s, to use cellulose fibers for its products. Until today, James Hardie’s advanced composite building material is made from cement, sand, water, and cellulose.

Why add cellulose? Adding cellulose makes the finished advanced building composite more flexible: bending strength is the result. The final product is not brittle and resists cracking under pressure.

Now, once these ingredients are gathered, how are they combined? First of all, sand is poured into a huge underground conveyor. This sand passes through what is called a “ball mill”. It is called such because it has steel balls inside that are used to crush the sand into fine powder. Once the sand is powdered, water is added. Adding water makes it easier to pipe through the sand across the manufacturing plant and also ensures that no heat is produced, eliminating the need for a cooling or exhaust system.

Later on, most of this water is drained from the sand. After draining, the material left is about 80 percent sand. This material will need to be thickened, so at this stage the cellulose is added. Then the cement, sand, and cellulose are combined along with some additives. The result is a liquefied material that is poured through sieves, troughs, and rollers. More water is drained. At the end of this process, a film of fiber cement is created.

HardieFlex advanced building composite withstands extreme conditions of the Philippine weather and environment. Photo shows HardieFlex undergoing one of many quality control tests.

The fiber cement film is then put through a further process of drying and pressing and cutting, until fiber cement boards are created. The flexibility and durability of these HardieFlex fiber cement boards make them versatile—they can be cut, bent and shaped to follow a wide variety of designs.

“The entire process is the result of advanced scientific research, engineering, and technology that is unmatched by James Hardie’s competitors. In fact, James Hardie is already producing highly advanced composite building materials in the Philippines. As for our competitors in Southeast Asia, they can only offer 1st generation fiber cement,” said Rose Pangan, Product Development Manager for James Hardie.

You can discover how your home or building can benefit from the advanced science and engineering behind HardieFlex advanced building composites. Visit www.jameshardie.com.ph and like the official James Hardie Page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jameshardiephil or call 1-800-888-5427 (outside Metro Manila) or 895-5427 (within Metro Manila).

August 6, 2013

Ai-Ai delas Alas’ has a new business to handle “Toda Max”

Making another appearance on this Saturday’s (August 10) episode of the hit comedy series “Toda Max”, Ai-Ai delas Alas’ character Ate Vangie has a new business to handle as she pulls all the strings she can just to pay off the loans she has carried on from past expenses.

Putting up a tricycle wash business with her cousin Justin (Vhong Navarro), Ate Vangie converts their existing restaurant into a venue for her to gather up enough cash to pay off the debts she had made. Still needing to pay Justin off, as well as other relatives she had borrowed money from, she does everything that she can to attract customers—even to the extent of getting a couple of bar girls to boost the business.

Will Ate Vangie’s efforts to promote the bar work for her or against her? At the end of the day, will she finally be able to pay off all the debts she had made to support her lifestyle?

Find out on this week’s episode of “Toda Max”, airing on Saturday (August 10) on ABS-CBN Channel 2 after “Maalaala Mo Kaya”.

AQUABEST to Join MINBIZCON: Water firm gears up for Mindanao expansion

Water franchising leader GQWEST announced plans to expand its Aquabest franchise to more areas in Mindanao as it joins the Mindanao Business Conference (MINBIZCON).

MINBIZCON now in its 22nd year is the largest gathering of businesses in Mindanao and represents a huge opportunity for the company to expand in the region. Expanding its presence in Mindanao has been a priority for the company as it seeks to capitalize on the increased development in the area.

The company’s head, Carson Tan says “The growth of urbanization and the economy in Mindanao has opened up a large opportunity for us as we seek to further enlarge our nationwide presence. At the same time, expanding in the region will allow the company to fulfill its mission to offer safe drinking water to people in areas where potable water remains problematic.”

The company says it intends to pursue growth opportunities in Mindanao particularly in Davao. The company says hat Mindanao has a rapidly urbanizing population which is critical to support the business. The areas also represent an opportunity to expand from the congested Luzon markets where the company’s stores are mostly located.

To help prospective franchisees take out a franchise the company inked partnerships with banks like BPI that would facilitate loan applications to possible franchisees. The company also offers in house financing to prospective franchisees.

The MINBIZCON would run from August 8-10 at the SMX Convention Center at SM Lanang Premier Davao City.

August 5, 2013

Star Cinema shares to Pinoy moviegoers Asia's funniest ghost story...PEE MAK

MARIO MAURER'S BLOCKBUSTER HORROR-COMEDY MOVIE "PEE MAK" TO HIT PH CINEMAS IN AUGUST

In its continuing celebration of its two glorious decades in the movie industry, Star Cinema distributes to Philippine cinemas Thailand's highest-grossing film of all time--"Pee Mak," a one-of-a-kind horror-comedy film that stars Thai superstar Mario Maurer. Asia's funniest ghost story "Pee Mak" is slated to be shown on theaters nationwide on August 28 (Wednesday).

After tackling relevant family issues in "Four Sisters And A Wedding," eye-opening connected tales of life, dream, and love in Skylight Films' drama-comedy film "Tuhog," and highly relatable ordeal of moving on from heart break in "Bakit Hindi Ka Crush Ng Crush Mo" that was shown nationwide started July 31, Star Cinema and its loyal viewers will soon talk about a scary but funny tale of great love shared through Thailand's popular legend of Pee Mak and his ghost wife Nak (Davika Hoorne).

Directed by blockbuster director Banjong Pisanthanakun, who had previously helmed box-office horror films like “Shutter”, “4BIA” and “Phobia 2”, "Pee Mak" was also released in other Asian countries including Taiwan, Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Produced by GTH Films, "Pee Mak"s fresh take on a familiar tale, quickly rode high to Thailand's box-office as it reached USD 33 million with 10 million tickets sold nationwide.

Together with Mario and Thai sweetheart Davika in "Pee Mak" are Thailand's funny foursome namely, Nuttapong Chartpong, Pongsatorn Jongwilas, Kantapat Permpoonpatcharasuk and Attharut Khongrasri.

· Synopsis

During the beginning of the Rattanakosin Dynasty, many Thai men were drafted to serve in the war. “Pee Mak” or “Mak” (Mario Maurer) was no exception and had to leave his pregnant wife to join the fight. While at war, he met, saved, and formed a close bond with four fellow soldiers: “Ter” (Nuttapong Chartpong), “Puak” (Pongsatorn Jongwilas), “Shin” (Attrarut Khongrasri), and “Aey” (Kantapat Permpoonpatcharasuk) – (The 4 main cast from Phobia 2 Episode “In The End”)

Once the war was over, Mak invited his four best friends to visit his home at a town called Phra Khanong. When they arrived to Phra Khanong, Mak introduced them to his beautiful wife “Nak” (Davika Hoorne) and “Dang” his newborn baby boy. Ter, Puak, Shin, and Aey decided to stay in Phra Khanong for a while and moved into the old house across from Mak’s house. Despite having met Nak and Dang, a village rumor was going around that Nak had died giving birth to her stillborn baby, Dang.

It turns out that Auntie Priak, owner of the local liquor shop, was the source of the town rumor. This was completely absurd to Ter, Puak, Shin, and Aey. The four friends refused to believe this to be true and were determined to prove the rumors wrong.

Aunty Priak was found dead a few days later, her body floating along the river. Up until this point Ter, Puak, Shin, and Aey had never considered the possibility that Nak and her baby could be dead and now lingered on as haunting ghosts.

Initially, the four friends didn’t dare tell Mak about their suspicions because they were afraid that they would end up just like Aunty Priak. It didn't take long before their conscience caught up with them and they realized they owed Mak the truth since he had once saved all of their lives. Now they must risk their own lives to somehow convey to Mak that the living and dead shouldn't coexist together.

In the end, it will be up to Pee Mak to choose between love and reality.