Hunger Games Now available on DVD and Blue Ray Discs

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Top Motion Picture for the year 2013 “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” starring Jennifer Lawrence arrives on Blu-ray, Limited Edition 2 Disc DVD, and 2-Movie Set DVD will be available in the Philippines, starting Saturday, March 15th from C-Interactive Digital Entertainment.

Starting March 15, 2014 the blockbster 2nd installment of the Hunger Games in a limited edition 2 disc DVD exclusively ditributed by C-Interactive Digital Entertainment. You get over 2 hours of bonus scenes that was cut from the movie. Plus a behind the scenes look for the next installment of the franchise.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire features a critically-acclaimed cast including Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson (The Kids Are All Right), Liam Hemsworth (The Expendables 2), Academy Award® nominee Woody Harrelson (The People vs Larry Flynt, 1996), Emmy® nominee Elizabeth Banks (TV’s “30 Rock”), Lenny Kravitz (Precious), Academy Award® nominee Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones, 2009) and Golden Globe® winner Donald Sutherland (Path to War), reprising their original roles from The Hunger Games. The impressive line-up is joined by Academy Award® winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote, 2005), Jeffrey Wright (Codeblack Films’ The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete), Jena Malone (Into The Wild), Amanda Plummer (Pulp Fiction) and Sam Claflin (Snow White and the Huntsman).

Theblockbuster second film of The Hunger Games franchise that took the world by storm ignites once again when The Hunger Games: Catching Fire arrives on Blu-ray, Limited Edition 2 Disc DVD, and 2-Movie Set DVD on Saturday, March 15th distributed exclusively by C-Interactive Digital Entertainment. Academy Award® winning Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence (2012’s Silver Linings Playbook) headlines the all-star cast in this action-adventure which became the 1 movie of 2013 and grossed over $850 million worldwide to date.

The second installment of the worldwide phenomenon is packed with over two hours of extensive, must-see bonus materials that include a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, “Surviving the Game: Making Catching Fire,” deleted scenes and an audio commentary with director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson.

Based on the best-selling second novel of Suzanne Collins’ award-winning trilogy, with a screenplay by Simon Beaufoy and Michael DeBruyn and directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as, against all odds, Katniss and her fellow tribute Peeta have returned home after surviving The Hunger Games. Winning means they must turn around, leaving their loved ones behind and embark on a “Victory Tour” through the districts. Along the way, Katniss senses a rebellion simmering – one that she and Peeta may have sparked. At the end of the Victory Tour, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever.

The Blu-ray will be available for the suggested retail price of Php1,395.00 while the Limited Edition 2 Disc DVD will be available at a suggested retail price of Php795.00 and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire and The Hunger Games 2-Movie Set DVD at a suggested retail price of Php995.00.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

By pre-ordering any version of the home video of Hunger Games Catching Fire, customers will INSTANTLY receive not one but THREE limited edition 16” x 24” posters of Katniss, Peeta and Finnick and a Catching Fire Bag Tag when you pre-order the Limited Edition 2 Disc DVD or the Blu-ray version! In addition, for just an extra Php100.00, will also get an exclusive Catching Fire T-Shirt only available through this offer.

I want the Shirt! All Hunger Games Fans should tak advantage of this offer now!!!

Pre-order The Hunger Games: Catching Fire now at all branches of Astroplus and Astrovision Nationwide and select Odyssey and O’Music & Video outlets.

SM Supermalls Honors 100 Women of Power and Substance This March

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#SMProjectInspire ! In celebration of Women’s Month, SM Supermalls, Project Headshot Clinic, and the Dream Project Philippines are launching a campaign and digital exhibit called Inspire.

Cheska Garcia-Kramer

Inspire brings together 100 of the country’s most inspiring women from all fields and industries, such as Jessica Cox, Irma Adlawan, Andi Manzano, Cheska Garcia-Kramer, Kai Magsanoc, Margie Moran, Nene Chan, Angel Guerrero, Kara Alikpala, Wilma Galvante, Patricia Bermudez-Hizon, Ingrid Santamaria, Sarah Gaugler, and Merlee Jayme. 

The diversity of the women chosen shows that regardless of background, beliefs, and preferences, empowered women who dream and act on those dreams are able to inspire and change their communities for the better.

Inspire is showcasing stories of women empowering others. To get a chance to be one of the 100 women featured in Inspire, applicants must answer the question, “How are you using your power as a woman to inspire change and enable dreams of your own and of others?” Their answers should be posted in any of the following social media accounts, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, starting with the hashtag #SMProjectInspire.

Patricia Bermudez-Hizon

Applicants must also register via Headshot Clinic's official website, www.headshotclinic.com, for their entries to be counted. Entries must be received by March 17, 2014.

Inspire is a joint effort of SM Supermalls, Project Headshot Clinic, and the Dream Project Philippines. It is one of the highlights of SM Supermalls’ national celebration of Women’s Month.

To know the full schedule of events for March, please visit www.facebook.com/smsupermalls.

Project Headshot Clinic is digital platform that merges profile photos with campaigns and advocacies.

The Dream Project Philippines is a volunteer-based community initiative that helps build the nation by shaping the dreams of the Filipino youth.

For more information about Inspire, go to www.headshotclinic.com, www.smsupermalls.com or in the SM Supermalls’ official Facebook page.

DepEd opens application for 2014 student employment

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The Department of Education (DepEd), through the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations, has opened the application for the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) 2014.

SPES is an annual summer employment program that encourages students to make their vacation productive by working during summer thereby earning extra which they can use during regular school days. The program is spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and supported by other government agencies. It aims to immerse the youth in the government and hone their sense of leadership and public service. 

Qualifications to be accepted as a SPES Trainee are the following:

(1) Students/out-of-school youth who are at least 18 years old but not more than 25 years old;

(2) He/she must be enrolled this school year (in-school) or if not, must have intention to enroll next school year (out-of-school);

(3) the combined annual net income of both parents must not exceed Php 143,000; and

(4) applicants must possess office skills with priority given to those with computer-related skills. 

The following requirements must be accomplished for the SPES application:

(1) SPES Application Form (Download Official SPES Application Form from http://tinyurl.com/DepEdSPES2014);

(2) Birth Certificate / Baptismal Certificate (Certified True Copy / NSO); 

(3) Income tax returns of both parents. If non-filers of ITR, they must bring an affidavit duly certified by the BIR that the annual net income of both parents does not exceed Php. 143,000 or a Barangay Certification as to the economic status of his/her family;

(4) College Students: Recent grades and school registration preferably in the second semester; and 

(5) for the Out-of-School Youth (OSY), provide Grades available before dropping out of school or a Certificate of Indigence issued by the Barangay where the OSY resides.

SPES 2014 Trainees will be employed for 30 (thirty) working days under the supervision of SPES 2014 Secretariat in the Department of Education – Central Office. 

The application period is from March 10-12, 2014 from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday – Saturday. 

Submission of document may be thru email via scanned documents (zip file) with your Name and Date of Submission to youthformation@deped.gov.ph. 

You may also send your certified true copy of documents enclosed in a brown envelope with your Name and Date of Submission.

Grand, Glittery, and Gold at Marriott Manila

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It was a night of all things shining, shimmering, splendid as Marriott Hotel Manila’s associates – aptly called Brilliant Hosts – celebrated their Annual Party last February 10 at the Manila Ballroom. 

With the theme “Grand, Glittery, and Gold,” the hosts were in their best regalia as the men were dapper in their suits and tuxedos, while the ladies strutted their stuff in their beautiful flowing gowns. All of the hotel’s departments were divided into groups and were tasked to create a video presentation based on an era assigned to them, from the roaring 50’s to the modern 2000’s, whilst still staying true to the night’s theme.

The Sales & Marketing and Engineering team defended their title and emerged as the champion for the 2ndstraight year with their rock-and-roll inspired 80’s music video, while the F&B Kitchen team won 2nd place with their throwback 90’s entry and the Housekeeping and Laundry team bagged 3rd place with their flashback 50’s short film.

Fritz Andal of the Engineering Department and Joanna Tiglao of the F&B Kitchen Department emerged as the Best Male and Female Performers respectively, while Cholo Martillo and Jane Manzanero, both from the Sales and Marketing Department, won as Male and Female Stars of the Night.

The video presentations as well as the individual winners were chosen by Mr. Ronan Capinding, Mr. Roly Halagao, and Mr. Paul Daza.

Marriott’s philosophy of “putting people first” resonates in the manner that the Brilliant Hosts provide utmost service to their guests by exemplifying the adage of their brand founder Mr. J. W. Marriott, “If you take care of your associates, they will take care of the customer, and the customer will keep coming back.” 

Here are some pictures during the party.

Music spins by DJ Aryan

And for one day each year, the company celebrates in thanksgiving for all the hard work and commitment that its hosts provide to make Marriott Hotel Manila as successful as it is today.

Girl Power! Binibinis celebrate International Women’s Day

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GIRL POWER – Binibining Pilipinas 2014 candidates show off women’s rights signs with 

Mr. Brian Poe, Head of the Research Team—Office of Senator Grace Poe- Llamanzares

The 40 candidates of the Binibining Pilipinas celebrated International Women’s Day last March 8 at the Gateway Cinema 5 in a film showing of documentary Girl Rising sponsored by SPARK Philippines Inc (Samahan ng Mga Pilipina para sa Reporma at Kaunlaran), J. Amado Araneta Foundation, and the Araneta Center.

The movie featured the inspiring stories of nine girls all over the world who were born into unforgiving circumstances but overcame adversity. The event also hosted thought-provoking talks on women empowerment from Ms. Czarina Medina-Guce, Executive Director, Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines; Mr. Brian Poe- Llamanzares, Head of the Research Team—Office of Senator Grace Poe- Llamanzares; Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, Founder, Teach Peace Build Peace Movement; and Zorayda Amelia Alonzo, SPARK Philippines Inc. President.

As representatives of the Philippines to the most prestigious pageants worldwide, the Binibinis embody Filipinas’ strength and character and are champions of women empowerment.  In an interview, the girls share their thoughts on women’s rights, gender equality and International Women’s Day.

What can women do for society?

“Women can do a lot of things in society, and we are privileged to be living in an age where we can enjoy freedom to pursue things we want to do and achieve. For me, as a Binibini, I can inspire women to become better versions of themselves and we advocate women to be empowered Filipinas.”—Binibini No. 31 Angelique Celine De Leon

What are the biggest issues for women that we should address?

“I read somewhere that the Philippines is a hotbed for human trafficking, and women are the most susceptible to this. There are women who are being exploited and violated and they were not given the choice to say no. So I think we should promote projects to push awareness on human trafficking.”—Binibini No. 5 Hanna Mariz dela Guerra

What are your realizations this Women’s month? 

“This day made me realize the importance of gender equality—that women deserve to be treated equally with men and that women are able and capable of reaching their dreams. As a girl who underwent struggles in my life, I keep these thoughts in mind to fuel me to achieve my goals.”—Binibini No. 36 Krystal Alonday

Who are the women you look up to?

“I work with Noraida Abdullah Karim in CFSI (Community and Family Services International) and she is someone I look up to. She is a multi-awarded social worker who specializes in psychosocial care, and she has helped counsel countless women and children who underwent traumatic experiences in war-torn Mindanao. I admire her because of her passion for the advocacy.”—Binibini No. 22 Mary Anne Bianca G. Guidotti

What can you say about gender equality in the Philippines?

“We are blessed that the Philippines is ranked number 5 in the world for gender equality based on a survey. But at the same time, there are still problems that need to be addressed like abuse in women. But it’s a good thing that we have programs that cater to the abused and empower women.”—Binibini No. 3 Joanna Angelica Romero

If you were to win Bb Pilipinas, what advocacy would you have for women?

“I want to have an organization that would foster and support sexually abused teenagers. Like a big sister-little sister project that would help the victims. Because of my exposure to so many news stories on rape and abuse, it became something I feel strongly about.”—Binibini No. 28 Carla Jenina Lizardo

As a beauty queen, how would you help promote women’s rights?

Candidate no. 4 Parul Shah shows off her support for education for women at the

Women’s Day celebration of Spark Philippines Inc., J. Amado Araneta Foundation, 

and Araneta Center

“I would advocate gender equality. Everyone should be treated with mutual respect. Your race, your religion, your culture, or where you’re from—these things shouldn’t matter. Women should have the freedom to achieve anything they want in life.”—Binibini No. 4 Parul Shah

Joanna Angelica Romero, Mary Ainjely Manalo and Julian Aurine Flores stand up for women’s rights and display empowerment signs  at the recently concluded Women’s Day Celebration at the Araneta Center

What can you say about the women’s day festivities in the Philippines?

“I am happy that there is a day for women to be recognized and it’s also an important day for us to be aware of women’s issues. I think awareness is key to solve a lot of social issues women are facing.”—Binibini No. 1 Julian Aurine Flores