TOYCON Philippines 2015 on June 19-21 at SM Megatrade Hall

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TOYCON Philippines 2015: The Country’s biggest pop-culture event celebrates its 14th Year with Battlefields of Play

Those of us who grew up in the pre-social media era or even the pre-electronic gaming age remember a time when “Play” was associated with the outdoors. We fondly remember halcyon days of setting up toy soldiers in the hilly terrain of our own backyard or lining up our Star Wars action figures to go into battle with our He-Man toys in the wonderland of our childhood bedroom.

Those were the days, when our imagination knew no limits and the fantasy characters of comics, cartoons and movies were our genuine playmates; ready to defend and protect us, by the Power of Greyskull or by the all-encompassing Force, forging into battle with the evil hordes of Cobra, the Legion of Doom or armies of Decepticons.

We never knew it, but our childhood was fraught with glory in our Battlefields of Play. And this is what we celebrate once again, as a clarion call sounds to dust off our toys and wage war once again with glee and joy in our hearts

The Philippine TOYCON, Asia’s biggest and longest running convention for toys, anime, comics, cosplay, gaming and anything and everything related to hobbies and collections is now on its 14th year of thrilling fans and aficionados alike. It is, simply put, the biggest pop culture event in the country.

This year’s TOYCON highlights the World of DC Comics with its colorful characters upholding justice with a grand exhibit from Pacific Licensing. Also get a chance to own cool licensed DC Hoodies from the Authority Hoodie.

Southeast Asia’s leading Internet TV service launches in the Philippines, as IFLIX explodes into the pop-culture landscape of the country during the Philippine ToyCon, with unlimited access to its line-up of the most awesome and iconic movies and TV series. With trial memberships now open, everyone is free to explore and enjoy the vast range of content on www.iflix.com

Walt Disney Pictures brings in the wonder of Star Wars with its new line of merchandise from the original film saga and the new Star Wars Rebels series. And also, get into the world of the smallest superhero with Marvel’s Antman interactive exhibit.

Also catch future and fantasy fever as Universal Pictures’ Terminator: Genisys and Jurassic World launches in ToyCon with an eye-popping display of the movie’s cinematic artwork and line of collectors’ toys.

Other movie highlights are the upcoming live-action Attack on Titan from Pioneer Films and Doraemon: Stand By Me the Movie in 3D. Catch Doraemon and friends live at the ToyCon stage!

The TOYCON also gives you its biggest battlefield of toys with exhibits from the local toy clubs:

Pinoy Lego users Group exhibit, Planet Krypton, Funko Funatic Philippines, the Coca-Cola Collectibles exhibit, One Sixth Republic and Pinoy Sixth Scale collectors exhibit and the awesome Toycon Gallery exhibit area which showcases the best of the local toy group community.

The TOYCON also features the biggest in Cosplay with the TOYCON’s own Cosplay Universe unleashing a barrage of individual and group cosplayers led by Asia’s Cosplay queen, Alodia Gosiengfiao. Also catch the Star Wars 501st Philippine Outpost parade its new troopers and droids from a galaxy far, far away.

Revel in opening night festivities with a series of ToyCon Pop Quiz competitions and get your fill of local and foreign comic book artists in the Artist Alley set up by Flipgeeks and Komikon.

And off course, TOYCON would not be complete without the biggest dealer floor of all pop culture merchandise in terms of apparel, collectibles and memorabilia, graphic novels and comics, cosplay paraphernalia, and toys, toys, TOYS!

So let loose the child in you once again by getting ready for war in new battlefields of play!

The Philippine TOYCON 2015 will then be held on June 19-21, 2015 at the SM Megatrade Halls 1, 2 and 3, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

This is co-presented by the Asian Comics, Toys and Hobbies- Collective, Inc., IFLIX, and World of DC. It’s sponsored by MaxiCollector, Authority Hoodie, Pacific Licensing, Toy Empire, Walt Disney Studios, Toy Kingdom, Warner Brother Pictures, Warner TV and Toonami.

Also supported by Great Toys Online, Bruder Toys, the Gaming Library, OISHI, PLDT Home DSL and PLDT Home Telpad, Sphero, Big Boys Toy store, Transfer It, Lynelle House of Fashion, Kramer Toy Warden.com, Universal Pictures and Pioneer Films.

With Media Partners, ABS-CBN, HERO, 99.5 Play FM, 103.5 K-Lite, Malaya Business Insight, MTV Pinoy and FHM.

Event partners are Anime Alliance, FlipGeeks, Komikon, Resorts World Manila and Medium 3.

Tickets are now on sale at SM Tickets (www.smtickets.com) til June 18. Tickets are also available at the event gate on June 19-21.

For more information on schedule of activities and event details please visit:

www.toyconph.com

www.facebook.com/toyconph

email: toyconph@gmail.com

14th Philippine Toycon 

June 19-21, 2015 

Megatrade Halls 1-2-3, SM Megamall

ticket price: PHP150

Join #ILoveWellness Campaign at Robinsons Supermarket with Daniel and Vanessa Matsunaga

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Robinsons Supermarket  now invites everyone on a Wellness Journey up to the whole month of July.

Our health and well-being is important to us. Keeping healthy and keeping fit. If you're looking for a comprehensive place to explore, learn, and participate in your health, you've come to the right place. 

To live a healthy life is a choice and Robinsons Supermarket is encouraging everyone to take the step to a journey of wellness through the Wellness Festival.

The "I Love Wellness' Campaign was launched last Tuesday, June 16 at the Robinsons, Magnolia. It is a month-long festivity filled with promos and activities, all geared towards helping people actively choose the healthy lifestyle.

Iya Villania - Arellano

The Wellness Festival launch was hosted by TV personality Iya Villania-Arellano as she share her love for working out and keeping a balanced diet, keeping fit and healthy.

The Sexy Chef - Rachel Alejandro and Chef Barni Alejandro-Rennebeck 

The Sexy Chef with singer-actress Rachel Alejandro and sister Chef Barni Alejandro-Rennebeck shared health tips while presenting cooking demos of nutritous meals - Detox Green Smoothie, Malungay Noodle Salad and Romaine Salad with Cranberries and Wallnuts and Pesto Vinaigrette.

Daniel Matsunaga

Daniel Matsunaga, Iya Villania - Arellano and Vanessa Matsunaga

The wellness month that will last the whole month of July gets a head start with a race to wellness fronted by active lifestyle advocates Daniel and Vanessa Matsunaga who were also at Robinsons Magnolia event.

Booths from known health and wellness brands Nestle, Johnson & Johnson, Unilever, Del Monte, Abbott, Fonterra and Unilab will also be in place to offer exciting activations and freebies for shoppers to enjoy and learn more about wellness.

Robinsons Supermarket fortifies its commitment to wellness by helping more Filipinos make healthier choices by easing access to healthier alternatives and making it as convenient as possible.

It invites everyone to embark on a wellness journey as soon as they set foot inside a Robinsons Supermarket, with its unique health and wellness section. This destination area aims to address varied nutrition needs to fit every lifestyle and to help consumers make learned purchases. 

Robinsons Supermarket continues to employ the “Shop Smart” tag label that color codes items based on their health benefits, nutritional content, and price discounts. Achieve everyday wellness and choose healthy items in green tags.

These are products that meet at least three (3) of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute’s eight (8) nutritional attributes, namely: low salt, low calorie, low fat, low in saturated fat, sugar free, low cholesterol, low sodium, source of protein and source of dietary fiber. 

Customers are also spoilt for choice as Robinsons Supermarket has its own exclusive line of healthy products called Healthy You, which ranges from nuts, oats, juice, olive oils and many more. Or, they can also check out the supermarket’s ready-to-eat station called Healthy Selections where pre-packed healthy meals called Fit Cuisine or the make-your-own salad station can be found.

“We, at Robinsons Supermarket, believe that health and wellness is not a destination but a continuous journey. And we want to be part of that journey in people’s lives by being a trusted partner that they can always rely on for all their health and wellness needs,” said Robinsons Supermarket General Manager Jody Gadia.

The wellness journey is made more fun with the 8th Wellness Fit & Fun Buddy Run set on July 5 at Bonifacio Global City where 4,500 runners are expected to join in the 5km and 10km categories. This is the only buddy run in the country that seeks to encourage participants to get their partners, friends or relatives into an active lifestyle.

For Robinsons Supermarket, wellness is not only about advocating fresh and nutritious food, but also of encouraging its patrons to adopt a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and taking care of one’s personal being.

One’s wellness journey will truly be rewarding especially this July with the supermarket’s Wellness Festival where exciting activities and freebies will be offered throughout the month.

For instance, given a minimum purchase of Php3,000 with Php500 worth of purchase of participating wellness products, customers can enjoy free nutritious items like Healthy You Mixed Nuts. This is just some of the activities or offers in-store for Robinsons Supermarket customers nationwide. 

The Wellness Festival is a reminder that choosing the healthy lifestyle starts with you taking the first step. Join the celebration and learn how healthier days can start at Robinsons Supermarket.

Let Robinsons Supermarket be your guide in this journey to wellness and be part of the #ILoveWellness campaign. 

Like it on Facebook www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visit its official website at www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph to learn more about the “I Love Wellness” campaign and for latest updates.

‘Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical’ opens at Resorts World Manila

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“You’re nothing but a second rate, trying hard copy cat!” This immortal line lashed out in utter contempt by diva Lavinia Arguelles to loyal fan and newcomer Dorina Pineda just before the former throws a glass of wine at the latter’s face makes for one of the most memorable scenes in Filipino entertainment.

Who could ever forget the stellar performances of actresses Sharon Cuneta and Sarah Geronimo who played the role of Dorina, and their counterparts Cherie Gil and Angelika Dela Cruz as Lavinia in past productions?

After crossing over various media from serialized comics to film and then television, this iconic story of superstardom with the redemption and humility that it entails is now given new life by the country’s premiere entertainment and lifestyle destination, Resorts World Manila (RWM), as it presents Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical this June at Newport Performing Arts Theater.

This time, the classic story returns as a musical and is given a new twist with stage master Freddie Santos at the helm. Headlining the stage version of Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical are newcomer Monica Cuenco who plays the role of protagonist Dorina Pineda alongside pop star turned stage actor Mark Bautista (fresh from his stint in London’s “Here Lies Love”) as Nico Escobar, and stage veteran Cris Villonco as Lavinia Arguelles.

“Resorts World Manila has always been a staunch advocate of the Filipino performing arts,” shared RWM’s Chief Entertainment Officer Colin Kerr.

“The dream of staging this iconic Filipino story is a dream come true for RWM. Bituing Walang Ningning’s adaptation into many forms shows its novelty to audiences and we trust that every generation will again fall in love with its story through our theater production,” Kerr added. 

Featuring some of the most memorable songs in Original Pilipino Music penned by the legendary Willy Cruz as conducted by Maestro Rodel Colmenar with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical also casts award-winning stage performers Michael Stuart Williams and the First Lady of Philippine Musical Theater Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, together with reality talent search standout Ronnie Liang and popular TV personality John Nite, among others.

Catch Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical at Resorts World Manila every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8PM, and on Sundays at 3PM until July 18, 2015.

Tickets are now on sale at the Resorts World Manila Box Office at the ground floor of Newport Mall, and in all TicketWorld and TicketNet outlets. Visit www.rwmanila.com or call 908-8000 local 7700; 891-9999; and 911-5555 to buy your tickets to this Filipino musical.

RWM is the first one-stop, non-stop entertainment and leisure destination in the Philippines that features recreational thrills, world-class performances, unique events, and exciting lifestyle options.

Conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality and is home to three international lodging brands, (MAXIMS Hotel, MARRIOTT Hotel Manila, and REMINGTON Hotel) with two more hotels (SHERATON Hotel Manila and HILTON Hotel Manila) currently under construction. 

Also home to RWM is The NEWPORT Mall which features international luxury brands, state-of-the-art movie theaters the Newport Cinemas, an award-winning, ultra-modern Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), and a cozy, 24/7 entertainment hub at Bar 360. Dine in one of almost 50 restaurant outlets offering a diverse selection of local and world cuisine, prepared by top Filipino and foreign chefs and paired with a wide selection of the finest wines and popular liquors.

Amp all the thrills offered exclusively by Resorts World Manila by becoming a cardholder! Membership at RWM is free and provides an instant pass to numerous discounts, freebies, and exclusive invites to RWM events.

Resorts World Manila— Nothing Compares.

Eula Valdez, Allen Dizon major winners at the 38th Gawad Urian Awards; Nora Aunor given the Lifetime Achievement Award

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The winners of the 38th Gawad Urian Awards have been announced by Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino and Cinema One held Tuesday, June 16 at the ABS-CBN Studio 10, Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City. 

Hosted by Angelica Panganiban, Robi Domingo, and Butch Francisco, the awards night began with a shadow play performance from Asia's Got Talent champions El Gamma Penumbra.

The 38th Gawad Urian Awards night also celebrated the works of Nora Aunor, who was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lav Diaz's Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon (From What Is Before) won several awards, Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing and including Best Director for Lav Diaz.

Here is the full list of winners:

Best Film: "Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon" by Lav Diaz

Best Actress: Eula Valdez ("Dagitab")

Best Actor: Allen Dizon ("Magkakabaung")

Best Director: Lav Diaz ("Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon")

Best Supporting Actress: Gladys Reyes ("Magkakabaung")

Best Supporting Actor: Martin del Rosario ("Dagitab")

Best Short Film: "Kinabukasan"

Best Documentary Film: "Walang Rape sa Bontok" by Carla Ocampo and Lester Valle

Best Sound: Corinne De San Jose ("Violator")

Best Music: Erwin Fajardo ("Buwaya")

Best Editing: Lav Diaz ("Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon")

Best Production Design: Popo Diaz ("Dementia")

Best Screenplay: Lav Diaz ("Mula sa Kung Ano ang Noon") 

Best Cinematography: Neil Daza ("Bwaya")

Natatanging Gawad Urian Award: Nora Aunor

Here is the full list of winners and nominees

Best Picture

Barber’s Tales (APT Entertainment/Octobertrain Films)

Bwaya (Cinemalaya, FrontRow International, Eight Films, Source of Light Films)

Dagitab (Ten17P)

WINNER: Mula sa Kung Ano Ang Noon (Sine Olivia Pilipinas)

Best Director

Giancarlo Abrahan, Dagitab

WINNER: Lav Diaz, Mula sa Kung Ano Ang Noon

Jun Lana, Barber’s Tales

Jason Paul Laxamana, Magkakabaung

Francis Xavier Pasion, Bwaya

Kanakan Balintagos, Esprit de Corps

Best Actor

Robert Arevalo, Hari ng Tondo

Noni Buencamino, Dagitab

WINNER: Allen Dizon, Magkakabaung

JM de Guzman, That Thing Called Tadhana

Sandino Martin, Esprit de Corps

Robin Padilla, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

Arnold Reyes, Kasal

Jericho Rosales, Red

J.C. Santos, Esprit de Corps

Dennis Trillo, The Janitor

Best Actress

Nora Aunor, Dementia

Angeli Bayani, Bwaya

Ai-Ai delas Alas, Ronda

Eugene Domingo, Barber’s Tales

Hazel Orencio, Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon

Angelica Panganiban, That Thing Called Tadhana

WINNER: Eula Valdez, Dagitab

Nova Villa, 1st ko si 3rd

Best Supporting Actor

Nico Antonio, Red

Roeder Camañag, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon

WINNER: Martin del Rosario, Dagitab

Joel Lamangan, Violator

Nicco Manalo, Barber’s Tales

Karl Medina, Bwaya

Jess Mendoza, Mauban; Ang Resiko

Noel Santodomingo, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon

Best Supporting Actress

Sharmaine Buencamino, Barber’s Tales

Iza Calzado, Barber’s Tales

Alessandra de Rossi, Mauban; Ang Resiko

Barbie Forteza, Marquina

Karenina Haniel, Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon

WINNER: Gladys Reyes, Magkakabaung

Gloria Sevilla, M: Mother’s Maiden Name

Best Screenplay

Kanakan Balintagos, Esprit de Corps

Jun Robles Lana, Barber’s Tales

WINNER: Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano Ang Noon

Francis Xavier Pasion, Bwaya

Giancarlo Abrahan, Dagitab

Jason Paul Laxamana, Magkakabaung

Enzo Williams, Keiko Aquino, Carlo Obispo, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

Remton Siega Zuasola, Soap Opera

Antoinette Jadaone, That Thing Called Tadhana

Best Short Film

WINNER: Adolfo Alix, Jr., Kinabukasan

Kevin Ang, Lola

Joe Bacus, The End of War

David Corpuz, The Ordinary Things We Do

Neica dela Cruz, Lunod

Thop Nazareno, Eyeball

Alyssa Mariel Suico, Ugkat

Petersen Vargas, Lisyun qng Geografia

Best Documentary

Lav Diaz, Storm Children, Book One (Mga Anak ng Unos)

Cha Escala & Wena Sanchez, Nick & Chai

Rafael Froilan, Jr., Mananayaw

Richard Soriano Legaspi, Ang Walang Kapagurang Paglalakbay ng Pulang Maleta

Jan Tristan Pandy, Gusto Nang Umuwi ni Joy

WINNER: Lester Valle, Walang Rape sa Bontoc

J. Luis Vargas, Portraits of Mosquito Press

Paolo Villaluna, Sta. Catalina

Baby Ruth Villarama, Little Azkals

Best Cinematography

Alber Banzon and Gym Lumbrera, Violator

Arnel Barbarona, Alienasyon

Mycko David, Children’s Show

WINNER: Neil Daza, Bwaya

Mackie Galvez, Dementia

Carlo Mendoza, Barber’s Tales

Carlo Mendoza, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

Sasha Palomares, That Thing Called Tadhana

Rommel Sales, Dagitab

Best Production Design

Whammy Alcazaren/Thesa Tang, Dagitab

Hal Balbuena, Esprit de Corps

Joel Bilbao and Roy Lachica, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

WINNER: Popo Diaz, Dementia

Perry Dizon, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon

Ron Factolerin, Alienasyon

Maulen Fadul, Bwaya

Chito Sumera, Barber’s Tales

Best Editing

Lawrence Ang, Barber’s Tales

Lawrence Ang, Violator

Manet A. Dayrit, Hari ng Tondo

Vanessa de Leon, Hustisya

WINNER: Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon

Tara Illenberger, The Janitor

Carlo Manatad, Bwaya

Melvyn Quimosing, Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo

Benjamin Tolentino, Dagitab

Best Music

Diwa de Leon, Lorna

Mon Espia, Dagitab

WINNER: Erwin Fajardo, Bwaya

Jesse Lucas, Alienasyon

Myke Solomon, Hari ng Tondo

Jorge Wieneke, #Y

Best Sound

WINNER: Corinne De San Jose, Violator

Mark Locsin, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon

Mark Locsin, Barber’s Tales

Albert Michael Idioma, Bwaya

Adam Newns/Mikko Quizon, Dagitab

Ang Natatanging Gawad Urian: Nora Aunor

Can you survive in the wild alone? History Channel brings an exclusive 4D experience in Trinoma

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With the launching of its newest survival program “ALONE,” History Channel is inviting everyone to take part in an exclusive 4D experience at the Cinema Lobby of Trinoma Mall in Quezon City on June 20 to 21.

The weekend event will allow everyone to have a feel of what 10 men experienced in the wilderness of Vancouver Island in Canada. The TV show, which is the boldest survival experiment ever attempted, will be premiering on June 22 in more than 200 territories across the globe.

History Channel will let you feel how being alone in the wilderness feels and what to expect from the show before it premieres on TV. The activity will help you understand what the participants went through using a 4D technology. 

The show revolves around the contestants who are trying to stay alive as long as they can and whoever lasts the longest will win $500,000. The brave men will enter the backcountry carrying only what they can fit in a small backpack. Each of them has the freedom to choose the 10 items to bring in order to help them survive in the harsh environment where wild animals are present.

These men will hunt, build shelters, and fend off predators. They will face extreme isolation and psychological distress as they plunge into the unknown and document the experience themselves. 

The show, which is dubbed as the ultimate test of man’s survival and a first ever attempt of its kind on TV, will have no camera crew and producers to help them in the most difficult and dangerous situations. With no crew behind, the contestants are also tasked to record all the challenges they will face in the wild forest. 

The 10 ordinary men, who left their career and family behind, will be dropped off in separate and extremely remote locations and will have no interactions with each other. Each of them will have to depend on their instincts and skills alone.

In the first episode of the series, the contestants will learn what they put themselves into and will realize the struggles that lie ahead. 

While each character battles to simply enter the dense forest and find a suitable base camp, they must also find water and make a shelter before night falls and temperatures drop. As the sun goes down, a new challenge presents itself: relentless rains and the struggle to build a fire without matches. Even worse, some find that water, shelter and fire are the least of their worries when the island's large predators wake from their dens and begin to stalk their new neighbors.

The the diverse list of contestants, who are all fans of outdoor activities and survival challenges, includes law enforcement officer Josh Chavez, carpenter Dustin Feher, corrections officer Alan Kay, outdoor gear retailer Sam Larson, former military man Brantley McGee, outdoorsman Lucas Miller, Boy Scouts of America member Mitch Mitchell, family man Joe Robinet, expeditioner Wayne Russell, and post-apocalyptic fiction author Chris Weatherman.