An enchanting Christmas at all SM malls nationwide where Kids and kids-at-heart are expected to enjoy!
Starting this weekend, November 6 to 8, with well-loved cartoon and toy characters joining the launch revelries of SM’s Grand Christmas celebration.
Festivities start at SM North EDSA on Friday, November 6, where all-time favorite Disney characters will be present during the launch of “A Season of Magic”. To make the event more meaningful, children from a selected beneficiary will be given a chance to personally meet Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, and have a first peek at the main attraction – the Disney Village. A medley of favorite Disney songs will be performed by the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra and the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir.
Throughout the weekend, the fun continues with other malls all over the country simultaneously launching their own Christmas centerpieces featuring various animated characters and Christmas themes. These include Disney’s Frozen, Barbie, Cartoon Network, Toy Factory and 100 Elves, Snoopy and Charlie Brown, Nickelodeon, Disney Princess, Disney Junior, Adventure Time, Lego Christmas Adventure, and Sanrio Holiday, among others.
According to Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice-President for Marketing, “We are just as excited as children everywhere as SM officially starts the holiday with our biggest themed Christmas celebrations yet. Christmas at our malls is for kids and the young at heart, so we have gathered the most number of cartoon and comic character themes ever in our 55 malls nationwide. Each mall will be decorated with giant installations and picture-worthy pockets of Christmas fun that will form part of kids’ memories until they become parents themselves.”
Although these attractions will be open to the public throughout the Christmas season, the public is enjoined to bring their families, kids, relatives and friends to enjoy the weekend launch activities at any SM mall.
For a complete schedule of activities and launches, please go to SM’s official Christmas microsite, follow its official social media accounts at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through Viber.
Shoppers can actively share their holiday merriments inside the SM Supermalls by posting their photos on social media and adding the hashtag #MerrySMChristmas2015.
“Hindi pwedeng mawala ang Department of Educaton (DepEd) sa child protection. Tayo ang tulay sa reintegration ng mga children at risk at mga children in conflict with the law,” Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs Atty. Alberto Muyot said during the workshop on the guidelines and procedures on the management of children-at-risk and children in conflict with the law as detailed in DepEd Order No. 18, s. 2015.
The seminar workshop, which gathered Education Program Supervisors and Regional Guidance Counselors from the National Capital Region, is part of the celebration of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Week.
Usec. Muyot highlighted the need to protect children from early pregnancy, prostitution, drug use, smoking, alcoholism, violence, and suicide. These behaviors have been identified by the University of the Philippines Population Institute, through the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study in 2013, as risky and exploitive among adolescents.
The said DepEd guidelines are anchored on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and promotes non-discrimination, the best interest of the child, the child’s survival and development, and child participation. The guidelines provide detailed procedures on case management of children at risk and children in conflict with the law.
Children-at-risk behave in a way that can be harmful to themselves or to others. They also run the risk of being exploited to come into conflict with the law. Children in conflict with the law are those under the age of 18 who are alleged as, accused of, or adjudged as, having committed an offense under Philippine laws.
“We have to understand that adolescents are naturally curious. Everything adults do, they would want to try without thinking of the consequences; that is how they are and that is completely normal. This kind of curiosity—reckless as it may be—is part of their development. We cannot hinder them from their self-discovery, but it is our duty to minimize the risks and to protect them from harm,” Muyot said.
He also stressed that DepEd, as a member of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), should ensure that children are protected whatever their backgrounds are. “We have no room for discrimination in DepEd, we have reintegration programs for children in conflict with the law,” he added.
Aside from the presentation of the salient features of DO 18, s. 2015, the two-day seminar workshop included comprehensive discussions and exchange of ideas on Alternative Delivery Modes, psycho-social interventions, restorative justice strategies and practices, and incident reporting and monitoring guidelines.
Collecting stickers for the Limited Edition Starbucks by Moleskine 2016 planner is still as fun and exciting as ever with Starbucks bringing back its festive holiday beverages.
Aside from the returning seasonal favorites Toffee Nut Latte and Peppermint Mocha, Starbucks also unveils the all new Christmas Panettone Latte.
Take in the festive mood as you take a sip of the newest holiday beverage, the Christmas Panettone Latte. This deliciously festive beverage is inspired by the classic Italian Christmas pastry, the Panettone, which is a type of sweet bread loaf similar to a fruitcake traditionally prepared and enjoyed for Christmas and New Year.
You’ll be transported to an Italian romantic holiday with Christmas Panettone Latte‘s sweet pastry aroma, buttery taste, and orange, cranberry and apple sprinkles.
It goes perfectly with steamed milk and roasted espresso, topped off with whipped cream and a medley of dried fruits for a textural and delicious twist on a classic holiday tradition.
"Things change. They always do, it's one of the things of nature. Most people are afraid of change, but if you look at it as something you can always count on, then it can be a comfort." "I realized love won't obey our expectations, it's mystery is pure and absolute."
These are some quotes I love in a film titled "The Bridges of Madison County" sentimentalizes the four-day affair between an Italian-born, middle-aged farm wife whose passionate nature has long been dormant and a ridiculously romantic drifter. A moving love story about a photographer on assignment to shoot the historic bridges of Madison County. He meets a housewife, whose husband and children are away on a trip, and the film traces a brief affair that is never sordid but instead one of two soul mates who have met too late.
One of the most romantic stories ever written, and for the first first international production of the musical "The Bridges of Madison County" presents by Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) is set to open on November 20 and run until December 6 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati.
International musical theatre stage actos MiG Ayesa and Joanna Ampil (Photo: https://instagram.com/msmyrnz/)
Leading the cast as Francesca and Robert are two iconic performers of the international musical theatre stage, Joanna Ampil and MiG Ayesa, who recently performed a great song presented to the press and guests during the media launch held at Oakwood Premier Building, ADB Ave. Ortigas.
Based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY tells the story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson and her life-changing, four-day whirlwind romance with traveling photographer Robert Kincaid.
The storyline
It’s an unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more.
Joanna Ampil. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Ateg
This brand new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. The Daily News hails it as “one of Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.”
Joanna Ampil, who rose to stardom in London’s West End as Kim in Miss Saigon, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar Eponine and Fantine in Les Miz and Christmas Eve in Avenue Q, says of her latest role, “It will be my first musical in Manila after a long hiatus.
The last one was The Sound of Music in 2012. I'm hungry for a new challenge and this role of Francesca will certainly give me that challenge, stretch and creativity that I'm always craving for as an artist. Jason Robert Brown and I performed in London sometime ago way before he wrote Bridges and to be able to play a lead in one of his works will be a wonderful experience; because I know that he writes some amazing stuff.
I look forward to sharing the stage with MiG Ayesa, also. But, the thing that appealed to me the most was the idea of working for ATLANTIS for the first time and being directed by Bobby Garcia.”
MiG Ayesa CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/Ateg
MiG Ayesa, who performed the role of Stacee Jaxx in ROCK OF AGES on Broadway and in Manila, says, “I am so thrilled to be returning to the Manila stage with this production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. The score written by Jason Robert Brown is so breathtakingly beautiful it has to be considered a modern classic, and well deserved of the Tony Awards it received.
I cannot wait to show such a different side to me, as the last time Manila audiences saw me was as the crazed rocker ‘Stacee Jaxx’ in ROCK OF AGES. The chance to be working opposite such a world class performer such as Jo Ampil, as well as under the direction of Bobby Garcia, promises to be an experience I will never forget.
This will be my second stage production with ATEG, and it has always been a labour of love in that camp. Any excuse to visit the Philippines is worth the work! I cannot think of a better way than to return with such a production as beautiful as this.”
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is directed by Bobby Garcia, Choreography by Cecile Martinez, Musical Direction by Ceejay Javier, Set Design by Faust Peneyra, Lighting Design by JonJon Villareal, Costume Design by Eric Pineda, Hair and Make Up Design by Johann dela Fuente and Vocal Direction by ManMan Angsico.
Bobby Garcia, who directs the musical, says. “I am thrilled to have two of the finest musical theatre performers breathe vibrant life into these iconic characters. Creating this show with Joanna and MiG has been an extremely rewarding creative experience and I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing these parts.
Jason Robert Brown’s score for BRIDGES is one of the most glorious musical theatre scores in recent memory. What a joy to hear it everyday in rehearsals. It is an honor to be able to stage this show for Manila audiences”
Also in the cast are Carla Guevara-Laforteza in the dual role of Marian and Chiara, Nino Alejandro as Bud, Emeline Celis-Guinid as Marge, Jamie Wilson as Charile, Bibo Reyes as Michael and Mikkie Bradshaw as Caroline. Joining them in the ensemble are Steven Conde, Nel Gomez, Franz Imperial, Yanah Laurel, Abi Sulit and Teetin Villanueva.
The unforgettable story about love, passion and choices that BRIDGE to a second chance is brought to you by ABS-CBN, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Delta Airlines, Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, Chrysler Philippines, Retro DCG-FM, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Crossover, Mellow 94.7 Sounds Good!, Portfolio Studios, Hit Productions Inc., Center of Aesthetic Studies, and Lynelle Hair Fashion.
Get your tickets now for what is destined to be the most romantic musical of the year!
Tickets for THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY are available at Ticketworld at 891-9999.
National Geographic Channel (NGC) will be airing the highly anticipated science series Breakthrough this November. Its Philippine premiere, the first in Asia, on November 5 at 9 PM, with all six one-hour episodes showing on Thursdays on NGC.
Breakthrough, a show that will bring to life the stories, people and technology behind the world’s most advanced scientific innovations that determine how our lives shall evolve. In one of the episodes, "breakthrough will uncover some of the most cutting edge new treatments and vaccines being developed to prevent deadly viral pandemics.
Executive produced by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Steve Michaels, Jonathan Koch and Mark Dowley, this groundbreaking series will highlight the most important and fascinating innovations that are currently making waves in the scientific community and are set to affect how we live our lives in the immediate future and beyond.
Not only will Breakthrough outline the science behind these innovations, but it will also explore the courage, imagination, passion and self-sacrifice of the scientists who brought them to life. Their stories will be portrayed with compassion and yet instill a sense of wonder as each episode will be directed by a different Hollywood visionary including Ron Howard, Brett Ratner, Peter Berg, Angela Bassett, Akiva Goldsman, and Paul Giamatti.
Tackling diverse scientific realms ranging from brain science to cyborg technology, Breakthrough promises an exciting and thorough preview of the future, ably presented by Hollywood’s best talents. Howard undertakes human longevity and Giamatti expounds on innovations in technology, while Ratner explores the brain, Berg examines pandemics, and Bassett and Goldsman present on the necessary resources of water and energy, respectively.
Breakthrough is co-produced by NGC and GE, both long-time proponents of innovation, science and exploration. However, what makes their partnership for this project unique is that they not only financed the series but shared equally in its creative direction.
“Modern science and technology are the keys to addressing the challenges the world is facing today,” said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Channels.
“By partnering with GE — as dedicated to science and innovation as we are — and by working with top-tier directors at the helm, Breakthrough will celebrate the curiosity, innovation and exploration of our world, and spotlight the individuals and institutions at the center of these groundbreaking achievements.”
“GE’s involvement brings a certain poetic justice to this endeavor,” said producer Grazer. “Thomas Edison, GE’s founder, and Alexander Graham Bell, a founding member of the National Geographic Society, are two of our greatest inventors. Their breakthroughs laid the foundation for tremendous innovation and continue to inspire generations of scientists and engineers. That same spirit will, no doubt, be evident in every episode.”
NGC and GE have united to produce a series that will inspire and cultivate global interest in science and innovation, possibly spawning brilliant individuals who may one day become leading innovators in various scientific fields.Breakthrough is a remarkable television event that will leave its mark on young minds, especially in Asia, from which many of the world’s leading scientists have hailed.
“We take great pride in presenting Breakthrough to viewers in the Philippines as it is a celebration of the relentless efforts of the scientific community to better our lives and improve our environment,” said Jude Turcuato, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX International Channels Philippines, which carries NGC, said. “We hope that it helps viewers appreciate how science has shaped our existence and how it will continue to help us evolve into the future.”
Breakthrough premieres on NGC on November 5 at 9 PM, with succeeding episodes shown on Thursdays at the same time. The show’s premiere episode, a truly important milestone in Philippine television history, will also be simulcast on FOX, FOX Filipino Channel, Star Movies and Star World by FOX International Channels, which carries NGC in the country.
