Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Gateway Dolby Atmos Cinema

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The biggest Dolby Atmos Cinema in the country located at Gateway Mall, Araneta Center was launched last Wednesday December 17, the perfect time with the advanced screening of perfect movie “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Featuring a revolutionary audio platform that creates powerful, moving audio using audio objects and overhead speakers, Gateway Mall’s Dolby Atmos Cinema boasts of sounds that come from all directions, the dialogue and music of the onscreen story move all around the audience in three-dimensional space, transporting them into the scenes and putting them in the middle of the action. Definitely the most suitable venue for the much-awaited movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. 

Araneta Group CEO Jorge Araneta shared that this will definitely be a fantastic and world-class movie experience not just for Star Wars fans but for the whole family.

“We are very excited to screen Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Gateway Dolby Atmos Cinema 5. With its revolutionary sound technology, the theatre will be filled with breathtaking audio and the audience will feel like they are inside the Star Wars universe. This will definitely be a fantastic and world-class movie experience not just for Star Wars fans but for the whole family,” says Araneta.

Compared to regular theatres, Dolby Atmos Cinema has the most number of speakers with a 53.5 sound system (53 individual surround channels and 5 subwoofers). Each speaker is powered independently and gets its own separate audio feed. In effect, the movement of every sound in the scene is reproduced in all three dimensions.

The Dolby Atmos technology gives content creators unprecedented control of the placement and movement of sound within the movie theatre. Sounds can be placed and moved anywhere in the cinema’s three-dimensional space. The Dolby Atmos Cinema processor then determines which of a cinema’s huge array of front, back, side, and overhead speakers it will use to recreate this lifelike movement. 

With sounds coming from all directions, the cinema is filled with astonishing clarity, richness, detail, and depth. This creates a multidimensional sound system that makes audiences feel as if they are inside the film and not just watching it.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the seventh installment in the Star Wars film series and the first to be directed by J.J. Abrams.

Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights.

Set around 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the sequel follows the adventures of new lead characters Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as they join forces with original characters Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) to fight Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his broadsword lightsaber. The film also features Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma, Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux, Andy Serkis as Supreme Leader Snoke, and Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata.

The Force Awakens is the first film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, announced after The Walt Disney Company's acquisition of Lucas film in October 2012. The film is produced by Lucas film president Kathleen Kennedy, Abrams, and his long-time collaborator Bryan Burk.

Don’t miss the chance to have a 360-degree experience of the glorious Star Wars saga.

Catch Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Gateway Mall’s Dolby Atmos Cinema!

For more details and the latest updates from Araneta Center, visit their official website at www.aranetacenter.net and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AranetaCenter.

Build Hope this Christmas with Habitat’s “Pamaskong Handog”

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This Christmas, thousands of families will be celebrating in evacuation sites and temporary shelters because of recent calamities that struck the country. Amidst the busyness of the holiday season, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat) is committed to building their homes and bringing hope in disaster affected communities.

Habitat’s annual Christmas program “Pamaskong Handog” (Christmas offering) inspires the public to give back to our fellow Filipinos in need during this season of giving. Companies and organizations can set aside some funds from their Christmas party budget, or gather voluntary contribution among members which will help ongoing rehabilitation efforts in various areas nationwide. In appreciation of their generosity, Habitat will match every P1000 donation with a Noche Buena pack to be shared with its assisted family under the donor’s name.

“This season is the best opportunity to show that a little help goes a long way for a family who would like Christmas a bit more special.” Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director of Habitat explains. 

More than just giving Noche Buena packs, Pamaskong Handog is really about rekindling hope among numerous families’ who slowly rebuild and improve their lives when they move to their new home. 

“Like Jesus Christ who was born in a humble shelter, he was able to inspire hope to a vast majority of people. Together with our donors, would also like to lead by example and demonstrate the love of Christ through this program”, Ayco adds. 

For more information on how to partner, kindly contact our Mass Marketing Unit at 846-2177 or email donorservices@habitat.org.ph. 

You may also visit www. www.give2habitat.org/philippines/pamaskonghandog and learn more about the on-going program.

How Cebuana Lhuillier helps micro entrepreneurs grow

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Most Filipinos dream of becoming an entrepreneur someday and they start early – the student who sells candies or pad paper to his classmates, or the girl who sells stationery paper to her peers. Then the entrepreneurial dream grows bigger to include home-baked goodies, a sari-sari store or small grocery, a fleet of tricycles, and other small-scale businesses.

The country’s leading microfinancial institution, Cebuana Lhuillier, recognizes this potential and aims to help strengthen the chances of Filipinos succeeding in entrepreneurship through a financial literacy campaign that showcases the available support for micro entrepreneurs today.

There are Cebuana Lhuillier products that provide for the needs and protect the resources of micro entrepreneurs – from micro insurance products to immediate financial assistance.

Keeping small businesses safe

One of Cebuana Lhuillier’s micro insurance products is the Alagang Cebuana Plus which offers affordable personal accident and fire insurance. For only P25, the holder is covered from accidental death, dismemberment, and disablement for P20,000, with an additional P5,000 coverage from fire. The coverage is valid for four (4) months.

There are other Cebuana Lhuillier micro insurance products that help micro entrepreneurs protect their investments and resources against various risks.

Banking without the bank

Nowadays, payment options available for businesses, no matter how small, include transactions that do not go through the banks. Social networking platforms have become the new marketplace that offers products ranging from home-baked goodies, imported candies and chocolates, second hand clothes and bags, and almost anything under the sun.

Micro entrepreneurs are taking advantage of this to grow and reach a wider market. With the help of Cebuana Lhuillier’s 24/7 Pera Padala nationwide operations, they are able to receive payments sent from across the country, in real time, hassle-free and without the need to open an account.

Easy-Access Funds

No matter how small the business, it is integral to have easy access to funds in the course of the operations. Cebuana Lhuillier offers a nationwide pawning service that can address the need for funds for sudden business expenses. Its high appraisal rates, low interest rates, flexible terms, hassle-free transactions and 24/7 operations for select branches, make Cebuana Lhuillier’s pawning services the perfect partner for micro entrepreneurs.

Becoming an entrepreneur can be a challenging task, but with the right support from microfinance institutions like Cebuana Lhuillier, it can be a sweet success.

Watch the ‘Epson Spectacular Christmas 3D Projection Mapping Show’, join the #Selfietacular Contest and win an Epson home projector

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Leading digital imaging company Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) invites the public to watch the ‘Epson Spectacular Christmas 3D Projection Mapping Show’, join the "Selfietacular Contest and win an Epson 3D home projector.

Ed Bonoan, Epson’s Head of Marketing Division shared that “since this is the first Christmas 3D projection mapping show in the country, we want as many people as possible to experience it – and to remember it.

People who watched the show can take a photo of themselves with the show in the background, post it on their Facebook, use the hashtags #selfietacular and #epsongivesback, and tag the Epson Philippines FB page to get a chance to win an Epson EH-TW570 home projector.” 

The Epson EH-TW570 is a highly affordable 3D home theatre projector that delivers quality entertainment and immersive gaming experience. Through Epson’s bright 480Hz drive technology, a stunning level of 3D brightness is made possible. The 480Hz drive technology minimizes the “blackout time” of the projector when 3D images are transitioning from frame to frame, giving viewers the smoothest 3D movie or gaming experience.

Epson’s Spectacular Christmas 3D Projection Mapping Show was made possible in partnership with Ortigas & Company. The show is held from 7pm to 12 midnight at the Capitol Commons Park in Ortigas Center, Pasig every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 11, 2015 until January 3, 2016.

Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in printing, visual communications, quality of life and manufacturing. Epson’s lineup ranges from inkjet printers, printing systems and 3LCD projectors to industrial robots, smart glasses and sensing systems and is based on original compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies.

If it's Noche Buena preparation time, try more hassle-free with GLAD

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When I think of Noche Buena, it’s always a feast, a buffet table filled with special food and super yummy treats that is shared with family and friends.

Noche Buena is a tradition that families all around the world enjoy and look forward to during the Yuletide season.

Preparing for Noche Buena and thinking of gifts for your loved ones this coming holiday season can be a very daunting task, indeed. But more than the stress of finding the best Christmas present, homemakers often become hard pressed to find the perfect recipes fit to be called “a meal-to-remember” during the Christmas Eve celebration. Noche Buena gatherings often stand out more than the others because the menu details have been well thought out.

For moms who don’t want to spend more than their budget would allow and also for those who don’t like eating out in crowded dining places during this busy season, now will be a good time to put their creativity to the test -- in the kitchen.

To help you accomplish this, GLAD, a trusted brand in food protection and kitchen management, has come up with the following hassle-free Noche Buena recipes developed by chef and food stylist Eugene Raymundo.

The first dish is a very easy and no-fail recipe for a meat loaf that doesn’t take long to prepare, while the second recipe is a fudge treat for dessert that uses walnuts and maraschino cherries. To prepare these meals, all you need are essential kitchen partners such as Glad Non-Stick Aluminum Foil, which has a special coating that ensures food does not stick to the foil and makes dishes look more presentable and enticing. Then there’s also GLAD Cook ‘n’ Bake paper whose special non-stick coating eliminates the need for fats and oil. It is also economical because you can use it up to 5 times for simple baking! 

Try these simple recipes and make this Christmas extra special for your loved ones with these holiday treats.

Madman Meatloaf

Madman Meatloaf


Ingredients:

500 gms ground pork

500 gms ground beef

½ cup chopped carrots

½ cup chopped green bell pepper

½ cup chopped red bell pepper

2/3 cup chopped mushrooms

1 tbsp minced garlic

2/3 cup minced onions

250 gms chopped ham

100 gms chopped pepperoni

100 gms chopped bacon

½ cup dried cranberries

100 gms diced cheese

½ tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp chili powder

½ tsp dried rosemary

½ tsp dried sage

1 tbsp salt

1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

1 tbsp Tabasco

1/8 tsp pepper

1 egg

2 egg yolks

2 tbsp flour

Procedure:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350oF.

2. Place all ingredients in a large GLAD FREEZER ZIPPER BAG.

3. Seal and massage ingredients to blend well.

4. Place mixture in a GLAD OVENWARE 9 x 12.

5. Cover with GLAD NON-STICK ALUMINUM FOIL.

6. Bake for 35 minutes.

7. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes.

8. Let cool before slicing.

Chunky Cherry-Walnut Fudge

Chunky Cherry-Walnut Fudge

Ingredients:

¾ cup butter

1 ½ cups sugar

¾ cup cocoa powder

4 eggs

½ tsp salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup chopped dark chocolate

1 cup maraschino cherries, quartered

½ cup chopped walnuts

Procedure:

1. Pre-heat oven to 325oF.

2. Line an 8”x 8” brownie pan with GLAD COOK ‘n’ BAKE.

3. Melt margarine over medium heat in a saucepan.

4. Add in cocoa powder and sugar and cook until cocoa powder is dissolved.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, salt, and flour until well blended.

6. Fold in half of cherries, chocolate and nuts.

7. Pour into prepared pan.

8. Top with remaining add-ons and bake for 45 minutes.

9. Let cool and chill before slicing.