Earth Hour Prepares to Shine a Light on Climate Action

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Global movement’s 10th switch-off slated for March 19

Earth Hour 2016 will be celebrated to bring together millions of individuals to shine a light on climate action and the potential of people to change climate change. It will focus on shining a light on various climate actions that individuals, communities, businesses and countries can take such as a transition to renewables, promoting sustainable food and agriculture, adopting climate-friendly legislation and business practices, supporting conservation projects and raising awareness on climate issues in schools and amongst the public. 

As the world enters a new era of climate action, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) again urges its supporters to switch-off and shine a light on climate action. 

From 8:30 to 9:30 PM on March 19, Earth’s most iconic landmarks will once more switch-off their lights for Earth Hour 2016. WWF-Philippines revealed its campaign plans at a kick-off led by its National Ambassadors Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado, plus Earth Hour Steward Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworksi. Earth Hour, which began as a single-city event in 2007, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2016.

Earth Hour Philippines’ main switch-off event shall be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on March 19, Saturday night. “It shall be a showcase of climate solutions,” explains Earth Hour Philippines Director Atty. Gia Ibay. “Stationary bikes will partially power this year’s event to show that united, Pinoys can light up this country with their collective energy. Together, anything is possible.” 

Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message about the need for decisive climate change solutions. In the past decade, the movement has grown from a symbolic switch-off event in Sydney, Australia to the world’s largest open-sourced environmental campaign mobilising hundreds of millions of people in over 7000 cities and 172 countries.

The Philippines has been championing the switch-off since 2008 and has topped participation records from 2009 to 2013 – earning it the title of Earth Hour Hero Country. A growing list of allies has pledged to support this year’s efforts, led by government partners such as the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of National Defense (DND), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), Local Government of Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). 

Corporate champions include ArthaLand, Banana Peel, Coca-Cola, Healthy Options, H&M Philippines, Philips, Starbucks and White Gold Club. Technical partners include Anakata and Solar Solutions. 

Earth Hour is a media-driven campaign and shall be promoted through strong alliances with ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN RNG, ABS-CBN Sports and Action, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, CNN Philippines, Eagle Broadcasting Corporation, Eagle News, DZUP, FleishmanHillard, FocusMedia, Leo Burnett, Net-25, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Orange Magazine TV, QCreativs, Radyo Pilipinas, Radyo Agila, Radyo Veritas, Rappler, Tech2Go, TV5 and Yuneoh. WWF is seeking more government, corporate and media support.

Social media users can promote their commitment to the planet by donating their Facebook feeds to spread climate awareness and action in a few clicks on earthhour.org/climateaction. Users can also use the hashtags #EarthHourPhilippines, #ChangeClimateChange, and #RenewableisDoable to promote climate solutions. 

“Social media knows no physical boundaries and neither does climate change,” says Earth Hour Global Executive Director Siddarth Das. “A simple action on social media is the kind of powerful statement that can excite friends and communities to be a part of the climate action we need to take on this global challenge.”

Since 2007, WWF and Earth Hour teams worldwide have harnessed the power of the movement to raise support and funds for access to renewable energy, protection of wildlife and their habitats, building sustainable livelihoods and driving climate-friendly legislation and policy. WWF-Philippines in turn celebrates its 20th anniversary this 2016. 

Earth Hour 2016 will be celebrated on Saturday, 19 March 2016 between 8:30 and 9:30 PM in the Philippines and across the globe. 

Log on to www.earthhour.org and wwf.org.ph for more stories on Earth Hour and climate solutions.

Link to the official Earth Hour 2016 music video: http://ehour.me/EH2016-MusicVideo

Link to photos on Earth Hour activities around the world: http://www.earthhour.org/photo-galleries

“Echorsis” lead star Alex Medina flattered by growing gay fan base

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Alex Medina 

In “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil,” Alex Medina takes on the role of Carlo, a sweet-tongued and charismatic gigolo who was possessed by a gay spirit after the death of his lover Kristoff (John Lapus). 

The film, which likewise top-bills Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano as Father Nick, was directed by critically acclaimed filmmaker Lemuel Lorca and was written by Jerry Gracio.

Mention Alex Medina’s name when chatting with a gay friend and chances are your chum will show all signs of being totally smitten.

Alex Medina is Carlo- a gigolo victimizing gay men

Indeed, the ruggedly handsome actor and lead star of the horror-comedy film, “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good and Evil,” has been the object of the local gay community’s sexual fantasies in the past few years, earning him the moniker “kilabot ng mga beki” or “gay heartthrob.”

Carlo (Medina) became possessed by a gay spirit

“I like it,” Alex, the son of acclaimed actor Pen Medina, unabashedly admits. “If my being a gay heartthrob catches on, eh di sige, okay. I am comfortable with the way I am, which is why I’m fine with it. Nakaka-flatter s’ya actually.”

Medina relates that he used to receive numerous “indecent proposals” from gay fans on social media. However, such rabid attention eventually declined when he became more visible in movies and television. 

“Dati ang dami-dami kong natatanggap na ganung messages, pero lately wala na halos. How did I respond to these? I would nicely but candidly tell them, ‘Sorry po, that’s not my thing,’ ” he says. 

“Doing the role of Carlo was both fun and challenging. Mahirap ang role, lalo na the physical side to it because I had to play various personas at the same time,” he recounts.

Alex even shares that he was initially more afraid of the so-called “curse” that reportedly afflicts those who work on the filming of horror movies than being typecast for such offbeat roles as the one he did for “Echorsis”.

“Yes, I’ve heard stories that the cast and production crews of horror films occasionally experience real-life scary episodes,” Alex claims. “They say that the process inadvertently summons the dark forces that bring about the ‘curse’. Mas lalo akong kinabahan nang may naramdaman kaming mga unexplainable incidents sa set sa Bulacan. Sabi ko, baka ito na yun!”

Such quirky sidelights notwithstanding, Alex is upbeat about the commercial success of “Echorsis”. 

The actor believes that while it is expected to get the support of the pink market, the widely anticipated film will attract an even bigger audience, especially those who are looking for an out-of-the-box and intelligent narrative.

Kristoff (Medina) and Father Nick (Cipriano) in a dramatic scene

“Echorsis is about love and forgiveness. Matatawa ka ng husto pero lalabas ka sa sinehan realizing na ni-respeto ka ng pelikula bilang isang matalinong manonood,” Alex stresses. 

Even now, a few weeks prior to its April 13 opening in cinemas nationwide, the highly anticipated movie has become the talk of the town. Echorsis’ trailer has gone viral, receiving close to two million views.

Kristoff played by John Lapus falls in love with Alex Medina's character Carlo

Completing the ensemble cast of “Echorsis” are Alessandra de Rossi, Chokoleit, Kiray Celis, Mich Liggayu, Ruby Ruiz, Negi Negra, Bekimon, Nico Antonio, Francine Garcia, Odette Khan, and 1:43’s Yuki Sakamoto, Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, and Yheen Valero.

“Echorsis” is supported by BellaVita Land Corp. and McJim Classic Leather.

Sarah G launches Sangobion Iron + "Win Your Day" Music Video

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SANGOBION IRON+ launches "Win Your Day" music video by Sarah G. and the Anemix Girls

Sangobion IRON+ Brand Ambassador Sarah Geronimo. 

The launch of the new campaign, “Win Your Day” establishes Sangobion IRON+ as the blood health expert that talks about the 5 signs of anemia—tiredness, sickly (due to a weak immune system), paleness, distractedness (lack of concentration), and dizziness—and how to prevent or overcome them in order to Win Your Day.

The highlight of the campaign is the “Win Your Day” TV commercial and music video, starring Sangobion IRON+ Brand Ambassador Sarah Geronimo. 

Also featured in the video are the Anemix Girls: five women who were able to overcome their anemia with the help of the organic iron supplement.

They are fondly known as Tired Ellaine, Sickly Paula, Pale Sheena, Distracted Princess, and Dizzy Apple.

Selected through a series of Sangobion IRON+ activities that took place over several months last year, the girls went through several tests of physical energy, including a karaoke challenge. Armed with golden voices and the eagerness to win their day, the five stood out from hundreds of candidates and proved to be the perfect companions of Sarah G. in the music video.

Anemia, caused by iron deficiency, can greatly impact a person’s physical and cognitive performance thus affecting the overall work productivity.

In the Philippines, Merck Inc., through the country’s leading iron supplement brand for adults, Sangobion IRON+, has made it its mission to spread awareness for anemia so that more Filipinos can be aware of the condition. In fact, the World Health Organization revealed that between 20 and 39.9% of women in the country aged 15-49 years suffer from anemia (The Global Prevalence of Anaemia in 2011, authored by the World Health Organization).

Merck Inc. Philippines Head of Marketing, Consumer Health, Debbie Go said, “A significant number of Filipinos, particularly women, are affected by anemia and don’t even realize it. We expect that this campaign will encourage them to be more conscious of their blood health, and take the necessary steps to fight anemia so they can go about each day in winning form.”

Discover the wonder of hilltop ranch living at Tagaytay Highlands

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Cherish every moment with your family at Aspenhills.

Of breathing fresh air and spending quality time with your family, discover the wonder of hilltop ranch living at Tagaytay Highlands.

A premier development in Tagaytay City

Aspenhills in Tagaytay Highlands is just the place you need for those quick family getaways. Just a 50-kilometer drive from the Metro, this hilltop community is situated in the heart of Tagaytay City, where year-round balmy air occasionally turns chilly—the kind of weather that heightens one’s sense of living in rustic, mountain-lodge-like homes.

This artist’s perspective is just a representation of the architectural theme of Aspenhills, which must be strictly followed by lot owners.

Yes, Aspenhills takes inspiration from cool and serene Aspen in Colorado, USA, which draws winter sports enthusiasts to its famous mountain skiing facilities. In summertime, it turns into a vibrant and picturesque view that draws families closer and spend carefree moments with each other in a place where they can simply live, work, play and relax in harmony.

Aspenhills is an exclusive residential enclave that enthralls homeowners and guests with its spectacular views of the mountain ridges of Batangas, the sparkling waters of Laguna de Bay and the distant sprawl of Canlubang Valley. The breathtaking backdrop complements the laidback aesthetics of this mountain lodge-themed community, making it totally relaxing for the whole family.

In Aspenhills, the image of corporate towers in the country’s business districts suddenly recedes in your mind’s eye. You bask in the warmth and rustic ambiance of your wooden log home, made charming by contemporary touches of glass and stone. 

In Aspenhills, you and your family rediscover the pleasure of just being together—catching up with each other’s lives, engaging in lively conversation, and making new memories for everyone to fall back on when the business of life becomes intrusive once more. 

A hilltop ranch lifestyle

Aspenhills promotes an active lifestyle for family members of all ages. The 27-hectare development has exclusive leisure amenities for the fun and pleasure of its lot owners. These amenities include the Sunshine Picnic Grove, Village Hall and the Little Ranch Playground. 

Spend delightful afternoons with your family at the Sunshine Picnic Grove where you may enjoy festive barbeque picnics with the whole family or simply gaze at the magnificent view of nature with your other half. Be it a big event or an intimate gathering, the Village Hall with a viewing deck serves as the perfect venue where family and friends may celebrate life’s feats and milestones. Meanwhile, the Little Ranch Playground is a nature-inspired children’s park with a slide and climbing wall made of stone and children’s rocking horses where the little ones may frolic under the sun and make the most out of their youthful days.

Living in this modern ranch hilltop community gives you and your family the much-desired rustic yet sophisticated lifestyle that comes with the privilege of different recreational facilities for your leisure needs. Indeed, a home beyond ordinary, indulge in the splendor of fine living in your own private retreat that is especially designed for your utmost comfort and relaxation. 

A variety of recreational amenities

Aside from Aspenhills’ exclusive amenities, lot owners may also enjoy access to Tagaytay Highlands’ world-class leisure facilities such as the first and only Swiss-engineered cable car system and funicular train in the country, two championship golf courses, a superb Sports Center, a log cabin-inspired wellness center called the Spa and Lodge, and 16 dining outlets serving the most sumptuous meals of different cuisines. All these are situated within 1,200-hectares of lush greenery and rolling terrain. 

It’s no wonder, then, that over the years, properties in Tagaytay Highlands continue to appreciate, making it one of the best investment options in the local property sector. 

So next time you feel tired and weary, remember that you can have your home-away-from-home in a place called Aspenhills in Tagaytay Highlands. It’s where you and your loved ones can have a weekend getaway—and make memories that last a lifetime. 

Tagaytay Highlands is a leisure development of the SM Group of Companies. Situated in the highest elevations of Tagaytay, the premier leisure destination speaks of exclusivity and luxury. It is where stunning naturescapes and breezy, cool weather come together to redefine relaxation. And where golf and country clubs, fine restaurants, world-class amenities, and premium residential communities reshape your idea of a weekend getaway. 

For more information on how to own a Highlands home, please visit www.tagaytayhighlands.com or call (632) 5052422 and (63917) 5150158.

Kia Theatre gears up for exciting concerts

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Kia Theatre at Araneta Center

Kia Theatre, the newest landmark at the Araneta Center, officially opened its doors in a recent cocktails party attended by top executives of Araneta Center and Columbian Autocar Corporation, the assembler and exclusive distributor of Kia Motors vehicles in the Philippines.

The event was highlighted by ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Rowell Recinto, management consultant of Araneta Group; Irene Jose, OIC-COO of Uniprom, Inc.; Gov. Jose Alvarez, honorary chairman of CAC; and Atty. Aris Batuhan, president and CEO of MVP Kia Araneta Center.

(L-R) Araneta Group management consultant Rowell Recinto and Atty. Aris Batuhan, president and CEO of MVP Kia Araneta Center

Following its official grand launch, patrons can look forward to exciting concerts and performances that will position the venue as one of Metro Manila’s top performing arts venue. The lineup includes Russell Peters’ Almost Famous World Tour, which will feature the international comedy rockstar’s latest takes on communities, jobs, technology, dating, plus his signature lightning-fast improv with the audience.

Kia Theatre reopened in last year with its first show, The Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival. Major events have also jazzed up the venue at the start of the year, including the Pilipinas Got Talent Season 5 Auditions and the concert of Nate Ruess.

The ’80s powerhouse singer Richard Marx is also set to perform at the venue for his Solo Tour in March. Marx will sing some of his greatest hits, including “Endless Summer Nights,” “Right Here Waiting,” “Now and Forever,” and “Hazard.” 

Come May, the British girl group Little Mix will pump up Kia Theatre for their Get Weird Tour. Fans can expect a sassy and fun music experience as Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jesy Nelson heat up the stage with their original songs, including “Black Magic” and “Love Me Like You.” 

With major concerts and exciting performances coming up, Kia Theatre is set to become a world-class performing arts venue.

For concert details and updates, follow Kia Theatre on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/KiaTheatre.