Food giant Jollibee appoints new PR agency

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Ripple8 wins competitive bid

Jollibee Foods Corporation, the largest fast food chain and dominant Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market leader in the Philippines, recently appointed Ripple8, Inc. as its public relations agency-on-record for its Brand PR initiatives beginning 2016. This was after the agency emerged as the top scorer in a competitive pitch with three other PR agencies.

Jollibee Brand CMO and Jollibee Philippines Marketing Head Francis E. Flores (L) selected Ripple8, Inc. headed by Managing Director Timmy Jayme (R), as one of its new PR agency partners.

Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Marketing of Jollibee Philippines Francis E. Flores said, “We are looking forward with great excitement to working with the team as Jollibee welcomes the year with bigger opportunities to bring joy to Filipino families in the country and worldwide.”

Flores furthered that Jollibee chose Ripple8 on the strength of its fresh, innovative ideas and integrated communications approach presented during the competitive bid.

Ripple8 managing director Timmy M. Jayme said the team is eager to implement “its winning strategies for transformative PR that will empower its trailblazer client to achieve the changes in consumer beliefs and behavior they work and aspire for.” 

Jayme added that the agency aims to make a difference for Jollibee by offering “evolved PR thriving in the high-tech, digital and social landscape to create the ripple effects of positive change.”

Strategic Works, Inc., Jollibee’s other PR agency for over 10 years, will continue to oversee the food company’s public relations for corporate affairs.

Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group Looking for new “Miss Saigon” cast

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Miss Saigon put Filipino talent on the map and showed the world how good Pinoy performers are.

Now, years after the first batch of Filipino talent made its mark in London’s West End—and all over the world—a new group of Filipino talent is out to replicate that success when the Miss Saigon company returns to the country to seek out local artists to join the musical.

Lea Salonga, who was the musical’s first Kim (and who went on to great success on Broadway and elsewhere in the theater world) says that if there’s anything Miss Saigon has done, it’s show to the world that the Filipino artist is one that is reliable, dependable, and able to interpret musical theater with the best of them.

“We are artistically right up there, and it makes me proud when any one of us gets that moment in the sun on the international stage. To see many of my friends in the West End and on Broadway makes my heart feel full,” says Lea, who went on to win major awards for her performance.

Singer and stage actress Isay Alvarez played the original Gigi to Lea’s Kim. She too, is grateful that Miss Saigonpaved the way for Pinoy artists to be recognized all over the world.

Being in the musical was both fun and challenging, says Isay. One of the hardest things was learning to work with the sheet music.

“Our counterparts read notes. They were sight readers. But the Pinoys were ingenious,” laughs Isay. “We brought our trusted tape recorders. In terms of adjustments (that we had to make), I’d say it was understanding the ways of our co-actors and production staff. Coming from a different culture was one thing, but they were understanding and Miss Saigon was a very mixed cast anyway.”

The auditions were also fun, but nerve-wracking. It was the first big test they all had to face.

“I was quite nervous, but during that time I was young and eager and my dreams were bursting out of my pores,” recalls Isay. “And to have the Cameron Mackintosh group in the audience was very exciting. They were very professional, and the English are proper anyway, and not intimidating at all. I should say they were very accommodating and I think they were really impressed that they found a mine of talents. They went to many cities and realized that Manila has what they need.” 

However, Carla Guevara-Laforteza says that passing the auditions was just the beginning.

“When we passed, we became scholars of the ‘Saigon School’ wherein we were pre-taught the songs and the choreography of the show. From there, we were handpicked on who would be assigned to go to what production (UK, Australia, Germany, and so on). Those chosen for Germany were required to learn the show in German.”

Of course, adjusting to a whole new lifestyle was part of the deal.

Lea had to give up her ‘sheltered’ life to be able to do the things she did there. “The toughest adjustment was just living a less-than-sheltered life. In Manila, all I had to worry about was school and whatever work I happened to be doing. Now, I had to learn how to take public transportation, and write checks for the monthly utilities, in addition to study my music, dialogue, and figure out how to do kissing scenes with a romantic opposite for the first time. 

Now, #TeamMissSaigon is back and looking for new talent. Auditions are presently ongoing with Atlantis Productions helping to coordinate the search.

Lea, Isay, Carla and other Miss Saigon alumni have words of encouragement and advice for those considering trying out for the musical.

The first thing, says Pinky Amador, is to realize that sure, it’s fun and it’s an honor to be chosen from among so many artists, but it’s also all about hard work and dedication from the moment one sets foot on the audition stage.

Her advice is to keep in mind that it just isn’t the best singers who make it.

“I have always maintained that in the end, the choices aren't just all about the best voices. They are about the best WORKERS. Remember, you will be working far away from home and facing many personal and artistic challenges. So they need to know that they can trust you. Be professional in every way. Show them they can invest you. Look at everyone they chose: they’re all people with high standards, all exacting and all with impeccable work ethic.”

As always, Lea’s advice is to be professional, even when one is just auditioning.

“First and foremost, show up prepared. Second, show up BEFORE your appointed time. Third, have fun! Enjoy the experience for what it’s worth. You may or may not get the job, but at least you can say you sang for some of the best creative forces in the world. That’s a pretty huge deal in and of itself.”

"Miss Saigon,” a sung-through musical, features music by "Les Misérables" collaborators Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, and lyrics by Boublil and "Closer Than Ever's" Richard Maltby, Jr. with additional lyrics by Michael Mahler, based on Giacomo Puccini's popular opera "Madame Butterfly.”

For more information contact (0995) 534-8371 or like the MISS SAIGON 2016 AUDITIONS page on Facebook.

"Clean and honest election for our children, our next generation of leaders and citizens" -- Senator Gringo Honasan

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We spend most time of our days on social media, login in from network to network, checking all the emails, updates and notification, planning ahead, and performing the sundry tasks and share important information to be of help to all.

The media plays a major role in keeping the citizenry abreast of current events and raising awareness of various issues.

“Social media has become a very powerful tool and it has also become a very irresponsible tool. When you’re behind that screen, you can say and do anything, and hide,” Senator Gringo Honasan said.

He ask for media/bloggers’ help to propagate idealism, sense of duty, and love of country to those who are willing to listen. 

Recently, with other bloggers, and I for the first time, met the most senior and experienced vice presidential candidate this coming election - Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II.

Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II, a family man, a 4-time senator, ex-military man, former coup plotter, soldier for 17 years prior to his 7 years stint as a rebel, and 18 years as senator. . . United Nationalist Alliance's vice presidential bet in 2016. He’s actually planning to retire on 2019. “But I think God wants to punish me some more and put me into this interesting situation,” he said.

“Ill put my 42 years of public service on the line and tell the people what makes me different, the strength, courage of my convictions and the audacity to make things happen. I will help solve crimes or die trying."

'I have always been a good soldier'.

As a solider, he saw action in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and earned a number of medals, awards, decorations and commendations for gallantry in action including three Distinguished Conduct Stars, Gold Cross medals and Wounded Personnel Medals sustained in combat. 

Honasan became famous for his role in the 1986 EDSA Revolution. 

As a senator, his main advocacies include environmental, military, police, and agrarian reform issues. 

Honasan is the sponsor of the POGI bill, also known as the Freedom of Information or People’s Ownership of Government Information Act of 2012.

Some of the bills he authored and co-authored include the Clean Air Act of 1999, Clean Water Act, National Security Policy, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act of 2009, and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

On Election 2016

Senator Gringo Honasan is looking forward for a clean and honest election “I hope walang dayaan dahil.” We will create more problems than solutions. It will divide our country some more. I keep on looking for the other candidates so we can talk seriously while things are uncertain. 

“This country with all its problems is still so blessed. The interesting part, all we need to do is to wake up every morning and continue breathing.”

“Is another EDSA possible? The answer to election fraud is not a protest. The answer to a malicious prosecution is not a motion for reconsideration. The malicious prosecution is not a motion for reconsideration. Honasan stressed that the answer, which we found 30 years ago, is in our hearts. As he place his hands in his chest pointing to his heart. 

Hope springs eternal. I think we’ll weather this. We’ll survive this. Eleksyon lang ito, di ba? To what cost? More institution being damaged? Pati ba naman ang eleksyon ay mada-damage beyond repair? Yung judiciary, yung mga kandidato, yung siraan, personalan, di ba? Yun ba ang price ng clean and honest elections? Where is now our sense of nationhood? I cannot imagine myself allowing any of my children to go and look for another country. Aapihin lang sila roon. Dito na lang tayong lahat. But let’s fix naman our own backyard,” as Sen. Honasan opined on the coming election. 

What constitute our national interest? 

When you talk about a policy where we have a vacuum, we don’t have a clear economic policy, foreign policy, security policy, and everything emanates from there. 

The problem really is we don’t have clear definition of what constitutes our national interests. 

"We have failed to realize that our most precious, strategic, and renewable are our children, our next generation of leaders and citizens. The job of our generation is to help make the next generation of leaders and citizens smarter, healthier, stronger, happier, and safer – much needed formula for national development, long term development. "

"He (VP Jojo Binay) keeps on telling all audiences that I’m going to be his anti-crime czar. I will have to clear this up with him because I want to know exactly what it means,” Honasan said. 

“If you’re talking about anti-crime, I’d rather deal with it in a generic sense. Like peace and order, it’s not something that you relegate to policemen and soldiers only. Security, safety, protection, it has to be in compassing,” he said. 

Sen. Honasan wants to achieve is to bring back our OFWs by generating more job opportunities that will not require for them to leave our country anymore. "There are 14 million scattered in 200 countries all over the world,” he added. 

On security and fixing the nation

“Nobody is safe anymore. That’s my take. But to me, crime is not the problem. The idea of crime is the problem. Sino ba ang gustong maging kriminal? Given a choice, bigyan ka ng trabaho, assuming hindi ka tamad, sino ang gustong maging rebelde, maging terrorist?” Honasan asked. Unfortunately, because of poverty, crime has become a lucrative idea. Crime solved in 6 months? Sen. Honasan admits that he has serious doubts with anybody who can promise that. 

“Unless you are given super emergency powers and your national security adviser is Iron Man, Superman, or other superheroes. But that’s a good campaign and then that’s just a promise,” Sen. Honasan added.

"This is not going to be a quick fix. We are not going to do this overnight," he said after one blogger asked on fixing the nation.

There will be more on knowing candidates for the Election 2016.

Social media's basic role is to enlighten and educate the public and act as a neutral, objective platform for all points of view.

Tips to keep your cool this summer season, Protect yourself from heat stroke

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Summer is here. The cool, windy days are almost over. In a few weeks, everyone will be trading in their sweaters with their swimsuits to herald the days of sun and sand. But while the coming sunny days promise fun moments at the beach, one must never forget to be diligent when it comes to problems common during this season. 

With the heat index expected to rise, the public is once again reminded to be diligent against summer problems like heat stroke. The affliction, which becomes common during hot and humid conditions, is considered a serious medical emergency by the Department of Health (DOH). 

Heat stroke happens when the body overheats and includes symptoms like headaches, dizziness, intense thirst, and fainting. When left untreated, it can cause damage to the heart, kidneys, and the brain.

Enjoy the moments of feeling sand between your toes while sipping piña coladas under bright umbrellas. While you are at it, practice the tips below to make sure you keep your cool this summer season. 

1. Wear appropriate clothing

Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved, light-colored clothing when going outside. Other than preventing heat stroke, this will also help protect the skin from sunburn. 

2. Schedule your activities

The DOH suggests to schedule heavy-duty tasks during the beginning or end of the day when the temperature is much cooler. The risk of heat stroke particularly increases when doing strenuous activities (e.g. exercising). 

3. Keep hydrated 

We sweat more during summer so there is a higher need to replenish the fluids in the body. It is suggested to drink more water than coffee, soda, tea, and alcoholic beverages since they are believed to have a diuretic effect, meaning they can trigger the body to expel more liquid (in the form of urine) rather than replenish the body’s water levels. 

4. Limit your time outdoors

Limiting the time spent outdoors is advised during the hot summer days. Resting in places with air conditioning to cool down is highly recommended. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exposure to air conditioning for a few hours a day can lessen the risk for heat-related illnesses. 

An air conditioner like Midea Genesis White Inverter split type model can help keep heat stroke at bay with its quality performance and technology. In addition to effective cooling performance, the model features a Quiet Mode that cancels indoor unit noise and a Bio Filter that makes use of specialized biological enzymes & HEPA filter to eliminate harmful microbes for a healthy indoor air quality. 

Worried that you’ll blow up your electric bills with increase used of air conditioning? The Midea Genesis White Inverter model is equipped with the Turbo DC Inverter that switches use between the compressor and the fan and the Eco Mode which automatically adjusts its cooling function to save energy. In fact, an hour of use of this cooling appliance only costs Php 2.96 (for 1Hp) according to Meralco testing. 

Heat stroke is a serious problem. Keep your chill by practicing these four steps and enjoy the summer with no worries. 

Watch moving stories at the CineFilipino Film Festival, it runs March 16 to 22

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CineFilipino Film Festival organized and led by Unitel Productions, in partnership with the MVP Group of Companies, offers cineastes with more moving stories and a more diverse mix of genres. 

With the theme “Kwento pa rin ang Hari”, these moving stories opens on March 15, will run from March 16 to 22 in select cinemas in the metro. Get ready to experience moving stories at the CineFilipino Film Festival and the awards night will be held on March 19 at Teatrino Greenhills.

Madonna Tarrayo, CineFilipino Film Director and Unitel Productions President and Group COO said “the essence of the story will always be at the core of CineFilipino, and with this year’s various categories, moviegoers are offered a more enriching experience.”

Directors of Feature Length Films

The festival begins with the screening of sociopolitical drama/thriller “Whistleblower”, starring Nora Aunor and directed by Adolf Alix Jr., on March 15, 6:00 pm at Newport Cinema 4, Resorts World Manila. 

Madonna Tarrayo, CineFilipino Film Director and Unitel Productions President and Group COO with Direc Joey Reyes, and directors and stars of Feature Length finalists, during the media conference held at the Plaza Ibarra, Quezon City March 8, 2016.

The film festival's second installment features more categories including, Feature-Length, Documentaries, TV Series and Shorts under which finalists will showcase works in Short Features, Mobile and Online. 

CineFilipino Film Festival attendees can choose from nine Feature-Length films, five Documentaries, five TV Series and 17 films under the Shorts category – 11 Short Features, 5 Online Content and 1 Mobile Content.

In the Feature-Length category alone, moviegoers can surely experience a wide array of emotions and stories. 

In “1st Sem”, first-time film festival directors Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibanez present an intensified love-hate relationship between a mother and son after the latter decides not to pursue college education in Manila. 

In Carla Baful’s “A Lotto Like Love”, moviegoers can expect a different kind of love story as two strangers are brought together in luck and love by a single winning lotto ticket. 

Love in spite of weight issues takes center stage in Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Ang Taba Ko Kasi” 

Alvin Yapan’s “Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian” explores the richness (and reality) of Filipino superstitions. 

Paolo Herras’ “Buhay Habangbuhay” takes on life after death and the importance of moving on and celebrating life despite seemingly bleak circumstances. 

A lesbian woman’s dream of becoming a mother is the subject in Lemuel Lorca’s “Ned’s Project” 

Dave Fabros’ “Straight to the Heart” is filled with uniquely Filipino humor and hugot lines as it explores a situation that has surely crossed the minds of many: what happens when a gay hairdresser slips into a coma and wakes up a straight guy? 

Ice Idanan’s “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” takes the beauty of the Philippines and uses it as a dramatic backdrop for a poignant story of heartbreak and moving on. 

Moviegoers get the privilege of witnessing a touching story about a child with Down’s Syndrome whose dream is to become an artista in Randolph Longjas’ “Van Damme Stallone”. 

Jury deliberations will take place on March 16, 17 and 18; winners will be recognized in CineFilipino’s Awards Night on March 19 at Teatrino Greenhills, which will be attended by the finalists, executives and the film festival’s sponsors and partners.

*Catch the CineFilipino Film Festival on March 16 to 22 in participating cinemas:

- Gateway Cineplex
- Festival Cinemas
- Eastwood Cinemas
- Robinsons Galleria Movieworld
- Robinsons Manila Movieworld
- Robinsons Metro East Movieworld
- Newport Cinemas in Resorts World
 - EDSA Shangri-La Cineplex
- Greenhills Theater Mall Cinema. 

CineFilipino Film Festival partners are Mediaquest, TV5, Cignal, Unitel, Optima Digital, Metro Pacific Tollways, PLDT Smart Foundation and Meralco.

For further information, visit the official website, www.cinefilipino.com.