Short Film Festival propels students to great achievements

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True to its commitment of being the steward of young film-makers towards success in the local motion picture industry, Black Barong Film Festival (BBFF) showcased the best short films at The BBFF: Invitationals 2016.

In partnership with SineReel X slated last April 20, 21 and 22 at the Thomas Aquinas Research Center Auditorium of the University of Santo Tomas (UST), Manila, the event marked the festival’s first extended run since its inception in 2009.

“We received an overwhelming response from students in different colleges and universities, and because there were many excellent entries, this year’s three-day festival aimed to provide the avenue for young talents to celebrate their achievements and compel them towards future excellence,” said Executive Director Nico Hernandez.

More than creating a platform to exhibit student films, Hernandez added that BBFF believes that peer recognition is essential for the youth to gain confidence in their chosen craft. 

With a mission to support, promote and fuel the passion of the new breed of film-makers, the festival premiered works by students of San Sebastian College Recoletos-Manila, University of the East (UE), Far Eastern University (FEU) and the University of Santo Tomas (UST). 

“We started with less than 10 entries, and we’ve grown to about 60 short films on average each year. The selection of finalists is a critical process. We invited the schools in the University Belt which were able to produce excellent and winning films in the past.”

Sharing the vision of producing and presenting top quality Filipino movies, ABS-CBN Star Cinema rallied their industry veterans to take part as the festival’s 2016 judging panel. Esteemed jurors included Star Cinema’s Creative Manager John Paul Abellera, Head of Production Marizel Samson Martinez and Creative Supervisor and Screenwriter Roumella Nina Monge, internationally acclaimed writer-director Antoinette Jadaone, and award winning cinematographer for film and television Herman Claravall.

“To encourage the students to pursue a career in film making, this time around, the winners will have intership opportunities with Star Cinema. We are happy and grateful for this partnership because with their support, they will also hone and refine the skills of these fresh talents,” Hernandez stated.

Among the 41 finalists featured, the short films produced by FEU garnered the most awards.

Top rank was given to Keep Right, collecting awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design and Best Musical Score. The film also earned Best Direction for neophyte director Yesh Burce, and Best Actress for Divine Aucina. The Special Jury Prize, considered as the closest contender for Best Picture, was awarded to the short film Pitik-Bulag. 

Other films of note are Kalabit for Best Sound Editing, Dulog for Best Trailer, and Buffering - with a moving performance by Paulo Alinario, received the Best Actor Award. Excellence in visual execution was given to UST’s Pag-Uwi, which collected Best Cinematography and Best Editting.

Inspiring the creativity of the aspiring youth, winners at The BBFF: Invitationals 2016 received a PHP 50,000.00 film grant from Open Reel Film Gears and, a chance at valuable mentorships and learning from the best professional film-makers in the country. 

“From this point on, we not only recognize the best short films, we also take part in shaping the future of these students. It is our genuine honor to recognize the achievements of the students and we’re very excited for a bigger and better Black Barong next year. ” 

For more information and updates, find the Black Barong Film Festival on Facebook or follow @Black Barong on Twitter.

PAW Patrol's Meet & Greet at SM Mall of Asia on April 29 & 30

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Ready for Action with PAW Patrol  at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

For a minimum single of accumulated receipt purchase worth P500.00 of ANY Paw Patrol merchandise from April 1-30 at the event venue, SM MOA Toy Kingdom and SM MOA Toy Kingdom Express, you'll get ONE (1) ACCESS PASS (1 Adult & 1 Child) to join in the PAW Patrol.

Schedule for the PAW Patrol's Meet & Greet at SM Mall of Asia 

April 29 - Friday

3:00PM to 3:30PM

5:00PM to 5:30PM

April 30 - Saturday

11:30AM to 12:00NN

3:30PM to 4:00PM

5:30PM to 6:00PM

Ara Vista Clubhouse offers first-class amenities at affordable rates for residents and guests

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Ara Vista Village, Picar Development’s flagship real estate property in General Trias, Cavite is a gated, secured residential community that is also the first Telepolis or WiFi-abled township in the country. Beyond connecting homeowners 24/7 to the world wide web, Ara Vista is also an ideal summer getaway for those who live near the area.

Open to the public, non-members, or non-homeowners can use Ara Vista Clubhouse’s amenities, which include swimming pools, function rooms, and tennis and basketball courts at very affordable rates. Homeowners' swimming pool rates from Tuesday to Sunday is P50/pax for 12 years old and below and P75/pax for adults. Evening rates, from 6PM to 9PM, is P75/pax for kids and P100/pax for adults. Non-homeowners can also enjoy a dip in the pool at these rates: P75/pax for kids and P100/pax for adults (day rates) and P100/pax for kids and P125/pax for adults (evening rates).

Aside from the swimming pool, the basketball and tennis courts are perfect for those looking for a healthy and active summer activity for the whole family.

Ara Vista Clubhouse's spacious and airy grand function hall also makes for an ideal event space for graduation or birthday parties, debut, wedding receptions, reunions, and other such events. The two function room had a floor area ranging from 200 to 250 square meters and is good to host 150-200 guests. The look and design of the hall can also be customized according to specifications. The Clubhouse also has three conference rooms that can be rented by homeowners and non-homeowners alike and at very affordable rates.

From the start, Ara Vista Village was masterplannned to have everything the residents and visitors alike would need-- from the lush theme park and gym to the church and AMA Medical School that will be built soon inside the village. The Clubhouse's facilities were put in place to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, which serves as the development’s centerpiece, where families can bond 1and celebrate important milestones together.

For more information on Ara Vista, visit "http://www.aravista.com/" \h www.aravista.com. Call at (632) 822.3443, 552.2825

Sarah G, James Reid and Nadine Lustre at the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016

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MTV  revealed today Philippines pop star royalty  Sarah Geronimo, and Filipino pop darlings James Reid and Nadine Lustre will join the performers’ line-up at the award-winning MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 at SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on Friday, 24 June 2016. 

The newly announced acts will share the stage with its first announced act, iconic international pop band and prolific hitmaker  OneRepublic and perform at the one-night only live music event to celebrate pop music like never before – enabling fans to experience and discover the evolution of pop music and its dance influence that keeps fans moving.

“We are thrilled to have the Philippines’ pop star royalty Sarah Geronimo, and Filipino pop star darlings James Reid and Nadine Lustre join us for MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. These stellar performers personify the sound of local pop music which we are looking forward to celebrate on the MTV stage,” said Paras Sharma, Senior Vice President of MTV, Comedy Central & Paramount Brands and Digital Media, Asia, Viacom International Media Networks. “Through the years, Sarah Geronimo’s music has captured her evolution as an artist, making her one of the most exemplary Filipino pop icons of this generation.” 

After more than a decade of winning Pinoy hearts with her songs, performances and movies, Sarah Geronimo has truly become one of the most iconic and well-loved faces of Philippine pop music. Throughout her career, she has produced award-winning hits that propelled her to be recognized as “Best Southeast Asian Act” at the MTV EMAs in 2014. With her latest album “The Great Unknown” and first single “Tala”, the pop princess continues to shape the sound of contemporary Philippine pop music with her influences in dance, R&B and anthemic ballads.

Meanwhile, Filipino pop darlings James Reid and Nadine Lustre, or the adorable duo “JaDine” are also set to showcase their pop music origins at the MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Reid, who is one of the most recognized male teen sensations of the music business today, is a gifted artist who has produced two albums including “Reid Alert” that contains hits like “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit” and “Hanap-Hanap”. Lustre, on the other hand, was already producing hits as a member of PopGirls before her break-out role in “Diary ng Panget” and continues to make her mark in the world of Pinoy pop with her electric tracks “Para Paraan” and club-ready “Me & You”.

“MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 is going to be one of the best nights of your summer. So join me, Nadine and some of the biggest artists in pop music – from both the international and Pinoy scenes as we dance the night away.” – James Reid

“What an honor to perform live for MTV Music Evolution Manila and to share the stage with some of the most talented musicians. I can’t wait to see everyone there!” – Nadine Lustre

Recorded live for global telecast under the MTV World Stage global series, MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will reach an international audience of more than three-quarters of a billion households in over 160 countries. MTV Asia VJs Alan Wong and Hanli Hoefer will be hosting the event, along with MTV Pinoy VJs Yassi Pressman and Andre Paras. More acts are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 will showcase iconic and contemporary international music artists and the hottest new acts in both the regional and local music scenes on a single stage, while featuring the best of Philippine music and culture to international youth audiences. Further details of MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016, including additions to the artist line-up, will be announced in the run up to the event. The free-entry2 event will be held for one night only.

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 is sponsored3 by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines. 

MTV Music Evolution Manila is a live music event that brings to life the evolution of a music genre and enables young people to experience and discover how music styles and sounds have evolved over the years. MTV Music Evolution Manila marked its inauguration 2015 edition with a feature on hip hop, which showcased a stellar line-up of international and local acts who took to the stage in celebration of iconic and contemporary hip-hop music. Through explosive performances by  Naughty by Nature, YG, Apl.de.ap, DJ Cash Money, and the Philippines’ own  Gloc-9 and Abra, MTV Music Evolution Manila 2015 showcased the way that hip hop has shaken up the music scene throughout the years – taking the music genre to whole new levels for a live audience of more than 22,000 fans who gathered at the historic Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila.

SARAH GERONIMO

Sarah Geronimo debuted her first album entitled “Popstar: A Dream Come True” in 2003 fresh from her grand prize win as the champion of television singing contest “Star for a Night”. The largely successful and award-winning album included her anthemic hits “To Love You More”, “Broken Vow” and “Forever’s Not Enough”. The album was quickly followed up by a prolific succession of hit compilations including the album “Sweet Sixteen” in 2004, “Becoming” in 2006, “Expressions” in 2013. Geronimo has also produced a myriad of chart-topping singles all from her hit movies’ soundtracks like “Can This Be Love” in 2005, “A Very Special Love” in 2008, and “You Changed in Life” in 2009.

Throughout her career she has received 10 Awit Awards, six Aliw Awards, a FAMAS Golden Artist, the Best Southeast Asian Act at the MTV EMAs in 2014 and Best Selling Filipino Artist at the 22nd World Music Award. 

Sarah Geronimo recently released her latest album entitled “The Great Unknown” and is currently promoting the first single entitled “Tala.”

JAMES REID

Singer-dancer-actor James Reid debuted his self-titled album in 2013 featuring original compositions. His string of R&B-dance inflected hits launched him as the biggest male teen sensation in show business today. His love for R&B is also reflected in his most recent album, “Reid Alert” including the hit dance track “Huwag Ka Nang Humirit” and hit duet with Nadine Lustre, “Hanap-Hanap”. “Hanap-Hanap” will be Reid’s fourth hit collaboration with Lustre after “No Erase”, “Rocketeer” and “Bahala Na”. Reid also sung the EDM flavored “Musikaw” from the Philpop 2015 album. In January of 2016, he released his third and most recent single from his album, “Randomatic” featuring BTS video with Lustre.

NADINE LUSTRE

Formerly a member of all-girl teen singing group, PopGirls, Nadine Lustre broke out into the world of mainstream Philippine pop music with her debut in the movie “Diary ng Panget” which also starred her real-life sweetheart, James Reid. The movie featured hit tracks such as “No Erase”, “Paligoy-ligoy”, “Bahala Na”, “Hanap-Hanap” and Lustre’s memorable delivery of the widely popular “Para-paraan”. In 2015, her self-titled album and hit “Me & You” was recognized by SBS Pop Asia with a Titanium Award alongside other hitmakers in the region, like Super Junior, U-KISS and EXO.

In the same year, Lustre, in tandem with Callalily vocalist Kean Cipriano performed the song “Sa Ibang Mundo” by Mark Villar for the 2015 PhilPop songwriting competition and earned the People’s Choice Award, as well as second place during the PhilPop finals night. 

WIN FREE ENTRY TO THE EVENT AT HYPERLINK ] MTVMUSICEVO.COM

Tweet it: Be still your beating hearts! Pinoy popstar royalty @JustSarahG & Pinoy pop darlings @JayeHanash, @hellobangsie join #mtvmusicevo

WIN MTV MUSIC EVOLUTION MANILA 2016 EVENT PASSES 

MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 passes are not for sale and may be won by fans who correctly answer a contest question4 on "http://www.mtvmusicevo.com/" www.mtvmusicevo.com. The online contest opens today and ends on 12 June. Answer a quick and easy question online to get the chance to win coveted MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 entry passes. What’s more, fans can stand a chance to also win5 a trip to Manila to experience MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016 live!

So get online today and get your access to MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016. Sponsors and partners will also be giving out passes through their own promotions.

NEWS UPDATES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

In the weeks ahead, fans can get direct information by following MTV Asia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and from "http://www.mtvmusicevo.com/" MTV Music Evolution Manila for news updates on MTV Music Evolution Manila 2016.

Facebook: "http://www.facebook.com/mtvasia" www.facebook.com/mtvasia

Instagram: "https://www.instagram.com/mtvasia" https://www.instagram.com/mtvasia

Twitter:  "http://www.twitter.com/mtvasia" www.twitter.com/mtvasia

Hashtag: #mtvmusicevo

OneRepublic

Website:  "http://onerepublic.com/" http://onerepublic.com/

Facebook:  "https://www.facebook.com/OneRepublic/" https://www.facebook.com/OneRepublic/ 

Twitter: "https://twitter.com/OneRepublic" https://twitter.com/OneRepublic

Instagram:  "https://www.instagram.com/onerepublic/" https://www.instagram.com/onerepublic/ 

YouTube:  "https://www.youtube.com/user/onerepublic" https://www.youtube.com/user/onerepublic

Sarah Geronimo

Website:  "https://www.sarahgeronimo.ph" https://www.sarahgeronimo.ph

Facebook:  "https://www.facebook.com/SGeronimo25" https://www.facebook.com/SGeronimo25

Instagram:  "https://www.instagram.com/justsarahgph" https://www.instagram.com/justsarahgph

YouTube:
"https://www.youtube.com/user/sarahgeronimoLive" https://www.youtube.com/user/sarahgeronimoLive

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustSarahG

James Reid

Facebook: "https://www.facebook.com/JustJamesReid" https://www.facebook.com/JustJamesReid

Instagram:  "https://www.instagram.com/jaye.wolf" https://www.instagram.com/jaye.wolf

Twitter: "https://twitter.com/jayehanash" https://twitter.com/jayehanash

Nadine Lustre

Facebook:"https://www.facebook.com/JustNadineLustre" https://www.facebook.com/JustNadineLustre

Instagram:  "https://www.instagram.com/Nadzlustre" https://www.instagram.com/Nadzlustre

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellobangsie

Wanderlust: Set Off a Career into New Adventures

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From Left: Philam Life MDRTs Neil Llorente, Rochelle Tumang, Gerald Cruz

Education helps broaden your spectrum of knowledge and skills, but when it comes to learning about life, there is nothing more enriching than traveling and discovering the world around you. It captures you with a sense of wanderlust, and makes you yearn for more exciting destinations to explore, rich cultures and history to experience, mouth-watering cuisines to savour, as well as interesting people to meet.

For employees working in a traditional 8-to-5 set-up, however, finding the time to take a vacation and travel might be difficult. Well, it’s a whole different story for thousands of Philam Life Financial Advisors who have embarked on a Real Life journey towards success, and are enjoying the freedom to take charge of their own time and schedule while working steadily towards achieving their life goals. 

Philam Life breaks boundaries once more, and takes the Wanderlust Mega Business Opportunity Program (BOP) off to greater heights. This time, conquering the provinces of Bulacan and Dagupan with some of the proud globetrotters of the Philam Life Premier Agency career path sharing their Real Life stories, and how they have become successful in the field of insurance.

Grace Recomite, Joe Michael Veloria and Carina Bayabo

Like many Filipinos, Rochelle Tumang from Sto. Domingo Associates, used to work a 9-to-6 job, and was too burdened by the long and arduous work hours. “I started to feel that my job was weighing me down, and that I wasn’t being enough of a mother to my family because of it,” Rochelle shared. “That’s when I decided to leave my job and find one that allows me to work on my own time, at my own pace, so I can stay home and be the mother my children deserve.” Rochelle also takes the time to listen to the needs of her clients, and she carries herself more like a mother too, allowing the clients to trust her with all their insurance needs.

Gerald Cruz from Mendoza Associates, has always lived by his own dictum, and his determination proves to be the key to his success. He started traversing the road to be a Philam Life Financial Advisor while he was still working as an IT professional in Singapore. "I wasn't progressing the way I had envisioned it. I also felt the strain of being so far away from the people l love most. That's why I decided to switch career and choose one that can reward me for the work and time I've put into the game," Gerald highlighted.

On the other hand, Next Generation Premier Advisors from Starbright Financial Advisors, Neil Llorente and Grace Recomite, took the leap of faith and have become part of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) – an elite group of internationally recognized Financial Advisors at a very young age.

Despite being much younger compared to other seasoned Financial Advisors, Neil credits the strong support of the Company and of his team. “Being in this industry is a good equalizer. Regardless of which background you come from, as long as you are willing and hardworking, you can succeed. Success is never an accident. It is determined by your character, your competence, and your commitment,” Neil expressed.

“I came to a point that I wanted to be the best version of myself, and I wanted to be in a career that I can see myself doing the rest of my life,” Grace shared. Therefore, she wasted no time and eagerly attended the various training and development programs institutionalized by Philam Life’s Premier Academy. Now, 27-year-old Grace brings her positive attitude when conversing with clients: “Every time I meet my clients, it is always a learning experience. Rejections only make me stronger,” Grace added.

Joe Michael Veloria from North Luzon-V.Sanglay Agency concurred with Grace and, added practices that can further improve communications skills. “Do it on a daily basis. The only way to master your craft is through repetition. In as short as one month, Philam Life Financial Advisors are more than ready to put what they’ve learned into actual practice, fast tracking their way up to the top,” Joe explained. 

Alternatively, Carina Bayabo from Rizal-Maunahan Agency, spoke about her personal desire of philanthropy that led her to reach the top. “It has always been the mission before the commission,” Carina emphasized. With her success as a Philam Life Financial Advisor, Carina is able to live a life of significance, as well as change the lives of other people around her.

All speakers attributed their success to their positive attitude, commitment to learn and master their craft, and their strong partnership with Philam Life, the country’s premier life insurance company. 

Stephen Segismundo, Head of Agency Strategy Office at Philam Life, concluded the events by reinforcing to the attendees the message that together with Philam Life, they will be able to live a life of stability and success together with the people that they love most.

For more information on Philam Life, please visit www.philamlife.com