“Sister Act” the musical in Manila

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Music enthusiasts will be thrilled and dazzled by the exhilarating song numbers and hilarious scenes from a much-acclaimed Broadway musical comedy when “Sister Act” premieres on June 27, 2017 at The Theatre at Solaire, Entertainment City, Pasay City.

The show opens the two-week Philippine run of the hit Broadway musical that is part of the Asian leg of the American production’s Asian tour for 2017. The musical will run for only two weeks with no extension.

Touted as America’s new musical comedy classic, “Sister Act” brings to the musical theater scene a stage re-creation of the music and general story of the hit 1992 film comedy of the same title, but with an all-original score and script and spectacular production design.

The play will leave the audience breathless as it they follow for two-and-a-half delightful hours the funny adventures of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look – a convent.

Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly re-discovers her own.

The musical features original music and score with a big Broadway sound written by the most acclaimed composer of our time, 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “”The Little Mermaid,” “Little Shop of Horrors”), with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The story was written by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner with additional book material by Douglas. Carter Beane. 

It had its world premiere at the Pasadena Playhouse in the Fall of 2006, followed by a production at Alliance Theatre in Atlanta on the Winter of 2007. The West End production began previews at the Palladium Theatre in London on May 7, 2009, while the Broadway production began preview performances on March 24, 2011 and officially opened on April 20, 2011 at the Broadway Theatre.2

Seen by over 6 million theater-goers across the globe, “Sister Act” has been performed worldwide in Milan, Vienna, Paris, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan and on tour throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. It has also been played in Canada, Ireland, South Africa and Spain.

The musical received five Tony Awards nominations in 2011: Best Musical, Best Original Score (Alan Menken-music/Glenn Slater-lyrics), Best Book of a Musical (Cheri and Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane), Best Actress in a Musical (Patricia Miller) and Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Victoria Clark) 

It was also nominated for four Olivier Awards in 2010, including Best Musical.

The musical has drawn widespread critical acclaim for being a “fun, funny and feel good” act, with The New York Post describing it as “ridiculously fun” and The Huffington Post lauding it for providing fans “an unbridled joy.”

Sister Act is Ovation Productions’ second Broadway musical presentation; with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 2 years ago at the Cultural Center of the Philippines as it’s first.

Media partners are Fox, Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and BusinessWorld. Produced by Ovation Productions in cooperation with Broadway Entertainment Group, and Troika. Tickets at P6500, 5500, 4500, 3500, 1500 available online at www.ticketworld.com.ph or call (02) 981-9999. Avail of 10% Early Bird Discount from February 12 -28, 2017.

The Epson Solutions &Technology Convention 2017: Helping Local Businesses Be Future Ready

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Epson, a world leader in digital imaging and printing solutions, showcased its winning products and solutions in the Epson Solutions & Technology Convention 2017. Held at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila, the convention aims to support local businesses to be competitive amidst economic uncertainties, controlled labor market conditions and increased foreign competition.

The one-day event showcases Epson’s intelligent and innovative solutions that will help the business community meet the demands of the future through the integration of self-service, augmented reality, interactive projection and other technologies. It showcases Epson’s solutions across print, projection, label and smart glasses in an enterprise setting; as well as showcases Epson’s latest products in the pipeline. Invited guests include partners, reseller base, media and select customers and end-users from various industries.

Mr. Cris Sanchez, Sales Division Head, Epson Philippines

“The Epson story has always been about creating Inspirational Technology for a Better Future. Always at the heart of these developments is our deep commitment to understand the changing needs of customers. Epson owns innovative technologies that are continually exceeding their expectations,” explains Mr. Cris Sanchez, Sales Division Head, Epson Philippines.

The Epson convention will demonstrate how the adoption of the company’s print, scan, label and projection solutions will strengthen Philippine businesses in facing the challenges of the future. During the program, Epson experts will provide insights on how to develop a holistic strategy when investing in technology. This integration across devices will help drive cost savings, process improvement and realize gains in productivity.

A guided Solutions Tour will feature several booths on various solutions and applications for every business department including Customer Service, Marketing, Training, Finance and Logistics and Warehouse. Some of the innovation products to be unveiled are the Moverio smart glasses in the Customer Service booth, Epson’s interactive projectors and large format printers in the Training Department and Marketing Department booths. Epson’s Moverio smart glasses will be used to let guests appreciate the immersive Customer Service experience that the Moverio smart glasses can offer while the interactive projectors and large format printers will be used to show guests the convenience and efficiency of the solutions offered by Epson.

Mr. Ed Bonoan, Senior General Manager and Head of Marketing, Epson Philippines

“In the past few years, Epson Philippines has gained the leading market share in its key categories, a testimony to the successful product designs and solutions that the company has created and offered to our customers. We hope that through this convention and our other undertakings for the corporate segment, we can help boost the successful integration of technology to Philippine businesses. This way, Epson can be a partner in making Filipino business owners pursue a global approach that will help them flourish, even with stiff competition from local and foreign providers,” concludes Mr. Ed Bonoan, Senior General Manager and Head of Marketing, Epson Philippines. 

For local businesses who would want to have an in-depth consultation on their technology requirements, they may reach out to Ms. Sheinne Padilla of Epson Philippines through sheinnep@epc.epson.com.ph

Estela Belen: The Sweetest Success

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ARP 2016 with my manager Rick Jared Belen, VIP client Susana M. Ipapo, and my secretary James Y. Sunico

When faced with challenging circumstances or seemingly impossible choices, there are only two categorical responses: fight or flight. Almost every person in the world has experienced being at such a decisive moment. For Estela Belen, it was when her husband of 25 years suddenly died. She was 44 years old then, and was suddenly faced with the responsibility of maintaining a household and raising 13 children… by herself. Difficult as things may seem, she chose to fight.

(L-R standing)) Ma. Katrina B. Licudine (1), Enrico C. Belen, Jr. (2), Ria B. Trillo(3), Rachel B. Salapa (6) Eve Stella B. Valdez(grand daughter 8), Susana M. Ipapo (VIP client), Eric C. Belen(5), Estela C. Belen, Kris C. Belen (7), Kristal C. Belen (11), Ma. Estela B. Valdez(12), Maura Luz c. Belen (13). (Kneeling center) Francis C. Belen (9), (Kneeling L-R) Dan Louie O. Salapa(son in-law to #6), Rick Jared C. Belen (8), Charles C. Belen (10), James Y. Sunico (Personal Secretary). 

All throughout her married life, Estela has always been a housewife. While she managed most of their domestic affairs, she had no job experience whatsoever, and was relying on her husband for their household’s financial resources. When her husband suddenly passed away, she knew she had to provide the financial support that was now lacking. She needed a source of income, especially since 11 of her kids were still going to school then. 

In her search for employment, a good friend led her to become a financial advisor for Philam Life, the largest insurance company in the Philippines. She went through the motions and found that her natural management aptitude, with running her 13-plus-one household, was helpful to the job.

It was, of course, a rough start because she had no background on the insurance industry, but she trudged on and learned what she could as quickly as possible. She also had to make the transition from being a housewife to a career woman, which was no small feat. She struggled to balance her new working life with her family life, but she persevered -- selling insurance policies and providing very good service to her clients for her clients. Eventually, through hard work and pure grit, Estella was able to work her way up to become a bona fide top earner, an achiever in her industry.

(L-R) Ma. Katrina Belen-Licudine, Enrico Belen, Jr., Ria belen-Trillo,Richard Belen,Eric Belen,Rachel Belen-Salapa,Kris Belen,Rick Jared Belen,Francis Belen,Charles Belen,Kristal Belen,Ma. Estela Belen-Valdez,and Maura Luz Belen.

Fast forward to the present -- twenty one years after taking on the job, Estella was awarded with one of the company’s highest and most elusive honors: Top Associate of the Year. This accolade is given to the financial advisor with the highest premiums in one year

Her exceptional work ethic and her positive outlook contributed a lot to her success. Through her earnings and performance bonuses, she was able to financially support her children, all of whom are grown up and some of whom chose to work with her at Philam Life. Thanks to the schedule flexibility of being a financial advisor, she did not have to take too much time away from her family.

Estella is proud of how far she has come in the company, but remains humble, choosing instead to focus on the good that her work brings to her clients. “More than anything, it feels fulfilling,” Estella said. “I get to help my clients with their financial planning, to give them peace of mind and security about their financial future, at the same time, I also get to help my family. It’s a happy, win-win situation for all,” she concluded. 

Estella has proven to be the personification of perseverance, tenacity, and determination and she is eager to continue her work with Philam Life for years to come.

Coca-Cola brings safe drinking water to earthquake-stricken communities

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As the people of Surigao recover from the devastation wrought by the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Surigao Province last Friday, the Coca-Cola System offered quick and ready assistance to the families. 

At least 11 towns including the provincial capital and two major bridges essential were damaged. The earthquake and its aftershocks have left an estimated ₱601.8 million in damage in its wake. 

In light of this, the beverage company immediately arranged to send aid in the form of a vital resource--safe and clean drinking water. 

On February 11 – the day after the quake, 100,000 worth of Wilkins Distilled water were unloaded at Surigao City Hall. The drinking water was distributed through the efforts of the local government, with the assistance of Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines pre-sellers, 301B personnel of the Philippine Army, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. 

In addition to the products, Coca-Cola Philippines, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, and the Coca-Cola Foundation are working with the local government of Surigao for the deployment of the SETA Potable Water Machine – a mobile drinking water facility with the capability to treat and produce 3000 l/h of potable drinking water a day – to sustainably ease the community's need for this resource, and will continue to support the rehabilitation efforts in the province. 

Presidential Security Group launches PSGTroopers.com website

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The Presidential Security Group (PSG) launched its official online site PSGTroopers.com aimed at strengthening the command’s credibility through online presence and to manifest its ability in technology trends to reach local and global communities. 

PSGTroopers.com was launched in a simple ceremony at the PSG Officers’ Clubhouse, Malacañan Park on Tuesday, February 7, 2016.

(In photo seated from left) BGEN ROLANDO JOSELITO DELIZO BAUTISTA AFP, COMMANDER, PSG and PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OPERATIONS OFFICE SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR explore the features of PSGTroopers.com online news portal during the site’s launch at the PSG Officers’ Clubhouse, Malacañan Park on Tuesday, February 7, 2016.

“This is one of the significant milestones of the Command as it will give a better appreciation to effectively and efficiently address interests, issues and challenges in the area of operations in carrying out the Command’s mission. PSGTroopers.com will illustrate the command’s best efforts toward the achievement of the Armed Forces of the Philippine’s ultimate vision of becoming “A World-Class Armed Forces and Source of National Pride,” said BGEN ROLANDO JOSELITO DELIZO BAUTISTA AFP, designated by PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE as PSG’s 31st Commander on July 2, 2016.

PSGTroopers.com “would pave way to a meaningful form of communication to members of the Office of the President – Events Management Cluster (OP-EMC), the AFP and PNP units, and other agencies and stakeholders. This would mean aligning not only to the Command’s mission but also to higher headquarters, as we are able to establish a platform that would make communications easier and paint a picture of how PSG really is,” BGEN BAUTISTA said.

“I commend the Presidential Security Group for being abreast with the changing media landscape and keeping up with technology,” PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OPERATIONS OFFICE SECRETARY MARTIN ANDANAR said in his keynote message as Guest of Honor and Speaker during the launch of PSG’s news portal.

As the President’s close-in security, ANDANAR said “the PSG members know how unconventional the President is as he defies structure and definition. Hindi po de-kahon si Pangulong Duterte. Thus, strategic communication under the Duterte administration has never been as challenging.”

Noting PSG members are a special group of people, ANDANAR said they were chosen from thousands of military and police personnel to protect the President because the chief executive trusts them. He encouraged the PSG to help the President push his agenda for genuine change.

“Together, let us help the President as he traverses the road towards a nation without crime, without drugs and without corruption. Together, let us deliver what has to be communicated and we thank you for taking the extra step towards understanding.”

Operated under the watch of LTC MICHAEL T AQUINO (INF) PA, PSG Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations, G7, PSGTroopers.com is dedicated to the activities of the Presidential Security Group in collaboration with other government agencies. Emphasizing on the program’s theme of “Strength in Credibility, Numbers and Online Presence, LTC AQUINO said: “The more credible information you disseminate online, the stronger your organization will be.”

Essentially the digital version of PSGTroopers print magazine, PSGTroopers.com will showcase all the news, photos, videos and updates of PSG’s undertakings here and abroad in collaboration with other government agencies. 

“This news portal that can help in disseminating information about security matters and the presidency,” LTC AQUINO said.

As smartphone and tablet adoption rapidly increases, PSGTroopers.com recognizes the importance of mobile-friendly design. The website features the latest responsive design technology to provide optimal user-experience across various devices and screen sizes.

The content of PSGTroopers.com is optimized for social media sharing. “With just a click of a button, PSGTroopers.com content can be shared with popular social media networks,” LTC AQUINO said. 

The social media accounts of PSGTroopers.com include Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with the account name: @PSGTroopers.

“Information dissemination is one of our objectives in creating this website. Over the years, we have conducted several dental missions, Brigada Eskwela and the like that reached out to the community around Malacañang complex. Through this, we are able to change the mindset of the general public that we, soldiers can do good and that we are able to carry out genuine change,” BGEN BAUTISTA said.

“From the start of this administration, we have worked hand in hand with the President’s projects especially his fight against drugs and corruption. This website would be an efficient platform to disseminate what we do—that we are not only here to ensure the safety and security of the Commander in Chief and the President but also assist him and the Filipino in positively changing as well as uniting this country,” BGEN BAUTISTA said.