Presenting full cast of KINKY BOOTS in Manila, Nyoy Volante as Lola

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Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) together with Metrobank Card announced the full cast for KINKY BOOTS, Cyndi Lauper's Tony and Grammy Award-winning Best Musical, which opens on June 30, 2017, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.

Laurence Mossman, Nyoy Volante and Yanah Laurel during the Kinky Boots in Manila Press Conference , May 19, 2017, Tomas Morato, Quezon City

Leading the cast : 

Nyoy Volante, critically acclaimed musical theater performer and acoustic balladeer plays as as Simon/Lola.  Nyoy was last seen on stage as Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys." 

Laurence Mossman, last seen playing multiple roles in the Asian premiere of "Fun Home," takes on the role of Charlie Price.

Yanah Laurel, who was also last seen in "Fun Home," plays factory worker Lauren. 

Former "Miss Saigon" cast member Tricia Canilao returns to the musical theater stage after a long absence as Nicola. 

Joining them are Jamie Wilson, Nel Gomez, Christine Flores, Sarah Facuri, Steven Cionde, Rhenwyn Gabalonzo, Ron Gohel, Jill Peña, Japs Treopaldo, and Juancho Escoto. Featured as the Angels are Ritz Beltan, Jorge Jahnke, Michael Jahnke, Jazztin Cacayan, Mark Pineda, and Gerhard Krysstopher.

Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, KINKY BOOTS features a joyous, Tony Award-winning score by Cyndi Lauper and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein.

Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father's shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father's legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man that he is meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible... and discovers that, when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

KINKY BOOTS is directed by Bobby Garcia. The choreography is by Cecile Martinez; set design by Faust Peneyra; lighting design by Adam Honoré; costume design by Raven Ong; sound design by Kevin Heard; wig and makeup design by Johann dela Fuente; musical direction by Molinder Cadiz, and vocal direction by ManMan Angsico.

A surefire crowd pleaser, KINKY BOOTS will have you dancing in the aisle and discovering why, sometimes, the best way to fit in... is to stand out!

Select shows are now available for show buying and fundraising opportunities. Contact Jorelle at (632) 650-5144 or email info@ategasia.com. 

Tickets are now available at Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Asus Zenfone Live Unboxing and Review

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ASUS Zenfone Live  is the world’s first smartphone designed to be used for this live-streaming generation, with hardware-optimized, real-time beautification technology that makes it possible to share an even more glamorous version of yourself on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram— live! 

ASUS Zenfone Live features real-time beautification technology on its 5-megapixel selfie camera to make live-streaming more beautiful. This generation especially social media people are shifting into more interactive content such as livstreams for sharing their stories online. It is a great device for people who love to create video content and with Zenfone live-streaming beautification technology you can look beautiful every time you live stream. 

Unboxing : ASUS ZenFone Live BeautyLive Kit 

When ASUS Philippines send us a special media package of Zenfone Live, this package is for promotional purposes only. It will not be available as a standard package when you buy your Zenfone Live.

The BeautyLive Kit, in a special box which had a lot of goodies. a set of stickers, a mini tripod, an ASUS Lollifash, and two mirrors that you can use to show the phone’s interface when streaming.

What's Inside the BeautyLive Kit :

*1 ZenFoneLive Unit

*1 ASUS mini tripod

*1 Set of ASUS Lolliflash

*1 Set BeautyLive mirror

*1 ZenFoneLive Brochure

*1 ZenFoneLive Reviewer's guide

It is really beautiful, slim and sleek unibody build, good 5-inch with 2.5D curved glass display.

With large pixels for 2X-greater light sensitivity and a soft-light LED selfie flash, live-streaming your selfie video has never been clearer, brighter or more beautiful. ZenFone Live also features dual-microphone technology that reduces background noise and enhances voice pickup. 

Live-Streaming Beautification Technology

This feature is available via app “Beauty Live” simply launch the app if you want to do a live stream. The app is the available social media platform where you want to live-stream, then below you can simply adjust the Beautification level to your liking and then start your live stream.

Here, celebrity Paolo Ballesteros live-streaming while he does a makeup transformation using the Zenfone Live!

Paulo Live Streaming with #ZenfoneLive #LivestreamBeautifully #LetsGoLive

ASUS put in enhancements for the microphones and loudspeakers. It’s got two noise canceling microphones and stereo recording for a clear audio capture. As for the speakers, ASUS markets again its 5-magnet audio system.

During our test live stream, the phone was able to capture our voices clearly.

A good internet connection makes your live-streaming good. Before you start your live-stream, make sure you have good 4G LTE signal so that it will not be interrupted. Zenfone Live has Dual SIM card with 4G LTE mobile data connection. 

Zenfone Live is powered by Qualcomm Quad-Core 410 CPU, Adreno 306 GPU for graphics, 2GB RAM and 16GB Storage.

Zenfone Live with a 13-megapixel rear camera, f/2.0 aperture lens, AF, LED flash not bad for a smartphone. 

I always try now taking pictures using the rear camera of Zenfone Live. Here are some photos:

Asus Zenfone Live (ZB501KL) Specs:

• Android 6.0 Marshmallow w/ ZenUI 3.0
• 5-inch HD IPS display (720 x 1280) resolution with 2.5D curved glass at 294 ppi
• 1.2 GHz 64 Bit Qualcomm Quad-Core 410 Processor
• Adreno 306 GPU
• 2GB RAM / 16GB Storage
• expandable via micro SD card slot up to 128GB
• 13MP rear camera, f/2.0 aperture lens, AF, LED flash
• 5MP front camera, f/2.2 aperture lens, LED flash
• Dual SIM Dual Standby
• 4G LTE
• WiFi 802.11b/g/n
• Bluetooth V 4.0
• GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS
• Accelerator/E-Compass/Proximity sensor/Ambient light sensors
• Micro USB
• 2650mAh battery
• 120 g
• Colors: shimmer gold, rose pink, navy black

The ASUS Zenfone Live is available in shimmer gold, rose pink, navy black colors. 

Is now available in all ASUS concept stores nationwide at Php6,995.

Winners of the 1st Chooks-to-Go Chess Championship named

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Over 300 chess players vied for honors in the 1st Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championship held last April 29 in Vista Mall, Sta. Rosa in Laguna.

Winners of the 1st Chooks-to-Go National Rapid Chess Championship flanked by the organizers

The tournament had three categories—Open Category for 19 y/o and up, Junior Category for 13 – 18 y/o, and Kiddie Category for 12 y/o and below.

Winners for the Open Category are Grand Master Darwin Laylo, who was hailed as champion; International Master Barlo Nadera, 2nd place; and Grand Master Rogelio Antonio, Jr. placed third.

For the Junior Division, the following successfully outwit their peers: Mark James Marcellana (Champion), Istraelito Rilloraza (2nd place), and Ruther Barredo (3rd place).

Kiddie events were also on tap. Chester Neil Reyes emerged as champion, trailed by Robert James Perez and Jeremy Marticio, for 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

The winners took home cash prizes and trophies.

BAVI President and General Manager Ronald Mascariñas delivers inspiring speech before the participants

The 1st Chooks-to-Go National Chess Rapid Championship was organized by Rotary Club of Nuvali and was sanctioned by National Chess Federation of the Philippines. It was organized by Laguna Chess Association head Dr. Alfredo Paez, NA Alexander Dinoy, NA Ireneo Gonzales, CAN Catalino Mendiogrin, and CA Joel de Guzman.

The event aimed to develop good thinkers through the understanding of chess strategies and tactics, improving the logical abilities and rational thinking and reasoning of the participants, and instilling a sense of self-confidence, self-worth and camaraderie.

Further, the tournament is also a fund raising activity to help the Rotary Club of Nuvali in its charitable activities.

Fight diabetes through health and wellness

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Health and Wellness Fair to raise awareness on diabetes and show how to achieve a healthier lifestyle in order to fight the diabetes.

Gathered at the health and wellness fair held at SM Megamall’s event center last May 16,  one hundred diabetic kids from the patient support groups namely; Rainbow Camp, Phil. Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology Camp (PSPME), Dialysis PH and the Diabetes Association of Camp Crame Inc.

Participants of the event took part in a half day program promoting better nutrition and lifestyle. The event was held to showcase a day in the life of a Type 1 diabetes patient through a series of activities and presentations from health, fitness and nutrition partners that seek to create awareness on the effective ways to fight diabetes and to correct misconceptions surrounding it.

Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disease characterized by an increase in blood sugar levels associated with long term damage and failure of organ functions, especially the eyes, the kidneys, the nerves, the heart and blood vessels. According to a recent study by the World Health Organization, diabetes is currently the 4th leading cause of death in the Philippines.1 

According to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, one form of diabetes is Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes. It is often referred to as “juvenile” diabetes, because it usually develops among children and teenagers, though it can develop at any age. With Type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks part of its own pancreas. 

Typically, a person with type 1 diabetes treats the disease by taking insulin injections. Through insulin injection, glucose can now be brought to the body’s cells. This treatment is an exacting balancing act as it hinges on many factors including food, exercise, stress and emotional and general health. 

While the prevalence of diabetes continues to soar, medical experts and health organizations agree that there are still a lot to be done in terms of creating awareness on prevention and care of diabetic patients. Through the Health and Wellness Fair, organizations from private, business and health sectors gathered to make sure that despite the challenges, diabetic patients are still able to live a full life and it starts by taking the step towards achieving and maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.

1. http://www.who.int/gho/countries/phl.pdf?ua=1

Toby’s Sports Launches “We Got This” Campaign and E-commerce Site

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Philippine Sports Heritage Brand Strengthens Customer Relationship with New Rally Cry and 24/7 Online Store

Complementing its new “We Got This” campaign, Toby’s Sports also launched its e-commerce site in support of every individual, athlete or not, in their goal to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Toby’s Sports, the largest multi-brand sports retailer in the Philippines, today unveiled a national campaign that underlines its aggressive pursuit to promote sports and an active lifestyle. The retail chain also officially launched its e-commerce site, a testament to its commitment to providing the best shopping experience to its customers, further solidifying its place as the sports retailer of choice for Filipinos. 

With its new “We Got This” campaign, Toby’s Sports enjoins everyone to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle whatever sports you are into.

The new campaign, titled “We Got This,” highlights an individual’s journey to achieve success in whatever sport or fitness activity he takes on. This journey is made visual in the campaign’s centerpiece, a video that examines the mental and physical hardships—from an aching, calloused body to a state of frustration and self-doubt—upon which every success story is written. The compelling video, which has already broken through digital channels and can be viewed at https://t.co/6tslkwXypK, provides inspiration to anyone who is planning to take on a similar journey. 

 It takes a great deal of work in achieving that perfect body and active lifestyle, but Toby’s Sports “We Got This” campaign wants every individual to know that rest, focus, and dedication are just as important.

“When you take on a new challenge or set a new goal for yourself in the realm of sports and fitness, you undergo several hurdles that make you want to give up. #WeGotThis is our rally cry to keep them going; to let them know that as the leader in the sports industry, Toby’s Sports is not just here to provide them with the right gear, but to also give them the support they need to succeed. Simply put, we have their backs every step of the way,” said Toby Claudio, President of Quorum International Inc., the parent company of Toby’s Sports. 

Nearing its 40th year in business, Toby’s Sports has become more than just a store, continuously building itself as an ally in fitness and sports for its millions of customers. It prides itself in having the widest selection of products in the industry, carrying a well-curated line-up of the latest footwear, apparel and equipment from the world's best brands, plus a wide portfolio of its own in-house brands that combine performance with value. This is complemented by a team of sports enthusiasts and specialists that are more than willing to share their expertise to anyone who walks inside any of its stores. Toby’s Sports also plans to actively provide its customers with opportunities where they can achieve their sports and fitness aspirations by partnering with other organizations, coaches and trainers that are dedicated to improving people’s lives through fitness. 

The new “We Got This” campaign takes everyone—not just sports enthusiasts—to task to set new goals for themselves in the field of health and fitness.

Rest if you must but never quit—this is one of the core messages of Toby’s Sports new “We Got This” campaign. 

Whether into basketball or not, Toby’s Sports “We Got This” campaign will make one realize that there is no excuse not to get physically fit and healthy.

New e-commerce site brings Toby’s Sports closer to its customers

True to its commitment to strengthening the relationship with its customers, Toby’s Sports is extending the shopping experience well beyond mall hours with www.tobys.com – the retail chain’s e-commerce store. The new online store adds dimension to Toby’s Sports’ retail presence and distribution strategy in the country, serving as an online storefront for its ever-expanding range of products and brands, offering deals that may not be available in the physical stores. Customers can browse through product information and photos, and shop unique sizes without having to go from store to store. Customers can also enjoy the convenience of dropping off return packages via the nearest Toby’s Sports store or LBC branch.

Boxing is one of the most tedious sports, but Toby’s Sports “We Got This” campaign encourages boxers, athletes, and every individual out there to pursue a healthy and active lifestyle no matter how exhausting it can be.

Toby’s Sports new “We Got This” video campaign highlight not only one’s physical hardships but also examines one’s mental journey to a hard-earned fitness.

With its new “We Got This” campaign, Toby’s Sports encourages everyone to hold on to that rope a little tighter and not give up on their goals of achieving an active and healthy lifestyle.

“Our e-commerce platform was completely revamped in October 2016, and we have since added multiple services to allow for a more convenient shopping experience. Officially introducing the site at the same time as the new campaign really brings the message home for us—that our dedication to our customers is unparalleled,” Claudio quipped. 

“With this new online store, we can now cater to their sports and fitness needs 24/7, and expand our reach to consumers located in areas in the Philippines that currently have no access to a Toby’s Sports physical store,” he concluded.

Toby’s Sports “We Got This” campaign tells that it takes a great deal of focus, willingness, and persistence to achieve that coveted fitness and healthy lifestyle.

There is no such thing as a great roadblock if one’s mind is set in swimming one’s way to greatness and fitness—this is one of the core messages of Toby’s Sports “We Got This” campaign.

In line with the new campaign, Toby’s Sports’ online store will be giving away limited edition #WeGotThis statement shirts to its first 100 customers today. The new campaign will be rolled out in phases with several planned activations throughout the year, with the #WeGotThis storytelling continuing at brand events, retail touch points, and various digital channels.

About Quorum Group of Companies

Quorum Group of Companies (QGC) has been at the forefront of the Philippine sports industry since its establishment in 1978. Over the course of 39 years, QGC has expanded its interests into specialty retail and distribution. QGC’s retail arm, which operates under Quorum International Inc., has four brands under its belt—Toby’s Sports, a sporting goods store; RUNNR, a running specialty store; Urban Athletics, a cutting edge sneaker and street wear store; and Move, a fitness specialty store. QGC’s distribution arm, Sports Resources Inc., is the exclusive distributor of a wide array of top international sports brands in the Philippines.

About Toby’s Sports

Toby’s Sports is the leading multi-brand sports retailer in the Philippines, having delivered the best in sports and fitness products to millions of Filipinos for 39 years. Established in 1979, Toby’s Sports is included in the Hall of Fame of Most Outstanding Retailers by the Philippine Retailers Association. Toby’s Sports, which now carries over 100,000 items from 150 trusted brands in various sports, currently operates over 50 stores across the Philippines, as well as an ecommerce store (www.tobys.com). Toby’s Sports is part of the retail arm of Quorum Group of Companies. For more information on Toby’s Sports, follow us in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.Toby’s Sports is the leading multi-brand sports retailer in the Philippines, having served millions of Filipinos for over 38 years. Included in the Hall of Fame of Most Outstanding Retailers (awarded by the Philippine Retailers Association), Toby’s Sports continues to break new ground and ignite passion for sports throughout the country. Toby’s Sports is a member of the Quorum Group of Companies. Toby’s Sports is the leading multi-brand sports retailer in the Philippines, having served millions of Filipinos for over 38 years. Included in the Hall of Fame of Most Outstanding Retailers (awarded by the Philippine Retailers Association), Toby’s Sports continues to break new ground and ignite passion for sports throughout the country. Toby’s Sports is a member of the Quorum Group of Companies. Toby’s Sports is the leading multi-brand sports retailer in the Philippines, having served millions of Filipinos for over 38 years. Included in the Hall of Fame of Most Outstanding Retailers (awarded by the Philippine Retailers Association), Toby’s Sports continues to break new ground and ignite passion for sports throughout the country. Toby’s Sports is a member of the Quorum Group of Companies. Shipping Schedule is from Monday to Friday; 9:00 to 6:00 PM.

NOTE: Toby’s Sports and the Toby’s Sports logo are service marks of Quorum Group of Companies.