ABS-CBN Partners With Hallo Hallo Entertainment For MNL48 Girl Idol Group Search

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ABS-CBN, the country’s leading media and entertainment company, and Hallo Hallo Entertainment will soon begin the search for 48 talented Filipinas who will become part of the next big all-girl idol group to be called MNL48.

(L-R) Jillmer Dy, Mercedita Gonzales, Paulo Kurosawa, Laurenti Dyogi, Yasunari Okada, Aldrin Cerrado, Macie Imperial

ABS-CBN TV production head Laurenti Dyogi, chief finance officer Aldrin Cerrado, OIC for integrated acquisitions and international sales and distribution Cecilia “Macie” Imperial, business unit head Mercedita Gonzales, Hallo Hallo Entertainment chief executive officer Yasunari Okada, and president Paulo Kurosawa recently inked the partnership agreement in a ceremonial signing held at ABS-CBN’s ELJ Communications Center Building in Quezon City.

(L-R) Paulo Kurosawa, Laurenti Dyogi, Yasunari Okada

“We are bringing the very popular idol group format from Japan to Manila. In Japan, it’s called AKB48. Here in Manila, we will be looking for young, talented Filipinos who will become part of MNL48. This will be one of our biggest talent searches on television for young girls,” said Dyogi.

“This could be a new page for the Philippine showbiz industry because we have a new system for the selection process. It will be wonderful for Filipinos who will be joining,” added Kurosawa.

“We are so happy to partner with ABS-CBN and spread Japan pop idol culture to the Philippines,”said Okada.

MNL48 will be the Philippine counterpart of phenomenal Japanese girl group AKB48, which is one of the highest earning musical acts in the world with record sales of over US$200 million in Japan.

The search for the members of MNL48 will soon start in ABS-CBN. It will not only give Filipina girls the chance to be part of the next pop group phenomenon, but will also get to fly to Japan to personally train and learn from the makers of AKB48.

The Prime Of Gen Korean BBQ House at SM by the bay

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Experience #GenPrimetime dinner at Gen Korean BBQ House located at the SM by the Bay. 

A perfect place to dine in and chill the day at the Gen Korean BBQ House as they lets you enjoy top-of-the-line all-you-can-eat US Premium meat and seafood as grill Korean barbecue the right way.

Gen Korean BBQ House from sunny LA, California has found its new home at SM by the Bay. The massive 500 seater dining area lets you experience top-of-the-line all-you-can-eat meat and seafood. It’s the perfect place to get together for birthday parties, anniversaries, family reunions, or simply a pig-out session with friends.

Gen lets you explore the art of Korean barbeque, using the finest quality meats, paired with dishes filled with unique savory tastes. Together with the modern ambiance of the black-lit restaurant, it’s truly a unique experience worth your while!

Aside from their amazing ambiance and food selection, Gen has amazing promos and offers in store for you. #GenPrimetime, from 2pm-6pm for P898.00 and 6pm onwards for P1288.00, you get to enjoy select meats and unlimited drinks at a bargain deal. Prime meats and drinks for the prime time to dine!

On the other hand, for the party animals out there, #PrimetimeFridays is the day for you. Every Friday, aside from having delicious meals for your palatte, you get to enjoy hot new hits played by select djs. 

Head on over to SM by the Bay and get a taste of what GEN has to offer.

For more information, like us on Facebook @GenKBBQPH or follow us on Instagram @Genkbbq_ph.

Filipina Singer Alisah Bonaobra awes the X Factor UK Judges with her performance of "Listen"

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Alisah Bonaobra, singer from Manila, Philippines wowed all four judges of The X Factor UK with her version of Beyonce’s hit Listen on the seventh episode of the show. Her performance left judge Nicole Scherzinger in tears.

One of eight children, Alisah believed her talent is world class and took a chance of a lifetime in the competition. She flew to London with the help of her mother’s friend who helped them fund their plane tickets.

Accompanied by about 20 friends and family members, the judges could all hear the loud cheer of the group before she even walked into the room.

“I always think a lot of people from where you’re from [are] amazing singers” expressed by judge Simon before she starts singing.

Alisah confidently sang her heart out clearly impressing the judges with her talent. Not long in the performance, judge Nicole was already brought to tears. The half-Filipina judge could not help but show how amazed she was and even got on her feet to applaud her afterwards.

“This is not the best version of this song I’ve ever heard I’m not gonna lie to you,” said judge Simon Cowell. But there’s something about you I really, really like. Great, great, great energy! That was good; I really enjoyed that!” he added.

Judge Louis Walsh agreed and said, “I think she’s adorable! You’re a great singer, you’re a great person! It was a great audition, but there’s something about you that we really like.”

Judge Sharon Osbourne was almost speechless, her words were brief but sweet enough for Alisah “I just want to cry. Oh, it’s a yes from me!”

Judge Nicole Scherzinger, who was still in tears told the young singer, “I am crying because I come from very humble beginnings as well. You’re just gorgeous, you’re just this tiny little thing with a voice given from God, this unbelievable gift blowing everybody away. I connect with you and everybody and it’s a yes for you and all the Filipinos out there.”

Soon as she got her fourth yes from Judge Simon, her family and friends hurried in the audition room and exchanged hugs with her and all the judges.

Alisah will be joining the bootcamp with fellow Filipinos Gaga Lord, JBK, and Elysa V, who all got four yeses during the first round of auditions.

The X Factor UK airs first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment same day as the UK on Sundays and Mondays at 10:30am with primetime encores Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00pm. 

RTL CBS Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37(SD) and 313(HD).

Essilor wins Sustainable Business Award for UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Essilor was recognized by the Sustainable Business Awards, Singapore, in this year’s newly added category “UN Sustainable Development Goals: Understanding the company’s roles and initiatives in working to deliver the UN SDGs.” This award celebrates Essilor’s commitment to responsibly fighting the world’s largest disability, uncorrected poor vision. Through Essilor’s mission and the sustainable approach Essilor has adopted across its value chain, the company contributes to 13 out of 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Amy Hing, Singapore Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Policy Deputy Secretary, presents the award to Jayanth Bhuvaraghan, Essilor’s Chief Mission Officer 

Essilor’s chairman and chief executive officer, Hubert Sagnières, commented: “Essilor’s mission to improve lives by improving sight, combined with the company’s unique principles and values, are at the heart of the Group’s long-term commitment to sustainable development. This Award will help raise awareness that good vision is one of the key enablers to the Global Goals and help us achieve our Mission to bring good vision to all.”

Essilor’s Chief Mission Officer, Jayanth Bhuvaraghan, said; “I am delighted to accept this award on behalf the 64,000 employees of Essilor. Our mission to responsibly provide everyone, everywhere, with quality vision care, pushes us to go further in our sustainability commitments. We’re very proud of our team’s achievements and stay strongly committed to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

For more information about The Essilor Group, visit www.essilor.com.ph, and follow @EssilorPH on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Qihoo: Feature-packed camera in tiny package

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YOU want a reliable home security system, but hate the wires and cables and the complicated buttons that go with it.

Fret no more. The Qihoo 360 Smart Camera is just the right one for you.

Just plug in the power, download the apps from the apps store/google play, input the wifi password and voila! You’re all set.

The Qihoo 360 Smart Camera and accompanying smartphone app (iOS and Android) pack in a dizzying array of features in such a diminutive package.

The camera itself has a 110-degree wide-angle lens and broadcasts in H.264 format at up to 720p at 20 fps. It connects to any wireless-N network and has a micro SD card slot for local storage, or when used with the smartphone app can record to the handset, or to the cloud.

The app is where you can view the feed, specifying the quality you require and—with the two-way speaker on the camera itself—allows you to hear what’s going on during the recording and send audio from the smartphone. Throw in night vision via infrared and real-time alerts, and you’ve got a highly capable and versatile security camera. View your loved ones when you are away. Either by day or night.

Two-way high quality audio allows you to listen in and also participate in a video conversation between the camera and the 360 Smart Camera. You can use your apps to talk with family members, baby, pets and anyone else near to the camera. You can even shout to the thief to scare him off from anywhere.

The 720p HD and 1080 Full HD lets you see clear image and get to know what’s going on, even under low light environment. With Micro SC Card Recording, play back is right at your finger tips. The 360 automatically records rolling video into your SD card. You can record, playback, snapshot or record clips to your own storage. Stay connected with two-way talk feature. You can share the camera to your friends, family and coworkers. Let them see what’s going on with your house, office, etc. Fit anywhere you like.

Adjustable 360-degree magnetic base can be attached to any flat surface by sticking the included metal disc to the surface and placing the base of your camera. It can even be used as your baby camera. A feature-packed camera in such a small package, isn’t it?

Indeed, the Qihoo 360 Smart Camera is a perfect device to have in your home.