Jessica Sanchez for Mega Magazine January 2013

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Filipina-American songstress Jessica Sanchez is shining bright in her first cover of Mega Magazine. She is one of the country’s biggest news makers for 2012, a global Filipina loved and idolized by millions since her American Idol performances. Learn more about Jessica, her background and her plans for the future in this issue!

Photograph: Mark Nicdao

Creative Director: Suki Salvador

Art Director: Mica Santos

Styling: Patrick Galang

Make-Up: Denika Bedrossian for Crosby Carter Management using MAC Cosmetics

Hair: Judd Minter for Aim Artists using Bumble & Bumble

This month's issue of Mega Magazine will also feature top 10 designers for Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 and fashion’s biggest and most influential people, and more interesting stories. 

Let's Taste the Love @ The Bistro Group

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“Taste the Love is not just about food. It’s about the heart and the passion that goes into everything we do, from our concepts to our locations to our service to of course, our food. By focusing on creating a dining experience that diners will want to repeat and share, we allow our customers to taste the love from the moment they get hungry and think about our restaurants to the time they have polished off every bite.”  This is shared by Ms. Lisa Ronquillo, AVP Marketing of The Bistro Group.

The Bistro Group, the home of the country’s finest international and homegrown casual dining brands, is launching its latest campaign, Taste the Love. The campaign invites diners to taste the love behind every restaurant concept launched and every international chain brought to local shores, in every innovative dish prepared, and with every service rendered with a smile.

The campaign celebrates a series of milestones for The Bistro Group, namely the opening of 50 restaurants spread across 12 concepts, the appointment of Corporate Chef Josh Boutwood, and the launch of its Premiere Card.

The latest restaurant to join the group is Modern Shanghai, which brings authentic recipes from the region and serves them in a homey, comfortable environment. It joins Watami, a top food and beverage restaurant in Japan, the first Village Tavern branch outside the US, and Japanese-Western restaurant Ma Maison. The four are the latest international chains brought to the Philippines by The Bistro Group, rounding out its restaurants.

Aside from new dining locations, the arrival of Chef Boutwood has seen the launch of new dishes, such as Black Pizza, Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Wings, and Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Skins at Village Tavern, and the a la carte Katsu Menu at Ma Maison.

As a way of saying thank you to loyal customers, The Bistro Group is also launching the Premiere Card, which offers multiple discount offers up to 40% off the total bill; complimentary appetizers, coffee, and tea; as well as birthday treats for the cardholder.

In addition, for the month of hearts, The Bistro Group is offering an exclusive deal for Citibank cardholders. From February 4-7, cardholders will receive 50% off food and beverage orders worth at least P2,500, with a discount up to P5,000.

“We invite everyone to Taste the Love at the Bistro Group of Restaurants and to stay tuned as we roll out even more exciting deals, menu items, and restaurants in 2013. We are excited about what we have in store for our customers, and with great food, great service, great ambiance, what’s not to love?” Ronquillo states.

Chef Josh Boutwood is the Bistro Group’s new corporate chef, having been appointed in the position in late 2012 after serving as a consultant. The Filipino-British Chef studied at the Escuela de Culinario Mojacar in Spain, and apprenticed under French Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in England. He has worked in various restaurants in Spain, Denmark, and Sweden, most notably at Noma, touted as one of the best restaurants in the world by San Pellegrinos’ 50 Best. Upon his return to the Philippines, he set up his own restaurant in Boracay before joining The Bistro Group. He also won several awayds at the 3^rd Philippine Culinary Cup. Chef Boutwood is behind such signature dishes at the Bistro Group of restaurants such as Black Pizza, Sesame Teriyaki Chicken Wings, and Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Skins at Village Tavern, and the a la carte Katsu Menu at Ma Maison.

Bistro Group

The Bistro Group is a collection of international hospitality casual dining brands and home-grown concepts unified by a people-focused philosophy that is the backbone of its success. Home-grown restaurant concepts, namely TGI Friday's, Italianni's, Fish & Co., Flapjacks, Pig Out!, Krazy Garlik, The Stock Market, Bulgogi Brothers , Ma Maison, Village Tavern, Watami, and Modern Shanghai.

The company began its operations in 1994 with the opening of TGI Friday’s, the very first American casual dining chain in the Philippines. Within six years, the flagship restaurant of the Dallas-based Friday’s Hospitality Group expanded to five branches. As of 2012, TGI Friday’s has 14 branches throughout the Philippines.

In February 1996, Italianni’s Philippines became the chain’s first international branch outside the US. Its American-Italian cuisine, coupled with its unique shared-style dining concept as essayed by its slogan “Amor de Merrier,” made it an instant hit among Filipinos. Every item on Italianni’s menu is authentically prepared with the finest ingredients and is built on a wide selection of classic American-Italian flavors.

In 2006, The Bistro Group brought in Fish & Co. Seafood in a Pan, a Singapore-based chain with restaurants in Asia Pacific.

Following Fish & Co., homegrown concepts namely, Flapjacks, Pig Out, and Krazy Garlik were opened, giving customers a wide array of cuisines to choose from.

With interiors that are both sunny and fresh and with craveable menu selections available from sun up to sun down, Flapjacks offers customers a range of fluffy pancakes and ultimate omelets as well as American comfort food.

In 2009, Bistro opened Pig Out!, a country-style family grill restaurant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Pig Out! serves meat and seafood grilled specialties cooked just right using quality ingredients.

The following year, Krazy Garlik was launched, “a dining destination that glorifies the taste of garlic.” The restaurant brings together the best garlic recipes from around the world.

In 2011, making dining experience a lot more fresh, The Stock Market was opened in Bonifacio High Street, where everything is prepared “delightfully fresh.” The menu features a complete selection of fresh and flavorful selection of soups and salads, sandwiches and burgers, pastas, seafood and meat dishes, and dessert.

Also in 2011, The Bistro Group launched a franchise, Bulgogi Brothers A Korean BBQ Restaurant, in Greenbelt 5, offering traditional Korean cuisine. The menu offers classic Korean favorites using meat from Australia, such as kimchi, barbecued meats, Korean steaks, stews, noodles, and rice dishes. Since then, three more Bulgogi Brothers branches were opened.

Ma Maison, another international franchise, was opened in 2011 at Greenbelt 2. Offering Japanese Western food, Ma Maison means “my home” in French. It is also famous for its homemade “brown sauce,” which is stewed carefully for 28 days following a traditional recipe that adds a rich taste to meat dishes.

In 2012, Village Tavern opened, its 11th branch and the 1st outside of the US. It quickly made a name for itself with hearty portions of great-tasting comfort food made from premium ingredients and the best customer service. Known for its flatbreads, salads, crab cakes, and its Cowboy Burger, Village Tavern brings people together in a rustic but elegant tavern setting.

In November 2012, The Bistro Group opened Watami Japanese Casual Restaurant in SM Mall of Asia, followed by another branch in Glorietta. The Watami Group is the top food and beverage brand in Japan, with over 700 branches in Asia Pacific. With original dishes and signature beverages, Watami Group’s slogan is “to receive the most number of thank-yous in the world.”

Most recently, The Bistro Group brought in Modern Shanghai, which opens its first branch in January. Stemming from Shanghai’s most original home cooked recipes, Modern Shanghai offers the authenticity of local Shanghai cuisine in a casual and home-like manner, reviving simple but hearty meals that connect customers with traditions and memories.

To date, The Bistro Group of Restaurants has 14 TGI Friday's, 16 Italianni's, 4 Fish & Co., 2 Flapjacks, 1 Pig Out!, 2 Krazy Garlik, 1 The Stock Market, 4 Bulgogi Brothers , 1 Ma Maison, 1 Village Tavern, 2 Watami, and 2 Modern Shanghai in its portfolio of casual dining restaurants – over 50 branches and still going strong.

More Photos @Enjoying Wonderful World Facebook Fanpage 

Singer/Songwriter Ogie Alcasid scores Gold for The Songwriter and The Hitmakers

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Singer/Songwriter Ogie Alcasid's latest album "The Songwriter and The Hitmakers" does not only celebrate his 25^th anniversary in showbiz, but also the achievements of OPM in recent years.

Ogie Alcasid's album  The Songwriter and The Hitmakers, released last October and recently was presented a Gold Record Award for outstanding sales of the album.

Universal Records General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go presented the award to Ogie during the GMA Variety Show Party Pilipinas last January 13.

The album gathers all the biggest singing and recording artists in the country to breathe life to Ogie’s compositions, including both his biggest hits and new songs. Joining him are Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Piolo Pascual, Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Arnel Pineda, Noel Cabangon, Richard Poon, Jed Madela, Kuh Ledesma, Rachelle Ann Go, Kyla, JayR and Jaya are part of the album.

Ogie's 25 years as a singer/songwriter, he has won various recognitions through his past albums. Among his top recognitions were the "Entertainer of the Year" trophy and a Hall of Fame title in the Aliw Awards.

Congratulations Ogie for all your achievements and awards! 

 "The Songwriter and the Hitmakers" has an 18-track & original compositions.

Here are the songs in the album now available for download at itunes  www.mymusicstore.com.ph and in all record stores nationwide.

1.       Ikaw Ang Aking Pangarap – Ogie Alcasid

2.       Sino Ako – Regine Velasquez

3.       Kailangan Kita – Gary Valenciano

4.       Pangako – Martin Nievera

5.       Walang Iba – Kuh Ledesma

6.       Tanging Ikaw Lamang – Sarah Geronimo

7.       Ikaw Lamang – Christian Bautista

8.       Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka – Angeline Quinto

9.       Mula Ngayon – Rachelle Ann Go

10.    Tayong Dalawa – Ogie Alcasid & Regine Velasquez

11.    Ikaw Ang Pag-ibig Ko – Noel Cabangon

12.    To You – Richard Poon

13.    Tanging Ikaw – Jed Madela

14.    Kung Mawawala Ka – Piolo Pascual

15.    Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw – Arnel Pineda

16.    Mga Nakaw na Sandali – Jay R & Jaya

17.    Why  Don’t We Give In – Kyla

18.    Ang Puso Ko – Ogie Alcasid

A Date to Remember , Double the Love

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A date to remember. While we want the best for this once in a lifetime event, it’s wise to celebrate the day in a venue where you can get to experience tangible rewards aside from good memories.

And at Marriott Manila, you can be assured that our commitments are more definitive bonuses you will surely enjoy from day one.

If tying the knot for 2013, the snake water year proves to be not just the most wonderful time of the year to make it official, it’s also a grand opportunity to plan for an occasion that flexes out points and rewards. Plan and confirm ahead until March 2013 and get the best of benefits only at Marriott Manila!

                                                                                                                                                                              

Introducing Double the Love Triple the Rewards wedding promo for 2013, you can be assured that your big day will not only get executed flawlessly in a sophisticated venue, the points and perks are worth the entire splurge too. As we fire up the love and passion, here are our sultry gifts to celebrate: Locked in 2012 wedding package, a deluxe room accommodation with breakfast for two, and double Marriott Rewards points.

Since your wedding day is a big gathering of family and friends, a special room rate is extended for minimum of ten rooms so your loved ones can simply enjoy the comfort of hotel home. What’s more, dine in delight with your honey at Cru Steakhouse because we’re treating you with a P5,000 worth of credits.

Showing-off a romantic ambience with huge chunks of meat in an open kitchen, this specialty restaurant simply deserves to be at the top of your must-visit list.

To know more about this promo, call  988-9999.

Fasten your seatbelts! It’s going to be a bumpy ride! Repertory Philippines’ 76th theater season opener BOEING BOEING

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Repertory Philippines’ 76^th theater season opener BOEING BOEING, the classic '60s sex comedy is currently running until February 17, 2013.  This is the funniest, truly strikingly and sexiest stage play I watched. We laugh out loud and I can't get over as I enjoyed this play so much.  Thankful to Mr. Toots Tolentino for inviting me to the press preview at Onstage, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City last January 24.

BOEING BOEING is one of the funniest and sexiest evenings you will spend in a theatre!

Boeing-Boeing is a classic farce written by French playwright Marc Camoletti.                                    The English language adaptation, translated by Beverley Cross, was first staged in London at the Apollo Theatre in 1962 and transferred to the Duchess Theatre in 1965, running for a total of seven years.

Winner of the 2008 Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Revival of a Play, BOEING BOEING (by Marc Camoletti and translated from the original 60’s-set French play by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans) is directed by Miguel Faustmann.

David Bianco as Mr. Bernard Whitford
(Photo: Jojo Mamangun)

It’s the 1960s, and swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier: a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But Bernard’s perfect life gets bumpy when his friend Robert comes to stay and a new speedier Boeing jet throws off all of his careful planning. Soon all three stewardesses are in town simultaneously, timid Robert is forgetting which lies to tell to whom, and catastrophe looms.

A riotous farce that recently enjoyed hit revivals in London and New York, BOEING BOEING is  now set to arrive – fasten your seatbelts! It’s going to be a bumpy ride!

The cast features David Bianco as Mr. Bernard Whitford, an American architect businessman living in Paris ---  a swinging bachelor. He is a combination of Don Draper and Jack Tripper. A playboy who juggles love affairs with three air hostesses who touch down briefly but lovingly in his apartment between flights.

Topper Fabregas as Robert (Photo: Jojo Mamangun)

Topper Fabregas plays the role of the unworldly Robert, Bernard’s boyhood friend, newly arrived from Wisconsin.

Bringing to mind fantasy drawings from a vintage Esquire or  Playboy for a portfolio of international dream girls are the three fiancées: Giannina Ocampo as  Gabriella, the sentimental, lusty Italian stewardess. Carla Dunareanu as Gretchen, the hilarious, aggressive, dominating but thin-skinned German stewardess. Jennifer Blair Bianco as Gloria, the Southern belle with upbeat disposition take-charge health-obsessed American stewardess.

Baby Barredo plays the role of Bertha, Bernard's long-suffering housekeeper who is a chic, black-clad philosopher. A French existentialist maid who loves nothing more than to complain. Ms. Joy Virata is alternate.

The artistic and creative team of BOEING BOEING is led by Baby Barredo (Rep Artistic Director), Miguel Faustmann (Stage Director/Set Designer), John Batalla (Lighting Designer), and Raven Ong (Costume Designer).

BOEING BOEING’s production staff is composed of Juno Henares (Officer-in-Charge), Gidget Tolentino (Production Manager), Andrew Miranda (Stage Manager), Pol Roxas (Sound Technician), Pablito Salvador (Lighting Technician) and Adul Lasin (Set Execution and Scenic Artist).

The marketing, sales and publicity of BOEING BOEING is led by Toots Tolentino (Publicist), Charlie Barredo with Oliver Usison, Letty Barredo, Marie Talay and Rose Silva (Marketing and Sales) and photography by Jojo Mamangun.

Co-presented by the City of Makati in cooperation with Business World, Her Word.com, Ayala Center, Lane Moving and Storage, Bizu, Jack TV, ETC, 2^nd Avenue, Liberating Jepoy and Distinction Lamps.  BOEING BOEING is presented through special arrangement with Eric Glass Ltd.

For further inquiries regarding the details of show, please call 5716926 or 5714941 or email info@repertory.ph or log on to www.repertory.ph. Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 8919999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Visit www.repertory.ph, subscribe to youtube.com/repertoryphils, and “like” Repertory Philippines on Facebook.

Boeing-Boeing was produced on Broadway at the Cort Theatre from February 2, 1965, closing on February 20, 1965, after 23 performances.

In 1991, the play was listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most performed French play throughout the world.

The play was adapted by W!LD RICE production in Singapore in 2002. It was directed by Glen Goei. Glen and the company revisited, modernized, and relocated this classic comedy to Asia and the present day, whilst keeping faithful to the text and the spirit of the play. The three air hostesses's nationalities were changed to Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

Boeing-Boeing was revived in London in February 2007 at the Comedy Theatre. It once again proved to be a hit with critics and audiences alike. The original cast of the production featured Roger Allam as Bernard, Frances de la Tour as Bertha, Mark Rylance as Robert, and Tamzin Outhwaite, Daisy Beaumont and Michelle Gomez as Bernard's three fiancées, Janet, Jaqueline and Judith. This production received two Olivier Award nominations, for Best Revival and Best Actor (Mark Rylance), but won neither. Elena Roger later took on the role of Gabriela.

Warchus also directed the 2008 Broadway revival, which started previews on April 19, 2008 and opened on May 4 at the Longacre Theatre to good reviews. The cast featured Christine Baranski as Bertha, Mark Rylance, reprising his role as Robert, Bradley Whitford as Bernard, Gina Gershon as Gabriella, Mary McCormack as Gretchen and Kathryn Hahn as Gloria. The curtain call of this revival was choreographed by Kathleen Marshall with original music by Claire van Kampen.  The production closed on January 4, 2009, after 279 performances and 17 previews.

A 45-week North American tour began in Fall 2009.  The production won the Best Revival of a Play and Rylance won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor. The production was nominated for several other Tony Awards including: Best Featured Actress (Mary McCormack), Best Director (Matthew Warchus), Best Costume Design (Rob Howell) and Best Sound Design (Simon Baker). The production won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revival of a Play, and Mark Rylance won for lead actor in a play.