HISTORY® TURNS THE LENS ON ASIA’S BEST SHUTTERBUGS FOR THE THIRD TIME WITH NEW SEASON OF PHOTO FACE-OFF

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- 13 amateur photographers give it their best shot to be crowned champion -

Philippines - After two successful seasons, A+E Networks® Asia’s original production PHOTO FACE-OFF is set to return on HISTORY® for season three. Currently in production, viewers in the region can look forward to the five episode series’ premiere later this year.

Award-winning resident professional photographer Justin Mott is back to take on a new group of amateur photographers who will compete against him, and each other, for the top prize. For the third consecutive year, Canon will be the series’ presenting sponsor, in association with Silk Air. This season’s pool of talented photographers are vying for an overseas trip to the Canon Photo Clinic, a Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera + Canon Red Line Professional Backpack and the opportunity to photograph a red carpet event for A+E Networks.

Besides picking up valuable photography tips from the region’s leading experts, viewers will also experience some of Southeast Asia’s most unique activities and exotic locales. From capturing a figure skater in action, to styling and shooting an album cover for a popular local band, this year’s challenges will be more exciting than ever.

Three local amateurs in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand will be given new photographic challenges each week in their home town, designed to test the shooters’ creativity, skill and technical knowledge. A panel of professionals will judge their work and the pack will be whittled down after each challenge until there is one country representative who will then move on to the grand finale in Vietnam.

Each episode will feature a three-round battle: a speed challenge which will require them to think on their feet and race against time; a theme challenge where they will have to meet a client’s brief; and a final face-off where the last one standing will compete head to head with expert Justin Mott for bragging rights and Canon prizes.

PHOTO FACE-OFF is the first and biggest photography reality competition television series in Asia and is produced by Beach House Productions for A+E Networks Asia.

HISTORY™ is available on SKYCable Ch 67; Cable Link Ch. 43; Dream Satellite Ch 30; Destiny Cable Ch 57; and Cignal Ch 125.

About HISTORY™ & HISTORY HD™

HISTORY™ and HISTORY HD™ are the leading destination for entertaining hit series and cinematic drama events. Programming covers a diverse variety of genres ranging from real-life characters who bring history to life every day, to natural history, contemporary history, technology and science, as well as archaeology and pop culture. It is the highest rated factual entertainment in the U.S. Hit series include Kings of Restoration, Pawn Stars, The Pickers, Ancient Aliens, Counting Cars, The Curse of Oak Island, Vikings, Hidden Cities Extreme and Ride N’ Seek.

HISTORY is available in more than 325 million households in over 150 territories and 35+ languages.

Homepage: www.historyasia.com

Facebook & Twitter: HistoryAsia

Thousands join Freedom Walk for PWDs in SM Megamall - “For Each Right-Full Step, Barriers We Break”

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Some one thousand Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their families converged at the SM Megamall last June 18 to join this year’s Freedom Walk to push for greater inclusivity of PWDs in society, especially in the work force.

Dubbed “For Each Right-Full Step, Barriers We Break,” this year’s Freedom Walk led by AKAP Pinoy also marked the turnover of the event from Pasay City to Mandaluyong City with Mayor Benhur Abalos personally accepting this year’s task of being the host city of the PWDs event.

The participants, many in wheelchairs, traversed Julia Vargas and San Miguel Avenue in Mandaluyong carrying banners and streamers.

Also present were Annie Garcia, President of SM Supermalls, Steven Tan, Senior Vice President of SM Supermalls, a representative of Pasay City Mayor Calixto, and representatives from the different Metro Manila city governments and non-governmental organizations.

Retired Navy Captain Oscar Taleon, AKAP Pinoy President, said they are extremely delighted with the turnout as it reflects on the growing awareness of the public on their condition. 

The Freedom Walk, which is on its 6th year, started in 2010 in Quezon City. Taleon said this is their way of pushing for full integration for them be productive members of society. “This is the participation of our group to the Philippine Independence Day celebration and it also an expression of our desire to have our freedom from our barriers. We would like to eliminate the barriers that hinder us from full participation in society that is on equal basis with others,” he said.

While the National Statistics Office places the number of PWDs in the Philippines at 1.5 million, Taleon said the number has now reached 9 million citing the World Health Organization. “That number of 1.5 million is too low because the WHO has given an estimate of 9 million PWDs in the Philippines,” he said.

Taleon also noted that while their group is happy with the legislations that have given them rights and privileges, implementation is still very much a concern.

Taleon lamented that not all PWDs are aware of the law giving rights and discounts to them which is the reason why many still have to avail of the full benefits of the law. “We have that discount legislation but not everybody is enjoying it mainly because of lack of awareness and the limitations to getting it because we have to get disability card first before we can have the discount so it is quite difficult for many of us,” he pointed out. 

He added that while the last mandates the establishment of People with Disabilities Affairs Offices (PDAOs) in all local government units all over the country, many have to comply with the law.

“The problem really is the implementation and until we implement the law fully, a lot of things need to be done,” he said.

He then thanked SM and its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares, for hosting the event saying SM has always been their partner in upholding the rights of PWDs. “SM have shown the way for other establishments on how to treat people like us and we are very glad that it has always been there for us,” he said.

Taleon said they will continue to hold the Freedom Walk until their full inclusion is realized. “We will continue to do this until we would have achieved inclusion. And for as long as we have partners in government and in the private sector like SM, then I am confident that slowly we would get there,” Taleon concluded.

Robinsons Supermarket’s Wellness #Freshtival, journey to a healthier lifestyle

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Let's celebrate the journey to a healthier lifestyle as continuing the path to a healthy lifestyle becomes even more rewarding at Robinsons Supermarket (RSC) this July. 

From the Explore and Learn legs, the year-long “Route to Wellness’ journey reaches an eventful checkpoint with its 3rd leg –the Wellness Festival.

The Wellness Festival was recently launched with a larger-than-life FRESH salad bowl and lots of fun and engaging booths on healthier choice and practices. An afternoon Fitness glow party, led by coaches Jim and Toni Saret, perfectly captured the joyful feel of the celebration.

For this promo, shoppers can get an exclusive Healthy You Rolled Oats bundle for every P3,000 single receipt purchase inclusive of P750 worth of participating products from Nestle and Johnson & Johnson, Abbott, Wyeth, Fontera, Nivea, Delfi, Del Monte, Federated, Unilever, Unilab and P&G, among others. All these brands share RSC’s mission to bring health and wellness options to all Filipinos. Promo is from July 1 -31, 2016.

Healthy You is Robinsons Supermarket’s exclusive healthy brand. The product line ranges from nuts, juices, oats, brown rice, coffee and many more. All of these products have been evaluated healthy by DOST-Food Nutrition and Research Institute (DOST-FNRI). Loyal customers will also get an additional 15 Robinsons Rewards Card points for purchase of P500.00 worth of Healthy You products for the whole month of July. 

“A truly healthy and fulfilling lifestyle takes genuine commitment and follows a process that requires the will to say ‘yes’ to what it takes to achieve it. And Robinsons Supermarket’s role is to keep everyone on the right track by offering an accessible and fun route to their desired lifestyle,” said RSC General Manager Jody Gadia.

There’s also more reason to celebrate in July as RSC also holds its annual festivity highlighting the Fresh department called “Freshtival.” The festivity features daily exciting offers of fresh items – from discounts and additional Robinsons Rewards points, to amazing freebies. This compliments the ongoing wellness program as it encourages shoppers to choose more fresh items for a healthier lifestyle.

Join RSC in celebrating wellness by checking out its special promo this whole of July and be on the lookout for the exciting activities and amazing deals.

RSC’s Route to Wellness campaign is a testament to its commitment to ease access to healthier food options and alternatives for Filipinos. Find out more about RSC’s year-long Route to Wellness series of promos and activities. 

Like it on Facebook www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial or visit its official website at www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph to stay updated on the activities that it has in store, and learn more about the #ILoveWellness campaign.

SM Cinema Offers Free Movies for Families!

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Calling all families! SM Cinema is treating families to a day of fun activities, freebies, and an exclusive family movie where kids will get to watch for free!

The SM CINEMA FAMILY MOVIE DAY invites all families to spend an unforgettable, fun-filled weekend with a complimentary movie for the kids. Just buy 2 tickets to the family movie of the month and 2 kids get to watch for free! The family movie day kit includes 1 free bowling game, a 1-hr skating pass, a 1-month subscription to Blink, and other perks from Pancake House, Nivea Men, and other brand affiliates Patrons will also have access to a kids’ corner, full of different games and activities that children will surely enjoy.

SM Cinema aims to encourage families to dedicate a time for bonding with each other by bringing back the Filipino’s classic habit of weekend-movie-watching with the family at the cinema. The SM Cinema Family Movie Day will begin on July 2-3, 2016, and will occur monthly in SM branches nationwide.

Promo Duration	Movie	Promo Duration	Movie
July 2–3	PINOCCHIO	October 15-16	OOPS NOAH IS GONE
Aug 20-21	SAMMY 2: ESCAPE FROM PARADISE 3D	November 19-20	DINO TIME
September 10-11	ULTRAMAN GINGA	December 3-4	SNOW QUEEN 3 or A.R.C.H.I.E

Spend an unforgettable and fun-filled weekend with your family at the movies! Book your tickets online at www.smcinema.com or call 470-222. 

Follow SM Cinema on twitter and Instagram @SM_Cinema or like SM Cinema on Facebook (/SMCinema) for more information.

Globe Telecom changes landscape of PH entertainment with Globe Studios, Globe Live, new content partnerships and broadband plans

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Globe Telecom recently unveiled the bold move to become a full-fledged lifestyle and entertainment company. Last June 24, 2016, announced that Globe is poised to change the landscape of Philippine entertainment with the launch of Globe Studios, Globe Live, new global content partnerships and new roster of broadband plans for a complete and immersive entertainment and digital lifestyle experience.

Globe Telecom, the country’s number one mobile brand, is changing the landscape of Philippine entertainment with the creation of Globe Studios and Globe Live which are designed to produce original shows, live events, and engaging world-class content that are fit for today’s discerning customers. 

Globe also reveals the line-up of its new international content partners and improved broadband plans for a complete and immersive entertainment lifestyle.

Nowadays, dramas and movies are no longer confined to television and cinema as they can already be shared through social media via mobile phones. Globe Studios recognizes this and thus, brings the next generation of entertainment to mobile with original video productions from top film directors such as Erik Matti, Paul Soriano, Quark Henares, Dan Villegas, Sigrid Bernardo, Joyce Bernal, and Lav Diaz. Globe Studios is backed by local and Asian media houses such as Viva Films, Reality Entertainment, Quantum Films, Spring Films and Astro of Malaysia.

“Consumption of mobile entertainment has grown exponentially over the past years. Today, customers no longer wait for their favorite shows on their TV screens. Instead, they dictate what they want to watch when and where they want to. With Globe Studios, we will now produce our own clips, series and even movies. Backed up with the biggest director partners and entertainment companies in the industry, we are set to show what customers want today,” said Albert de Larrazabal, Globe Chief Commercial Officer.

On the other hand, due to the rising clamor towards personalization, another challenge is how to deliver the most engaging and creative events that will satisfy customers. Globe Live responds to this demand by leveraging on Globe Telecom’s wide experience in the live events industry to elevate production quality and at the same time, tap the wide distribution coverage of Globe to promote and assemble events that are of international size and quality.

“The caliber of events will forever change with Globe Live. We can now produce shows and events that are world-class, unique to customers and more accessible. Our years of experience in the industry added with our edge as a telco company will bring perfect partnerships to bring wonderful events to our customers,” said Joe Caliro, head of Globe Live and Globe Retail and Transformation Management.

Globe Live’s first foray in the theatrical scene is the staging of Green Day’s American Idiot, a Philippine production of the hit Broadway musical. Produced together with 9 Works Theatrical, American Idiot will be held at the new Globe Iconic Store in Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig which features two massive Times Square-like LED walls in a unique outdoor setup to accommodate thousands of people. American Idiot is composed of a star-studded talent roster headlined by Basti Artadi of Wolfgang, Miggy Chavez of Chicosci, former Rivermaya vocalists Jason Fernandez and Norby David, and veteran thespian Nel Gomez. The show is set to run from June 24 until July 10, 2016.

New Content Partners

On top of original productions, Globe continues to tie up with international entertainment companies to add to its existing content providers such as Spotify, HOOQ and NBA.

Globe is proud to announce that it is the first mobile and broadband Philippine partner of the foremost video streaming service Netflix which boasts of over 81 million members in over 190 countries who are enjoying more than 125 million hours of TV shows and movies per day, including original series, documentaries and feature films. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on nearly any internet-connected screen. Netflix will be available to Globe customers via their mobile or broadband service.

With the recent launch of Disney Mobile, Disney and Globe complete the entertainment experience with the launch of the Disney Channel Apps - Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior. The number 1 TV network for kids and families in the Philippines is now available for as a video streaming service that offers more than 100 video-on-demand (VOD) full episodes and live streaming of Disney Channels. Designed specifically for kids to watch their favorite Disney entertainment anytime and anywhere, the Disney Channels Apps will provide hours of fun in a safe and kid-friendly digital environment that will immerse viewers in Disney’s magical world of storytelling and characters.

The world of sports is also enhanced with the Sports Illustrated App, featuring the latest in-depth exclusive news coverage, and live American sports programming of basketball, the NFL, NHL, ESports and much more. Additional content from SI sites FanSided and SI Kids targets millennials and younger mobile demographics. As one of the most established and respected sports media brands in the world, Sports Illustrated TV channels reach an estimated 29 million homes across 12 Asian markets .

Soon, Malaysian media powerhouse Astro will also give Filipino gaming fans access to eGG Network or Every Good Game, Southeast Asia’s first dedicated 24/7 e-Sports network. E-Sports fans will be able to watch tournaments like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, and many more via Globe. Globe and Astro are working on more exciting surprises to give gaming fans a wonderful experience.

Dialing up the fun for Globe customers is Cartoon Network, this year’s current number 5 channel across all genres in the Philippines. Apps created by the Turner-owned brand will soon be available including an upgraded and authenticated version of Cartoon Network Watch and Play and Cartoon Network Anything. They both host a stack of engaging content from well-loved cartoons such as Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, and We Bare Bears. For the first time in PH, a live stream of the channel will be exclusively available to a non-TV audience. The apps also offer a selection of awesome video clips and interactive games and activities to keep the whole family entertained. 

Moreover, the popular singing app Sing! by Smule, brings the love of Pinoys for Karaoke with more than 500,000 songs to choose from. It also allows users to record a video duet with their favorite artists like Jessie J and Jason Derulo and share it with a global audience.

“Our new roster of content partners will bring out the best of Philippine digital lifestyle. We are providing world-class entertainment apps right at their fingertips to enjoy anytime and anywhere. This will change once again how Filipinos will be entertained using their mobile and at-home broadband devices,” said Dan Horan, Globe Senior Advisor for Consumer Business.

New customizable plans from Globe Broadband

Globe Broadband now brings customizable plans where families can create their own packages to bring Wonderful into their homes: 

a) POWER-UP with internet speeds and data allowance options; 

b) ENJOY their internet through exclusive devices and access to the world’s greatest movies, TV shows, concerts, games & songs; 

c) and EXTEND the fun with boosters that further improve the overall experience in the home. 

“Further to our commitment to provide ultra-fast internet in 2M households over 20,000 barangays in 2020, we are transforming the way Broadband is enjoyed in the Filipino home. More than just delivering connectivity, we are giving customers more compelling reasons to enjoy their internet at home,” said Martha Sazon, Globe Senior Vice President for Broadband Business.

“Today, we are launching pre-bundled packages which we believe will be popular to many customers, and they can mix and match from there. This makes the selection process not only easy, but enjoyable for the Filipino family. With our new plans, our customers will be in full control, much better than any offering in the market today.”

Globe Broadband has also collaborated with leading technology and device partners to complete the package: Samsung and TCL for smart HD TVs; Bose (speakers) and Harman Kardon (headphones); Google Chromecast (streaming device) and Sony Playstation (gaming console); and Airties (WiFi mesh), Belkin and Giraffe (security cameras). All these, for an affordable additional fee on top of the monthly bill, over 24 months.

Sazon adds, “In Globe, we don’t just sell plans, but deliver a complete experience. We want to help families discover more wonders in their homes by being able to watch exclusive movies, TV shows and enjoy concert-like experiences; listen to millions of songs and play games for endless hours, as they want. That’s why we only partner with the world’s best in content – Disney, Spotify, NBA and now, Netflix. I am excited that Globe Broadband is now poised to transform the market landscape with this great value proposition. Change is definitely on its way.”

With all these, Globe welcomes the Filipino family to come Home to Wonderful.