Sean de Guzman, Acting Prince On The Rise

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Getting to know Sean de Guzman, the lead actor in ‘Anak Ng Macho Dancer’ film.

Who is he? That is the question on the lips of people this side of Tinsel Town after it was announced that a relative newcomer, Sean De Guzman bagged the lead role in Joel Lamangan’s “Anak ng Macho Dancer.” 

The film, produced by Godfather Productions is written by Henry King Quitain, a top notch screenplay writer for ABS-CBN drama series. A special screening is being planned this December and an actual movie playdate might commence next year. 

The 20-year old member of the boyband Clique V does not hide his excitement with regard to getting the plum role: 

“Until now I cannot believe what is happening. You know, all I do now are baby steps, dahan-dahan lang. Careful as I inch my way to this new career of becoming an actor. All the surprises I get because of this break, I embrace and welcome. Ang daming natutunan. Ang sarap sa pakiramdam.”

“A part of me is a little awkward with all the attention but at the same time I am very happy.” Sean declares. “Thank you very much to director Joel Lamagan and my producers for the trust.“ 

He talks about his character, Inno:

“He happens to be the son of Alan Paule, the original Macho Dancer in the film by director Lino Brocka. It was a delight to work with Sir Alan, he is a very kind and giving actor. As my father in the movie, he was strict with me, always scolding me. He wants me to just follow his orders and do what he thinks is the right thing so it always ends in have a conflict.” 

“Not all of us are blessed with the opportunities that come our way so we have no right to dismiss or judge someone because of their choices,” Sean states. “I am not telling that these macho dancers are saints but all of them fight for their life and loved ones.” 

Adds Sean: “Inno, as a young man, does not deviate from my own personality. We are somewhat similar in being a risk-taker. When we have a goal, we dedicate our energies to the goal or cause and focused on it until it comes to fruition.” 

“He became a macho dancer because he wanted his father's life to be fine, for him to experience the good life,” continues Dela Cruz. Portraying the role of a macho dancer opened the eyes of this protagonist to the excruciating facts and givens of life. 

Emphatically, the young upstart says: “Akala lagi na porke lalaki sila, walang mawawala, ililigo lang. Mag-alcohol. Take vitamins and make sure you practice safe sex. What people do not get is that their self-worth decreases, especially when a patron asks a macho dancer to do something that is not natural to him. You lose your dignity and manhood because of the money you need for survival.” 

He continues: “They all have a story that we should understand and respect. When you hear their stories, if people only take their time to really listen, it will hit you big time. For others, they already made a conclusion that their choice is easy.”

How did you prepare yourself to do all the daring and sexy requirements? Sean’s swift reply: 

“I really studied the script and listened to the instructions of director Joel. I always feel in my heart that I am Ino. That Ino's truth should be shown in the movie. I want to believe that I did well and I leave the judgment to our future audiences.” 

In conclusion, Sean de Guzman wishes: “That many will watch and love the movie. And that many better opportunities follow. I am a young man who is still surprised to all the things that are happening. All of these I really enjoy and I am thankful. The pleasure of feeling that I had a dream that came true is priceless.”

Life lessons that viewers will take home from Anak ng Macho Dancer, avers Sean: 

“How he overcame the consequences of his actions and choices, are the biggest take home from the movie. What to me is important here is that he fought for his life. He didn't just sulk. What he thinks is right for the people he loves, he did it head-on. We all sometimes have choices that are not good, but as long as you know the consequences of that choice, there is still a lesson to be learned. Mistakes and struggles, also triumphs are part and parcel of all our lives.”

Homegrown Filipino Tokyo Tempura supports the displaced who were affected by the Pandemic

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During this pandemic, there are business companies that hold campaigns to reach those who need help and how each and everyone can impact on their livelihood and ultimately their lives.

Immediately one month after the lockdown, Tokyo Tempura offered the "Free Franchise" program, co-brand with already existing brands and expanded its business amidst the crisis. 

Jorge Wieneke III

"With this program, there will be no franchise fee needed but you will just have to pay for the equipment, small renovations and the cart for the business," said Jorge Wieneke III, founder and owner of Tokyo Tempura. 

Tokyo Tempura started as a food cart business in 2012.  Its first cart opened on October 1, 2012 in Sta. Lucia East Mall, branching out to major malls and food parks where it became known for being the “murang tempura”. Tokyo Tempura spread exponentially outside of Metro Manila into Central and Northern Luzon, and the Visayas by 2015. To-date, Tokyo Tempura is found in key cities nationwide.

At present, Tokyo Tempura has 100 stores (kiosk/cart type) nationwide of which 80 are under franchise arrangement and 20% are company-owned.

Meanwhile, there have already been 20 free franchises granted by Tokyo Tempura. These franchisees were mostly affected by the pandemic and have reached areas as far as Batangas and Cavite. 

Wieneke, also the President of the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc., said that this is one of his ways of helping and giving back especially to people who were greatly affected by the crisis. Wieneke continues his mission to help and serve as a mentor in setting up a good business. He extends his hand to displaced workers, Overseas Filipino Workers, existing business owners that need an added boost, and everyone else in need of income to join this program.

For more info and updates, visit http://www.tokyotempura.com.ph/  

and Tokyo Tempura Facebook Page

UNIQLO provides the perfect one-stop family shopping experience with the opening of Blue Bay Walk Roadside Store on November 27

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Japanese global apparel retailer, UNIQLO, opens its second roadside store today at Blue Bay Walk, Pasay City. The new store provides the community with a 900sqm shopping space, carrying a complete range of LifeWear items for men, women, kids, and babies -perfect for a one-stop shopping experience for the entire family.

(L-R) Yusuke Kuroda, UNIQLO Philippines’ Head of Store Operations, Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines’ CO-Chief Operating Officer, Alison Juan, UNIQLO Blue Bay Walk Roadside Store Manager, Masayoshi Nakamura, UNIQLO Philippines’ Chief Operating Officer, Alfred Ty, Federal Land Inc.’s Chairman, and Zarina Lit, UNIQLO Philippines’ Store Area Manager.

“At UNIQLO, we aim to make our roadside store a lifestyle and cultural hub for the local community and a driver of local economic development and prosperity. The opening of the UNIQLO Blue Bay Walk Roadside Store will provide the locals a one-stop shopping experience and convenience for their everyday clothing needs,” says Masayoshi Nakamura, COO, UNIQLO Philippines. “As a special treat to the community, we also have exclusive offers to celebrate our second roadside store launch in the country.”

Opening a roadside store has proven successful in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and even in the Philippines. A roadside store promises a simple, local, one-stop shopping experience for customers to enjoy a quick and convenient trip close to their home.  

The UNIQLO Blue Bay Walk Roadside side includes a parking lot for customers and is carefully designed to ensure that there is space and accessibility for all: for families with children, for elderly people, and for people with disabilities. Free Parking is available for the first three (3) hours for customers who spend a minimum single-receipt purchase of Php 500.00.

During the opening day on November 27, shoppers can avail the following exclusive deals and special promotions:

Items on Special Offer:

Women’s Mercerized Cotton Short Sleeve Mini Dress

UNIQLO’s Women’s Mercerized Cotton Short Sleeve Mini Dress features an effortless design and a length that makes it sleek and lightweight. It is also made of mercerized cotton with sheen.

Php 790.00

 

U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt

The UNIQLO’s Women’s U Crew Neck Short Sleeve T-Shirt is made of 100% cotton material for a soft feel. An advanced method known as the blind hemstitching was also used for the cuffs and hem for extra comfort. The crew neck shirt is also designed with a trendy and relaxed silhouette.

Php 390.00

Women’s Ultra Stretch Cropped Legging Pants

UNIQLO’s Women’s Ultra Stretch Cropped Pants I made with ultra-stretch material so it’s easy to move around in. It is also made with DRY technology so it stays fresh even with sweat.

Php 790.00

 

Men’s Chino Shorts

UNIQLO’s Men’s Chino Shorts features a unique texture brought out by slightly brushing the high-density cotton twill material and through a special dyeing and washing process. Design was updated to create a more relaxed silhouette and casual feeling.

Php 790.00

 

Special Partnerships and Promotions

For the first 100 customers of UNIQLO Blue Bay Walk Roadside Store, a FREE Matcha or Houjicha Drink from Kyoto Chaya Japanese Café will be given. Customers may also get a (1) one 20% Discount Voucher from this café for every minimum Php 3,000.00 single-receipt purchase.

In addition, with every minimum Php 3,000.00 single-receipt purchase from UNIQLO Blue Bay Walk’s Roadside Store on November 27-29, customers can get a FREE UNIQLO U Packable Bag AND FREE Hot Fudge Sundae at McDonald’s Blue Bay Walk.

 Limited offers are also available in ALL STORES nationwide from November 23 to November 29:

 

Items on Special Offer:

Women’s Mercerized Cotton Half Sleeve A Line Dress

Made of mercerized cotton with sheen, UNIQLO’s Women’s Mercerized Cotton Half Sleeve A Line Dress features a simple design that can be worn in a variety of styles. In response to customer feedback, it now has half0sleeves that cover the upper arm.

Php 790.00

 

Women’s Rayon Blouse

UNIQLO’s Women’s Rayon Blouse features an on-trend design with a stand color that can be worn even as an outer layer. It is also made with wrinkle-free resistant fabric that holds up even after washing.

Php 990.00

 

Men’s Cotton Relax Ankle Pants

Also available for Women, UNIQLO’s Men’s Cotton Relax Ankle Pants is made of cotton with moderate stretch for ultimate comfort and is designed with a pre-washed look for an added depth to the color. Its drawstring tie is moved to the inside for a more stylish design and a pull-on feature to make the pants easier to wear.

Php 790.00

 

Men’s Super Non-Iron Slim Fit Long Sleeve Shirt

Great for everyday use, UNIQLO’s Men’s Super Non-Iron Slim-Fit Long Sleeve Shirt is made with 100% cotton material for a soft touch and easy care. The fabric also doesn’t require ironing for that added clothing care convenience.

Php 990.00

 

UNIQLO Philippines partners with Federal Land Inc, to open the 2^nd UNIQLO roadside store, UNIQLO Blue Bay Walk in Blue Bay, Pasay City, Philippines.

For more updates, please visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and the UNIQLO App. You may download the UNIQLO App via Google Play Store or Apple Store.

Follow UNIQLO’s social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

 

 

Christmas gift ideas for multitasking professionals

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2020 has been, to say the least, rough for everyone. As Christmas is around the corner, it’s a great opportunity to surprise your friends or loved ones who struggled with adapting to the new normal working model. In the below list, we offer you some great gift ideas that best say, “Congratulations! You made it through the year! I can’t wait to see the amazing things you will accomplish next year.”

ThinkBook Line for the young professionals

One of the newest members of Lenovo’s commercial Think brand, the ThinkBook line is the ideal gift to young professionals. Designed for business with user convenience in mind and fresh style to boot, this line of devices helps them accomplish things in their to-do lists. ThinkBook devices are packed with powerful features like the Smart Power On, fingerprint reader, and ThinkShield security that enable users to do business with efficiency, confidence, and style. The ThinkBook line is available in the Philippines in three variants: ThinkBook 13s, ThinkBook 14, and ThinkBook 15 (starting price of PHP 51,990).

ThinkPad X13 for traveling professionals

If you’re looking for a laptop that can accompany a loved one’s agile and flexible lifestyle, you might want to consider the ThinkPad X13. With worker mobility at its core, the ThinkPad X13 is a lightweight powerhouse that doesn’t compromise performance and durability. It allows users to work and stay connected anywhere with its WiFi 6 capabilities, which enable fast and steady connections, even on crowded public platforms. Offering the right mix of portability, security and productivity features, and a robust battery life, this 13.3” ultra-light laptop is the right device for the multitasking modern professionals. Price starts at Php 62,899.

 

 ThinkVision M14t for the on-the-go users

Lenovo once again challenges convention with the ThinkVision M14t, an intuitive mobile monitor that brings you an elevated on-the-go work experience. More than just a display, the ThinkVision M14t (SRP PHP 19,995) is a touch-enabled monitor that comes with a pressure-sensitive pen for sketching and easy navigation. It is equipped with two USB-C ports, which can be seamlessly connected with any compatible USB-C device, including the Think family laptops, and even your smartphone!

“Lenovo designs with purpose to meet customers’ needs, with the aim of empowering them as they enhance their skills and capabilities. Considering the current situation and the way it affected our everyday routines, a reliable PC has become a necessity nowadays to keep connected with people despite the physical distance. Lenovo is here to provide solutions to the changing needs of the workforce by delivering smarter technology for all,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines President and General Manager.

The Lenovo Think brand’s strong suit is definitely allowing users to maximize productivity and efficiency by working smarter, without having to sacrifice style and portability—a perfect companion to help you face the challenges of the coming year! Find the best Think device to gift your friend (or yourself!) for Christmas here. 

These devices are available at Lenovo’s authorized retailers nationwide. More information may be found at the official Facebook page of Lenovo Think PC<fb.com/ThinkPCPhilippines> or the Lenovo Philippines website <lenovo.com/ph>.

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Robinsons Bank wins Omni-Experience Innovator Award for RBank Sign Up

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In creating a better normal for every Filipino, Robinsons Bank has accelerated its digital initiatives while continuing to put customers at the heart of their business development.

As a testament to this, Robinsons Bank was awarded the Omni-Experience Innovator Award for its RBank Sign Up in the recently concluded IDC Digital Transformation Awards 2020 Philippines held by leading IT market research and advisory firm International Data Corporation (IDC). Similarly, it was also recognized by the International Business Magazine as the Most Innovative Retail Banking Product -- Philippines 2020.

The RBank Sign Up app is one of the newest products launched during the pandemic as a response to the needs of many Filipinos. The Sign Up capability lets customers open a bank account through an all-digital and online process. With just one (1) ID card, e-KYC, and internet connection, customers are sure to have their account details within minutes of completing the application. 

“Robinsons Bank takes customer-centricity seriously. Traditional banks develop processes just to re-engineer themselves internally but nowadays we are re-engineering primarily to improve our customer’s experience and to enable them more in a digitized environment,” Mr. Ramon Abasolo, RBank's Chief Digital Officer explains that one of the main drivers for this initiative is to service the needs of their clients. 

Through the app, customers can now open a Simple Savings Deposit Account, Regular Savings Account, Passbook Savings Account, and a Payroll Account with unique paths depending on the selected bank product.

“RBank Sign Up’s fully digitized and agile banking process helped clients utilize online banking at their own convenience. The variety of products offered in just one single app made it more beneficial not only for personal banking, but also for corporate clients and soon to sole proprietors and micro-enterprises. As the pandemic changed the way how we do banking, it only showed that they are more than ready for the future of banking.” Lilibeth Agudo, Market Analyst and DX Awards Lead for IDC Philippines, states. 

Bank beyond the ordinary

RBank’s mobile banking has taken a new form with the new RBank Digital! 

It has been designed to give users a smooth experience with its user-friendly and more responsive interface. Being a full-featured mobile banking application, the RBank Digital gives users the power to do all of their banking needs anytime and anywhere. 

Easily enable the RBank QuickR to generate a unique QR code to accept payments or fund transfers via cashless and cardless transactions. 

Skip the hassle of enrolling billers online because RBank Digital has over a hundred listed billers-- from utilities (electricity, water, cable) to insurance, and more! 

Furthermore, there’s nothing more convenient than being able to monitor all accounts in one place. Manage your savings account, credit cards, Time Deposit accounts, and more in just a single RBank Digital account. 

Ensuring safety and security at all times, the new mobile banking app has security features which users can enable and manage, allowing them to have full control of their bank accounts!

With the significant boost in digital transactions that the Bank has seen in the past months, expect more to come as Robinsons Bank continuously rolls out digital initiatives putting the customer at the center in all its innovations.

Robinsons Bank is the financial services arm of the JG Summit Group of Companies, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines. It currently ranks 18th among universal and commercial banks in the country, with assets amounting to Php 131.088 Bn as of December 2019. The Bank is recognized as the Fastest Growing Commercial Bank in the Philippines for 2020 by the Global Business Outlook; and the Best Commercial Bank in the Philippines for 2020 by the International Business Magazine. RBank was also recognized as an Outstanding Employer at the PH Best Employer Brand Awards 2020. 

For inquiries and concerns, you may reach Robinsons Bank through its Customer Care Center at (02) 8637-CARE (2273) or domestic toll-free 1-800-10-637-CARE (2273); or visit its website at www.robinsonsbank.com.ph. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/robinsonsbank/ and join our Viber Community at www.bit.ly/RBankCommunity to get the latest updates.