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2014-05-25T23:51:00.002-07:00

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Skyscanner holds 1st Blogger Kapihan

2014-01-25T01:06:00.001-08:00

How many times have you lost sleep while waiting for those seat sales that disappear faster than the pork barrel of our beloved politicians?

Well kiss your pillows hello! As Skyscanner takes the hassle of having to sign up for email alerts opening multiple windows, and having to do those computations to find out which is the best deal!

Skyscanner held the first-ever Bloggers Kapihan on January 23 at the M Cafe to give online media an introduction of what it can do and how it can benefit travelers.

It is a leading global travel search site providing instant online comparisons for millions of flights plus hotels and car hire. It offers price alerts on all routes to enable flights to be monitored by email. The Skyscanner app offers widgets for Android, Live Tiles for Windows Phone and “watch” functionality for iOS, all of which allow customers to track the latest price changes on a chosen route.

Founded in 2003 by three IT professionals, Gareth Williams, Barry Smith and Bonamy Grimes, Skyscanner is the no.1 travel search website in Europe and no.3 worldwide, receiving over 50 million visits per month. The travel search site is available in 40 countries and in 30 languages.

Booking at the right time

Janet Ranola, Skyscanner Philippines Manager, shared that Skyscanner did a study on the millions of flights purchased by their customers over the past three years to arrive with the best time to book.

The study shows that on average, 3-4 weeks in advance is the optimal time to book flights. This suggestion, however, depends on the type of flight you book or the airlines you book with. When traveling with a budget airline, prices are likely to go up as the day of the flight approaches. If traveling on long haul flights or for more than 5 hours, prices are likely to fluctuate as the flight day grows near, and this does not guarantee the best seats.

In the Philippines, we have always loved the idea of discounts and because of this, booking early has always been a trend. Below are the top outbound destinations in the Philippines alongside the number of weeks you need to book in advance for maximum saving:

• China. If you book 28 weeks in advance, you can save as much as PHP 7 000 per flight which means more money for shopping and buying souvenirs.
• Malaysia. Because Malaysia is relatively near, it can be a go-to destination for last minute getaways and short vacations, but booking close to your departure date can be quite expensive. Consider booking 31 weeks in advance so you will only have to pay 46% of the actual flight cost.
• Japan. Book a flight to the land of cherry blossoms 14 weeks in advance and you can save as much as PHP 6300. Like with Thailand, booking four tickets will make way for another friend or relative to tag along in your trip.
• Thailand. Save as much as PHP 2990 if you book 16 weeks ahead. The discount you will get from booking four tickets is enough to get you another flight for free!
• Singapore. This country is the most visited by Filipinos in 2013 according to a recent study by

Skyscanner. The best time to book flights going to Singapore is 25 weeks in advance. By booking this early, you can save as much as PHP 1600. This is almost 24% less than the average flight cost.
According to the Best Time to Book study, on average, it is best to book 20 weeks in advance regardless of where you want to go. The study also suggests that the cheapest month to travel is in February and it is most expensive in April. This is for the reason that less people travel on February because they are making way for their summer travels which usually happens in April.

Booking flights during these suggested time frames enables you access to loads of discounts and the best seats possible. If you book early, you can save almost 18% less than what you will have to pay for the average ticket price. Moreover, you can skip the stress of looking for available flights at the last minute which are most likely to be overpriced. Booking your flights early will not just give you these perks but it will also help you focus on the other aspects of your vacation such as relaxation and educating yourself, which is ultimately the point of traveling.

She then shared a few simple rules to bear in mind to get the best price:
1. Book smart: Avoiding peak season travel and flying at less popular hours of the day, can really help to lower costs.
2. Be flexible: Costs to different destinations can vary significantly depending on the airlines operating that route and the Thai airports offering these flights. If you are planning your next trip but are open to destinations, running a search to ‘everywhere’ can help find the countries that offer the best value flights at any time.
3. Compare and contrast: Using a travel comparison site like Skyscanner allows you to compare the widest range of airlines and online travel agents, so you’ll be able to see where you can get the best deal.
4. Track prices Skyscanner’s analysis has found that keeping an eye on the flight prices a few months in advance of travel, is the best way to find a good value flight. Using a flight tracker price alert service, either by email or via the app can help monitor when prices drop on a chosen route.

The Bloggers Kapihan also served as the venue to announce the nominees for the SkyscannerBloscars 2014 which included several of the PH top travel bloggers such as Melo
Villareal of Outoftownblog.com

The Bloscars Travel Award 2014 is an award given by Skyscanner to travel blogs from selected countries in Europe and Asia. It recognizes the excellent work of travel bloggers in informing and inspiring travellers by sharing their adventures and first-hand experience.The competition will consist of three stages: the nomination period, the voting and selection of the Best Travel Blogs from each participating country, and the selection of the international winner.

The winners for the Best Travel Blog from each participating country will each receive Php50,000 worth of flights. They will also be invited in to the Skyscanner regional headquarters in Singapore for the awarding, where one will receive a surprise award.

The international winner will receive Php145,000 worth of free flights.

Photos taken from Fleishman-Hillard Manila Facebook Album HERE

Chinkee Tan urges VIPuring Members: Upgrade your Life!

2014-01-25T00:29:00.005-08:00

Speaker Chinkee Tan shares some secrets and business tips to Upgrade Your Life

What is the first thing that we, as customers, often ask whenever we visit our favorite stores?

“Ano ang bago? What is new?”

We are in love with everything new—food, clothes, technology, new products, and yes, even new product variations.

New things easily fascinate us, and most often than not, we end up buying these things, even if we really don’t have a need for it. This is because we perceive new things as something better—an upgrade to what we currently have.

And for a lot of Filipinos one thing we most often upgrade is our mobile phones. Unfortunately, unlike our cellphones, which many “upgrade” yearly (or even twice in a year) –we often forget to “upgrade” our lives as well.

Upgrade your life.

This was the topic of the inspirational talk given by bestselling author/ host and former actor Chinkee Tan to hundreds of Puregold GOLD members who attended the 2nd VIPuring Convention held January 22 at the Le Pavillion in Roxas Blvd. Pasay City.

Chinkee Tan gives financial advice on TV5’s Kumare Klub and Balitaang Tapat. He is one of the country’s top wealth coaches and author of the bestselling book “Till Debt Do Us Part” which sold more than 60,000 copies nationwide. His program, Chink Positive!, is KBP 20th Golden Dove Awards’ Best Special Program awardee in 2011.

“There is only one thing permanent in this world and that is CHANGE. If you don’t innovate, you EVAPORATE,” Tan challenged his eager audience.

He emphasized three things that is necessary for people to enjoy improved lives.

The first is to Upgrade your frame of mind.

“Ang pagyaman ng tao ay di nagsisimula sa laki ng kanilang bulsa or kung magkano ang kinikita or even kung ano ang negosyo niya. Ang pagyaman ng tao naguumpisa kung paano siya mag iisip….Remember, na ang pera hindi kaya gumawa ng pera.”

“To upgrade your life you have to upgrade you mindset--- read a lot of books, attend seminars, and ask experts for advice—invest in knowledge.

The second is to Upgrade your Products: This means to go premium and offer premium products which often yield better profit margins.

The third is to Upgrade your Capital: “It would be impossible to grow your business without adding more capital,” he said.

“Impossible lumaki ang kita mo pero ang mindset mo ay maliit.”

Using the simple analogy equation of mindset + action = result, thus;
Small mindset + Small action = Small Result
Big mindset + Big action = Big Result
Positive mindset + Positive action = Positive Result and
Negative mindset + Negative action = Negative Result

“So you cannot live a winning life with a defeated mindset… let’s admit we know people who are always angry, whose favorite pastime is complaining—If you want to live a positive life you need to get away from negative people.”

Forget the Poverty mindset… when people ask how are you your response should be: Eto payaman ng payaman…ramdam na ramdam ko na!”

From IQ to EQ and now AQ
After his talk, Tan then met with several members of online media where he shared more valuable tips on how to be more successful and have a better life.

“Like I said the only thing permanent in this world is change, and I do believe that most of us are products of changes,” he began.

“I’ve learned that more than IQ, as information is readily out there on the internet, you also need to upgrade your Emotional Quotient, EQ, or how to relate with people.” But the most important thing to to increase this year is your AQ –or Adversity Quotient –this means that once changes comes, how do you respond? How do you adjust? How do you adapt?

Learning how to adjust he says was crucial when he made the transition from being an actor to a motivational speaker. “Kailangan alam mo paano mag adjust. Hindi ako natatakot umulit. Hindi ako natatakot magsimula. Just like what I tell people always, start small but think big!”

He acknowledge that fear can sometimes be the biggest obstacle to making that change: Remember when you started to ride a bike? You fall, you get wounded and you get hurt. Pero bakit hindi ka tumigil? Kasi gusto mo matuto. And that is very important. Your desire to learn, your desire to win, and your desire to succeed should be greater than your fear of failing.”

“To be the best should be greater than the fear of failing.”

“Anong ang mas nakakahiya? Yung wala ka mapakain sa pamilya mo or sabihin ng tao na naku baka mag-fail ka? Everything that happens on the outside should happen first in the inside. If you don’t like the output of your life you better change the input.”

As for money being your motivation to succeed, he replied, “Find something that you love to do so that you don’t have to work for another day in your life. Do it with passion, and don’t do it just because of money . Your ultimate goal should be to win and be the best in what you do, like Michael Jordan or Manny Pacquiao. Money is only a result of a job well done.”

“It’s not how much money you make, its not how much money you save, but how much money you grow. Learn how to grow your money.”

The reason why you have to make a lot of money is not just for you. There is purpose to being rich and that is to become a blessing to others, Iba yung feelng na kapag successful ka na, and nakakapgbigay na sa ibang tao—that is something na hindi kaya bayaran ng pera,” he concluded.

Puregold VIPuring Convention part 2
After its hugely successful first run, Procter & Gamble Distributing Philippines, Inc. and Puregold brings back an event that aims to empower and elevate Pinoy entrepreneurship—the VIPuring Convention II.

Just a couple of months since it was first held at Puregold’s Paso de Blas Brach in Valenzuela, the exclusive event for Puregold “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” GOLD members was also P&G and Puregold’s way of thanking retailers and entrepreneurs for their loyalty and support.

“The VIPuring Convention returned because the first one was so successful and truly made an impact on retailers and entrepreneurs. P&G and Puregold felt that it’s a good advocacy to make top store owners and entrepreneurs know how important they are not just to their immediate communities but also to the country’s economy. We will always be supportive of our partners and we will continue to equip them with the right tools and the right products that will help them grow their businesses,” Raffy Fajardo, Marketing Director of P&G Distributing, Inc., stated.

The P&G and Puregold VIPuring Convention II also presented opportunities for GOLD members to win exciting prizes and enjoy great on-the-day deals and markdowns on select P&G products.

“We plan to have this event as an integral Puregold and P&G tradition so that we can encourage them to do well and excel in their endeavors,” Fajardo said.

IF the first convention was all about saving your money for investments, part 2 centered on the inspiring talk by wealth coach Chinkee Tan on how to level up one’s business.

The Chink Positive! anchor and bestselling author, also lent his expertise and headlined the event to share helpful business tips, selling skills and insightful anecdotes on entrepreneurship to highly appreciative Puregold GOLD members.

A major component of the convention was the first-class, VIP broadway-themed entertainment that delighted the audience.

Joy with Olay’s The Kitchen Musical medley featured superb performances from thespians Christian Bautista and Karylle.

The Downy Mystique presentation dazzled the audience with Myxx Dancers’ masquerade production number.

Olay Total Effect’s The Little Mermaid medley featured the impressive performance of Ciara Sotto, while the Head & Shoulders PDA Comedy segment, headlined by the Aegis band, scored big and hearty laughs from the audience.

Globe advocates use of mobile technology in sustainable development via photo competition

2014-01-23T01:13:00.000-08:00

First place winner Noel Ubaldo with Globe SVP for Corporate Communications YolyCrisanto and Globe OIC for Corporate Social Responsibility Fernando Esguerra

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom gave out special awards to three young men who best captured how mobile technology is used in initiatives for sustainable development. The winners were among the participants to the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) Ten Photos to Shake the World contest.

“It’s never too late for technology” is the winning piece of Noel Ubaldo

First place winner of the Globe Mobile Technology for Sustainable Development award is Noel Ubaldo who received an iPad4 for his work entitled “It’s never too late for technology”. The photo shows a group of elderly tribal members using a tablet computer. Ubaldoalso bagged ASSIST’s People’s Choice Award.

Bryan Taguduar

Second place went to Bryan Taguduar for his black and white piece “Taking the challenge of trend” where two fishermen in an outrigger boat hold a cellphone and a solar panel.Taguduar also won 9th place in ASSIST for another entry.Klienne Eco’s “Light up my future”, a photo of a boy studying with the use of a tablet computer, won third. Incidentally, the same entry was adjudged second in the ASSIST photo competition. Taguduar and Eco received an HTC One SV and Samsung Galaxy Y mobile phones from Globe, respectively.

“Taking the challenge of trend” of Bryan Taguduar

“We were only supposed to give one special award but we found the other two entries also very significant to our theme. As an ICT company which advocates sustainable development, Globe believes this competition is an excellent venue to advocate the use of mobile technology in sustainable initiatives,” said YolyCrisanto, Head of Globe Corporate Communications.

“Light up my future” of Klienne Eco

Klienne Eco

ASSIST is an international non-government organization which seeks to promote sustainable practices to address social problems in the developing world with focus on Asia and Africa. Its goal is to empower its target groups to make them resilient to social, economic and environmental challenges.

For the competition, ASSIST has chosen ten compelling photos that chronicle the journey towards sustainable development --showing poverty, climate change, global recession and other challenges, as well as the innovation and cooperation that result from them.

The photos also captured sustainable inventions, human partnerships, cooperationfor a sustainable economic development, inspirational and empowering activities/scenarios/innovations, under the overarching theme: “A showcase of Empowerment, Partnership, and Innovations for Sustainable and Inclusive Development.” The competition was open to all Filipino citizens who are at least 18 years old as of September 1, 2013. Know more about the photo contest in www.facebook.com/tenphotostoshaketheworld.

Look who's wearing Uniqlo! Dakota Fanning and Tom Odell dons Spring 2014 Collection

2014-01-22T21:19:00.003-08:00

Dakota Fanning

UNIQLO the global clothing retailer, will showcase the arrival of its spring 2014 collection with an ad campaign featuring actress Dakota Fanning and British singer-songwriter Tom Odell to showcase the new lines.

Tom Odell

For spring 2014, UNIQLO has created pieces made from soft, comfortable fabrics designed to effortlessly complement those who wear them and to promote comfort and individual style. A focus of the collection is on premium natural fabrics of linen and Supima®Cotton, which bring a desirable combination of function and elegance. The collection will also feature UNIQLO’s core basics such as AIRism innerwear, polo shirts and denim. Focused on the color indigo, UNIQLO has clothed them in its items featuring this classic tone, particularly its denim and linen lines.

“UNIQLO is proud to partner with these young and talented artists for our spring 2014 collection advertising campaign,” said Larry Meyer, CEO of UNIQLO USA and Fast Retailing Group Senior Vice President. “We are very happy Dakota and Tom will showcase our newest lines all across the world.”

Film actress Dakota Fanning, at only 19, has starred in more than 25 films, notably “I Am Sam,” “Man On Fire,” “War of the Worlds,” “The Twilight Saga”, “The Secret Life of Bees” and “The Runaways.” She is the youngest actor to have been nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award. She will next be seen in the upcoming “Night Moves” and “Franny”. Last year, Dakota started her partnership with the United Nations as an ambassador for their Ending Hunger campaign.

Singer-songwriter Tom Odell, 22, won the Brits Critics’ Choice Award in 2013. His debut album, “Long Way Down”, subsequently went to no. 1 in the UK and top ten across Europe. Over the last year he has toured extensively across the world from the US to Australia selling over a million records in the process. He has just been nominated for two further Brit awards for best male and best newcomer (embargoed until 10th Jan). Tom is currently on tour in arenas across the US with long time hero Billy Joel before setting out for his largest headline tour of the UK and Europe.

UNIQLO is a brand of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., a leading global Japanese retail holding company that designs, manufactures and sells clothing under seven main brands: Comptoir des Cotonniers, GU, Helmut Lang, J Brand, Princesse tam.tam, Theory, and UNIQLO. With global sales of approximately 928 billion yen for the 2012 fiscal year ending August 31, 2012, Fast Retailing is currently the world’s fourth largest apparel retail company, and UNIQLO is Japan’s leading specialty retailer.

UNIQLO continues to open large-scale stores in some of the world's most important cities and locations, as part of its ongoing efforts to solidify its status as a truly global brand.Today the company has a total of more than 1,200 stores in 14 markets worldwide including Japan, China, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, U.K. and U.S. In addition, Grameen UNIQLO, a social business established in Bangladesh in September 2010, opened its two first stores in Dhaka in July 2013. UNIQLO operates an integrated business model under which it designs, manufactures, markets and sells high-quality, casual apparel. The company believes that truly great clothes should be supremely comfortable, feature universal designs, are of high quality and offer a superb fit to everyone who wears them.

For more information about UNIQLO and Fast Retailing, please visit www.uniqlo.com and www.fastretailing.com.

Sitti on Bossa and her new found Love

2014-01-21T04:16:00.000-08:00

It was a totally different “Sitti” from the person I first interviewed almost two years ago. Back then the country’s Queen of Bossa was almost as somber as the carrier single “Wag Mo Na Munang Sabihin” of her album “Sitti.”

Last week, a very sexy and radiant Sitti was all smiles as she sat down with entertainment media at a lunch organized by Backroom Entertainment for several of its talents, which also included K Brosas and Kim Idol. The media lunch was held at Sir Boys Food Republique in Quezon City.

She describes 2013 as a very “happy year” for her. “Masaya ang 2013 ko kase I got to be part of the musical "The Full Monty," and I also got to enjoy a lot of out of town and out of the country trips. But the real highlights of 2013 is more personal—because I had the chance to join a song writing camp, recorded a new album, and finally I found love-- or love found me kaya parang mas may meaning na ang mga kinakanta ko,” she said almost blushing as she made the confession.

From singer to songwriter
“Joining the 4th Elements National Singing Songwriting Camp was an eye opener in a way and sobrang helpful kasi yung tools talaga of songwriting they were graciously shared by our mentors like Mr. Ryan Cayabyab, Ebe Dancel, Rey Valera, Ogie Alcasid among others.”

Sitti said the five-day workshop held in Dumaguete not only taught the participants a lot about their craft but also gave them time to socialize with other songwriters who are all passionate about music.

“I first learned about the workshop through Twitter and felt that I was at a point in my musical life where I wanted to further my songwriting. Marami na kasi akong nasulat pero hindi ko natatapos so kailangan ko talaga ng tools kasi gusto ko silang matapos and I feel like I am shortchanging myself and not pushing my boundaries if I just keep on doing covers and not create materials of my own.”

“I guess, that is my focus for this year. To write more, to discover more about the music that is really in my heart kasi besides bossa nova, I also enjoy pop. I enjoy different kinds of music pero di ko pa siya napapakinggan talaga. So hopefully, my next album would have more of the songs I wrote,” she explained.

The output for the 60 participants of the songwriting camp was to write songs about the Yolanda tragedy. “We were divided into groups and we came up with 10 songs which was included in the album Awit ng Paghilom. Dun ko narealize that I could collaborate pala with other songwriters.”

The independently produced album is available through Radio Republic.

“The chorus of our song “Hay, Nabubuhay” is ‘tama na ang buhay na nasasayang… di ka kailangan mamatay ng hindi kinakailangan’ its our call to private individuals and government that people do not need to die needlessly if help comes immediately we can save lots of lives.”

Return to Bossa

While she has found new knowledge to help her write her own songs Sitti, says she is currently focused on promoting her newest album “Bossa Love.”

Bossa Love is her debut album under MCA Music after being with Warner Music for more than six years.

The new album marks Sitti’s return to her signature bossa roots after trying out something different from previous album. Produced by Marvin Querido, the album features nine “cover” tracks including Sunday Morning (Maroon 5), It Wasn’t Me (Shaggy), Stickwithu (Pussycat Dolls), Back To You (John Mayer), Smooth (Santana), Someday We’ll Know (New Radicals), My Favorite Mistake (Sheryl Crow), I Want It That Way (Backstreet Boys), Yellow (Coldplay), Lost Without You (Robin Thicke), Don’t Know Why (Norah Jones), For You (Kenny Lattimore), Waterfalls (TLC) and Thank You (Dido).

Check out the preview below:

She describes it as her ‘Sitti-fied,’ versions of some of the top songs from the 90s to the late 2000s. “It’s the sound that my fans have grown to love.”

“Of all the songs I recorded my favorite is Thank You, because it best reflects my current state of being, I’m just thankful and happy that I’m still here to talk to you guys about my album and masaya lang talaga. In a way, coming full circle din kasi it’s a covers album for which people initially got to know me. This one is for the fans. The selections are more contemporary which is what MCA wants and at the same time reflective on my state of being because masaya yung mga songs unlike my previous album which were puro heartbroken songs.”

One of the most interesting song choices was “It Wasn’t Me.” “It was the most challenging to do but sobrang thankful ako because I got to work with Marvin Querido and how he reimagined all of the songs were really a pleasant surprise.”

Sitti on a Sunday Morning

Since the carrier single of the album is “Sunday Morning,” what does Sitti do on a typical Sunday?

“Before, it was ASAP, then family lunch then chill out, church, massage and then sleep..”

But now that she has a love life?

“Oh then its ASAP, then he will pick me up, eat out, church, chill--- ay halos ganun din naman pala,” she said laughing.

“Iba pala talaga kapag in-love, but I’d rather not reveal his name because he isn’t from the business but I think this new relationship has helped me a lot as I go on as a singer and as a person.”

For 2014, Sitti says she just hopes to write more songs. “I’m not really one of those people who set goals for the year, but I really want to write a song each month, and finish those that I’ve already started in the past.”

She hints her next album would be what she refers to as "progressive bossa" taking her music to a higher level.

Sitti recently held a successful concert to formally launch her new album Bossa Love last January 18, 8pm, at the Music Museum. Aside from television guestings, she is also busy doing corporate, provincial and international shows. She has an upcoming series of shows at Pagcor Casino branches on the following dates: February 7 (Mimosa Satellite); February 20 (Casino Filipino Pavilion), February 27 (Casino Filipino Olongapo), and February 28 (Casino Filipino Parañaque).For inquiries, call Backroom Inc. at 4351108, email backroominc@hotmail.com, or log on to www.facebook.com/backroominc and www.twitter.com/BackroomArtists.

Globe subscribers enjoy P20 off on GrabTaxi booking fee until June

2014-01-21T04:13:00.000-08:00

The start of the New Year brings with it a new momentum to get things done. And with all the places one has to get to, everyone is yielded in the inevitable rush all over the Metro.

Getting around the city need not be a pain with the dreaded waiting game for a cab because hailing a cab is now as convenient as waving your finger.

Globe Telecom, the mobile data service provider of choice, and GrabTaxi the country’s most phenomenal taxi-booking app, continue to give the most wonderful deals as they extend their discounted booking fee for Globe subscribers until June 2014!

By booking a GrabTaxi cab from a Globe-powered mobile phone, GrabTaxi slashes off P20 on the regular booking fee for a more affordable and convenient cab-ride! From the regular P70 booking fee, Globe subscribers will only need to pay P50 when they book their taxi service from GrabTaxi.

Globe Mobile Data Services Head Jenny Echevarria

Grab Taxi Philippines' Natasha Bautista

“During last season’s Holiday rush; we saw how delighted our subscribers were when we started this partnership with GrabTaxi. And with that, we have decided to extend the partnership further and give our loyal subscribers this exclusive discount until June 2014.” said Jenny Granada-Echevarria, Head of Globe Mobile Data Services.

Sure to be safe, GrabTaxi makes it possible for you to share your ride details over Facebook and email, so your loved ones can track your taxi route in real time. The driver’s phone number, plate number, and other important details will be made available to you even before you get in the cab. Add to that, all cabs linked with the GrabTaxi network are of the finest quality, ensuring you a cool and comfortable cruise throughout the city.

Pair your GrabTaxi app with a mobile surfing plan to use it to its fullest potential. Grab the Globe PowerSurf99 which comes with 50MB of mobile data good for 30-days. Globe PowerSurf99 is available to both Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers.

To register, dial *143# for free. For more information on PowerSurf, visit http://www.globe.com.ph/surf

Rita Trio: Chili's Margarita Threesome

2014-01-21T00:56:00.002-08:00

Thinking of a fantastic night out with friends? Then, perhaps some good food with the widely popular and perfectly concocted Chili’s Margaritas are the way to go!

Know more about the Margarita
There are various opinions as to the true origins of this sought-after cocktail, a mosaic of tequila and Cointreau, lemon and lime juice, with salt on the glass rim,

Some say that it was in 1938 near Tijuana, Mexico when Carlos “Danny” Herrera concocted the drink for a dancer named Marjorie King. Some tales point to Francisco "Pancho" Morales as the inventor of this drink in the El Paso-Juarez area in 1942. Still others say it was Van Under who first imported Jose Cuervo to the USA and promoted the drink through this tagline: “Margarita: It's More Than a Girl's Name"

The popular belief though is that the Margarita was invented in 1948 by Dallas socialite, Margarita Sames, during a party at her vacation home in Acapulco. Her guests included Tommy Hilton who added the drink to the beverage menu in his hotel chain.

Also, as a tribute to this drink, February 22 was declared as the annual National Margarita Day in some parts of the world. In Mexico and in the USA, the famed Cinco de Mayo is one of the much-celebrated festivals where lots of margaritas are consumed.

The Margarita remains one of the most popular and enduring alcoholic drinks concocted, transcending geographical boundaries and reaching many countries around the world. It is the most common tequila-based cocktail in the USA.

Cheers! Rita Trio at Chili’s!
The Philippines is no exception.

Chili’s knows this and offers just the right flavors of its trademark Margaritas in one order.
Welcome, Rita Trio— a great reason to enjoy your nights out.

"Chili’s Rita Trio" lets you choose three premium margarita flavors and offers a rock-glass sized serving of each, ice-cold for just P350 all day. So why limit ‘happy’ to just an hour?

Guests get to choose from Pomegranate Margarita (a mix of 1800 Tequila, Absolut Citron with pomegranate syrup), Tropical Sunrise (made with 1800 Tequila, Melon Liqueur, pineapple juice, sweet and sour and a splash of grenadine), Blue Pacific Margarita (1800 Tequila, Cointreau and Blue Curacao), El Nino Margarita (1800 Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liquer, and fresh orange juice), and Chambord 1800 Margarita (1800 Tequila, Cointreau Orange Liquer and Chambord). They not only look fantastic with their vibrant colors, they taste amazing as well. And if you like any of the following flavors, then get the regular serving sizes. They are available in individual, bigger portions for you to enjoy!

“There is no need to wait for National Margarita Day or Cinco de Mayo as the good times roll, everyday at all Chili’s branches,” says Laine de Jesus-Vallar, Chili’s Marketing Manager.
Chili’s gives you the best margaritas served hand-shaken with ice, or deliciously frozen. Whichever way you want to enjoy it, it’s a great way to end a busy day. It’s also best enjoyed while listening to good music and having the comforting flavors of Chili’s freshly-prepared and flavorful American Southwestern favorites such as their Big Mouth Burgers, tender baby back ribs, fajitas and fire-grilled steaks, among others.

New Premium Spirits Launched
Aside from the Rita Trio, Chili’s has also recently launched NEW Premium Margaritas to their line-up, adding the tequila of choice – Patron Silver Tequila – to the mix of its standout margaritas. Shaking up the bar are the Platinum Presidente Margarita, the signature hand-shaken premium margarita with Patron Silver Tequila (100% Blue Agave), Cointreau, Orange Liquer, Fundador Reserve brandy and sweet and sour. For those who crave a unique and fruity margarita mix, the Patron Pomegranate Margarita is made up of Patron Silver Tequila (100% Blue Agave), Cointreau Orange Liquer, pomegranate syrup and 7-Up. For another take on the famed Presidente Margarita, there’s the Grand Patron Margarita, a smooth combination of Patron Silver Tequila (100% Blue Agave), Grand Marnier, sweet & sour and a squeeze of fresh lime.

New place for more ‘Ritas
Chili’s started as a hamburger restaurant in Dallas, Texas with a uniquely Southwestern flair. For over 35 years now, it has been welcoming guests in its 1,500 restaurants all over the world in 33 countries.

Chili’s first set foot in the Philippines in 1996. Now on its 17th year, Chili's is expanding to more locations in Metro Manila, the latest of which is at the 2nd level of the Mega Atrium in SM Megamall. This 110-seater restaurant sports a new and more polished look. The Southwestern heritage is still evident but with a more sleek and cosmopolitan feel. New elements like lime green and apple green accent colors, tabletops adorned with striking red tiles, brighter lighting and sleek red and orange stripes on the walls provide a fresher new hue, exuding a modern vibe yet staying true to its original roots.

Like No Place Else

Through the years, Chili's remains the best place to hang out and relax with family and friends. Branches are at the 2nd Level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center Makati City (729.3022); Missouri St. cor. Nevada St., Northeast Greenhills San Juan (727.2959); Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Fernandez Quezon City (372.5017); Unit 36 Power Plant Mall Rockwell Center (659.6527) and the newest branch in SM Megamall (631.0380). It is also set to open another restaurant at the Ayala Center in Fairview soon.

For inquiries, check out Chili’s Philippines on Facebook and on Instagram, Chilis_ph on Twitter, and www.chilisphilippines.com on the web.

300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE” UNLEASHES NEW TRAILER

2014-01-20T22:33:00.003-08:00

Warner Bros. Pictures has just launched the third trailer of its action adventure “300: Rise of an Empire” and can be viewed below

Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel “Xerxes,” and told in the breathtaking visual style of the 2006 blockbuster “300,” this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield—on the sea—as Greek general Themistokles attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war.

“300: Rise of an Empire” pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes, and Artemesia, vengeful commander of the Persian navy.
The film stars Sullivan Stapleton (“Gangster Squad”) as Themistokles and Eva Green (“Dark Shadows,” “Casino Royale”) as Artemesia. Lena Headey reprises her starring role from “300” as the Spartan Queen, Gorgo; Hans Matheson (“Clash of the Titans”) stars as Aeskylos; and Rodrigo Santoro stars again as the Persian King, Xerxes.

The film is directed by Noam Murro, from a screenplay by Zack Snyder & Kurt Johnstad, based on the graphic novel “Xerxes,” by Frank Miller.

Opening across the Philippines in March 06, 2014, “300: Rise of an Empire” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Japanese singer AISAKU covers OPM classics

2014-01-20T21:22:00.001-08:00

Japanese singer Aisaku recently released his own rendition of the 90s classic pop ballad “Ikaw Pa Rin.” The choice is not merely because it's of Japanese origin. But ironically due to his high regard for OPM, with him even counting Gary Valenciano as his main musical influence.

He said, “I know more OPM than Japanese songs now. I have more Filipino friends than Japanese friends on Facebook. And I guess I am a Filipino by heart even though my pair of eyes makes me look like I'm asleep.”

His name interestingly meaning “make love,” Aisaku recently put out his self-titled debut album of OPM classic covers led by “Ikaw Pa Rin,” (popularized by Ted Ito and originally “Saigo No Iwake” in Japanese). His cover of the song won “Best OPM Cover” at the 2013 Gawad Musika Awards & Consumers Quality Awards.

The album package is produced by Janette Ito of Japan's i&i Records in tie-up with Japan Home Centre and distributed by Universal Records Philippines.

Born from a Christian family, this pure Japanese moved to the Philippines years back and the long stretch made him a Pinoy by heart. He takes pride that his knowledge in the Filipino culture and language is almost on a native level.

He shared, "Modern OPM music is something I really love. I give credit to OPM artists who bring the genre to a new level of classy music, like my current favorites Noel Cabangon, Sitti, Gloc-9, JayR, Ogie Alcasid, and a whole lot more!"

He confirmed his utmost respect for Mr. Pure Energy, "My most favorite singer is Gary Valenciano. I live in a church so I had the chance to learn good music first from Gary V's songs. His music covers a lot of genre from pop, dance, soul, jazz to ballads. The first live concert I ever watched in my life was his as well."

Aisaku actually is a combination of two separate words: "AI" which is another word for love, and "Saku" meaning "to make". His parents want him to be "a person who can spread love to the world."

This Japanese trying his best to sing in smooth Tagalog appeared on Lucky Me’s KARI & PO-KU advert. He also endorsed Platinum Karaoke, with his songs already available on the karaoke itself and iTunes. As a child he had speech impairment. Then he met a speech therapist from Operation Smile who helped him with his condition. He is now one of its ambassadors.

Other songs in Aisaku's album are “Remember Me” (popularized by RenzVerano), “Honey My Love So Sweet” (popularized by April Boyz), “IsangTanongIsangSagot” (Popularized by Donna Cruz), “IsangMundo, IsangAwit” (popularized by Leah Navarro), and other Tagalog songs of Japanese roots.

Vocal about his love for Filipinos. He explained, “I find the Filipinos more fun to be with, and the country itself as well. I love the Filipino humor, the culture, and the best of all, the close family ties. I love my parents and I am glad that I know how to show my love to them like a Filipino son can do.”

With his talent and charm, Aisaku already bagged a number of awards, including the 2013 Asian Star Entertainer Awards for Best New Male OPM Artist.

Nokia Sky Drive Promo takes off

2014-01-20T21:13:00.001-08:00

Imagine 27 GB of storage space for your photos and videos that capture your precious moments and special memories. Imagine files and documents that you can bring with you without the extra weight of an external hard drive or a PC with tangled up cables.

All this is possible because Nokia is boosting the cloud storage experience as they give customers an additional 20 GB of free SkyDrive storage over and above the 7 GB they already get, when they purchase a Lumia 1520, Lumia 1320, Lumia 1020, Lumia 925, Lumia 625, or Lumia 520 from participating Nokia Stores and retailers starting January 10 to 31, 2014.

SkyDrive provides users storage in the cloud to not only store files and sync them across multiple devices, but also edit and collaborate on Microsoft Office documents. Users can access the latest version of their files from any PC, tablet, or smartphone even without using cables or USB flash drives. SkyDrive also allows users to share photos and files through email, by sending a short link in a text message, or by posting them to a social network, your website, or right from SkyDrive.
With 27 GB of combined SkyDrive storage, you can access thousands of your favorite event photos, funny videos from your trips, heavy office presentations and other important documents wherever you go. Because your files are on SkyDrive, you are also assured that they are protected; you can easily get to them if something happens to your device.

To avail the extra 20 GB of free SkyDrive storage, customers must register their newly bought Lumia device on the online claim page at www.nokia.com/ph-en/20gbfree/redemption/ four (4) days from the day of purchase (no later than 12 MN PST on February 6, 2014). A redemption code with instructions will be sent back to the customer upon verifying their registration. Customers will then have until February 28, 2014 to redeem their free 20 GB of extra space at https://skydrive.live.com/options/ManageStorage. The extra 20 GB of SkyDrive storage will start on the day of redemption and will last for one year.

All you need to start using SkyDrive is a Microsoft account. If you have used Microsoft services in the past – like Xbox, Hotmail, Skype, or Outlook.com – you already have one. Get a Nokia Lumia device now to increase your SkyDrive storage to store, sync, and share more of your important files anytime.

For more information, visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/skydrive/storage-subscription or contact Nokia support by calling (632) 886-1234.

Watch the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Win fab prizes from 12 Stone Records

2014-01-20T21:00:00.000-08:00

The year 2014 came in with a blast after the release of 12 Stone Records’ Omnibus Television Commercial and New Year Promo, which boasts of cool prizes and amazing treats.
To join and get a chance to win prizes, simply:

1. LIKE www.facebook.com/12stoneinc
2. SHARE 12 Stone Records' Omnibus TV Commercial (below) with this promo status.

3. TAG @12 Stone Inc. on your shared status.

PS. You MUST tag 12 Stone Inc. ON YOUR SHARED STATUS OTHERWISE YOUR ENTRY IS INVALID AND WILL NOT BE TRACKED.

How to win?
Get your friends to like 12 Stone Inc., then like and share your shared status. More likes and shares (TOTAL) means more chance of winning a prize from one of our artists!
*Red Hot Chili Peppers General admin tickets from Rocksteddy
*A Devant Tablet and a Gift Pack from Barbie Almalbis (Shirt, Signed poster and album)
*A Devant Tablet and a Gift Pack from KitchieNadal (Shirt, signed poster and album)
*A Kindle Fire and a Gift pack from Absolute Play (Shirt, signed poster and album)
*2 Dnd Guitars from Save Me Hollywood

Promo runs til January 31, 2014 Like, Share and Tag away! :)

Makati Medical Center Dept. of Dermatology Celebrates milestone

2014-01-19T23:55:00.001-08:00

The Awardees: (L-R) Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr., Dr. Thelma V. Leelin, Dr. Vermen Verallo-Rowell, Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao, Dr. Filomena L. Montinola and Dr. Imelda Cabral-Villar.

The Makati Medical Center Department of Dermatology recently marked a quarter of a century since its inception as a training institution. This outstanding milestone was commemorated through a series of events, leading up to a celebration honoring the people who cemented themselves aspillars of the Dermatology department.

In 1988, the department was founded by the venerable Dr. Manuel C. Fernandez, Sr. with a mission to provide world-class medical care to the Philippines. At present, his legacy lives on through the 61 members of the Philippine Dermatological Society that have been trained under the tutelage of his esteemed colleagues,namely doctors Thelma V. Leelin, VermenVerallo-Rowell, Filomena L. Montinola, and eventually his own son, Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr.

Department Chairman Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao delivers her

opening remarks to the graduates, colleagues and guests.

Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr., also awarded, receives the award

on behalf of his father, Dr. Manuel C. Fernandez, Sr.

The ballroom of the Mandarin Intercontinental Hotel proved to be the perfect venue to reminisce and rekindle friendships. The attendees came dressed to the nines, excited to gather together again under one roofwith colleagues and companions.Dr. Jay Nunez kicked-off the evening with a heartfelt invocation, followed by a video presentation about the history of the department.

Chairperson Dr. Peachy Paz-Lao then welcomed all the alumni present, hailing from different parts of the country in order to take part in this momentous occasion. The Philippine Dermatological Society then unveiled their coffee table book, which commemorates the mentors, graduates and the glorious years of the department.

A glamorous night with the founders, advisory council, graduates and consultants of Makati Medical Center Department of Dermatology.

The event was likewise marked with several entertainment numbers: songs from Ms. Katherine Michelle Sarrosa, a tap dance number by Sabina Verzosa,and a trivia game hosted by Dr. Beng Javier and Dr. Ed Sarrosa. Comedienne Mitch Valdez entertained the guests with her delightful comedy stylings and songs. The highlight of the night was the awarding of the people who dedicated themselves to the training program. Honored were Dr. Leelin, Dr. Verallo-Rowell, Dr. Montinola, Dr. Imelda Cabral-Villar and Dr. Paz-Lao.Dr. Manuel O. Fernandez, Jr. accepted the award on behalf of his late father.

JACKIE CHAN BREAKS HIS PROMISE WITH “POLICE STORY 2013”

2014-01-19T22:16:00.000-08:00

Jackie Chan returns to the big screen in the non-stop action film “Police Story 2013” with Liu Ye, Jing Tian, Guli Nazha and Zhou Xiao Ou. Directed by Ding Sheng, “Police Story 2013” is Chan’s reteaming with Sheng the sixth installment of the "Police Story" series. Their last venture together was the 2010 action film, "Little Big Soldier". The film's theme song, "Rescue," features Chan on vocals, while famous Chinese musician Sun Nan took charge of its arrangement and harmonization.

In "Police Story 2013," a small pub turns into the scene of a tense stand-off when the owner takes his patrons hostage -- one of the hostages is Officer Zhong Wen (Jackie Chan), another is his daughter, Miaomiao (Jing Tian). The hostage taker (Liu Ye) demands that a notorious criminal be freed from prison in exchange for the lives of those in the pub.

Check out the film’s Philippine trailer here:

“The audience is the only reason why I continue to make films,” said action superstar Jackie Chan at the Police Story 2013 Press conference in Kuala Lumpur recently. It can be remembered that Chan announced that “CZ12 (Chinese Zodiac 12)” would be his last action film. But the decision was faced with so much disapproval from Chan’s fans who like him to continue making films. “I love every process involved in making an action film. The itch to be on the set again is the reason why I have agreed to make Police Story 2013. I’ve decided to continue to make action films but it will not be as big as it used to,” he said.

“Detective Zhong Wen (the lead character) is very similar to me. Both of us are busy with our own agendas and our careers take priority over anything else. “In my personal life, I often put family aside and spend a lot of time on the film set. But again, that was many years ago,” said Chan in recent interviews of his character in the movie.

In the movie, Chan faces and deals with Wu Jiang (played by Liu Ye) who had been planning revenge for the death of his beloved sister, Xiaowei (played by Guli Nazha). Wu is a bar owner.

After his parents’ divorce, he grew up in a foreign country. His appearance is gentle, but he has a forceful personality built by his varied life experience. After his father’s death, he had to survive on his own by being an underground boxer. In these games where lives are at stake, he learns about life. After retiring from boxing he returns to China and locates his long-lost younger sister Xiaowei. He lavishes his love on her, and sees her as his hope and his emotional crutch.

Xiaowei’s untimely death hit him extremely hard. For the next five years, he secretly plots and plans every detail of this kidnapping in order to understand what exactly had happened. At the risk of losing his business and his life, his intention is to exact revenge on the responsible party.

Policeman Zhong Wen has always been dedicated to his work, to the point of neglecting his own family. One day, his daughter Miao Miao, who has moved out on her own, asks to meet with him. He rushes to the meeting place, excited but worried. To his surprise, the meeting venue is a very fashion-forward bar. But in the back of his mind, Zhong Wen feels that something is wrong about this place. When Zhong Wen finds out that the owner of the bar is his daughter’s boyfriend, he is upset and confused. As the conversations become unbearably awkward, a series of accidents occurs inside the bar. Meanwhile, bar owner Wu Jiang takes Chong down in several amazingly skilled moves. The police, who have received a call, rush to the site. The patrons think the excitement is over but inside the bar Wu’s men Ben, Pichon and Taozi the bouncer suddenly shut the main doors and takes everyone hostage at gunpoint. Meanwhile, Zhong, though trapped, is sharp enough to sense the intention to attack by the police outside. He talks to Wu, hoping to catch the latter’s motive for the crime. At the same time, Zhong begins strategic negotiations, all the while luring Wu into position for the sniper outside. But just as the sniper is about to shoot, it dawns on Zhong that all this is related to a cold case five years ago. And that case has also left an indelible mark in Zhong Wen’s psyche.

Watch Jackie Chan back in action when “Police Story 2013” opens January 22 in cinemas nationwide from Megavision, Inc.

Piolo Pascual and Toni Gonzaga team up for Valentine's Movie

2014-01-19T20:12:00.001-08:00

Its been almost almost 13 years since Toni Gonzaga first screamed that now infamous line "I love you Piolo!" in a Sprite commercial and eight years since Toni moved to ABS-CBN.

Finally, Toni Gonzaga and Piolo Pascual get their chance to test their big screen chemistry as they lead the cast of Star Cinema's upcoming Valentine's Movie Starting Over Again.

"It's definitely worth the wait." was how Piolo described the upcoming movie, and judging from the more than half a million views its trailer generated on YouTube the day it was uploaded, it looks like a lot of people have been waiting for it too.

Check out the trailer here:

Piolo said the one-of-a-kind movie took more than six months to make in a radio interview with dzMM's Ahwel Paz.

The Kapamilya actor adds that he has done many love stories and dramas, but "Starting Over Again," stands out because of its modern and contemporary setting. SOURCE

"When you go to a movie you want to be able to identify what's happening, relate to the character who goes through certain situations with a loved one, partner or whoever they're with," he said.

Toni plays the role of Ginny, an Architecture student who fell in love with Marco Villanueva (Piolo). In time, Marco also fell for Ginny and they began a one-of-a-kind love story.

Unfortunately, their relationship ended when she left for no apparent reason. When she returned, Ginny found herself wanting to get back with Marco. Can she bring back what was lost if he already has a girlfriend?

A story of endings and new beginnings; can they start over again?

Along with Piolo and Toni are Iza Calzado, Joross Gamboa, Bryan Santos, and many more.
Directed by the multi-awarded director Olive M. Lamasan and produced by Star Cinema, it will hit the cinemas on February 12 nationwide.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES, a superhorror film

2014-01-19T19:51:00.000-08:00

The story begins in June 2012 in Oxnard, California. Recent high school graduate Jesse has a party which includes his family and friends to celebrate his graduation. One morning, Jesse finds a mysterious bite on his arm. Later, he and his friend Hector are confronted by two thugs who attack them, but the thugs are somehow knocked out by Jesse. When they show the incident to their other friend Marisol, Jesse cannot remember how it happened. After some strange activity, he realizes that he has superhuman abilities before he tests and plays with them.

Anna, the strange old witch-like neighbor of Jesse, is killed, and the police suspect that Oscar, a former classmate of Jesse, is the prime suspect. Jesse and his friend decide to find out what Anna's apartment looks like. They find black magic rituals and a picture of Jesse. They also discover several VHS tapes - including tapes of Katie & Kristi (from the third film).

The next day, Jesse and Hector meet Penelope. Penelope finds a trap door in the apartment leading to a basement and is grabbed by an arm before she breaks free and runs away, while Oscar emerges from it and hides himself in the bedroom. Jesse arrives back and chases Oscar upon seeing him, who reveals that he did kill Anna because his arm had been bitten by her. Oscar then commits suicide by jumping from a building onto the top of a car.

Jesse is becoming even more dark and his homicidal actions become uncontrollable. More horrifying events take place one after another as Jesse is slowly being possessed by something or someone, that time seems to melt and characters from past episodes come alive once more. Watch how this installment of paranormal activity unfolds and horrifyingly ends.

The cast of Paranormal Activity: Marked Ones include Andrew Jacobs as Jesse, Richard Cabral as Arturo, Carlos Pratts as Oscar Hernandez, Gabrielle Walsh as Marisol, Jorge Diaz as Hector, Catherine Toribio as Penelope, Noemi Gonzalez as Evette, Gigi Feshold as Natalie, David Saucedo as Cesar Arista, Julian Works as Pablo, Molly Ephraim as Ali Rey , Katie Featherston as Adult Katie, Chloe Csengery as Young Katie, Jessica Tyler Brown as Young Kristi, and Micah Sloat as Micah.

Paranormal Activity: Marked Ones is directed by Christopher Landon and is distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation. Showing on January 29, 2014 at your favorite theaters.

MOVIE REVIEW: Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

2014-01-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

Review by Mariel Opto

Intelligence is a weapon.

If you're into Wall Street, Stock Exchange, and undercover- CIA-agents-trying-to-have-a-love-life-while-saving-the-world-on-the-side then this movie is for you!

I was lucky enough to watch the press screening of Jack Ryan : Shadow Recruit held at IMAX Theater Mall of Asia last January 13, 2014.

Jack Ryan is Tom Clancy’s soldier turned CIA analyst character who has survived even though being played by several castings like Alec Baldwin in “The Hunt for Red October,” Harrison Ford in “Clear and Present Danger” and “Patriot Games,” and Ben Affleck in “The Sum of All Fears.”

Jack Ryan : Shadow Recruit is the 5th installment of this film series and is a reboot that differentiates it from the previous movies. Also, unlike other previous movies Shadow Recruit not an adaptation of any particular Tom Clancy novel but was developed by screenwriter Hossein Amini.

SPOILER ALERT!
Jack Ryan (Chris Pine), dropped out of London School of Economics the day the Twin Towers got attacked. He then enlists himself to serve in Afghanistan, but a mortar attack on the helicopter he was on, cuts his tour of duty short and left him seriously wounded.

He was then taken to Walter Reed hospital for rehabilitation of his spine and leg injuries. There he meets and is taken cared for by 3rd year undergrad PhD, Cathy Muller (Kiera Knightly) (who would later become his fiancee).

It was also there that he meets Thomas Harper (Kevin Costner), a CIA recruiting naval officer, who impressed by Ryan's deft analyses of patterns and threats decides to offer him a job as an undercover analyst to look after terrorists’ financial footprints to prevent any further attacks.

Years later, Jack discovers some suspicious activities in the trading of one of their Russian clients. After informing Harper, he gets sent to Russia to investigate undercover.

There he meets businessman Viktor Cherevin (Kenneth Branagh) who happens to be the master mind of planning a massive economic crisis and embed operative bombs in Lower Manhattan, Wall Street.

As Jack battles through keeping his identity and decoding Cherevin’s recipe for catastrophe, his fiancee Cathy, who is suspecting him of having an affair, surprises him by following her to Moscow.

Will Jack confess his real job to his fiancee? Can Cathy accept the life that she unknowingly chose? Will the CIA be able to stop Cherevin’s plot to cripple the global economy?

Unlike recent action movies which rely heavily on fight scenes and massive explosion, Shadow Recruit focuses more on the narrative and the conspiracies behind it. It is a breath of fresh air from the on going demand of sci-fi love stories of vampires, werewolves, half-breeds and so on.

I love action-packed films. Anything I watch that seems to splurge with adrenaline is great for me. I loved the fact that the movie shows patriotism and how one could push himself further to a better outcome as long as they find ways to do so and never give up.

Even though some critics said it was more of the same break-in steal data concept--except for the scenes which show how you can get encrypted data using a wall socket, and hacking high tech security systems-- I think its fairly interesting to know if these kinds of technology will be the norm in the near future.

Unlike older films where the hero has to get through an army to reach the secured vault that hides some important data, the Spy genre has become more cerebral in a way that our heroes tend to use more tech than guns in accomplishing their mission.

I guess that’s why one of the tag lines for this movie is “Intelligence is a weapon.” I sure hope they looked into that perspective as well in Hollywood.

From time to time it’s great to see movies with car chase, bombs and explosives, fist fights, blood lust and so on but we have to take in consideration that this movie is set differently specially from its previous installments.

“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” is now showing in cinemas and is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.

REDSTONE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS BRINGS "BOOTLEG" BEATLEMANIA TO MANILA

2014-01-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

It was fifty years ago this month, when radio airwaves across America first played the strange new sound of “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” by a band called the Beatles.

Although Beatlemania had already begun in the UK, it was something new to the US audience who were unaware that a British invasion was about to begin

Teenage girls screamed and swooned at the sight of the four “Mop Tops,” as they became known, and that same audience sent Beatle records to the top of the charts in the UK in 1963.

And finally on February 1964, The Beatles — John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr — set foot in America for the first time.

Its been over five decades, and the Beatles have been long gone but their music remains as popular then as it is now. Now, Manila and Davao gets to relive Beatlemania through four individuals who have kept the Beatles alive in their performances.

RedStone Media Productions and Viva Live Inc. brings to Manila the BOOTLEG BEATLES-- the most acclaimed tribute group from London, that provides the closest thing to a true Beatles experience.

The Bootleg Beatles in Concert will be held at the Plenary Hall of the PICC on Roxas Boulevard on January 17, 2014. This show will be followed by another performance at the SMX Convention Center in Davao on January 18, 2014 and then also on January 19 at the Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Resort and Casino, the Bootleg Beatles’ official residence while in Manila.

The Bootleg Beatles was formed in 1980. Envisioned as a tribute band, the group has performed in sold out concerts all over the world. Playing the leads are Adam Hastings as John Lennon; Steve White as Paul McCartney; Andre Barreau as George Harrison; and Hugo Degenhardt as Ringo Starr on drums, percussion and vocals. They all sing and play musical instruments and look like the Beatles.

Watching the Bootleg Beatles in concert is the only opportunity for fans of the legendary lads from Liverpool to approximate what might have been a Beatles performance. The show will bring to life the era of Beatlemania from 1963 to 1969 with songs like I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Do You Want To Know A Secret, Yesterday and I Saw Her Standing There, Here There And Everywhere, Eleanor Rigby, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds, With A Little Help From My Friends, Across The Universe, The Long And Winding Road, Let It Be and many others.

The official TV partners of Bootleg Beatles in Concert are 2nd Avenue and Jack TV, PBO and Viva Channel, The official media partners are the Manila Bulletin; People’s Journal and People’s Tonight with PEP.ph and ClickTheCity as online partners. Special thanks goes out to Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines (OAAP). SOURCE

Tickets to Bootleg Beatles in Concert at the PICC are available at Ticketnet 911-5555; SM Tickets 470-2222; Ticketworld 891-9999; PICC 789-4734; and Viva Concerts 687-7236. Ticket prices are: Flat Center P4700; Flat Left/Right P3700; Level 2 Center, Left/Right P3700; Level 2 Side Left/Right P3100; Level 3 Center Left/Right P3100; Level 3 Side Left/Right P2500; Balcony P1000; and Gallery P600.

Ticket Prices: (Solaire Resort)

Price Zone 1 – P4,941; Price Zone 2 – P3,843; Price Zone 3 – P3,294

Buy your The Bootleg Beatles Live at Solaire Tickets now at ticketworld.com.ph/thebootlegbeatlessolaire

Got a Ticket to Ride?

Sony Unveils the New PlayStation 4: The Future of Gaming

2014-01-16T04:41:00.000-08:00

Gamers rejoice as Sony Philippines recently launched the most-awaited game console of 2014, the newest PlayStation 4.

The event, hosted by seasoned radio jocks Gino Quillamor, Riki Flores and Aaron Atayde entertained an excited crowd at the packed Glorietta Activity Center, where several launch frame titles developed by SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) and numerous third party software developers and publishers around the globe were featured. The January 14-15 launch was held in partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong Limited (SCEH) Singapore Branch.

During the program, a fun demonstration of the PS4 opened doors to an incredible journey through immersive new gaming worlds and connected the gaming community in astounding levels. The 2-day event also saw celebrity showdowns from some of the hottest UAAP basketball players, local actors and other favorite athletes. This segment featured PS4 games NBA 2K14, Just Dance and Need for Speed.

“Sony has always been in touch with what the gaming community needs and wants. We have always strived to give consumers the best experience in home entertainment, which includes the thrilling roster of PlayStation. It is with great pride that we bring the newest PlayStation 4 in the market today,” said President and Managing Director of Sony Philippines, Mr. Yasushi Asaoka.

PS4 is a next generation computer entertainment system that redefines rich and immersive game play with powerful graphics, speed, deeply integrated social capabilities and innovative second-screen features utilizing devices such as PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). By utilizing PS Camera, users can expand gaming ways of PS4 and enjoy different gaming experience.

The new PS Vita system, featuring a more streamlined form factor and an 1GB internal memory card, is 20-percent slimmer and 15-percent lighter than the original version, making the portable entertainment system even easier to carry.

Meanwhile, since its unveiling in September 2013, PS Vita TV has become one of the most anticipated Sony products. PS Vita TV is a new entertainment system within the PlayStation® family that will allow users to easily access various content on their TV at home. The new system adopts chip sets and system software of the PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system and its size is 6.5cm × 10.5cm, smallest of all PlayStation platforms that connect to a TV.

To continue servicing the gaming community, a separate retail launch will be held for the Sony PS Vita TV.

There will also be a wide range of peripherals for PS4 that will be introduced on the same day such as the color variation for PS4 Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK 4) in “Magma Red” and “Wave Blue”, PlayStation Camera, DUALSHOCK 4 Charging Station and PS4 Vertical Stand.

SCEH also has a new plan on the warranty service for 6 South East Asian countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Customers who purchase PS4 are entitled to have an additional ONE YEAR WARRANTY COVERAGE in countries where the product has been officially launched (including Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia), and the warranty will be valid throughout these countries. Wherever the customers are, they can also have the repair service for their products.

For more details on PlayStation and other Sony products, visit the nearest Sony Centre.
You can also log on to www.sony.com.ph, like us on www.facebook.com/SonyPhilippines and follow us on www.twitter.com/SonyPHInc and www.instagram.com/SonyPHInc.

BE SEEN ON TV JOIN ETC AMERICAN IDOL ROAD TO FAME #AIONETC

2014-01-16T00:58:00.002-08:00

With the launch of American Idol XIII on ETC this January 16 and 17, Filipino audiences are introduced to a new batch of aspiring singers. As the audition process plays out, viewers slowly get a feel for who is their favorite, as well as learn more about the contestants’ back-story and why they joined the show.

Just like the contestants on American Idol, ETC wants to know “Who do you sing for?” as they give viewers their shot at fame with ETC’s Road To Fame Campaign.

If you’re a passionate singer or just want to share your voice with the world, simply upload a 15-second video of yourself singing a cover of your favorite music artist on Instagram and tell us “Who do you Sing For” with the hashtag: #aionetc.

ETC will then choose ten of the best performers from the hashtagged and uploaded videos to be aired during all-new episodes of American Idol XIII.

It’s time to show off your confidence and let your talent shine! This is your chance to appear on ETC with your 15 seconds of fame.

With ETC’s Road to Fame Campaign, be just like the American Idol XIII contestants; get out there and let everyone know... who do you sing for?

American Idol XIII premieres January 16, Thursday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM and January 17, Friday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM

Also check out ETC online at:
• www.facebook.com/etctv
• www.twitter.com/etc_channel
• http://www.blink-now.com

ETC is seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, Cable Link Ch. 34 and various cable operators nationwide.

Watch the premiere of American Idol on ETC and win House of Marley Headphones!

2014-01-16T00:25:00.000-08:00

The long wait is finally over!

This January 2014, experience the Road to Fame as ETC brings you American Idol XIII. Catch the two day premiere on ETC this January 16, Thursday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PMand January 17, Friday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM.

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and featuring judges Harry Connick, Jr., Keith Urban, and Jennifer Lopez, along with in-house mentor Randy Jackson, the series continues its search across America to find the next singing superstar.

Now watching American Idol is even better as you also get a chance to win a cool set of House of Marley Headphones just by joining the conversation and using the hashtag #aionETC

Visit chuckieDreyfus.ph and get a chance to win those awesome House of Marley Headphones!

Here are the Twitter contests you can join, just click on the links for details;

Showbiznest
http://www.showbiznest.com/2014/01/win-house-of-marley-headphones-in-etc.html

Starmometer
http://www.starmometer.com/2014/01/16/win-house-of-marleys-official-american-idol-headphones-from-etc/

ElysPlanet
http://elysplanet.com/2014/01/16/american-idol-on-etc-twitter-promo

ChuckieDreyfus
http://www.chuckiedreyfus.ph/2014/01/join-my-american-idol-twitter-contest-aionetc/

Rod Magaru Show
http://rodmagaru.com/2014/01/16/contest-win-super-awesome-house-of-marley-headphones-tonight-aionetc/

OrangeMagazineTV
Wanna WIN this #MarleyHeadphone? FOLLOW @OrangeMagTV and @etc_channel to join our contest later at 6pm. #aionetc pic.twitter.com/ao7Vuk8uQg

Locally, ETC lets you have your say via their Twitter (@etc_channel) and Facebook (facebook.com/etctv) page where you could win great prizes from the channel or see your comments on-air. Just type in your thoughts with the hashtag: #aionetc

This year the show’s judges travel to Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Detroit, Omaha, Salt Lake City, and San Francisco. With their years of experience as acclaimed artists, it’s up to them to narrow down the competitors to a select group of semifinalists who will sing in front of a live studio and TV audience. Then, from this stage forward, the viewing public determines who will advance to become a finalist and who will go home.

With the introduction of ETC streaming online, now you have no reason to miss the latest episodes of American Idol XIII. Simply log onto http://www.blink-now.comand register for free to watch ETC’s live streaming on a computer or laptop.

American Idol XIII premieres January 16, Thursday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM and January 17, Friday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM

Also check out ETC online at:
• www.facebook.com/etctv
• www.twitter.com/etc_channel
• http://www.blink-now.com

ETC is seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, Cable Link Ch. 34 and various cable operators nationwide.

No more Nakaw-Load: Globe introduces services to protect your load credits

2014-01-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

Continuing its efforts to provide excellent customer experience, Globe Telecom moves to protect its prepaid subscribers against alleged load theft and unknown load deductions, more popularly known as “nakaw-load” with its roster of prepaid load notification services.

Globe Prepaid pioneered the first free and automatic load notification service in the country, the Globe Prepaid Load Watch, which gives subscribers real-time updates on load usage. Through Globe Prepaid Load Watch, prepaid subscribers automatically receive alerts on their mobile phones when their load reaches P5 or less or when they have insufficient balance to make calls or send a text message. Through this service, subscribers may also know about their remaining load amount, expiry date as well as reloading time.

“In the spirit of a worry-free experience, we have strengthened our roster of prepaid load notification services to allow subscribers to enjoy our prepaid promos and offers. We understand that one of the major concerns among prepaid subscribers is the unknown deductions from their prepaid load, or the alleged nakaw-load, thus our load notification services aim to help them stay updated on their load balance and usage. Through these innovative services, our customers are informed of their load status so they can spend more time enjoying and exploring the wonderful world of Globe Prepaid,” says Issa Cabreira, Vice President for Globe Prepaid Business.

Globe prepaid subscribers can also use the innovative self-service menu *143#, the most convenient way for Globe Prepaid subscribers to access their load balance, check the status of promo registration and avail of downloads, promos and other services for free without keywords or access codes. Subscribers may inquire about their remaining balance by dialing *143#, and then select balance inquiry.

Globe has also gone proactive with push text messages that eat up prepaid load by allowing subscribers to discontinue receiving value-added services (VAS) such as games, ringtones, wallpapers, apps, among other multimedia content. Subscribers may opt-out from these services by listing down the access codes received, texting CHECK to the access codes to verify if subscriber has any registrations and texting STOP to the access code to opt-out.

Finally, Globe Telecom has put in place its Talk2Globe channel which guarantees subscribers 24/7 access to customer service. Subscribers are assured of easy access to any assistance including inquiry on remaining balance, usage, and load expiration to prevent ‘nakaw’ load. Talk2Globe is available via the Globe Hotline, the mobile phone, and on social media.

Visit www.globe.com.ph/prepaid for more details.

Nickelodeon’s SHARElebration spreads the love to super typhoon survivors

2014-01-14T21:38:00.000-08:00

Santa’s hardworking elves put their creative skills to use as they assemble toys and design handmade gifts for the young survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

There’s no better season than Christmas, the most magical time of year, for kids to let their imagination run free and dreams soar high. This year, youngsters can live out their fantasies with the added bonus of sharing their blessings to those in need at Nickelodeon’s SHARElebration.

Kids and parents send messages of hope to typhoon survivors through their tshirt designs.

Held last December 7 at SM Mall of Asia’s Music Hall, the special shindig gave kids a chance to experience another dimension to the holiday season as they transform into Santa’s hardworking elves.

Like the iconic little helpers, kids put their creative skills to use as they assemble toys and design shirts in the merriest way possible. Stamped with a personal touch by the maker, these handmade gifts were delivered to some of the most deserving kidsthe young survivors of typhoon Yolanda.

In true Nick fashion, SHARElebrants also enjoyed holiday-themed games and booth activities featuring beloved Nick characters. Bringing an even more festive mood to the event are rocking performances, wonderful prizes, and of course, exclusive meet-and-greets with everyone’s favorite Nick pals.

Kids earned a spot in this exciting charitable Christmas event by bringing a donation, they brought clothes, toys, canned goods, drinking water, medicine, etc.

A grand celebration that takes gift-giving to a personal, much more heartfelt level, SHARElebration is the kind of holiday family experience that kids and their parents will cherish and learn from for years to come.

Nickelodeon’s SHARElebration helped spread the yuletide cheer to those who need it most and brought back smiles and laughter to typhoon survivors.

Nickelodeon SHARElebration is presented by Alaska Choco and Toy Kingdom. Co-sponsored by Jack n’ Jill Knots, Kinder Joy, Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay, and Propan TLC. Official Venue by SM Mall of Asia.

An ultimate Kpop fan dream come true with Dream Kpop Fantasy Concert 2

2014-01-13T01:22:00.000-08:00

BTOB

Super Junior M

Six of the hottest Kpop breakout stars to headline one awesome night

Kpop fans mark your calendars, the most-awaited concert of the year is here! MBC Music, MBC Plus Media, and JU Entertainment announce the Dream Kpop Fantasy Concert 2 on February 2, 2014 happening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Year 2 of the Dream Kpop Fantasy Concert promises a star-studded line-up of the hottest and fastest-rising Kpop acts. Headlining the concert is Super Junior-M, Super Junior’s Chinese subgroup who made waves in the international music scene with the hit song “Super Girl.” 2012 break out stars B.A.P (short for Best Absolute Perfect) will dish out their signature edgy dance moves and perform their hits, including “Warrior” alongside multi-awarded 7-member male Kpop group, BTOB.

Multi-talented dancers, singers, composers and rappers, Block B will add a pump of adrenaline to the mix, performing their hit single “Freeze.” International Kpop heartthrobs from A-JAX will be making Filipino fans swoon with their hit, “One 4 U,” while the charming but equally talented 5-member boy group, A-Prince dishes out their pulse-pounding hits.

BAP

A Prince

AJAX

Don’t miss out on this grand Kpop musical extravaganza! Book your tickets at Ticketnet outlets. Ticket prices are: SVIP (Patron Standing) and VIP Diamond (Patron Seated) P 12,600, VIP Platinum (Lower box VIP) P 11,025, Platinum (Lower box regular) P 9,975, VI{ Gold (Upper A VIP) P 6,300, Gold (Upper A Regular) P 5,250, VIP Silver (Upper B VIP) P 4,200, Silver (Upper B Regular) P 3,150 and General Admission P 1,575.

For more information, log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555.

Amazing acts come alive with the Jollibee Magician’s Kit

2014-01-13T00:45:00.005-08:00

Kids can now make their own disappearing trick with the Jollibee Magic Ball

Now you see it, now you don’t! Kids can now pull their own abracadabra stunts and wow their friends and family as the new Jollibee Kids Meal (JKM) offers the Jollibee Magician’s Kit along with their favorite meals. The Jollibee Magician’s Kit lets young aspiring magicians perform three different awesome acts with the Magic Wand, Magic Hat and Magic Ball.

There's a hidden surprise waiting to amaze audiences with the Jollibee Magic Hat

With their Magic Wand, kids can read secret messages or see drawings of their friends. They simply need to ask their friends to write or draw on the illusion card using the magic wand. While no text or image will appear, they can use the blue light on the other end of the wand to reveal the secret!

For a cool surprise, young magicians can use their Magic Hat to stamp Jollibee designs onto any type of paper. Just remove the cap to reveal the stamper and watch Jollibee pop up with every stamp.

Read invisible messages with every flick of the Jollibee Magic Wand

And last but definitely not the least, kids can perform an extreme illusion trick with the Magic Ball, which they can make mysteriously disappear from a cup and reappear in their hands. Simply hide the real ball from the audience and put the trick ball in the cup. Open the cup to reveal the trick ball to the audience, close the cup then open again to reveal the missing ball. To complete the trick, show the previous hidden ball to the audience, creating the illusion that you magically removed the ball from the cup!

Each toy comes free with their choice of Jollibee Kids Meal: Yumburger Meal for only P80, the Jolly Spaghetti meal for only P83 and the 1-piece Chickenjoy meal for only P100. And as a new year treat for all kids, every purchase of a Jollibee Kids Meal also comes with a FREE Vanilla Twirl.

The Jollibee Kids Meal Magician’s Kit is available from January 1 to 31, 2014 at all Jollibee stores for dine-in, take-out and delivery. Those who want to have their meals and toys delivered via Jollibee Express Delivery Service can call at 8-7000 or go online at jollibeedelivery.ph