Curiosity Bytes

PAL to fly to 11 new international destinations this year

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 02:08:00 +0000

Good news!

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to fly to one new domestic and 11 new international destinations this year as the flag carrier undertakes a re-fleeting program.

PAL President Ramon S. Ang said the carrier is set to mount flights to new locations in Australia, China, Malaysia, and the Middle East, and to a prime local tourist spot, Batanes.

In a briefing on Friday, Ang said PAL will start flying to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on May 2; to Darwin, Brisbane, and Perth (Australia) on June 1; Guangzhou (China) on June 2; Abu Dhabi (UAE) on Oct. 1; Dubai (UAE) on Nov. 1; Doha (Qatar) on Nov. 1; and Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam (Saudi Arabia) on Dec. 1.

Manila to Basco, Batanes flights, meanwhile, will begin on May 1.

Ang said the country's current good economic conditions are among the factors behind PAL's aggressive expansion of routes.

PAL, together with its sister carrier PAL Express, currently flies to 32 domestic and 28 international destinations.

Source: ABS-CBN news

Citibank Exclusive Promo: One Day Sale at Robinsons Department Store on April 27

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:55:00 +0000

Great news!

Visit any Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide and enjoy up to 70% off on clothes, shoes, bags, home decors and cosmetics using your Citibank credit card on April 27, 2013.

Happy Shopping! :)

Last two days for Mango's VIP Week 20% Off! Hurry!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:49:00 +0000

Promo Mechanics:
1. From 19th to 28th of April, during the MANGO VIP Week, get 20% off when you purchase three or more items in a single transaction, not accumulated receipts.
2. Customers must present their MANGO RCBC Bankard credit card or promotional postcard when making their purchase.
3. Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotion.
4. Not applicable to leather garments, or those labeled with star (*) or circle (o).
*Other RCBC Bankard MasterCard credit cards are also accepted.

For more details, visit RCBC website.

Gwiyomi Fever in Manila!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:22:00 +0000

What is Gwiyomi song?

The word “gwiyomi” simply means “cute”. The “gwiyomi song” is a cute Korean song about a girl asking his boyfriend to promise her not to look to other girls.

This is a K-pop single popularized by South Korean singer Hari and was released on February 18, 2013. It was inspired by a gesture from rapper South Korean Jung Ilhoon of boy group BtoB. The gesture is called 'Gwiyomi Player', which became an Internet in October 2012 followed by its first appearance on South Korean reality show by SBS MTV named MTV Diary. The gesture has also inspired many Asian netizens to upload their own versions onto the internet. On March 26, The Bangkok Post described the "Gwiyomi" song as the latest web-viral sensation that has unseated "Gangnam Style" to become the new K-pop craze.

Here are some videos of Filipina celebrities who joined the Gwiyomi craze:

And the winner is.....

Let’s all do the Gwiyomi craze! :D

Other Barretto Siblings take sides; Mom Inday calls Gretchen a liar!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:57:00 +0000

Hmm this issue is getting hotter and juicier!

There's a raging war between Gretchen Barretto (with sister Marjorie) on one side and their mom Inday Barretto (and daughter Claudine) on the other side.

Like most celebrities, Gretchen loves to post on Instagram updates on what’s going on with her life, including photos of her branded personal items. Aside from commenting on Gretchen’s messages, an unidentified netizen put in an uncalled-for comment about Julia Barretto being “maarte.” Julia is the daughter of Marjorie and Dennis Padilla being built up by ABS-CBN as a possible heiress of Claudine’s “title” as a Kapamilya Teleserye Princess.

Gretchen must have suspected that the comment came from Claudine. What appeared next on Gretchen’s Instagram were questions about somebody (unnamed) being very violent, who had ruined her husband’s Porsche and laptop (that’s why he left her), adding that that somebody was better off in her favorite place, the Medical City.

That exchange of “unnamed” messages revived the war between the sisters who went into some kind of an uneasy “truce” a few years ago after a prolonged word war on national television. Dragged into the current mess were Marjorie (the photo of her child allegedly by a politician was posted, again by an unidentified person, on Instagram) and, naturally, the sisters’ mom Inday who is “fed up” with all the bickering and made public what side she’s on — yes, Claudine’s (very clearly shown in an open letter to Gretchen that came out in Funfare last Wednesday).

You are a liar, Gretchen.
Many of your preys will attest to that soon. That is the style that you use when you want to play with other people’s lives!
To correct your lies…

You claim Claudine said, “She will block Julia’s entry to Star Magic.” Who did Claudine say it to… you? Or did you just make this up to put Claudine in trouble with Star Magic and make Julia’s big following angry with Claudine? You did that before. Besides, Julia is very much “in” at Star Magic now.
That Claudine said she is the only Teleserye Princess of ABS-CBN and will remain one ‘till eternity. Hah? Did she tell you that or did you make it up again to block her entry to an ABS-CBN project?

First of all, Claudine was not a Teleserye Princess. She was ABS-CBN Teleserye Queen during her time, just like you were ST Queen during yours.
And, hello, showbiz holds no franchise to eternity.
Owners and big bosses go to hell, too, or to heaven in time!

That Claudine will ruin Julia’s career? Why would she? Next to Marjorie, “No one can love those (Marjorie’s) children more than Claudine!!!”

There is a track record to that. At hindi isang kagaya mo lang ang maka-manipulate niyan.
Huwag mo naman gawing tanga ‘yung mga tao, Gretchen. They and we all know that “Claudine holds no power over the industry!”
Who do you think Claudine is — the Evil Queen of Bhutan?

Raymart left home? Yes, it is true.

For a cooling off period? — Sana.
But if God wills it to be permanent, huwag naman sana. But still, our life is not in our hands! So, Gretchen, do you also want to include God in your “bashing” and drip your perfumed saliva for the misfortune of your sister?

Claudine has violent ways? Ay, talaga? Correct!

Nagbabasag ng plato at tasa ‘yan; buti na lang plastic, hindi ‘yung regalo ni Pres. Erap sa wedding.

I saw Claudine nagbato ng sapatos, natamaan ang pusa! Nabasa ‘yung shoes.
I also witnessed you, Gretchen, ah! When you were throwing expensive plates and vases at that time I was called to go to your place because nagwawala ka and you were threatening to swallow pills.

Muntik pa nga akong matamaan kaya I ran out of the house to the car on a Typhoon Signal No. 3, soaking wet. Pinalayas ako!

Yes, Claudine’s career slowed down but her talent did not!

What she holds on “record” for achievement, is “not gone” for how can you lose what you already have in your hand and kept in people’s mind? She doesn’t have to prove anything.
Julia and others will fare on their own — never dependent on anyone, comparable to none. They each have a gift from God! Oh yes, Julia is terrific, another good one coming. You are insecure if you believe anyone can block that! For the record, that (your insecurity) can be supported by a well-known doctor.

Claudine has no “mental illness”…“mental torture,” yes, courtesy of an evil manipulation!
Some of these incidents will support it.

You attack Claudine with verbal abuse by phone and text messages, like these:

Sabina — negra daughter of yours
Santino — abnoy
Raymart — bakla for not siding with you. (Note: Sabina and Santino are Claudine and husband Raymart Santiago’s children. — RFL)

You told Claudine that she has no more career to go back to. Bakit, si Malou Santos ka ba, si Vic del Rosario ka ba?

Ipadadampot — for what? (Planted or framed up.) There are bashers — 10, 15 or more, when one is popular — and still you would still like to accuse your sister as the culprit!
Do not call Claudine evil!

Do not start giving away that title that belongs to you and you alone, now that it’s burning your palm and scarring your beautiful face.

Some basher called Julia “maarte” and you blow your top!

You call Claudine evil, prepare to attack her and you want me to be “angelic?”

Ang dali-dali n’yo lang manakit ng tao. Power drunk! Pero pag kayo na, konting pitik gusto n’yo na magpakulong.

I am taking this fight — now in front of the battle.

I am going to take all the bullets you shoot.

Watch and beware it will ricochet kapagka ina na ang binaril.

Stop, please stop. Stop it na, ha! Stop it naaaaa!!!

For the longest time now and all these years you did nothing but make it your favorite pastime to play with the lives of my family, the family you are ashamed to own, in spite of the fact that I brought you all up well, humble and human!

You have attacked, accused, maligned and tried to destroy each and everyone of us in the eyes of society, starting from your father, I your mother, and each and everyone of your siblings including their partners!

People ask and some who do not know any better, might believe that maybe we’re cruel parents, neglectful and remiss in our duties to you! Only, you, alone? Because no one else is complaining about their childhood!

How easy for me to have explained my side, but how can a mother defend herself without destroying a child of hers no matter that she is EVIL?

Most importantly, I could not in all conscience correct the bad “impression” (image) you gave us. The truth is: This impression is the “Deceptive Device” you used to hook your man and landed you on the moon shining bright like a diamond!

I kept mum not wanting to rock your world but you are wrecking ours!

Gretchen, I am not a wimp, never been one, but lahat may “hangganan.” I have protected you all these years without exposing to the world the real you. But you have pushed many of us to the wall. There’s no other way but for us to defend our names! I have always loved you as one of my own, and always will, but love of my family belongs to the heart and not in the garbage can!

I am letting go of a child now who never wanted me in order to save one who has always been there for all, and with all of her love…Claudine! — INDAY BARRETTO

(Note: Funfare called and texted Gretchen Barretto for her side but she never replied.)

**********

Dominique, Gretchen’s daughter by Tonyboy Cojuangco, said in a social-media statement aired by TV Patrol the other night: “I know my mum more than anybody.”
Here now is Joaquin Barretto in a signed statement (obviously addressed to their mom) sent to Funfare (by Gretchen’s Girl Friday Bettina Aspillaga) in defense of his sister, unedited:

The letter of our mother which was published earlier today (Funfare, April 24) was shocking and hurtful. But what bothers me most is that while she attacks my sister, Gretchen, and pictures her as evil personified, she seems to have forgotten the truth.

Mom, as you have gone out of her way to answer the issues that Claudine ought to answer for herself, maybe it is high time to reflect on things and address these concerns as well.

You have lifted Claudine on a pedestal as the teleserye queen and labeled Gretchen nothing but an ST (Sex Trip) queen. But who took over the role of her parents, worked at the age of 12 and gave up her education to put her siblings to school? Who put food on the table, paid for the rent, electricity and hospital bills when dad suffered from his heart condition at least two times? Did you ever once stop her from doing all that because you loved her and wanted to protect her just like what you are doing now for Claudine?

We all know the truth about Claudine’s condition. Gretchen never threatened about having her “Padampot.” Whatever for? May I remind you that it was you and dad who had her put in a hospital because you wanted to save her from destroying herself. Yes, Claudine is going through rough times. Again. And if you truly love her, then you should take concrete steps to save her rather than hitting Gretchen simply because she is standing up to Claudine.

You claimed that Gretchen has been calling Claudine’s children names to her face. But how is that ever possible when Gretchen had long stopped taking Claudine’s calls? Hasn’t Claudine changed her mobile number many times while still owning many prepaid SIM cards as well?

On the contrary, it was Claudine who repeatedly said she was going to make an expose. On what? We were clueless until bashing began on Instagram which is why Gretchen came to the rescue of Julia. If there is anyone who cared more for her niece, we all know it is Gretchen as she has proven when she chose to protect me and my siblings for a long, long time. This explains exactly why, as you said, we never complained about our childhood.

Please mom, let us put a stop to this before our family totally falls apart while there is still something to save.

Signed, — Joaquin Barretto

**********

Seiko Films producer Robbie Tan called Funfare Wednesday night to confirm that Gretchen was 18 when she signed her up as an ST actress. “Although she didn’t say it,” said Robbie, “I felt that she was doing it for her family as a breadwinner.”

And here’s a letter from Gia Barretto-Reyes (obviously addressed to sister Gretchen), sent to her mom Inday from Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Inday furnished Funfare a copy of the letter. Here it is, also unedited:

When enough is enough

I respect that you do not want to be part of our family. At this point, we welcome it.

Not at any point do I ever recall us forcing you to be part of us but we have never also alienated you during the times when you wanted to be with us. Even during the times when you battled with one of us.

I say us because you have time and time again made extreme efforts to push us — mom, dad and all of us — away. You have hurt us in ways that put the word decency to shame, you have had no rules when you attacked us. If the attack were physical then it would be bearable. Bruises heal. But the attack has always been vicious, below the belt and so evil that the wound borne from it cannot heal. It is done repeatedly and unsparingly with permanent damage in mind. You have tried to put mom and dad to shame with empty allegations without thinking that you, whether you like it or not came from them. You ridicule them in front of friend, strangers and us. And, you expect us to just take it.

Your claims of financial support for this family have no basis, because dad always managed to provide. For the record, we may not have been so rich but we were never poor. 1. We live in big beautiful houses 2. Slept in carpeted, air-conditioned rooms, 3. Food galore. 4. Put in an exclusive school. 5. Members of exclusive country clubs. 6. We each have our own yayas, yours even a midwife. 7. Driven by chauffeurs.

Long before you were born and even after you were in show business. At 12 years old, could you have duplicated or taken over this kind of a style, with your meager earnings? We did not have an excess of things but we had what we needed. You were never forced to get into show business. I remember very clearly how you ran to the middle of the road when dad said “no” to you entering show business. He believed that school was important. How sad that you cannot distinguish the lies that you make up and reality.

No Gretchen, it was not you who helped us during rough spots. It was Claudine. You could not in the life of you convince her that our parents were abusive ones. It was difficult for you to accept that there was somebody who actually had pure intentions of helping where help was needed. You once told me and I quote, “I just disappear when things get tough.” You have become great at these disappearing acts. Claudine made an effort to be there always. Just a few corrections: Claudine paid for my med at UBC just as she paid for a lot of our nieces and nephews education. She gave them (our nieces and nephews), iPads, iPhones, concert tickets, clothes and so much more. She spoiled all of us not because she needed to but she wanted to. She unlike you, has never equated her value with money or material possessions.

JJ comments on TV are only credible in as far as he is caught between a rock and a hard place, because he is in your employ. It honestly pains me to see that you could put him in this situation. To pick between that and his parents.

I echo mom’s words, “Stop it.” We get it. We know you don’t want us so please hear us now...”We do not want you, too.” Please stop hounding us like an attack dog. We will admit defeat if you just leave us in peace. Just totally disappear from our lives without leaving a trail of vile and misery. Please.

Enough is enough! Leave us alone. Leave my family alone.

From GIA BARRETTO-REYES
Boston, Mass., USA

Sent from my iPhone

Geez.. who is telling the truth? I wonder...
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on www.twitter/therealrickylo.)

PHILSTAR

The Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2013 - Make a difference!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:28:00 +0000

While you’re maintaining your fitness levels, why not help save the earth in the process as well? The Nat Geo Earth Day Run 2013 is being held at Bonifacio Global City on April 28, and aims to promote conservation and concern for the environment, while encouraging everyone to run and have fun. In addition to an eco-friendly race using recyclable and energy efficient materials, each registered participant who runs will have three trees planted in their name.
Sign up now and keep your body healthy, and make mother earth happy. Choose from the 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K categories and make sure that on run day, you are hydrated throughout. Replenish lost fluids naturally with Summit Natural Drinking Water.

See you there! :)

Halle Berry’s New Look as Storm in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:22:00 +0000

In case there were any lingering questions about it, Halle Berry is most definitely returning to the "X-Men" series. Director Bryan Singer tweeted definitive proof on Monday, posting a pic from the "X-Men: Days of Future Past" set that features the gorgeous and pregnant Oscar-winning actress in her full Storm costume.

That costume may look familiar -- indeed, it unmistakably proclaims "STORM!" with a crack of lightning and boom of thunder. But it has some notable differences from the uniform she wore in her previous "X-Men" outings. In "X-Men" (2000), "X2" (2003) and "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006), Storm had a much more official-looking outfit, one made of leather (natch) and sporting the "X" insignia on both the belt and collar. This new costume is much more rugged and less flashy, coming across as kind of an "extreme sports" version of the outfit with its harness-like vest and decidedly less impressive cape/wings.

And then there's the hair. Storm has never had the same hairstyle from one movie to the next, and "Days of Future Past" has her sporting her shortest 'do yet. Her white locks were long and flowing in the first two films, often billowing around her head like a mini-tornado as she conjured her weather-controlling powers; by the third film, her hair was considerably shorter and sharper, as if always on the verge of reacting to static electricity (or, as is the case with Storm, any kind of electricity, really). Now, Storm looks positively punk rock and low-maintenance with her new and much less glamorous hairstyle -- cropped to a length she often wears in real life.

Halle Berry was one of the last "X-Men" alums to be confirmed for recruitment in "X-Men: Days of Future Past."

We're looking forward to seeing how Storm fits into the multi-character ensemble that includes the "First Class" lineup of Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Nicholas Hoult, and Jennifer Lawrence, as well as original cast members Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Daniel Cudmore, Shawn Ashmore, Ellen Page, and Anna Paquin. New recruits include Peter Dinklage, Omar Sy, Fan Bingbing and Booboo Stewart.

"X-Men: Days of Future Past" is set to hit theaters on July 18, 2014.

Source: Yahoo Movies

Tony Stark and his 42 Ironman Suits

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:14:00 +0000

Did you know that Tony Stark has 42 suits in Ironman 3?

In a new behind-the-scenes clip, Robert Downey Jr., Marvel’s Kevin Feige, and Iron Man 3 director Shane Black discuss Tony Stark's obsession with building up an artillery of Iron Man suits.

“At the beginning of this movie there are 42 suits,” says Black in the one-and-a-half-minute featurette. “He’s been doing nothing but building suits and suits and suits and suits. It’s an obsession.” adds Feige. The film’s suit construction supervisor, Lindsay MacGowan (the real genius behind Stark’s well-armoured wardrobe), shows off the first seven Iron Man getups and Downey introduces the new bomb disposal suit as well as the pinnacle of his character’s life’s work, the Mark 42 (controlled by sub-dermal implants with more advanced technological capabilities than the kind favoured by today’s body modification enthusiasts).

The array of suits shown in the clip (and in some of the previously released trailers) is pretty impressive—which is good news for the film, since the franchise relies heavily on the cool factor of Iron Man’s hi-tech armour. The ever-modest Downey Jr. sounds confident: “We wanted this film to have the best act three of them all, and we’ve achieved that.”

Opening across the Philippines on April 24 in IMAX 3D, Digital 3D and regular theatres, “Iron Man 3” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios' President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D'Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Alan Fine, Stan Lee and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Source: The Loop

Free Zumba Fitness Dance Party on April 24!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:01:00 +0000

Cw-x presents FITNESS ACADEMY! Free Zumba Fitness Dance Party!! April 24, 2013 6:30PM at Track 30th BGC. Register at the Move Store! :) It's free!

For more details, you can visit their Facebook account.

BPI's BIG Summer Outlet Sale from April 26 to 28!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:48:00 +0000

For all BPI cardholders out there, this is for you! :)

Don't miss the BPI BIG SUMMER OUTLET SALE on April 26 to 28, 2013 from 10am to 9pm at SMX Convention Center! Enjoy up to 80% off on selected items from big brands like Crocs, Sanuk, Ipanema, CMG, Grendha, Timex, Speedo, Maldita, Levis, Oakley, Adidas and many more!

Event Guidelines:

1. The Big Summer Outlet Sale 2013 is from April 26, 27 & 28, 2013 from 10AM to 9PM at SMX Convention Center.
2. This event is open to all existing cardholders of BPI Express Credit Classic, BPI Express Credit MasterCard (Edge and Mini-Edge MasterCard, Blue MasterCard, Gold MasterCard, Petron-BPI MasterCard, BPI WorldPerks MasterCard, BPI Skymiles MasterCard and BPI Skymiles Platinum MasterCard), BPI Corporate Cards, BPI Express Payment System, and BPI Prepaid Cards.
3. FREE entrance for:
a) ALL cardholders of BPI Express Credit Classic, BPI Express Credit MasterCard, BPI Corporate Cards, BPI Express Payment System, and BPI Prepaid Cards and children ages 12 yrs. old and below. Cardholders must show their BPI card and valid ID at the entrance.
b) ALL customers who apply for a BPI Express Credit Edge MasterCard at the entrance of the venue (customer must completely accomplish application form and submit ID to be photocopied by Direct Sales agents).
4. Fee of P50 will be paid at the entrance if the customer has no BPI Card or is not interested to apply for a BPI Edge MasterCard.
5. BPI Edge/ Mini-Edge MasterCard cardholders will enjoy the following exclusive perks and privileges when they use their card to purchase at participating merchants at the event proper:
a) Enjoy ADDITIONAL 5% discount on selected merchants
b) Get a chance to win in the hourly raffle draws:
· Earn 1 raffle entry for a minimum single-receipt purchase of P1,000
· Upon purchase, claim the raffle stub at the BPI Lounge area by presenting the card, valid ID and charge slip
· Completely fill out the raffle stub and drop at the designated drop box
· All winners will no longer be eligible in the succeeding raffle draws
6. The promo is not valid in conjunction with any other ongoing promo unless otherwise indicated.
7. Special Installment Plan is also available for a minimum amount of P3,000 at selected retailers/merchants and on selected items.

To know more, visit www.bpicards.com or www.facebook.com/BPIEdge

Starbucks Celebrates Earth Day 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:36:00 +0000

Wow good habits are indeed rewarding! Use your reusable tumbler or mug when getting your drink at Starbucks. As an Earth Day Reward, you will get P20 off from April 22 - 28, 2013.

Make this a daily habit and you will be rewarded with P5 off the price of your beverage everytime you get your favorite Starbucks drink.

Mega 3-Day Sale at SM Megamall! Up to 70% Off on Selected Items

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:11:00 +0000

Just barely two weeks after the superb SM Mall of Asia sale comes another great summer sale at SM Megamall from May 3 to 5, 2013! Hurry! Mark your calendars now and avail up to 70% off on selected items! See you there! :)

MasterCard Promo: Experience the very best of Sydney

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 16:06:00 +0000

Experience the very best of Sydney
This is your chance to win the trip of a lifetime. Every USD$50 you spend abroad or online with your MasterCard card enters you in the draw to win one of three priceless holidays for you and your loved ones. And if you’re lucky enough to get Sydney, you’ll stay in the Park Hyatt hotel and fly in your own private seaplane for lunch at the Berowra Waters Inn.

Your Priceless Sydney holiday package includes:

Four business class return flights from Manila to Sydney
Luxury airport transfers with meet and greet service
Three nights’ accommodation at the Park Hyatt Sydney in an Opera House view room
Private three-course dinner in the hotel suite served by your own butler
Private sea plane from Rose Bay to the Berowra Waters Inn with a six-course degustation lunch
V8 motorsport experience with a light lunch
Priceless ‘Taste of Sydney’ gift which gives you an onsite guide to tour the city

Promotion Period: March 15, 2013 to June 30, 2013

The Promotion is open to all cardholders of MasterCard branded consumer prepaid, debit or credit cards issued in the Philippines by any Designated Banks. Cirrus and Maestro branded cards and MasterCard-branded Commercial/Corporate cards are excluded from participation in the Promotion.

For more info, visit: http://www1.mastercard.com

Follow us online: Facebook | Twitter

Summer Sale at the Shang - Up to 70% Discount on Selected Items!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:56:00 +0000

Hmm not many brands on sale, but definitely worth visiting! :)

The lavish lifestyle of a 6-year-old beauty pageant millionaire

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:26:00 +0000

I remembered Britney Spears singing "She's so lucky... she's a star..." It was really amazing how this little girl has gotten real fairytale in her hands... what a lucky kid :)

Former Toddlers and Tiaras star Isabella Barrett is a millionaire at the age of six, thanks to her impressive beauty pageant record, TV appearances, and her own jewellery and make-up line.

And the young entrepreneur has developed the lifestyle to go with her riches, telling the Daily Mirror all about her expensive taste in food, clothes and shoes.

'What’s not to like about being a millionaire?' she told the paper. 'I’m a superstar, I have my own jewellery line and I just love being the boss. I never lose at anything and almost every pageant I enter, I win. But what I love more than anything is shoes. I have over 60 pairs.'

Isabella's mom Susanna, 39, co-owns the jewellery business with her daughter and entered the girl in her first pageant.

She told the Mirror she doesn't want her daughter to 'grow up spoilt.' But Susanna added 'You see what happens to these child stars like Britney Spears and I certainly do not want that happening to my daughter. But she does like nice things, so we do treat her.'

Isabella relishes room service at extravagant hotels. 'We travel so much to enter pageants, she really has developed a taste for five-star hotels and loves being waited on,' said Susanna.

'She can go a little crazy though and once ordered $2,200 worth of food. It’s never cheeseburgers and fries, always the most expensive like filet mignon and lobster.

'I know it seems pompous, but to us it’s just funny and part of her personality,' she explained to the Mirror.

Isabella Barrett's mom Susanna Barrett (left) said of her daughter's expensive habits: 'I know it seems pompous, but to us it's just funny and part of her personality'

Most the money the mother and daughter make from their co-owned jewellery line is spent on clothes and shoes

Isabella has made most of her money from the Glitzy Girl collection, which features lip glosses, charm bracelets and velour hoodies. The idea for Glitzy Girl came about during Isabella's pageant days.

Every time the Rhode Island native won a beauty contest, she and her mother would get the title printed on a charm bracelet, 'so she could brag about her accomplishments,' explained Mrs Barrett in and interview with In Touch.

Since fans loved the look of her charms, Isabella and her mother took advantage of her popularity and launched the line.

Most the money they make from the line is spent on clothes and shoes. 'I’ll admit when it comes to Bella’s wardrobe, there is no expense spared,' said Susanna.

'That means a voice coach, make-up artist, regular spray tans, hair extensions, acrylic nails and even made-to-measure fake teeth which cost us $500.'

Susana added: 'Each performance needs to be like a Broadway show and every single outfit is custom-made, costing up to $10,000.

'We must have spent around $50,000 entering pageants in the last two years alone, but look where she is now. It’s been more than worth it.'

Isabella's mom insisted to the Mirror: 'I am not a pushy parent, I just help Isabella achieve her dreams. If she told me tomorrow she didn’t want to do it any of it any more, then that would be fine.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

BREAKING NEWS: Letter addressed to Obama ''has tested positive for deadly poison ricin - ONE day after substance found in parcel meant for Mississippi senator

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:31:00 +0000

A letter addressed to President Barack Obama has tested positive for traces of the deadly poison ricin, it was revealed today, making it the second poison-laced letter intended for high-ranking members of the U.S. government.

The Secret Service said that the letter contained a 'suspicious substance.'
A source told ABC News that another letter has shown traces of the substance only a day after authorities intercepted a letter addressed to Mississippi Republican Sen. Rocker Wicker.

The Capitol Police did not immediately return MailOnline's request for comment. It is unclear whether the two letters containing ricin are at all related.
A suspicious letter that tested positive for ricin, a substance that is fatal when ingested, was sent yesterday to Mississippi Republican’s offices in Washington. News of the package sent shock waves throughout Capitol Hill.

The FBI and Capitol Police have not yet released the identity of the suspect to the public, but Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Missouri said today that the person in question ‘writes a lot of letters to (Congress) members.’

Both authorities declined to comment further on the situation.

The discovery of the ricin-laced letter put politicians on edge, as its delivery came only a day after Monday’s deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon.

The letter was believed to originate in Memphis, Tennessee, and it did not have a return address, according to initial reports.

The letter tested positive for ricin three times, but due to the frequency of false-positives on ricin tests, it will undergo further testing in a Baltimore lab.

In response to the ricin letter, the House and Senate have temporarily closed their post offices.

Read More: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2310533/Obama-ricin-Second-letter-tested-positive-poison-addressed-president.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

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Best Summer Food Fair is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:21:00 +0000

Attention foodies! The country’s biggest and most delicious benefit summer food fair, Best Food Forward, is back! Now on its 3rd year, another grand, exciting, fun and food-filled weekend is waiting to happen on April 20-21, 2013 at the NBC Tent, from 10am - 8pm.

Indeed, there is more to food than meets the eye at Best Food Forward. It not only nourishes but has the power to continue bringing kith and kin together, convert strangers into friends and at the same time, happily give newcomers an avenue to prove their worth in the bustling food industry. And from a meager 2-day attraction for a few hundred people during its very first staging, Best Food Forward is predicted to surpass its attendance of over 6,000 food-lovers for its 3rd year. With over a hundred specialty food stalls, innovative cooking demonstrations, celebrity chef appearances, whole family attractions, celebrity guests, and many more, its vibe and atmosphere will definitely make their 3rd year the most memorable to date ? one that surely can’t be missed! Also, the Unang Hakbang Foundation, which hosts a weekly feeding for program kids, will again be their beneficiary.

Best Food Forward is partnered with Electrolux, Alaska Milk Corporation, Kewpie, Flyace Corporation and Philips. Special thanks go to Mac Graphic Carranz, Outcomm, Gourmet Farms, Enzo’s Shawarma and Tapa King.

Contact Details:

For more information on how to participate as a concessionaire, sponsor or simply be at the much-awaited event, please call (63 917) 887-1933 or (63 2) 211-9644.

http://www.clickthecity.com/events/details.php?id=18189

Who is North Korea's Kim Jong Un?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:09:00 +0000

As North Korea tension intensifies dramatically, much attention is now focused on the country's leader Kim Jong Un, the third and youngest son of Kim Jong-il, the former dictatorial leader of North Korea. However, very little is known about the nation's young head of state.

Before Kim took over from his father, he had barely been seen in public. And even though he's been in charge for more than a year, there's been only few information about his personality and habits.

North Korean media calls Kim Jong Un "the greatest-ever commander." Dennis Rodman says he is "a normal guy."

But who is the real Kim Jong Un?

Here are top ten fun facts about North Korea's Leader:

1. His Date of Birth is a Mystery
Kim is believed to have been born in 1982, 1983 or 1984 as the child of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and his third wife, a dancer named Ko Young Hui. Kenji Fujimoto, a sushi chef who worked for his family until 2001 and later wrote a tell-all, claims he was born Jan. 8, 1983 — the same date as The King "Elvis Presley".

2. World's Youngest Head of State
Whether he was born in 1983 or 1984, Kim is currently the world's youngest head of state.

3. He has a first lady and newborn daughter
Korean media revealed Kim was married last July when it announced that his fashionable female companion at the opening of an amusement park was his wife, Ri Sol-ju. South Korean media say she's a former cheerleader and singer. And only last month, Dennis Rodman, the former Chicago Bulls player claimed he had learned that Kim has a newborn daughter.

4. Kim Jong Nam, his older brother, could have been Supreme Leader of North Korea

Kim Jong Nam, the love child of an illicit affair the regime's former dictator Kim Jong Il had with a North Korean actress, was once the top contender to succeed his father in the role of Supreme Leader, according to The New York Times. But an embarrassing incident at a Japanese airport -- Kim Jong Nam tried to use a fake passport to go to Tokyo Disneyland -- along with his "voracious appetites for alcohol and women" made his father doubt Kim Jong Nam's ability to lead, the Times reported. Kim Jong Chol, Kim's second sibling, is said to have been considered too "effeminate" to make for a suitable heir.

5. He is known as "Pak Un" in Swiss International School
Some students who attended the International School of Bern in the nineties believed their fellow-student, a boy known as Pak Un, was in fact Kim Jong Un, according to Washington Post. Pak Un had been introduced as the son of a North Korean embassy official and was known as a smart student who mastered German and English. "I never saw his father or mother," Principal Peter Burri told the paper. Another official described him as "well-integrated, diligent, ambitious." Kim reportedly later attended the Kim Il Sung Military University in Pyongyang, named after his grandfather.

6. He is obsessed about basketball
Though generally quiet in class and sometimes awkward, particularly around girls, Pak Un showed a different personality on the basketball court, former friends recalled. He fell in with a group of mostly immigrant kids who shared his love of the National Basketball Association. He apparently possessed photographs with NBA players and had a room filled with NBA-memorabilia. Kovacevic, who shot hoops with the North Korean most days, said Pak Un was a fiercely competitive player.

7. He is a heavyweight and heavy drinker
South Korea's Yonhap news agency has reported that after the 2004 death of his mother from cancer, Kim went on a drinking and eating binge, ballooning to almost 200 pounds. He remains plump in a country ravaged by famine and suffers from diabetes and hypertension. Kim Jong-il's former personal chef, Kenji Fujimoto, stated if power is to be handed over then Jong-un is the best for it. He has superb physical gifts, is a big drinker and never admits defeat.

8. He is brand-conscious
Despite being born to the Kim dynasty, Jong-un was markedly indifferent to politics and his father's anti-American propaganda. Teenage buddies recalled he had a collection of expensive Nike sneakers. A recent photo of him plotting military action against the U.S. showed an Apple iMac computer on his desk. His wife supposedly carries a Dior clutch, though some think it's a knock-off.

9. He cuts his own hair
Jong-un allegedly has morbid fear of barbers, stemming from a traumatic childhood experience and prefers to cut his own hair. His buzz-style haircut has apparently set a fashion trend in North Korea and young men are reportedly queuing up in front of parlors to get the Jong-un Cut.

10. He was speculated to have undergone cosmetic procedures
South Korean media speculates Kim Jong-un may have undergone several cosmetic procedures to look like his grandfather - the founder of North Korea. His recent photographs, either due to weight gain or due to alleged cosmetic procedures, look noticeably different from those of him as a teenager.

Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com
http://www.ibtimes.com

Obama says he doesn't believe North Korea has nuclear missile

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:18:00 +0000

(CNN) -- President Barack Obama has said he doesn't believe North Korea can fit a nuclear warhead on a missile, casting strong doubt on an alarming assessment disclosed last week by the Pentagon's intelligence arm.

And he warned the young North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that weeks of threats against the United States and South Korea had only served to isolate the regime further.

Asked in an NBC News interview whether North Korea could put a nuclear weapon on a ballistic missile, Obama said, "Based on our current intelligence assessments, we do not think that they have that capacity."

According to a snippet of a document read out by a congressman at a House Armed Services Committee hearing last week, the Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency believes "with moderate confidence" that the North has developed nuclear weapons it could deliver on a ballistic missile, although with low reliability.

U.S. defense and intelligence officials sought to qualify the DIA's words soon after they were made public, saying North Korea hadn't "fully" demonstrated the capabilities mentioned. But Obama's comments in the NBC interview, which was recorded Monday and broadcast Tuesday, appear to be the strongest dismissal of the assessment yet.

Obama cautioned, though, that amid North Korea's recent dramatic threats, the United States has to "make sure that we are dealing with every contingency out there."

"That's why I've repositioned missile defense systems to guard against any miscalculation on their part," he said, an apparent reference to the recent decision to move missile defenses to Guam, a Western Pacific territory that is home to U.S. naval and air bases that the North has cited as possible targets for attack.

View the whole article here: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/04/17/world/asia/koreas-tensions/index.html

Global Warming Tour: Aerosmith Live in Manila

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:01:00 +0000

And I don't wanna miss a thing.....

Well surely, you don't want to miss this one!
It's AEROSMITH Live in Manila!
Yeah I'm a big fan of Aerosmith! But the prices are just too hefty!
So... let's see haha :)

Here are the details:

PULP Live Productions presents…
Global Warming Tour: Aerosmith LIVE in Manila
May 8, 2013 - 8:00pm
Mall of Asia Arena

Ticket Prices:
VIP Standing - P15,500
VIP Seated - P20,000
Lower Box A - P20,000 (first 5 rows)
Lower Box B - P15,500
Lower Box C - P12,500
Upper Box - P5,700
Gen Ad - P2,600
*Prices are already Inclusive of Service Charge & Tax.
Tickets will be available at all SM Tickets outlets starting March 8, 2013. Call 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets.com

LINKS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYqRxcX9DEU
pulpliveworld.com
https://www.facebook.com/events/106866416153564/
https://www.facebook.com/aerosmith

Top-earning hedge-fund chief takes home $2.2 billion in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 12:34:00 +0000

Last year was a tough one for hedge funds, but the 25 top-earning hedge fund managers still managed to pull in a combined $14.14 billion in 2012, according to an Institutional Investor magazine ranking.

The 12th annual "rich list" placed David Tepper, founder of the New Jersey-based Appaloosa Management, atop its ranking. Alpha magazine said he made $2.2 billion in 2012.

Three others earned more than $1 billion apiece: Bridgewater Associates' Raymond Dalio with $1.7 billion, SAC Capital Advisors' Steven Cohen with $1.4 billion and Renaissance Technologies' James Simons with $1.1 billion.

The rankings are based on combined earnings from performance fees and management fees. All managers on the list earned at least $200 million, up from a minimum of $100 million from a year earlier.

It may seem striking that managers took home such hefty paychecks, considering that the average hedge fund returned just 6.2% in 2012, according to Hedge Fund Research, in a year when the S&P 500 gained 13%.

But while the payout numbers are high, the combined $14.14 billion earned by the ranked managers is the lowest sum since 2008. Last year's number was down just slightly from 2011.

There was only one new kid on the block on this year's list: Discovery Capital Management's Robert Citrone made it into the rankings for the first time.

Several of 2011's top earners disappeared from this year's list, including Carl Icahn, after he returned his investors' money in 2011 and only invested with his fund's own capital.

Source: http://money.cnn.com

American Airlines grounds flights due to computer fault

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:14:00 +0000

About 900 flights are said to be affected.

American Airlines had to ground all its flights across the US on Tuesday due to a fault with its computerised reservation system.

The carrier halted all departures from about 13:30 ET (18:30 GMT), saying that it was working "to resolve this issue as quickly as we can".

American fixed the problem three hours later, but warned that it expected to see delays and cancelations for the remainder of the day.

About 900 flights were affected.

American said it would offer refunds and allow passengers to change flights for free.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which regulates civil aviation in the US, confirmed that American had asked to halt its flights while the problem was rectified. -BBC News

2 killed, more than 100 injured in Boston Marathon bombing

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:30:00 +0000

Two killed in bomb blasts near finish line of Boston Marathon, Boston police say. Area hospitals say at least 110 are injured.

Two explosions happened at about 2:50 p.m., more than two hours after the first of the race’s nearly 27,000 runners had crossed the finish line.

Boston.com journalist reports “blood everywhere,” people missing limbs.
Race called off; Red Cross and Google set up websites to help people find loved ones in the area.

Boston cell phone services were overloaded in the wake of the blast, slowing the city’s network dramatically and hampering the investigation in the early going, federal law enforcement officials told CNN.

Unconfirmed rumors began circulating on social media and elsewhere that law enforcement had shut down cell service to prevent more explosives from being detonated remotely. But mobile companies were saying that was never the case, CNN’s Doug Gross reports.

“Verizon Wireless has not been asked by any government agency to turn down its wireless service,” a spokesman for that company told CNN. “Any reports to that effect are inaccurate.”

In other media reports, Sprint similarly denied being asked to shut down service.

Online, Bostonians were being encouraged to stay off of their mobile phones except for emergencies and even open up their wireless connections to help take the load off of the cellular data network.

“If you live or run a business in Boston near bombsite (please) open your wifi for people to use,” tweeted Disaster Tech Lab, an Irish nonprofit dedicated to providing technology to assist in emergency situations.

Initial tests indicate that the two bombs were small and possibly crude, with the tests not indicating any high-grade explosive material was used, a federal law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation told CNN national security contributor and former homeland security adviser Fran Townsend.

The source said the FBI considers the incident a terrorist attack, “but they’ve made clear to me they do not know at this time whether those responsible for the attack were a foreign or domestic group,” Townsend said.

U.S. Rep. Bill Keating, D-Massachusetts, said an unexploded device was found at a hotel on Boylston Street, and another unexploded device was found at an undisclosed location.

Keating, who is a member of the House Homeland Security committee and has spoken to law enforcement sources, tells CNN’s Dierdre Walsh that the incidents were a “sophisticated, coordinated, planned attack.”

More from President Obama, who just wrapped up his brief statement at the White House: “We still do not know who did this or why … but make no mistake: We will get to the bottom of (this). We will find out who did this. We will find out why they did this. … Any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.”

President Barack Obama is speaking about the bombings now: “The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight, and Michelle and I send out deepest thoughts and prayers to the victims,” Obama said at the White House.

John Manis, an eyewitness in his 50s, was about 200 feet away from the finish line near the Prudential building when the bombings occurred. He felt the blast to the point that it made him and others around him jump in the air, and some others around him fell down on the ground, he said, according to CNN’s Eden Pontz.

Manis said he heard two blasts about five seconds apart. He said there was confusion all around him, and he was hustled into the nearby Mandarin Hotel. Officials wouldn’t let them leave the hotel for a bit, and he says all who were there were all frisked by police. He said that when he left, he saw broken storefronts and lots of blood.

President Barack Obama is expected to deliver a statement at about 6:10 p.m. ET from the White House.

source: news.blogs.cnn.com

SM, Waltermart join forces

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:12:00 +0000

MANILA, Philippines - One of the strategies of the Sy group to counter the aggressive expansion of Lucio Co-led retailer Puregold is proceeding well.

On Monday, April 15, SM Investments Corp (SMIC) confirmed a report quoting its chief finance officer Jose Sio that the group is wrapping up its due diligence for, as well as its investments in, the 50-50 partnership with retailer Waltermart.

"We confirm that our investment for joint venture with Waltermart is proceeding positively," SMIC told the Philippine Stock Exchange. The two announced their joint venture deal in January. They had said then they need 6 months for due diligence work.

“We are proceeding with the investment for Waltermart,” Sio was quoted as saying.
The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

SMIC vice person Teresita Sy-Coson had said they will not push for management control.
Owned by the Lim family, Waltermart is engaged in the shopping mall and supermarket business. It has 17 malls located in Metro Manila, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.

Aside from Waltermart, the Lim family also owns Abenson, a chain of appliance stores with over 75 outlets nationwide; concept store Avant, which carries the latest high-end technology products currently available in the market; Electroworld; and Home Plus.

This deal is meant to boost SM group's retail business. SMIC's SM mall network is the biggest in the Philippines.

The SM Retail group has a total of 193 retail stores, consisting of 46 SM department stores, 37 SM supermarkets, 34 SM hypermarkets and 76 SaveMore stores.

The two families have previously worked as tenants and land holders. The upcoming partnership is meant to expand the reach of Waltermart network in the Philippines. - Rappler.com

Is this the new IPAD5?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0000

A photo of what appears to be the iPad 5, Apple Inc.'s next-generation iPad tablet, has been leaked online.

Engadget cited a photo posted on French site NowhereElse.fr indicating the front of the iPad with a narrower bezel.

"The biggest difference compared to the third and fourth generation devices is the narrower bezel that runs down the sides and those chamfered shiny edges," it said.

It added there have been many rumors circulating that the next-generation iPad will be retooled and "sporting the same design language as the iPad Mini and iPhone 5."

A translation of the NoWhereElse.fr article indicated it got its photo from a Chinese source.

The iPad has dominated the tablet market, although it is now getting more competition from Android-run devices. — TJD, GMA News