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Saturday, December 31, 2016

HOOQ supports the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 Awards Night




Prior to HOOQ's MMFF 2016 Awards Night, we have managed to watch one entry which is Die Beautiful at Gateway Cinema. I love the movie, it was entertaining and never boring and swear that Paolo Ballesteros' side kick, Christian Bables should bag an award for his role as the ever loyal BFF/Make Up Artist, Beaucon partner.

After the movie, I roamed around Araneta Center's Gateway and window shopped for an hour.  At exactly, 6:00 pm, I proceeded to Kia Theatre and got my media pass from Ed Uy and had the nicest seat of the night together with the Entertainment bloggers and HOOQ officers. We were seated in front of  the Vince & Kath & James lead stars.  So I had an opportunity to get a selfie from Ronnie Alonte who was as always cute and dapper in his suit.




We finished the awards night and was surprised that Erik Matti’s Seklusyon proved to be the big winner at the 42ND METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL GABI NG PARANGAL held December 29, 2016 at the Kia Theater, Araneta Center Cubao Quezon City.

The movie brought home eight awards including Best Director for Erik Matti; Best Supporting Actress  Phoebe Walker; Special Jury Prize Rhed Bustamante;  Best Screenplay; Best Sound; Best Production Design; Best Cinematography and Best Theme Song for Dominus Miserere.


Best Supporting Actress  Phoebe Walker;


Special Jury Prize Rhed Bustamante






I was just aiming for the Best in Cinematography and Best in Production Design in Seklusyon.. It was their night indeed.

Here is the complete list of winners of the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night co-presented by HOOQ.


Best Picture - Sunday Beauty Queen
Best Director - Erik Matti (Seklusyon)
Best Actress - Irma Adlawan (Oro)
Best Actor - Paolo Ballesteros (Die Beautiful)
Best Supporting Actress - Phoebe Walker (Seklusyon)
Best Supporting Actor - Christian Bables (Die Beautiful)
Children's Choice - Saving Sally, Sunday Beauty Queen and Vince & Kath & James
People's Choice - (voted online) Die Beautiful
Best Cast Ensemble - Oro
Special Jury Prize - Rhed Bustamante (Seklusyon)
Best Screenplay - Seklusyon
Best Sound - Seklusyon
Best Musical Score - Saving Sally
Best Theme Song – Dominus Miserere (Francis De Veyra) Seklusyon
Best Production Design - Seklusyon
Best Editing - Sunday Beauty Queen
Best Cinematography - Seklusyon
FPJ Memorial Award for Excellence - Oro
Gatpuno Antonio J Villegas Cultural Award - Sunday Beauty Queen
Best Float - Die Beautiful 


HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, furthers its commitment in uplifting the quality of Filipino movies as it remained the exclusive presenter of the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival and its New Wave category.



“In a year marked by big changes in the MMFF, we are proud to say that our full support for the biggest movie festival in the country has remained the same" says Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.

 “We welcome another year of partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival, and we are proud to be part of the festival as it takes brave new steps in focusing on quality films, fresh casting choices and new approaches to filmmaking,” she added.
“With HOOQ and the MMFF working together, we’ve answered the call of movie fans who want to enjoy watching their favorite films and TV shows wherever and whenever they want; through streaming and downloading of award-winning and quality locally-produced films.”
  In his speech Metro Manila Development Authority Tim Orbos said, “We are gathered here together not only to seek change but also to look back to the original theme of the MMFF which is to be a festival that celebrates Filipino artistic excellence.”

Change is never easy, it is a difficult path, but thanks to the MMFF Executive Committee we are here today amidst change. We believe that what we did with the MMFF this year may not be recognized now, but it will be appreciated by future generations. It is not about the money, it is about what we can give to our children later on by promoting quality films in the Philippines.”

WINNERS AND STARS OF THE NIGHT


Sunday Beauty Queen, the very first documentary to be included in the annual festival was chosen as Best Picture.



Irma Adlawan won the coveted Best Actress category for the movie Oro, while Paolo Ballesteros  was chosen as Best Actor for his performance in ­Die Beautiful. Newcomer Christian Bables got the most cheers after being named Best Supporting Actor for his role as Barbs in Die Beautiful.



Christian Bables, Best Supporting Actor for Die Beautiful


HOOQ likewise gave out its own set of awards for the Short Films category including Best Screenplay: Mitatang; Best Director: Jarell Serencio Mga Bituin sa Siyudad; Special Jury Prize for Manila Scream; and Best Picture for EJK.







Ronnie Alonte and Rhiann Ramos meanwhile, were recognized as the HOOQ Male and Female Celebrities of the Night for their stunning looks at the red carpet.








HOME OF THE MMFF WINNERS
HOOQ is the home of the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series spanning almost five decades, including close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Muro Ami”, “Imortal”, the beloved franchises such as “Mano Po”, “Tanging Ina” “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and many more. New additions on HOOQ from the MMFF past entries include 2013’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay”, “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” as well as the 2015 finalist “Haunted Mansion”.

According to Jeffrey Remigio, Content and Programming Head of HOOQ Philippines, they are also working on adding more past MMFF winners to HOOQ’s carefully curated library of Filipino titles.

NEW PLATFORM FOR THE NEXT GEN FILMMAKERS
The partnership with the MMFF led to the creation of a new category called “HOOQ Short Films”. With HOOQ the MMFF has found the perfect platform to showcase the films of these new breed of movie makers and at the same time address the growing needs of the digital natives through streaming and download of the finalists’ short film entries and watch them at their own time.

Each HOOQ Short Film was partnered with a long-form finalist and were screened during the MMFF regular theater run from December 25 to January 3.  Each short film runs under 5 minutes and will be available on HOOQ shortly after conclusion of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Last year, we saw a lot of very interesting entries that surprised us with their quick narratives and creative storytelling techniques,” said Remigio, HOOQ Philippines Director of Content. “HOOQ believes in nurturing these next generation of film makers by providing them a platform where more audiences can view their movies.”

“The world has began to take notice of the best content Philippine cinema can offer, by supporting these young filmmakers, HOOQ is also investing in the future of entertainment,” he adds Remigio.

PARADE OF STARS
The festival kicked off with the annual Parade of Stars on December 23 which began at the Manila City Hall at Nicanor Lopez Street and ended at Plaza Miranda—the original route used in the very first MMFF Float Parade.

Among the stars that participated in the Grand Parade of Stars  were Nora Aunor, Eugene Domingo, Paolo Ballesteros, Kean Cipriano, Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia, Ronnie Alonte, Dominic Roque, Mercedes Cabral and many others.

Bela Padilla also joined the parade aboard HOOQ’s OTJ float. Padilla is one of the lead stars of the upcoming series OTJ: The Missing 8, the very first original local content produced exclusively for the video on demand service.

HOOQ, a start-up venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros., is an award-winning service that empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television content, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and now also on Airplay and mobile web.

How to get HOOQ
It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can get up to 90 days HOOQ subscription selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers also get HOOQ on Globe Home Broadband.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to their Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.



Thursday, December 29, 2016

How to Accept Credit Cards Online


When it comes to running a business, one of the most important parts of the entire process is getting paid. After all, aren’t we all just trying to live successfully with the money that we earn? And if we can earn that money doing something we love, then all the better! Sometimes understanding how to accept that money, however, can be a bit confusing. That’s why we’ve taken the time to write out some information about how you can accept credit card payments online! Let’s look at why you need a great merchant account service provider that potentially even offers a free online merchant account.



Free online merchant account
A good merchant account processor will understand that new business owners are already spread thin when it comes to both money and time. They will work hard to lighten your load and help your business reach new profit levels. Some of them even offer things like a free online merchant account, which means that you won’t have to pay extra for this particular essential.

Lowest credit card processing fees
Something else to look at when finding a great merchant account processor to help you accept credit card payments online is their processing fees. Every credit card transaction you make as the potential to cost you a fee. Some providers charge a surprising amount, which is why it is important to take the time and find a provider that has the lowest credit card processing fees around. This helps keep your money in your pocket, not someone else’s.

When you find yourself in need of a merchant account processing service, consider Merchant Account Solutions! They offer the very best in terms of service and technology, and even offer a free online merchant account! Take a look at their website and their offerings today.

For more information, please visit this link to get started visit their site HERE


Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Things to consider when opening an Italian Gelateria



While the word gelato is the Italian translation for ice cream, there’s a big difference between the two and that’s the first thing to keep in mind before opening a gelato business.

Making this possible for businesses is the Italian company Comprital, a market leader in gelato-making which has introduced innovations to the much-revered Italian tradition. One of only a handful Italian companies to obtain an EU certification for the processing of products containing a high level of dairy and milk by-products, Comprital offers gelaterias and food establishments a full range of top quality ingredients, mixes and supplies for making real Italian gelato. 



The products are now available in the Philippines through  Culinary Best Source Inc.,  a division of Technolux which is  the country’s largest importer and supplier of a complete line of foodservice, small wares and laundry equipment for the past 41 years.

Individuals thinking of opening a gelateria or restaurants considering including gelato on their menu may inquire with Technolux on how to use Comprital ingredients in making gelato and other frozen desserts. Technolux may also conduct a product demo for clients at the Mall of Kitchens, a division of the company which houses live set-ups for various business formats including a gelato station. 

Fresh and simple

Always investing in research, Comprital offers a complete product line driven by consumer feedback to satisfy the real needs of the market. Some of the products it makes are different kinds of gelato bases including milk (with or without vegetable fat,) chocolate (with varying levels of cocoa content), fruit and vegan bases.

Its classic and fruit pastes, meanwhile, are added to intensify the natural flavors in making gelato. These contain real ingredients and pure concentrate and are free from artificial coloring. Flavors include classic ones such as hazelnut, pistachio, chocolate, vanilla and tiramisu for a taste of Italy as well as fruity options like wild berries, banana, peach, kiwi, raspberry and passion fruit to name just a few.

Ideal for gelato businesses especially those inside malls and busy location is the Speedy gelato line of mixes. The recipe is an original idea of Comprital and designed for simple and hassle-free preparation. The product comes in practical single dose bags for an artisanal product requiring quicker preparation time without comprising quality. It is available in 70 flavors and can work in several applications for maximum returns including soft serve machines, blenders, slush machines and cake mixers.

Ready to invest in a gelato business? Know more about Comprital and inquire at Technolux: www.technolux.net, call 8964941and 8994531 or visit its corporate office at 2176 Primo Rivera Street, Barangay La Paz Makati City.

"Food Hero" Chef Anton Amoncio's Home Cooked Asia: Philippines on Asian Food Channel Premieres December 29





Winning the Food Hero Asia tilt held in Singapore a few months ago spelled a lot of difference on the life of young Chef Anton Amoncio. For one, he gets to host his own cooking show, which for him is a "dream come true."

Home Cooked Asia: Philippines airs 9 am on December 29, Thursday over Asian Food Channel. It will feature Chef Anton cooking traditional Filipino recipes to serve as introductory journey for people who want to know about Filipino food.

 

Two, 30-minute each, episodes will air back-to-back for the so-called Chef for the Millennials, providing an hour-long spectacle of passioned cooking, with replays at 2 and 10 pm of the same day. In a way it is a sumptuous throwback Thursday as he deals with dishes he "grew up with."




"Winning the Food Hero competition was big already. But having your own show is short of miraculous. This show serves as a window to my soul and I thank everyone who helped me along the way," he shared during a short talk with the press.

Chef Anton is managed by Asian Artists Agency helmed by King of Talk Boy Abunda. He is one to let his cooking do more the talking, especially after his Tinola and Fried Chicken Adobo sa Gata made him as a Food Hero finalist and his Cheesy Lamb Rack Kaldereta bested other finalists from the South East Asian region.



He said, "I hope my bit of Home Cooked creates awareness of what Filipino food is about. I want people outside the Philippines to ask questions about the way we cook and the passion we have for it."





He added, "For Filipinos I made sure to make the dishes easy-to-make and accessible so they can try doing it themselves."

Chef Anton is also featured in the Chef Series where selected masters were asked to come out with their own recipes. He was chosen prior to winning the Food Hero challenge; his Tinola with watermelon and Chocolate Binagoongan serving as indicators of how he fits the bill.



Just recently launched, the Chef Series carries his recipes, along those of veteran chefs, to be made available in selected Fresh Options retail stores.




Asked to name his favorite Filipino dishes, he quickly named three: adobo, tinola, and kare-kare. His grandmother used to give him Tinola when he's feeling sick while he finds Kare-Kare best for festivities. Adobo is a no-brainer.

"For me Filipino food is the next big thing and I hope the show will be appreciated by people everywhere," he added.

For more information visit the Asian Artists Agency official Facebook page or email info@asianartistsagency.com

Monday, December 26, 2016

A Mom's Unbreakable Bond with Her Child


Seeing your body change, hearing the heartbeat for the first time, feeling the first kick from your insides—these are the moments that build the invisible but irrevocable connection between a mother and her child.

Because of this growing connection, you feel most responsible for your baby, so it is all but inevitable for anxieties to spring up left and right.

You worry if you are giving enough nourishment. You worry if your baby is developing normally. You worry if your baby will get diseases passed down from your family.

“I’m always thinking about my baby 24/7. I worry about his life so much so that besides adjusting my lifestyle for him, I also do a lot of research online.  I ask advice from my friends and family about how I can take better care of my baby because I can never be truly 100% sure about his well being all the time.” 
            – Lea, 30, first-time mom




Like mommy Lea, maybe it has dawned on you that you cannot protect your baby for the rest of your lives, but what if we can alter that reality. What if there is a way to help secure your child’s life from several life-threatening diseases by preserving that one-of-a-kind connection between you and your baby?

The umbilical cord is your child’s lifeline inside your womb. It is through this physical connection that you are able to give your child the gift of life. But after childbirth, this life giving cord is simply thrown away, not realizing the worth of the blood inside it.

Throwing the umbilical cord is like throwing life away. Cord blood contains the youngest and inherently valuable stem cells that may help save your baby from leukemia and other blood cancers, solid tumors, immunodeficiency and metabolic disorders.

With Cordlife, you can now make that one choice to take that one chance to protect your child’s life. Being the 1st and only registered Cord Blood Bank in the Philippines and part of the largest stem cell banking network in Asia, Cordlife gives you the chance to save your family by banking your baby’s umbilical cord blood.

By storing your cord blood that is painlessly extracted from your umbilical cord right after giving birth, you can give your child a fighting chance to survive life-threatening diseases.

Cord blood banking can provide the stem cells needed to replace and regenerate damaged bone marrow, treat blood cancers, correct genetic defects, and be a potential source for cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. 

By preserving the visible connection between you and your baby, you can have your much-needed peace of mind when it comes to doing everything you can to secure your baby’s life.

Don’t throw life away. Save your baby’s cord blood. Save your baby’s life.

To know more about cord-blood banking, call (02) 332 1888
or visit https://www.cordlife.ph/

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Catch Le Grand Cirque at the Smart Araneta Coliseum



The Araneta Center gave an early Christmas surprise to a packed audience when it held an exciting 2-hour preview of the much-awaited “Le Grand Cirque” on December 24. “Le Grand Cirque” is Araneta Center's latest offering to Filipino families this Christmas that will run at the Big Dome from December 25 until January 3, 2017.

Strongman act


A circus show like no other, it features spellbinding acts meant to wow viewers. “Le Grand Cirque” boasts of performers who came all the way from Europe, Canada, Russia, and other parts of the world. Their spellbinding acts amazed children and all the other beneficiaries of Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc.; Gerry Roxas Foundation -- through the presence of outstanding high school leadership awardees; and J. Amado Araneta Foundation, who came to experience the exciting yet meaningful event. The J. Amado Araneta Foundation is a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to the vision and legacy of J. Amado Araneta (known by many as Don Amado).

Firedancer


It was an afternoon filled with wonder, as kids and adults alike watched the breathtaking stunts and performances of contortionists, aerialists, gymnasts, and acrobats in their colorful costumes with bated breath. Circus acts like Diabolo (featuring the tossing of diabolo tops resembling that of a giant yo-yo); Foot Juggling on Drums, which involves heavy precision skills; and the Russian Swing, where acrobats were tossed from one large-mounted swing to perform acrobatic tricks, were among the show's highlights.

Trampoline Wall


Other crowd favorites are the Strongman act; Hoop Diving; and the Trampoline Wall, where gymnasts would bounce on trampolines to walk on walls, among others. The modern-day clown made sure the audience also had its own participation in the show. The fire dancer, and all the other acts that included jumping, balancing, and somersaulting, also drew loud cheers from the kids.

Aerial Cube


Catch Le Grand Cirque at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with your whole family on December 25 until January 3, 2017. Visit www.ticketnet.com.ph for more details.




HOOQ holds a celebrity-studded premiere of Erik Matti’s SEKLUSYON




The cast of Seklusyon
HOOQ holds its Seklusyon presscon at the Sarsa Restaurant SM Megamall on December 22, before its premiere screening of Seklusyon, 3 days before its final showing. The Seklusyon cast headed by director Erik Matti, Phoebe Walker, Rhed Bustamante, Ronnie Alonte, Dominique Roque, Johnvic de Guzman, J.R. Versales, Lou Veloso and Elora Espano were present except for Ryan Neil Sese. Hooq Marketing Head, Shiela Paul hosts the presscon with the question and answer from the media.

HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, and co-presenter of the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival, concludes 2016 with a special HOOQ HANGOUTS as it holds a celebrity-studded premiere of Erik Matti’s SEKLUSYON days before it’s regular run at theaters throughout the country as part of the Metro Manila Film Festival.

“We started HOOQ HANGOUTS a few months ago to provide a forum to showcase the vast library of HOOQ, particularly our local content which spans almost five decades. That is why we are ending the year with this HOOQ HANGOUTS featuring an exclusive screening of Seklusyon, produced by Reality Entertainment, which incidentally is also our partner in creating OTJ: The Series,” says Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.

Jeff Remigio, HOOQ Content and Programming Head

Sheila Paul, HOOQ Marketing Head



The movie stars Ronnie Alonte Neil Ryan Sese, Lou Veloso, Rhed Bustamante, Phoebe Walker, Elora Espano, Dominique Roque, John Vic De Guzman and JR Versales.  Set in the 1940s, the movie follows a young deacon (Alonte) who hides from the devil in a sacred sanctuary seven days before he is ordained as a priest.



SEKLUSYON has become one of the most anticipated entries since the announcement of its inclusion in the festival and is the only horror themed film in this year’s MMFF.  The movie has also been getting positive reviews since it made its international premiere at the recent Macau International Film Festival.

Erik Matti


HOOQ is the home of the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series spanning almost five decades, including close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Mulawin the Movie, “Muro-Ami” and many more.

Ronnie Alonte

Phoebe Walker

Dominique Roque


HOOQ continues its collaboration with the Metro Manila Film Festival, major local studios, as well as a slew of independent film-makers in order to bring more of the MMFF entries onboard HOOQ.  MMFF entries from recent years, such as Regal Entertainment’s “Haunted Mansion”, ABS-CBN’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay” and “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” were made available on HOOQ.

HOOQ, a start-up venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros., is an award-winning service that empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television content, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and now also on Airplay and mobile web.

How to get HOOQ
It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can get up to 90 days HOOQ subscription selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers also get HOOQ on Globe Home Broadband.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to their Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.

Friday, December 23, 2016

HOOQ co-presents the 42nd MMFF exclusively for the second year



HOOQ, Asia’s largest video-on-demand service, remains the sole presenter for the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival, a partnership, which aims to improve and uplift the quality of Philippine entertainment.




HOOQ is the home of the largest collection of Pinoy movies and TV series spanning almost five decades, including close to a hundred winners and finalists of the Metro Manila Film Festival such as “Baler”, “Tanging Yaman”, “Muro Ami”, “Imortal”, the beloved franchises such as “Mano Po”, “Tanging Ina” “Shake, Rattle and Roll” and many more. New additions on HOOQ from the MMFF past entries include 2013’s “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay”, “Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy” as well as the 2015 finalist “Haunted Mansion”.



“We welcome another year of partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival, as we see the expansion of the selection with fresh casting, unique stories and formats.  It’s certainly major development in the history of the MMFF.” shares Jane Cruz-Walker, HOOQ Philippines Country Manager.  The 2016 finalist announcement created buzz in the industry as it stepped outside the usual selection of movies commonly expected in the annual festival. 


HOOQ further strengthens its partnership with the Metro Manila Film Festival by showcasing the new set of shorts under the new category “HOOQ Short Films”. With HOOQ the MMFF has found the perfect platform to showcase these new breed of movie makers and at the same time address the growing needs of the digital natives through streaming and download of the finalists’ short film entries and watch them at their own time.



The finalists for the HOOQ Short Film include: Birds (Christian Paolo Lat), EJK, Manila Scream (Roque Lee & Blair Camilo), Mga Bituin sa Siyudad (Jarell Serencio), Mitatang (Arvin Gagui), Momo (Avid Liongoren), Passage of Life (Renz Cruz), Sitsiritsit (Brian Spencer Reyes).



In a new move by the MMFF Executive Committee, each HOOQ Short Film will be partnered with a long-form finalist and to be screened during the MMFF regular theater run from December 25 to January 3.  Each short film runs under 5 minutes and will be available on HOOQ shortly after conclusion of the Metro Manila Film Festival.  “Last year, we saw a lot of very interesting entries that surprised us with their quick narratives and creative storytelling techniques,” said Jeffrey Remigio, HOOQ Philippines Director of Content. “HOOQ believes in nurturing these next generation of film makers by providing them a platform where more audiences can view their movies.”



HOOQ, a start-up venture between Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros., is an award-winning service that empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television content, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets, smart TVs via Google Chromecast and now also on Airplay and mobile web.


How to get HOOQ
It’s easy to get HOOQ!  Sign up today for a 7-day trial on www.HOOQ.tv.  Globe mobile customers can get up to 90 days HOOQ subscription selected GoSURF plans.  Broadband customers also get HOOQ on Globe Home Broadband.  Once the trial period expires, Globe customers can continue enjoying HOOQ at P149 subscription fee monthly charged to their Globe bill.  Simply text HOOQ149 to 8888.

"Under a Piaya Moon" and "Last Shift" Triumph at First-Ever Puregold CinePanalo Awards Night

“ Under a Piaya Moon” and “Last Shift” bagged the coveted Pinakapanalong Pelikula awards in the full-length and short film categories respe...