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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Vivo continues to usher the industry to the future with its V- series




When young global smartphone brand Vivo entered the mobile industry, the market was dominated by two or three names. But in a matter of years, Vivo changed the game. 

Vivo has been determined to break barriers and introduce technology that ushered the industry into the future. After all, it was Vivo that introduced a 20-megapixel dual front camera in V5 Plus and a 24MP front camera in V7, V7+, and V9. 



The V5 is the first smartphone with a 20MP camera. 

 
The V5 was then followed by the release of the  V5 and V5SPlus  both with 20MP selfie camera. The V5Plus, meanwhile, has a 20MP+8MP dual rear camera.

                                                             V5Plus



                                                                V5s 

Aside from the selfie camera, Vivo also paid attention to the users’ need for a bigger screen. Earlier this year, Vivo released the ultimate iteration of a concept smartphone, the APEX FullView, which nearly has a 100% screen-to-body display. The V9, Vivo’s newest flagship, is getting closer to goal with its 90% screen-to-body ratio.

Vivo is also the first to introduce the in-display fingerprint scanner that gives users another method to unlock their smartphones.

 
Vivo then introduced the first smartphones with 24MP front camera, the V7+ and V7



Vivo then released the upgrade to its cameras, the V9 with a 24MP AI Selfie Camera and 16MP+5MP dual rear camera.



It is still a wonder what Vivo will do next. For instance, it wowed the tech world with its bezel-less APEX concept smartphone because of its pop-up selfie camera to achieve the 100% screen-to-body ratio.

Helping the brand unlock the next best thing in the mobile industry are 2,200 dedicated research and development personnel in several R&D centers worldwide—in San Diego, United States and in China, specifically in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Beijing.

With all its development, it is no doubt that the young smartphone brand is already leading the pack to the future.




Atom took clearer selfies during his travels with his new buddy, the Vivo V7+



If you love to explore the PH then its time watch Atom Araullo's AXN's Adventure Your Way.  Its fun, educational and adventurous. Watch as Atom travels taking photos using his Vivo Smartphone.

TV personality and award-winning journalist Atom Araullo had been on a new mission on AXN’s Adventure Your Way: to look for the not so well-known destinations in the Philippines using his smartphone.

     Atom took clearer selfies during his travels with his new buddy, the Vivo V7+. 




For his quests, Atom used the V7+ from young global smartphone brand Vivo. The model is the predecessor of its latest flagship smartphone, the Vivo V9. The V7+ was released in the Philippines in September 2018, while the latest model was released in March.


The host kicked off every episode crowdsourcing travel suggestions through his social media accounts using the Vivo V7+. For the recently-concluded season of Adventure Your Way, Atom visited Cebu, Samar, Masbate, Camiguin, Rizal, Batad, Biliran, Zambales, Davao, and Siargao.

When his adventure began, Atom used the smartphone with a 24-megapixel front camera to take videos and selfies. He also relied on his Vivo V7+ to navigate him around his destinations.


     Atom made sure unforgettable moments were immortalized with the Vivo V7+ 

Atom also used the Vivo smartphone when he talked to the locals to gather more information about the place.

Aside from the 24MP Clearer Selfie Camera, Vivo V7+ boasted of a 16MP rear camera and a 5.99-inch display with a 84.4% screen-to-body ratio.

Meanwhile, the new Vivo V9 takes pride in its 24MP AI Selfie Camera, 16MP+5MP dual rear camera, and a 6.3-inch FullView™ Display with a 90% screen-to-body ratio.

Both Vivo V7+ and V9 are available at all authorized shops nationwide.

Festival Mall welcomes French retail giant GO Sport


Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City adds another global brand to its roster of lifestyle stores with the opening of French sports retail chain GO Sport’s very first Southeast Asia branch.


Located at Festival Mall’s posh Expansion Wing, GO Sport certainly opened with a punch, with VIP brand ambassadors gracing the opening – boxing champ Manny Pacquiao; basketball players Jeff Chan, RR Garcia, and Jericho Cruz, and Jonathan Grey; sportscasters Anton Roxas and Martin Javier; fitness coach Sel Guevara; tennis player Tin Patrimonio; Olympian and record-holding swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi; golfers Lexus Keoninh and Guido Van Der Valk; and Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) Founder Alvin Aguilar.


Also among the guests are GO Sport CEO Pascal Banet, politician Chavit Singson, Game of Thrones and professional weighlifter Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson, and beauty queen/ host Laura Lehmann.

GO Sport boasts of a spacious selling area to house an impressive selection of sports goods and apparel catering to possibly every sport and trusted brands like Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour, and many more. Whether for beginners seeking to try out a new sport, for hobbyists, or for seasoned athletes searching for better equipment, GO Sport has everything for everyone.



“High standard and high quality don’t have to mean high price,” says Banet. “We don’t want to have a store that is too pricey; we want to have a store that can serve everyone.”



With future plans to expand further in Southeast Asia, GO Sport has found its first home in the region and in the Philippines at Festival Mall, the place where fresh, unique concepts and original ideas are given ample space to thrive and become part of the community.



Ambassadors -  (From left) PBA player Jonathan Grey, PBA reporter and Fitness Coach Sel Guevara, Olympic swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi, sportscaster Anton Roxas, tennis player Tin Patrimonio, PBA player Jericho Cruz, People's Champ Sen. Manny Pacquiao, PBA players RR Garcia and Jeff Chan, and golfers Guido Van der Valk and Lexus Keoninh



Festival Mall is a Filinvest Lifemall and a premier development in Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. It is the only mall with five anchor stores: Shopwise Supercenter, SaveMore, Robinsons Department Store, Ace Hardware and Handyman. It has over 700 shops, almost 4,000 parking slots, various food outlets, and indoor amusement rides.

Beauty Queen Catriona Gray Faces Off with Photographer Pat Dy in the Second Installment of the Huawei #SeeMore Challenge Series




Catriona Gray's Photo









How far was this episode’s celebrity guest, Catriona Gray willing to go to get the ultimate snapshot in #SeeMore: Celebrities vs Photographers?

The beauty queen went up against professional wedding and travel photographer Pat Dy in Masungi Georeserve, Rizal to test the phone’s DSLR-rivalling features against each other.

Pat Dy's photo


Naturally, the uncontrollable elements in the landscape made it a challenge to shoot, but the two contestants showed they could #SeeSmarter with the Huawei P20 Pro’s AI Object Identification. And if that didn’t make it easy enough, the 5x Hybrid Zoom sealed the deal, allowing us to #SeeCloser in the smallest details.





Were Catriona’s shots good enough to match up to Pat Dy’s professional experience? Visit this link to check out the full video: https://www.facebook.com/HuaweimobilePH/videos/1699850520096440/.

Cast your votes for the winner of the first #SeeMore Challenge for a chance to win your own Huawei P20 - http://campaign.consumer.huawei.com/sp/ph

Follow Huawei on Facebook to be the first to watch the next episode, where city photographer JC Gellidon goes up against our next celebrity contestant. #SeeMore #OOO #HuaweiP20Series.


Pricing and Availability 

The Huawei P20 Pro is available for Php 44,990 in three eye-catching color options: Twilight, Midnight Blue, and Black. The Huawei P20 comes in Black and Midnight Blue for Php 34,990, and the Huawei P20 Lite is available in Klein Blue and Midnight Black for Php 15,990.

Own the best smartphone camera around through the country’s top mobile networks and other financing options. For Globe postpaid subscribers, you can get the Huawei P20 Lite for free with ThePLAN 1499, the Huawei P20 with P2149 (ThePLAN 1999 + 3,600 cashout), and the Huawei P20 Pro at P2599 (ThePLAN 1999 + 14,400 cashout). All plans are customizable, but include unlimited texts + calls, Free Facebook data, and 3 months of Spotify for free as standard.

The P20 Pink Gold is also available via Globe Platinum Plan 3799. It includes 20GB consumable data, unlimited calls to Globe and TM, unlimited texts to all networks and it also comes with PHP 1,500 of monthly consumable allowance.

For SMART subscribers, you can get the Huawei P20 lite and P20 at plans 1299 and 1699 per month respectively while the Huawei P20 Pro at Php 2399 per month. All plans include 4.5/5 GB for all Apps & Sites, 10GB for videos (Youtube, iFlix, Fox+, iWantTV), unlimited all-net text, 50/60 all net-minutes, discounted calls to Smart & TNT, free 1-month gadget shield, and data rollover.

CITI Bank, BDO, BPI, HSBC, Metro Bank, and Eastwest Bank credit card holders may avail the Huawei P20 and P20 Pro in installment for 12 to 24 months at 0% interest. Promo runs from April 28 to June 30, 2018 at select Huawei Experience stores, Experience Kiosks, and partner retailers nationwide.

You can also get the P20 Lite through Home Credit, available for 0% interest installment over 6 to 9 months.

For more information about Huawei devices in the Philippines, you may check out https://www.facebook.com/HuaweimobilePH/.

Starbucks offers the most playful, fun and creamiest Frappuccino ever: Pistachio Bon Bon and Milk Tea Panna Cotta





The sun is out, the heat is on and Starbucks has got Frappuccino beverages to offer time-outs that transport you to the world of summer fun. Available for a limited time starting June 5, customers will enjoy indulgent moments by sipping the summer feels with these new creamy delights.



Inspired by delicious and creamy pistachio ice cream, the Pistachio Bon Bon Cream Frappuccino blends authentic ground pistachio nuts and is made more decadent with chocolate sauce. It is then topped with fluffy whipped cream and finished with chunky, crunchy pistachio and waffle pieces.



Starbucks also adds flair to the familiar milk tea flavor with Milk Tea Panna Cotta Cream Frappuccino. Made with rich, aromatic black milk tea ground from premium tea leaves, it surprises with a generous layer of sweet and smooth, panna cotta pudding. The beverage is finished with whipped cream and a dusting of fine black tea powder. 



With the return of the Starbucks Cold Brew Retail Pack, those looking to spend their summer days in the comfort of their homes, can still enjoy a cup of refreshing coffee. Starbucks offers Cold Brew in easy-to-prepare retail packs, perfect for crafting your own batch at home. A custom blend of 70% Colombian and 30% African beans, the Starbucks Cold Brew Retail Pack offers a smooth and chocolate-y punch. With no heat required, the coffee is silkier and has a naturally sweeter taste.


Super Junior is heading back to Manila!



Globe continues to cement its title as the purveyor of the Filipino's lifestyle by providing premiere Korean pop concerts featuring top KPOP acts such as EXO, BTS, and BIGBANG. This June, Globe is set to offer another sought-after KPOP experience by again partnering with PULP Live World to bring Super Junior to Manila for Super Show 7 on June 30, 2018 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena!



Don't miss the King of Hallyu Wave and witness Leeteuk, Heechul, Yesung, Shindong, Eunhyuk, Siwon, and Donghae as they give their Filipino fans yet another spectacular show! Globe Prepaid and Globe At Home are giving lucky Super Junior ELFs a chance to buy tickets for Super Show 7 in Manila ahead of everyone else!



For Globe Prepaid customers, simply subscribe to GoSURF50, GOTSCOMBODD70, and GOTSCOMBODD90 until May 30. Register to the raffle by texting SJREG Name/Address/Birthyear to 2346. 350 lucky customers will receive a coupon code to get exclusive access on the June 2 ticket pre-sale at SM Ticket outlets!



Globe At Home customers will get a chance to buy a ticket at the pre-sale event by purchasing a Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi modem for only P1,999 from the Globe Online Shop using their credit card, debit card, or GCash. They will then be entitled to buy one (1) ticket from the section of their choice during the pre-sale at SM Ticket outlets. First 100 purchasers of Prepaid WiFi on May 30, 2018 will get to buy VIP or Lower Box tickets. First 100 purchasers on May 31, 2018 will get to buy Upper Box tickets, and first 150 purchasers on June 1, 2018 will get a chance to buy General Admission tickets.



With Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi, enjoy fast and reliable internet that’s 2X faster, has 2X stronger signal and 2X wider coverage vs MyFi. Load 1GB for as low as P15 with HomeSurf 15 (add on to GoSURF50) via the Globe At Home app and get an additional free 1GB for videos and games.



To know more about the promos, visit the website at go.globe.com.ph/GlobeKPop or follow Globe on Facebook and Twitter.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Palazzo Verde hosts the 6th grandest Wedding and Debut Exhibit "Celebrations" on June 3



Weddings and debuts are two of the most significant events in one’s life, especially in a family-centric country like the Philippines, where we like to celebrate each milestone with people we love.

Palazzo Verde, the grandest garden event venue in the country, will bring together quality suppliers for wedding and debut needs during the 6th CELEBRATIONS fair on June 3, Sunday.



However, even as we happily anticipate such occasions, we know that preparing for these is an elaborate undertaking that requires utmost patience, an eye for details, and organizational skills. After all, planning for one’s wedding or debut involves choosing the best or most appropriate venue and other providers for their once-in-a-lifetime event.


Towards this end, Palazzo Verde, the grandest garden event venue in the country, is hosting the 6th edition of “CELEBRATIONS,” a wedding and debut exhibit, on June 3, 2018. The one-day event will be staged at the Byzantine and Victorian Halls of the Palazzo Verde in Daang Reyna, Vista Alabang, Las Piñas, and will gather the industry’s best and finest specialists in the field of event planning and execution.



By checking out CELEBRATIONS’ various exhibitors—caterers, floral stylists, bridal and debut gown designers, hairstylists and makeup artists, videographers and photographers, lights and sounds providers, and coordinators, among countless other services—prospective bridal couples and debutantes may look forward to hassle-free and fun-filled planning for their wedding or debut.



Upon entering the main exhibit hall, each guest will be given a map that will serve as their guide around the participating booths. With food as the centerpiece of any celebration, a highlight at the one-stop-shop affair will be the Tasting Room, to be set up apart from the main exhibit hall, where caterers will showcase their food and beverage menu and styling for guests to try.

Toward the end of the exhibit, there will be a “pampering booth” where guests will be treated to fun games, goodie bags, and other exciting surprises.



The exhibitors are likewise set to offer great deals and promos to guests who will avail of their services.

Also among CELEBRATIONS’ highlights is a fashion show by renowned Filipina designer Mitch Desunia at 6:30 p.m. Desunia’s stunning bridal creations were featured in The House of iKons fashion show during the London Fashion Week in 2016.



 “We want bridal couples and debutantes to have stress-free preparations for the most memorable event of their lives,” says Ian de Borja of Palazzo Verde. “And we, along with our partners and participating exhibitors, can’t think of a better way to do this than by providing them with all the wonderful options they need.”

 The Byzantine and Victorian Halls of Palazzo Verde in Daang Reyna, Vista Alabang, Las Piñas will gather the industry’s best and finest specialists in the field of event planning and execution.


For more information on CELEBRATIONS, visit Palazzo Verde’s official website at http://palazzoverde.com.ph/new-events/celebrations-2018/.

A Frost & Sullivan study reveals potential economic loss in the Philippines due to cybersecurity incidents



Cybersecurity threats to cost organizations in the Philippines US$3.5 billion in economic losses

Microsoft and Frost & Sullivan Study reveals that:
A large-sized organization in the Philippines can possibly incur an economic loss of US$7.5 million, more than 200 times the average economic loss for a mid-sized organization
Cybersecurity attacks have led to job losses in seven in ten (72%) organizations over the last year
Cybersecurity concerns delay Digital Transformation plans
Organizations are increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence to enhance their cybersecurity strategy



A Frost & Sullivan study commissioned by Microsoft revealed that the potential economic loss in the Philippines due to cybersecurity incidents can hit a staggering US$3.5 billion. This is 1.1 percent of the Philippines’ total GDP of US$305 billion[1].



The study, titled “Understanding the Cybersecurity Threat Landscape in Asia Pacific: Securing the Modern Enterprise in a Digital World”, aims to provide business and IT decision makers with insights on the economic cost of cybersecurity breaches in the region and identify the gaps in organizations’ cybersecurity strategies. The study involved a survey of 1,300 business and IT decision makers ranging from mid-sized organizations (250 to 499 employees) to large-sized organizations (>than 500 employees).



The study reveals that more than half of the organizations surveyed in the Philippines have either experienced a cybersecurity incident (18%) or are not sure if they had one as they have not performed proper forensics or data breach assessment (34%).



“As companies embrace the opportunities presented by cloud and mobile computing to connect with customers and optimize operations, they take on new risks,” said Hans Bayaborda, Managing Director, Microsoft Philippines. “With traditional IT boundaries disappearing the adversaries now have many new targets to attack. Companies face the risk of significant financial loss, damage to customer satisfaction and market reputation — as has been made all too clear by recent high-profile breaches.”



The True Cost of Cybersecurity Incidents – Economic, Opportunity and Job Losses

The study revealed that:

 A large-sized organization in the Philippines can possibly incur an economic loss of US$7.5 million, more than 200 times higher than the average economic loss for a mid-sized organization (US$35,000); and
Cybersecurity attacks have resulted in job losses across different functions in seven in ten (72%) organizations that have experienced an incident over the last 12 months.


To calculate the cost of cybercrime, Frost & Sullivan has created an economic loss model based on macro-economic data and insights shared by the survey respondents. This model factors in three kinds of losses which could be incurred due to a cybersecurity breach:



Direct: Financial losses associated with a cybersecurity incident - this includes loss of productivity, fines, remediation cost, etc;
Indirect: The opportunity cost to the organization such as customer churn due to reputation loss; and
Induced: The impact of cyber breach to the broader ecosystem and economy, such as the decrease in consumer and enterprise spending.


“Although the direct losses from cybersecurity breaches are most visible, they are but just the tip of the iceberg,” said Edison Yu, Vice President and Asia Pacific Head of Enterprise for Frost & Sullivan. “There are many other hidden losses that we have to consider from both the indirect and induced perspectives, and the economic loss for organizations suffering from cybersecurity attacks can be often underestimated.”



In addition to financial losses, cybersecurity incidents are also undermining the Philippines organizations’ ability to capture future opportunities in today’s digital economy, with more than half (57%) respondents stating that their enterprise has put off digital transformation efforts due to the fear of cyber-risks.



Key Cyberthreats and Gaps in the Philippines Organizations’ Cybersecurity Strategies

Although high-profile cyberattacks, such as ransomware, have been garnering a lot of attention from enterprises, the study found that for organizations in the Philippines that have encountered cybersecurity incidents, data exfiltration and data corruption are the biggest concern as they have the highest impact with the slowest recovery time.



Besides external threats, the research also revealed key gaps in organizations’ cybersecurity approach to protect their digital estate:



Security an afterthought: Only 44% of organizations consider cybersecurity before the start of a digital transformation project. Majority of respondents (56%) either think about cybersecurity only after they start on the project or do not consider it at all. This limits their ability to conceptualize and deliver a “secure-by-design” project, potentially leading to insecure products going out into the market;


Creating a Complex Environment: Negating the popular belief that deploying a large portfolio of cybersecurity solutions will render stronger protection, the survey revealed that 17% of respondents with more than 50 cybersecurity solutions could recover from cyberattacks within an hour. In contrast, more than twice as many respondents (38%) with fewer than 10 cybersecurity solutions responded that they can recover from cyberattacks within an hour; and


Lacking cybersecurity strategy: While more and more organizations are considering digital transformation to gain competitive advantage, the study has shown that 46% of respondents see cybersecurity strategy only as a means to safeguard the organization against cyberattacks rather than a strategic business enabler. A mere 25% of organizations see cybersecurity strategy as a digital transformation enabler.
 

“The ever-changing threat environment is challenging, but there are ways to be more effective using the right blend of modern technology, strategy, and expertise,” added Hans. “Microsoft is empowering businesses in the Philippines to take advantage of digital transformation by enabling them to embrace the technology that’s available to them, securely through its secure platform of products and services, combined with unique intelligence and broad industry partnerships.”



Artifical Intelligence (AI) is the Next Frontier in Cybersecurity Defense

In a digital world where cyberthreats are constantly evolving and attack surface is rapidly expanding, AI is becoming a potent opponent against cyberattacks as it can detect and act on threat vectors based on data insights. The study reveals that more than almost four in five (79%) organizations in the Philippines have either adopted or are looking to adopt an AI approach towards boosting cybersecurity.



AI’s ability to rapidly analyze and respond to unprecedented quantities of data is becoming indispensable in a world where cyberattacks’ frequency, scale and sophistication continue to increase.



An AI-driven cybersecurity architecture will be more intelligent and be equipped with predictive abilities to allow organizations to fix or strengthen their security posture before problems emerge. It will also grant companies with the capabilities to accomplish tasks, such as identifying cyberattacks, removal of persistent threats and fixing bugs, faster than any human could, making it an increasingly vital element of any organizations’ cybersecurity strategy.



Recommendations for securing the modern enterprise in a digital world

AI is but one of the many aspects that organizations need to incorporate or adhere to in order to maintain a robust cybersecurity posture. For a cybersecurity practice to be successful, organizations need to consider People, Process and Technology, and how each of these contributes to the overall security posture of the organization.



To help organizations better withstand and respond to cyberattacks and malware infections, here are five best practices that they can consider in improving their defense against cybersecurity threats:



Position cybersecurity as a digital transformation enabler: Disconnect between cybersecurity practices and digital transformation effort creates a lot of frustration for the employees. Cybersecurity is a requirement for digital transformation to guide and keep the company safe through its journey. Conversely, digital transformation presents an opportunity for cybersecurity practices to abandon aging practices to embrace new methods of addressing today’s risks;


Continue to invest in strengthening your security fundamentals: Over 90% of cyber incidents can be averted by maintaining the most basic best practices.  Maintaining strong passwords, conditional use of multi-factor authentication against suspicious authentications, keeping device operating systems, software and anti-malware protection up-to-date and genuine can rapidly raise the bar against cyberattacks. This should include not just tool-sets but also training and policies to support a stronger fundamental;


Maximize skills and tools by leveraging integrated best-of-suite tools. The best tools are useless in the hands of the amateur. Reduce the number of tools and the complexity of your security operations to allow your operators to hone their proficiency with the available tools. Prioritizing best-of-suite tools is a great way to maximize your risk coverage without the risk of introducing too many tools and complexity to the environment. This is especially true if tools within the suite are well-integrated to take advantage of their counterparts;


Assessment, review and continuous compliance: The organization should be in a continuous state of compliance. Assessments and reviews should be conducted regularly to test for potential gaps that may occur as the organization is rapidly transforming and address these gaps. The board should keep tab on not just compliance to industry regulations but also how the organization is progressing against security best practices; and


Leverage AI and automation to increase capabilities and capacity: With security capabilities in short supply, organizations need to look to automation and AI to improve the capabilities and capacity of their security operations. Current advancements in AI has shown a lot of promise, not just in raising detections that would otherwise be missed but also in reasoning over how the various data signals should be interpreted with recommended actions. Such systems have seen great success in cloud implementations where huge volumes of data can be processed rapidly. Ultimately, leveraging automation and AI can free up cybersecurity talents to focus on higher-level activities.


For more information on the study, please visit:

https://news.microsoft.com/apac/features/cybersecurity-in-asia/  ‎



To better understand the cyberthreats happening globally and in Asia Pacific, please download the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report Volume 23 here: https://info.microsoft.com/ww-landing-Security-Intelligence-Report-Vol-23-Landing-Page-eBook.html

My "Book Club" Review: Age is just a number at Book Club



If you are looking for a feel-good movie to watch with your mom or titas this week, then Book Club is for you.

It's a light and funny movie about four successful women in their 60s (grannies for you) who are all in search of something to complete their lives.

Diane (Diane Keaton) is recently widowed after 40 years of marriage, and her daughters worry about her being alone; Vivian (Jane Fonda) is still enjoying her singlehood and her men with no strings attached; Sharon (Candice Bergen) cant seem to move on from her decades-old divorce, while Carol (Mary Steenburgen) and her husband is having a bit of a cold spell after 35 years of marriage.

Its their Book Club that has kept them together all these years and their current book of choice the infamous "Fifty Shades of Grey" turn their lives upside down leading them into a series of outrageous events and life choices.



What I love about this movie is the appeal of its powerhouse cast led by Jane Fonda,( slim, fit and ageless)  Diane Keaton ( I love her men-wardrobe and style) Mary Steenburgen, (who still look fabulous after all these years) and Candice Bergen of the series Murphy Brown who all seem to be at their element, and everyone gets a chance to shine in their scenes.

The men in their lives were equally played well by actors Andy Garcia, yes the sexy Andy Garcia of The Godfather fame, who after all these years and despite his age still ooze of sex appeal. Don Johnson of the original Miami Vice,  Richard Dreyfuss, Craig Nelson and Ed Begley.

The film is directed by Bill Holderman.

Despite being a rom com and the funny banter of the women, there is actually this one particular scene that made me grab my hanky, It's when the song "Ill Do Anything For Love" (one of my favorite songs of all time) played and became a turning point for Mary Steenburgen and Craig Nelson. Its both sweet and I'm sure its one of the scenes you'll remember most.

If you are a fan of Alicia Silverstone. Then, you are in for a surprise too.

This is a fun and entertaining movie. Tag along your girlfriends, mother, titas or even your lolas with you . I promise you'll laugh out loud with them.





Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber inspire fans nationwide for the Tiktok "Talent ng Pilipino"




Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber kick off the contest with inspiring videos Tik Tok, the most downloaded iPhone app in the world, launched its first-ever talent contest in the Philippines on May 26.

The “Talent ng Pilipino” Audition provides young creators a platform to showcase their creativity, grow their fan base, and win cash prizes of up to Php50,000. Filipino stars Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber who inspired fans nationwide each started off a category of the talent contest.



Introduced in the summer of 2017, the audition has been the app’s tradition of inspiring young creators. It has been successfully held in Japan, India, Latin America, Europe, and United States for a dozen of times, with over 800,000 users participating from around the world.

To join the Audition, Filipino users are encouraged to create their fun and creative clips and upload it to Tik Tok under three categories using the following hashtags:

#tunogngpilipino: Participants must sing; while playing an instrument is a plus.
#sayawngpilipino: Participants can perform any types of dance.
#artengpilipino: Participants must shoot videos to show their acting chops; they have an option to upload their original music or sound.


Over the weekend, Edward and Maymay surprised their fans as they kicked off the #sayawngpilipino and #tunogngpilipino categories for Tik Tok’s “Talent ng Pilipino.”

Tik Tok creators can participate in multiple categories. Creators will need to repost their videos on Instagram and tag @tiktok_philippines and on Facebook and tag @Tik Tok Philippines with the respective hashtag of their chosen category to join the talent search.

Participants with the most likes will get the chance to win the following: 

- Best Participation Award: Every three days, Tik Tok will select the top 10 videos with the most likes among all the entries for the three categories. Selected entries will get surprising gifts from Tik Tok and an invitation to the Meet & Greet Party in Manila on June 24!

- Most Talented Award: Tik Tok will put a verified badge on accounts of the top 5 videos for each of the three categories. The 15 participants will also get Php20,000 each and will be invited as guests to the Meet & Greet Party in Manila on June 24!

- Pilipinong Patok Award: Tik Tok will give away Php30,000, Php20,000, and Php10,000 to the top 3 videos with the most likes on its official Instagram and Facebook. 

Maymay and Edward, known together as MayWard, encouraged Tik Tok users to join the contest. 

“Kung mahilig po kayo kumanta, sumayaw, o umarte, sali na po kayo sa Talent ng Pilipino! Magandang pagkakataon po ito para ipakita ang talento ninyo [If you are into singing, dancing, and acting, we are inviting you to join the Talent ng Pilipino! This is a great opportunity to showcase your talents],” Maymay said.

“We are inviting you all to download Tik Tok now if you haven’t yet so you can join Talent ng Pilipino,” Edward added.

Since its launch in 2016, Tik Tok has become a sensation worldwide. In fact, it was the most downloaded iPhone app in the first quarter of 2018. Tik Tok turns any smartphone into a mobile video studio by providing a series of editing tools, special effects, filters, and stickers. Users can directly shoot and edit their videos within the app to achieve professional effects.

Every day millions of videos are uploaded to the Tik Tok platform from all around the globe. It has developed into a video community with an increasingly diversified content ranging across singing, dancing, comedy, skills shooting, talent shows, and many other original performances.



Monday, May 28, 2018

Metrobank was recognized Best Service Provider – Supply Chain – Rising Star in the Philippines.



At the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong, the world’s best banks gathered for The Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain and Risk Management Awards 2018 Dinner, where Metrobank was recognized as Best Service Provider – Supply Chain – Rising Star in the Philippines.



Metrobank’s First Vice President Christian Paul Philippe D. Orlino received the award, which is given to banks that are seen to be capable partners in structuring tailor-made supply chain or financing programs to dealers and suppliers.

“It’s an honor that our efforts in improving supply chain processes and technologies are recognized,” Orlino said. “Metrobank is always aiming to innovate and evolve its procedures and methods of doing business. It’s one of the reasons why we’re one of the leading banks in the country,” he continued.

The Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain and Risk Management Awards are industry excellence recognitions awarded annually to companies and financial institutions that have launched or helped implement initiatives in corporate treasury management, trade finance, supply chain and risk management.



OPPO F7 Youth available for pre-order starting May 28






OPPO Ph recently launches OPPO F7 Youth,  a midrange smartphone with top-notch performance, the F7 Youth is equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology and inherited the same Helio P60 Octa-Core processor that is 80% faster than current smartphones in its price range, while maintaining 4GB RAM for multitasking and 64GB of storage,  at an affordable price of Php13,990. It is available for pre-order starting May 28.


 The F7 Youth is a more affordable option to consumers who prefer to experience the latest smartphone features at an affordable price of Php13,990.






Upping the photography game, redefining selfies
The OPPO F7 Youth’s front camera carries the A.I. Beauty Technology 2.0 that the OPPO F7 takes pride in. Likened to a personal beauty artist right at the user’s fingertips, this technology analyzes a person’s features and beautifies each of them with OPPO’s improved facial optimization feature. Its rear camera, on the other hand, comes equipped with 13 megapixels and A.I. Scene Recognition which processes 16 different scenarios being shot in real time, and works to capture the ideal balance of brightness, exposure, color, and contrast. The camera also allows a depth-of-field effect highlighting the main subject for more impressive-looking photos.

Designed with sophistication
Representing today’s youth with passion and care for style, the F7 Youth is built to be slim and stylish. Produced with the latest manufacturing and polishing process, the F7 Youth is available in two stunning colors of Solar Red and the special Diamond Black. The Diamond Black cover displays unique triangular-cut patterns that shimmer as they catch light, producing an elegant output like a well-cut diamond.

More than form, the F7 Youth also caters to function with its 6.0-inch FHD+ screen which gives users a highly immersive viewing experience. With its bezels reduced to a razor-thin 1.98mm, the display is maximized while keeping the whole device compact and lightweight for a comfortable, one-hand grip.

Combining power and ease of use
Not just beauty on the outside, but also powerful on the inside. The F7 Youth’s screen comes with much-improved navigation shortcuts to operate each app more quickly and conveniently. And because the device knows the owner so well, it can identify his or her face with its A.I. Recognition Technology and use it to protect the smartphone with its speedy facial unlock function.

Powering the F7 Youth is the world’s first 12nm A.I. processor to make each task work at peak efficiency, resulting up to 80% faster processing power than previous smartphones. It is also backed up by a massive 4GB RAM for effortless multitasking and app-switching, while its 64GB ROM (expandable up to 256GB) will give you substantial storage for the user’s favorite content. Its large 3,410mAh battery, complemented by a smart A.I. battery management system, ensures 15 hours of continuous usage for a whole day of charge.




The OPPO F7 Youth is the newest member of our feature packed smartphones in our lineup. It brings together today’s best and latest features in a smartphone and yet maintaining a very attractive price point.” OPPO Philippines’ Public Relations Manager Eason de Guzman said. “We expect that this will be positively received especially among the younger, digitally savvy market because of its high value for money. With this new variant, OPPO shows its commitment in capturing the true beauty of every individual and being the ideal partner for their technology-driven lifestyle.”

Pre-order Details
Retailing for only PHP 13,990.00, the OPPO F7 Youth will be accepting pre-orders in all OPPO authorized stores nationwide from May 28 until June 1, 2018. Customers who avail of the pre-order will be entitled to a free Olike Magic Music Lamp bluetooth speaker. Additionally, the OPPO F7 Youth can also be availed via Home Credit in 6 months 0% interest, or via 6 months 0% interest credit card installment.

For  more information on OPPO’s exciting products and activities, like OPPO Philippines’ official Facebook page (link) and follow @OPPOPhilippines on Twitter and Instagram.


OPPO Philippines’ Brand Marketing Director Jane Wan and Public Relations Manager Eason de Guzman showcase the stylish, powerful, and affordable OPPO F7 Youth.


At only PHP 13,990.00, the OPPO F7 Youth offers unrivalled value for money with the latest Artificial Intelligence technology and top-notch performance, photography, and design

Sunday, May 27, 2018

10 Ways to Keep your Gut Healthy and Happy





The world’s leading1 digestive health products— Essentiale Forte P and Dulcolax— join hands in a campaign to make our digestive systems happier and healthier. Together, the two brands take action on World Digestive Health Day on May 29th, reminding people about the importance of keeping their digestive system happy and healthy.

So how do you keep your gut healthy and happy? Let us count the ways;

1. Junk the junk. Avoid eating processed foods (chips, cold cuts), breads and pastas.

2. Go for gold. Probiotic foods feed the good bacteria in your digestive tract. So what should you go for? A plant-based diet would be good. If not, make sure you have more nuts and seeds in your diet. Check out pistachios, bananas, garlic, onion, wheat, oats, quinoa, millet and chia.

3. Avoid unnecessary drinking of antibiotics. Taking antibiotics may have a negative effect on the bacteria and other microbes living in your intestines. Antibiotics may kill healthy bacteria. Before taking antibiotics, ask your doctor questions about then and do some research. Get a second opinion if possible and don’t self-medicate.

4. Keep your liver in check. Instead of steaks and fried chicken, opt for taking in less fats from your food as these can lead to having too much fat stored in the liver. A fatty liver is a sign of an unhealthy digestive system and will affect your entire health. Keep your liver in check with Essentiale Forte P. It contains essential phospholipids that repair damaged liver cell membrane, regenerate lost phospholipids and restore normal functions of the liver3, keeping your liver healthy for a happy digestive system.

5. Take a good probiotic. Probiotics are micro-organisms that provide health benefits when consumed. Probiotics help with digestion and stimulate the immune system. They rebuild intestinal flora for better digestive health for kids. It also stops diarrhea symptoms and addresses other intestinal issues. Consult your doctor to learn more about the benefits of Probiotics!




1 Nicolas Hall Global OTC Database, DB6, 2016

2 Krisha McCoy medically reviewed by Lynn Grieger RDN, 10 Tips for Better Digestive Health, https://www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/tips-for-better-digestive-health/ [accessed May 11, 2018] and James Colquhoun, 7 Habits Harming Your Gut Health, https://www.foodmatters.com/article/7-habits-harming-your-gut-health [accessed May 11, 2018]
3  Gunderman K, Kuenker A, Kuntz E, Drozdzik M. Pharmacological Reports 2011;63:643-659



6. Water is important. Hydration is the key to having a healthy digestive system. Constipation is often the result of dehydration in the colon. Drinking at least 8 16-oz glasses of water a day will ensure that your stool will be soft and easy to pass.

7. Taking a laxative helps. Frequent constipation is a sign that your digestive system is in poor health. If you haven’t moved your bowels in days, don’t just suffer. Dulcolax® stimulates bowel movement and softens hard dry stool to treat constipation and other bowel irregularities. Dulcolax, the world’s No. 1 laxative4, ensures you have a happy tummy ensures that you’ll have a happy tummy in the morning.

8. You’ve got to move it. Regular exercises like brisk walking or running will get things moving, so to speak. Allot at least 10 minutes a day to exercise. Make it 15 mins daily if you can.

9. Chill, don’t stress. Your work life is stressful enough; find time to chill and relax. Don’t bring work home. Find little pockets of relaxation throughout the day. For instance, when it gets to be too much, do some breathing exercises for a few minutes. Stress can affect the health of your digestive system.

10. Get enough sleep. If eight hours of sleep is not doable, make sure you get six hours every night. Lack of sleep can cause gas and poor digestion.



If you build and maintain a healthy and happy digestive system, your quality of life will be better, too. If you skip the bad habits and embrace the good ones, you will have less health issues and a healthier, happier life! Make sure you regularly consult your doctor if you feel any symptoms.




Catch Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom at IMAX, Director’s Club and SM Cinema branches nationwide starting June 6



For the Jurassic fans kids and kid-at heart. SM Cinema recently launched the Reel-to-Real Experience, the largest film exhibitor in the country,  the Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom interactive exhibit in SM City North EDSA The Block Atrium.

The interactive exhibit features dinosaur displays and the nest of Owen’s lead raptor Blue. The Jurassic World IQ of the guests were also put into test through the dino games and quizzes, and top scorers received exclusive Jurassic World prizes!




Movie goers can enjoy films beyond the big screen through exciting life-like interactive exhibits and engaging activities. With this, SM Cinema makes movies come to life and enables movie goers to enjoy the full cinematic experience, from on-screen to on-ground, and online.

See the dinos of Jurassic World through this exhibit at SM City North EDSA The Block Atrium on May 25 – June 10, SM City Fairview on June 14 – June 21, SM BF Paranaque on June 28 – July 8 and at SM City Clark on July 12 – July 22.

Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinos while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.



 Book your tickets now through the new website, www.smcinema.com or for an even more convenient experience, download the SM Cinema app now through the App Store and Google Play.  You may also follow /SMCinema on Facebook and @SM_Cinema on Instagram for more information! 

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Paul Marazzi joins original band mates with #A1ReunionTourMNL on October




The much-awaited reunion of well-loved 90s band A1 is finally happening! This time, fans will surely be thrilled as Paul Marazzi joins his original band mates Ben Adams, Mark Read, and Christian Ingebrigtsen for the British-Norwegian band’s 20th Anniversary “Reunion” Tour 2018. The band is scheduled to hold a concert on the 21st of October 2018 at Kia Theatre, Araneta Center, Quezon City.



Ben, Mark, and Christian expressed their excitement on having Paul back on stage with them:

“We're unbelievably excited that Paul will be joining us again and bringing the original line up of A1 together for the very first time in nearly 15 years, as we approach the 20th Anniversary of when we released our 1st single & album Here we Come. There was always an amazing dynamic and energy when the four of us performed together. So what better place to bring that magic back than to the part of the world that has always embraced us with such incredible love and support, South East Asia, more specifically, the Philippines, Indonesia & Singapore. We absolutely cannot wait to see our friends and fans over there once again and bring them a show that will remind us of all the great times we had together. It will surely be a show to remember and not to be missed.”



Paul, who left the band in 2002 due to personal reasons, likewise conveyed his thoughts on the reunion tour. He said, “This time 20 years ago i was just starting out on an amazing journey that would take me to all four corners of the earth.  I was lucky enough to see some amazing places and meet some very kind and wonderful people too.  I can’t think of anywhere better to continue this journey once again than to South East Asia and what better company than my old friends Mark, Ben and Christian.  I have so many fond memories of my time there and feel so privileged to be able to visit once again.  See you all soon.”


A1 had their first breakthrough in the UK in 1999 with a collection of hit singles from their debut album. They went on to have international Top 10 and number 1 hits like Caught in The Middle, Same Old Brand New You, their cover of the A-Ha classic Take On Me, Everytime, and Heaven by Your Side.

The band also achieved huge success in the UK, Europe and across Asia, including a Brit Award for ‘Best British Breakthrough Act’ in 2001. A1 has accumulated over 10 million record sales worldwide.

Originally a quartet, A1 enjoyed success from late 90s to early 2000s. The band has formed a bond that they decided to get together seven years after their split and represent Norway for “2010 Eurovision Song Contest” with Don’t Wanna Lose You Again.

In February 2012, A1 performed with Blue and Jeff Timmons of 98 Degrees in “The Greatest Hits Tour,” which took them to Singapore, Philippines and Indonesia. They loved their two-week stay and charity work here that they held a benefit show in November for the underprivileged kids of Cebu.

The following year, A1 appeared in the TV documentary The Big Reunion along with Blue, Five, Damage, 3T, 911, Girl Thing, and 5th Story, and went on a UK tour. The boys also worked on their album and released “Waiting for Daylight” and “Rediscovered” in UK in June 2015.

A1 fell in love with the Philippines and a two-night comeback concert in Manila and Cebu was held in October 2016.

Presented for the second time by Concert Republic, A1's 20th Anniversary “Reunion” Tour will be held at the Kia Theatre on October 21, 2018 (Sunday, 8PM).

Tickets will go on sale starting Friday, June 1, 2018 at 12 noon, available at all TicketNet outlets or log on to Ticketnet.com.ph or call (02) 911-5555 for more details.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Complete 7-Eleven’s #SlurpeeSummerHitSong to win a trip to Siargao, Bohol, Cebu or Palawan



Your next summer destination is waiting for you!


“’Eto na ang summer na hinihintay, ‘eto na ang summer na hinihintay… ‘Eto na ang summer ___________ naghihintay….” 

With its catchy beats and lyrics, the Slurpee Summer Hit Song of 7-Eleven will surely give you major LSS! Jam with your favorite OPM bands —  Gracenote, Autotelic, and December Avenue, and complete the song’s open-ended lyrics to win a summer vacation trip!



The mechanics are simple! All you need to do is complete the Slurpee Summer Hit Song’s open-ended lyrics (catch it playing in 7-Eleven stores or on Spotify) by purchasing special 22oz Slurpee Cups featuring cool summer destinations such as Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, and Palawan.

For non-CLiQQ users, your receipt will be the official raffle entry. Be sure to write your name, address, contact number and signature at the back of the receipt and drop it in the Slurpee Summer Hit Song dropbox. For CLiQQ users, have your CLiQQ barcode scanned to get an e-raffle entry. No need to sweat it out as you now have a chance to travel to your dream destination with just these simple steps!






The destination with the most number of cups bought will be the winning destination. Four (4) lucky winners, two from the physical raffle and two from the e-raffle, will be drawn from the pool of customers who chose the winning destination. The raffle winners can then choose their preferred destination (Cebu, Bohol, Siargao, or Palawan) and tag along two of their friends for an all-expense paid* barkada summer getaway.

So, what are you waiting for? Go to the nearest 7-Eleven store and complete the open-ended song that could earn you and your barkada a ticket to an unforgettable summer adventure! Visit 7-Eleven Facebook page for more details.

The promo runs from April 25 - June 6, 2018, and is available at all 7-Eleven stores with Slurpee.

*Prize includes Round Trip Airfare, and Hotel Accommodation for Three (3) Days and Two (2) Nights.


"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...