Filipina-Japanese Wrestler Fights for Yolanda Victims.

Fil-Japanese pro wrestler Syuri Kondo  invades Manila:    This young, vibrant beauty is ready to rumble.

Wrestling is a popular combat sport in Japan and the US that through the years has also enjoyed immense following in the Philippines. But while there are many wrestling fans in the Philippines, the sport itself is not played professionally in the country.

Japanese-Filipino lookerSyuri Kondo is determined to change the landscape of the local combat sports arena by introducing professional wrestling in the country of her mother’s origin. Simply known by her first name Syuri and by her ring name KG, Syuri Kondo is no newbie in the art of wrestling in her homeland Japan. A professional wrestler, shoot boxer and kickboxer, Syuri currently plays for the Wrestling New Classic (WNC) promotion, where she is in her second reign as the WNC Women’s Champion.

Additional feathers to her cap include her distinguished work for WNC’s two predecessors, namely Smash where Syuri emerged as the final Smash Diva Champion and Hustle where she started her career by the sobriquet KG (which stands for Karate Girl). As a kickboxer, Syuri is affiliated with the Krush promotion where she represents the Vos Gym training camp.

However, Syuri’s heart presently belongs to wrestling. Tipping the scale at 5’4 ½”, the 24-year-old Syuri once worked as a model for fashion magazines and as a movie bit player after her high school graduation. Fate led her to professional wrestling after passing an audition for Hustle in 2008. Reaping success instantly, Syuri remained with Hustle, going against male wrestlers most of the time as a novelty due to the lack of female wrestlers in the promotion, until it ceased operations in late 2009.

Syuri then joined a new promotion called Smash using the one-word ring name Syuri. Not one to give up after three consecutive losses, Syuri went up against a formidable opponent named Kana on June 25, 2009 in the main event of Smash.4. As it turned out, Syuri did not only end her losing streak but also scored the biggest win of her career as a professional wrestler. In the years that followed, Syuri consistently proved her might and vigor as the next big joshi player.

After retiring the Smash Diva Championship in 2012, Syuri became part of the roster of the promotion that followed Smash called Wrestling New Classic (WNC). On November 18, WNC and Reina Women’s World Championship announced that Syuri had signed a dual contract with the two promotions making her the first female wrestler to hold such a contract and distinction.

With Syuri’s fame and influence, Reina Women’s World Championship hopes to establish a professional wrestling promotion in Syuri’s mother’s native country, the Philippines. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of its founding this year, Reina Women’s World Championship has had a long-standing relationship with the Philippines. “We have started working on a project that aims to establish a training center for professional wrestling in the Philippines,” relates Ankei (Riki) Tamashiro, President of Reina Women’s World Championship.

On January 25, 2014, that dream will finally materialize with the first wrestling tournament in the country to be held at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City under the Reina Women’s World Championship promotion. And Syuri Kondo, with her signature moves like double-knee backbreaker, half-hatch suplex, multiple kick variations, Hurricanrana, running knee strike, will headline the said wrestling tournament which qualifies her as the perfect poster girl for the promotion of professional wrestling in the Philippines.

A young woman of many talents, Syuri has dabbled in music, working with the female singing group Apple Tale on a collaboration called “Apple Tale with Syuri” that released its debut album, “ChouzetsuOtome: MushaShugyou Hen” on January 13, 2012. In 2013, Syuri came up with her first gravure DVD entitled “Watashi.”

With her triumphs in wrestling and other combat sports, Syuri Kondo may strike you as a tough cookie. Her winsome, sweetheart looks and lovely complexion do not give hints that she is, at heart, a champion professional wrestler. But there is so much more to love about Syuri Kondo, which includes her giving nature and compassionate heart.

Proof of that are her efforts, with the support and guidance of Reina Women’s World Championship Philippines, to extend help and donation to the victims of super typhoon Yolanda in the country of birth of Syuri’s mother Susana Ishimura. The Ceremony of Donation was held on November 30, 2014 at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria which would then be delivered to Rotary Club Southern Pampanga District 3790.

Syuri Kondo serves as an inspiration to women all over the world to make something great out of their passions in life. In so doing, it is most likely that even what is deemed improbable will be achieved.    

GCASH REACHES OUT TO BUSINESSES AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.

GCASH, the flagship mobile commerce service operated by G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), a wholly-owned mobile commerce subsidiary of Globe Telecom, Inc. is set to expand its network in the country by growing its user base with a partnership with TORCHe Global Marketing, Inc. (TGMI), a marketing consultancy firm focused on helping companies reach out to the widest possible consumer base through the latest technologies in mobile commerce and advertising.

With the agreement, GCASH will now be offered to TGMI affiliate companies and organizations such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Franchise Corporation of the Philippines (FranCorp), among others.

GCASH services that will be made available for use of TGMI affiliates include the PowerPay+ Card which is a funds disbursement service linked to a Globe/TM SIM offered to organizations that traditionally disburse via cash and check, the Buy Load service which enables GCash users to become load re-sellers by buying airtime load using GCash with as much as 10% rebate, and GCash outlets which are locations that potential entrepreneurs can set up to accept GCash users who would like to convert their regular cash to GCash and vice-versa, and a soon to be released payment solution that will enable business owners to accept credit card payments without the need for a traditional bank-issued POS terminal.

“With our partnership with TORCHe Global Marketing, Inc., we are expanding GCASH to reach more users and business who can directly benefit from an easy, hassle-free, and secure platform for money transfer services. This will allow business establishments and affiliations to operate more efficiently and enjoy our innovative product portfolio,” expressed Paolo Baltao, GXI President.

“It is our privilege to partner with GCASH for this meaningful business opportunity. We are confident that GCASH’s roster of services will further business transactions as well as financial services in the country,” said Atty. Miguel Varela, Chairman of TORCHe Global Marketing, Inc.

Since its creation in October 2004, GXI has reached soaring heights of over 1 million subscribers by creating relevant solutions that cater to a wide range of customer needs. Among these are Send Money - a method of sending money from one GCash subscriber to another; Buy Load - a cost effective way of purchasing airtime load without visiting an outlet; Pay Bills, a convenient way to settle bills with over 80 partners including Meralco, Manila Water, Globe Postpaid, Metrobank, and HSBC; Donate, a hassle free method of helping out through our partner institutions like Red Cross and GCash American Express Virtual Card, a unique and innovative solution that empowers subscribers to purchase goods and apps from U.S. sites like Amazon.com without the frills of having a credit card.

TGMI was formed primarily with Philippine Chamber of Commerce (PCCI) and Franchise Corporation of the Philippines (FRANCORP) to leverage on its capability to reach out and directly serve these organization’s members and affiliates with products in the petrol, telecommunications, financial, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals industries. TGMI aims to expand the scope and variety of services and products that will bring consumers and merchants closer to each other.

For more information on GCash, visit globe.com.ph/gcash.

Goldilocks Reaches 400th Store Milestone.

On an otherwise typical summer day – May 15, 1966 – two enterprising sisters and their sister-in-law opened a small bakeshop on a 70 square meter space along Pasong Tamo Street. Milagros Leelin-Yee, Clarita Leelin-Go, and Doris Wilson-Leelin had a simple set-up: two display cases, ten employees, and family members pitching in to help mix ingredients. The store was called “Goldilocks”, and true to its storybook namesake, it would establish a fairytale of its own.

Indeed, almost five decades later, Goldilocks is now the largest Filipino-owned bakeshop chain in the world.  More impressively, generations of Filipinos consider it not only as a brand, but a time-honored family tradition. As the company approaches its 50th year in the Philippines, Goldilocks continues to strengthen its position as a genuine Filipino Icon. Just recently, it added another impressive milestone to its long list of achievements by opening its 400th local store in Davao.

“Goldilocks has such a rich and storied heritage; now our legacy is being passed on to future generations, covering a wider scope,” affimed Goldilocks Marketing Director Pinky Yee. “Part of this is our continued focus on nationwide expansion, with a particular emphasis on areas outside Metro Manila,” she added. Evidently, this strategy has been highly successful, with the number of Goldilocks stores in the Philippines more than doubling in the past ten years (120% increase).

Yee likewise shared that this remarkable expansion has been greatly driven by the company’s franchising program. “We have been so fortunate to partner with highly motivate entrepreneurs who share the ideals and values of Goldilocks,” she explained. “Almost half of our stores are franchisees, with 60% of them being multi-unit owners. In fact, store number 400 here in Davao is a franchise.”

With 400 local stores (not to mention 24 branches in key cities in North America, and nine outlets in Bangkok, Thailand), iconic status, and unrivalled products, what can possibly remain in store for the bakeshop giant? “There’s always a way to serve our customers better, and you can rest assured that Goldilocks will find a way to continue discovering them,” Yee stated. “Looking forward, we will continue to pursue our company vision with determination and integrity – for Goldilocks to be the leading Filipino global brand, that will fulfill changing customer needs through world-class products and services,” she concluded.

Tiendesitas, the New Shopping Haven in Pasig

Tiendesitas reopens in time for holiday shopping

Twice as big with twice as many lifestyle retailers

Manila, Philippines—Ortigas & Co.’s well-loved shopping and family entertainment destination, Tiendesitas reopens its first building this November to offer twice as much space and twice as many dining, retail, and lifestyle picks in time for the holidays.

The undisputed haven for unique Filipino finds has been drawing local and foreign shoppers since 2005, with its 30,000 square meter space dedicated to seven retail categories or “villages” and its unique brand of week-night and weekend entertainment.

“We see the upcoming holidays as an opportune time to reopen and to provide amenities such as wider aisles, elevators, escalators, and additional parking slots. Our shoppers will also be glad to know that we have made the retail area fully air-conditioned. To our shoppers, entering the brand new building promises a more exciting and leisurely shopping experience,” says Cathy Casares-Ko, General Manager of the Shopping Center Division, Ortigas & Co.

The village remodeled

The spanking new Fashion Village, which is the first of three to rise between 2013 to 2016, now stands two floors high, with 12,300 square meters of retail space, 113 additional basement parking slots, and 250 new tenants.

Upon completion of the next two buildings, Tiendesitas would have a total of 35,000 square meters of retail space divided into nine retail categories: food, pet, entertainment, general merchandise, handicrafts, fashion, antiques, novelties, and the people’s village.

In spite of the modern amenities, Tiendesitas maintains its distinct charm through a novel execution of Maranao architectural elements as seen in its pavilion, and matching it with an indoor-outdoor feel through high ceilings and the provision of balconies.

Excitement in every find

“The new tenants that have joined us recently do not disappoint in terms of delivering one of a kind products,” adds Ko.

From an assortment of collectibles at Ram Eisley, quirky items and furniture at The Stockroom, apparel at H&B, Link, and Blusa, up to wellness and cosmetic products at GiGA and Props Tools and Cosmetics, new stores have added zest to an already flavorful mix of old-timers, who have made Tiendesitas the stunning retail stop that it is now.

Tiendesitas is the anchor of the 18.5-hectare interim development Frontera Verde, which also houses SM Hypermarket, Fun Ranch, Ark Avilon, Transcom Center, a Shell Gas Station, and a planned 6-building Knowledge Process Outsourcing Campus Development, Silver City.

Frontera Verde is owned and managed by premier property developer Ortigas & Co.—the same company behind Circulo Verde, Capitol Commons, Greenhills Shopping Center and the Greenhills Subdivisions, Greenmeadows, and Valle Verde.

For more information visit www.Tiendesitas.com.ph.Tiendesitas reopens in time for holiday shopping

Twice as big with twice as many lifestyle retailers

Manila, Philippines—Ortigas & Co.’s well-loved shopping and family entertainment destination, Tiendesitas reopens its first building this November to offer twice as much space and twice as many dining, retail, and lifestyle picks in time for the holidays.

The undisputed haven for unique Filipino finds has been drawing local and foreign shoppers since 2005, with its 30,000 square meter space dedicated to seven retail categories or “villages” and its unique brand of week-night and weekend entertainment.

“We see the upcoming holidays as an opportune time to reopen and to provide amenities such as wider aisles, elevators, escalators, and additional parking slots. Our shoppers will also be glad to know that we have made the retail area fully air-conditioned. To our shoppers, entering the brand new building promises a more exciting and leisurely shopping experience,” says Cathy Casares-Ko, General Manager of the Shopping Center Division, Ortigas & Co.

The village remodeled

The spanking new Fashion Village, which is the first of three to rise between 2013 to 2016, now stands two floors high, with 12,300 square meters of retail space, 113 additional basement parking slots, and 250 new tenants.

Upon completion of the next two buildings, Tiendesitas would have a total of 35,000 square meters of retail space divided into nine retail categories: food, pet, entertainment, general merchandise, handicrafts, fashion, antiques, novelties, and the people’s village.

In spite of the modern amenities, Tiendesitas maintains its distinct charm through a novel execution of Maranao architectural elements as seen in its pavilion, and matching it with an indoor-outdoor feel through high ceilings and the provision of balconies.

Excitement in every find

“The new tenants that have joined us recently do not disappoint in terms of delivering one of a kind products,” adds Ko.

From an assortment of collectibles at Ram Eisley, quirky items and furniture at The Stockroom, apparel at H&B, Link, and Blusa, up to wellness and cosmetic products at GiGA and Props Tools and Cosmetics, new stores have added zest to an already flavorful mix of old-timers, who have made Tiendesitas the stunning retail stop that it is now.

Tiendesitas is the anchor of the 18.5-hectare interim development Frontera Verde, which also houses SM Hypermarket, Fun Ranch, Ark Avilon, Transcom Center, a Shell Gas Station, and a planned 6-building Knowledge Process Outsourcing Campus Development, Silver City.

Frontera Verde is owned and managed by premier property developer Ortigas & Co.—the same company behind Circulo Verde, Capitol Commons, Greenhills Shopping Center and the Greenhills Subdivisions, Greenmeadows, and Valle Verde.

For more information visit www.Tiendesitas.com.ph.

Guerilla Race- Finish the Race or Die Trying!

CONQUER AND OVERCOME THE FIRST TRUENORTH GUERILLA RACE

Step up in the face of adversity and put your strength, stamina, mental spirit, and resilience to the test in the country’s first obstacle-driven TrueNorth Guerilla Race happening this December.

Developed by a Philippines Army scout ranger, the race will push you to the limit and get you out of your comfort zone with a battery of obstacles set in mud, fire and water. Crossing the finish line will be a testament to your personal drive, determination, and will to conquer any challenge that is put in front of you.

On December 15, 2013 at Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the gun goes off at 6am on the TrueNorth Guerilla Race, and runners from all walks of life will display their fighting spirit to conquer and endure. Our motto: “Finish the race…or die trying.”

Armed with an arsenal of tough obstacles, there will be water, fire, mud, barbed wire, high walls, pipe crawls and the occasional crazy challenge set to catch runners off guard and leave them dumb-founded. But as with all challenges, a helping hand will be needed. So to overcome 8 foot walls and make your way through underground mud tunnels, camaraderie amongst runners will be the key to success.

For those who will throw their bodies into the progressive trail, 1,000 timing chips will be on hand to record your movement.

So if you like to push yourself to the limit, or feel that you have what it takes to take on the extreme, then the TrueNorth Guerilla Race is for you!

To register, visit ROX located at Bonifacio HighStreet. Or register online via www.guerilla-race.com

For more details visit the Guerilla Race Facebook page, www.facebook.com/GuerillaRace; follow Guerilla Race on Twitter www.twitter.com/guerilla_race; or e-mail us at guerillaracephils@gmail.com

The TrueNorth Guerilla Race is organized by TrueNorth training camps and DSTV.

DSTV is a cable channel of the department of defense.

Standing: Sean Paler of True North Training Camp, Guerilla Race Organizers General Victor Ibrado, Consultant Col Dennis Bumanglag, Gen. Abner Cabalquinto, and DSTV's Norman Castillo.

Caption from left: Guerilla Race Organizers General Victor Ibrado, Sean Paler of True North Training Camp, Gen. Abner Cabalquinto, and DSTV's Norman Castillo.

Guy speaking on the microphone: Guerilla Race Consultant Col Dennis Bumanglag.

ETC MOVES TO SBN-21 STARTING NOVEMBER 30

ETC MOVES TO SBN-21 STARTING NOVEMBER 30
November 21, 2013 - Solar Entertainment Corporation (SEC) announces a new channel assignment for its leading youth channel, ETC.  Starting November 30, 2013 ETC can be seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, and Cable Link Ch. 34.

With the move, SEC has laid down plans to boost the reach of ETC to viewers. According to SEC’s Chief Technology Officer Ralph Joseph S. Roy, by early next year a new state-of-the-art analog/ digital 60KW transmitter will be built for the channel. Running at a higher capacity and with a higher elevation, this looks to boost ETC’s reach to viewers in Mega Manila by 30 percent. For the rest of the country transmitters will go up in key areas such as Bacolod, Cebu, Zamboanga, Davao, and Legazpi.

From Monday to Saturday, ETC offers viewers the hottest and latest shows and episode’s straight from the United States. Stay up to date in the world of entertainment with the channel’s vast lineup of Match-Airing titles that include: award-winning musical Glee, hilarious sitcom’s New Girl and Super Fun Night, supernatural drama’s The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Ravenswood, and Beauty and the Beast, and the colorful 80’s teen drama The Carrie Diaries.

This coming 2014 the channel is working on airing more of its popular series day and date with the U.S. just like the airing of its hit show Glee that ETC airs via satellite.

Adding to ETC’s Match-Airing line-up in January is the return of the mystery-thriller Pretty Little Liars, and the long-running reality singing-competition American Idol.  Also joining the channel in 2014 is the period drama Reign, which follows the early years of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the sci-fi romance drama Star-Crossed that tells the story of a relationship between a human girl and an alien boy. Viewers can look forward to more big movies under the channel’s movie block “ETC Flix” including Bridesmaids, Crazy Stupid Love, and The Devil Wears Prada.

As ETC embarks on a stronger reach on the airwaves, they also look to conquering online too. Fans of the channel can log onto http://www.blink-now.com to watch ETC’s free live streaming on a computer, with mobile services being rolled out in the coming months for even more ways to watch.

Starting November 30, 2013 ETC is seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, Cable Link Ch. 34 and various cable operators nationwide.

Make a HIPP choice, go organic.

Choose Organic

As a parent, there’s nothing you want more than to provide for your child’s health and happiness. Choosing to give your little one the right kind of nutrition early on can go a long way towards giving them a good start in life.

Inspired by the benefits of nature, HiPP Organic Kindermilk is specially formulated using only the finest organic milk. HiPP is one of the leading baby food companies in Europe, with nutrition expertise going back 50 years. They exercise the strictest tests in every stage of production, ensuring that the product remains pure and free from unwanted chemicals. Their special Organic Formula is Certified Organic by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) and by the European Union (EU).

HiPP Organic Kindermilk, which will soon be available in the Philippines, is the ideal complement to a child’s diet from 3 years onwards. It contains natural Omega-3 to promote brain development, calcium and Vitamin D to help strengthen bones, galacto-oligosaccharides to aid digestion, and other vitamins and minerals crucial for the growth and development of your child.

Only the best from nature will do for HiPP, and only the best formula will do for your child. Choose organic.

ITS A ZOMBIELAND OUT THERE AT MAKATI AFTER DARK.

MAKATI AFTER DARK: RUN & SURVIVE HALLOWFEST

Halloween’s Biggest Street Festival

On October 31, Halloween night, hordes of the undead will rise and party with the living as J.R. Usi Presents-- MAKATI AFTER DARK: RUN & SURVIVE HALLOWFEST-- the grandest and most exciting Halloween party of the year.

It is a zombieland out there in Makati, prepare to be chased by zombies and walkers alike as you run after side by side, this is a once in a lifetime event as hordes of  zombies from all walks of life will join you celebrate the holloween.

With 3,000 zombies in a “FANTASY RUN” designed and directed to feel like a movie set, the run promises to give participants the most thrilling experience right at the heart of Makati’s financial business district.

Coinciding with the FANTASY RUN is an ALL-NIGHT STREET FESTIVAL adjacent to the race course featuring several TOP LOCAL BANDS, DJ’s, CAR SHOW, GTMACCON PINOY KOMIKS and COSPLAYERS CONVENTION, MERCATO CENTRALE FOOD FEST, and several other side pocket events to keep you up ‘til sunrise!

The Halloween Fest has already received the endorsement of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay as well as the Makati Tourism Office. “MAKATI AFTER DARK is an event that can greatly help promote Makati as a top events destination that will attract more local and foreign visitors to the city.”

On his part, promoter J.R. Usi said, “Makati, has always been the preferred venue for pioneering events, whether its fashion, food, arts and culture—and even for some advocacy and political rallies—making it the perfect place to launch our “After Dark” series.”

Beyond the festivities, however, the underlying advocacy of Makati After Dark is to gather funds for the displaced families affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol and Cebu. “We’ve all seen the damage and how the calamity has affected its residents, especially the children that is why we will be donating part of the proceeds in the relief efforts, we hope this would greatly help them recover and return to their normal lives,” Usi explained.

CONCERT PERFORMERS

Headlining the bands that will be performing at MAKATI AFTER DARK are CALLALILY, SANDWICH, 6CYCLEMIND, CHICOSCI, GRACENOTE, MOONSTAR 88, and several other surprise guests—each one promising to perform their biggest hits and newest songs.

In addition, a separate DJ setup will also be in place for those who’d rather dance the night away with other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance and join in the festivities.

HALLOWEEN “FIESTAVAL”

Foodies are also in for a treat as MERCATO CENTRALE will be holding one of its biggest Food Bazaars at the venue and will offer party goers a wide array of choices that will satisfy all your cravings.

See coolest and sleekest cars in a special CAR SHOW that will showcase some of the most pimped out rides, exotic cars and numerous high-end custom cars.

Kicking off the festivities will be GTMACCON 3 Pre-Event where Pinoy Komiks artists and Pinoy Komiks Cosplayers can meet and interact with their fans.

Other side events include Zombie Movie Marathons, street performers such magicians, stilt-walkers, mimes, fire breathers, dancers, exciting LAN Games and many more.

Visit www.makatiafterdark.com for more information and sign up either as part of the Human Survivors or be among Zombie Horde. Registration Fee of Php1,000 includes souvenir event shirt, race bib, life belt, swag bag with Halloween treats, event wrist tag, and access to Hallow Fest event grounds. Registration centers are located at TOBYS ARENA GLORIETTA 2, TOBYS ARENA SM MOA, TOBYS SPORTS SHANGRI-LA MALL, and RUNNR TRINOMA. For non-runners entrance to the Festival Grounds, concerts and Hallow Fest is only P500. Tickets are now available at Ticketworld Outlets and at the venue.

Like Facebook.com/makatiafterdark. Follow them on Twitter @makatiafterdark and share your photos on Instagram: makatiafterdark and use the hashtag #makatiafterdark

***

About J.R. Usi Presents

John Richard Usi a.k.a. J.R. Usi is a Filipino-American based in Las Vegas, Nevada and Los Angeles, California. His vast experience in the U.S. mainstream entertainment industry as a promoter and booking agent has allowed him to establish solid personal relationships with some of the top celebrities and musical performers in Hollywood.

                                                                                                                                      

Makati After Dark is the first in a series of grand outdoor events and street festivals scheduled for the coming year with the goal of bringing iconic musicians and artists who have yet to perform in the Philippines.

Jack TV's Power of Three

Jack TV’s “Playing first” campaign this October will keep Filipinos up-to-date with the latest of The Tomorrow People, Revolution and Arrow television series, showing just days after its initial telecast in the United States.
Different plots that range from a teenager with special abilities, a vigilante fighting to rule his city again, to a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic America—these stories of power struggle is the binding force behind Jack TV’s assembly of new and returning programs.
The Tomorrow People follows the story of Stephen Jameson (Robbie Amell), a student who begins to question his sanity when he starts hearing voices and waking up in strange places. He meets the voices of John (Luke Mitchell), Cara (Peyton List) and Rusell (Aaron Yoo) who explains that they are all part of a genetically advanced race known as The Tomorrow People. Catch Stephen’s story premiering on October 12 at 8 p.m. on Jack TV.

The post-apocalyptic tale of Revolution begins with a group of survivors looking to rebuild society after a mysterious worldwide blackout. After making the treacherous journey to the Tower and turning on the power for four minutes in last season’s finale, this season we learn the mysterious consequences this move has had on everyone. Follow Miles (Billy Burke), Aaron (Zac Orth) and Rachel (Elizabeth Mitchel) in a two-hour premier episode on October 12 at 9 p.m. on Jack TV.

Inspired by DC Comics, Arrow continues the story of Oliver Queen (Stephen Amell) who returns to Starling City as a vigilante who is bent on righting the wrongs of injustice. It’s second season opens with Oliver’s allies—Diggle (David Ramsey) and Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) flying to Lian Yu in search of Oliver who left the city after his best friend’s death. The second season of Arrow airs on October 13 at 8 p.m. on Jack TV.
JackTV is seen on SkyCable Channel51, Global Destiny Ch. 30 and Cable Link Ch. 36 and various cable operators nationwide.

ETC’S TRIPLE MATCH-AIRING TREAT COMING ON OCTOBER 8.

ETC’S TRIPLE MATCH-AIRING TREAT COMING ON OCTOBER 8.

This coming  October 8 , 2013,  ETC rolls out new shows and new seasons all on one big night. Adding to its ever-growing line-up of Match-Airing programs is the hilarious sitcom Super Fun Night and supernatural drama The Originals. While returning for its fifth season is the fan favorite vampire drama The Vampire Diaries.

Have a “Super Fun Night” every Tuesday on ETC with Rebel Wilson. Premiering October 8 at 7:30pm, Wilson plays Kimmie Boubier, who for the last 13 years has lived a sheltered life with her two best friends and roommates, Helen-Alice (Liza Lapira) and Marika (Lauren Ash). However, when Kimmie receives a big promotion at the NYC law firm that she works at, she meets British attorney Richard Royce (Kevin Bishop), the son of the firm's senior partner. After mentioning that he likes girls with a “bit of chunk,” Kimmie cannot help but be attracted to the charming and handsome Richard. With Kimmie's life opening up to new possibilities, can she convince her best friends that life isn't just for the pretty and the popular, and that it's time that they started living life to the fullest?

Catch up with the residents of Mystic Falls as a new school year starts in The Vampire Diaries Season 5 starting October 8 at 8PM on ETC. After spending a passion-filled summer with Damon (Ian Somerhalder), Elena (Nina Dobrev) is ready for her first day at Whitmore College. Excited to move in to her dorm with best friends Caroline (Candice Accola) and Bonnie (Kat Graham), unknown to her, Bonnie is in fact dead, having sacrificed her own life to bring back Elena’s Brother Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen). Meanwhile, a now very human, Katherine (Dobrev) pays an unexpected visit to the Salvatore Mansion, and Silas (Paul Wesley), the doppelganger of Stefan (Wesley), makes a terrifying appearance at the “End of Summer” party.

The Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals premieres October 8, Tuesday at 10PM on ETC (regular timeslot every Saturday at 9PM). The series follows the original vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and his original vampire Brother and Sister Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Rebekah (Claire Holt), as they return to New Orleans, the city their family helped build 300 years ago. However, Klaus is about to learn that this is not the same city that he left behind. His former protégé Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) now has total control of the supernatural inhabitants of the city—a city that he once ruled. Meanwhile Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin), a werewolf and Klaus’ onetime flame, also arrives in town but is taken hostage by a powerful witch named Sophie Deveraux (Daniella Pineda). After revealing some life-changing news to Klaus, Sophie bargains with him to do her bidding in return for Hayley’s life. Vowing to reclaim what was once his; Klaus is prepared to fight to take back the power, the city and his family.
ETC is seen on free TV RPN-9, Sky Cable Ch. 14, Destiny Cable Ch. 14, Cable Link Ch. 34 and Cignal Ch. 14, Dream Satellite Ch. 6 in Metro Manila. For subscription please call your local cable provider.
Also check out ETC online at:
www.facebook.com/etctv
www.etc.com.ph

Wine Lab at Magosaburo Wine Lounge.

The story of wines, like human beings, does not begin and end simply with their color. Red, white, and tawny refer to just one aspect of wine, and to limit the dimensions and complexity of this splendid drink to a single facet is irrational.


If anything, wine is best described by the region it hails from: the Bordeauxs, the Ports, the Champagnes, all the great vintages from Napa, the wine country in Australia, and other unique locations across the world. In as much as people are inextricably tied to their country of origin, for instance, so too is a good glass of Syrah.

It takes a truly devoted team of wine lovers – not only sommeliers, connoisseurs, and gourmands, but also everyday aficionados – to establish a true haven that showcases the varied elements of wine. Far beyond an impressive and diverse selection, both art and science must come together in the same way the food perfectly paired with a wine forms an unforgettable taste experience.

This was the unrelenting vision that the people behind Magosaburo shared when they conceived the Mago Wine Lounge. Already renowned for taking high-end Japanese cuisine to the next level, Magosaburo decided to take the same pioneering approach in building what is perhaps the most state-of-the-art destination to serve fine wine.

Abigail Tabuchi-Sumida, President of INSHOCK Philippines — the company behind Magosaburo and the Mago Wine Lounge — noted that “it was quite a challenge when Executive Chef Motomatsu and I brainstormed to create the menu”. Indeed, they found out that wine pairing is an exact discipline, involving a precise blending of tastes, textures, and aromas. The two spent countless hours determining the dynamics between each bottle of wine and dish. “We had several breakthrough moments, that’s for sure,” Sumida enthused. “In the end, when the flavors come together, it is very clear that our efforts paid off,” she continued.

Lending his vast expertise to this venture is internationally renowned wine connoisseur Denny Wang, who serves as executive consultant to the Mago Wine Lounge. “The Mago Wine Lounge is predicated on a single, underlying thought: enhancing a wine lover’s experience by engaging all of the senses,” he said. “As such, the Mago Wine Lounge was built entirely with wine in mind, from the décor, the cuisine, to the lighting. We had to create a space that complemented the superb selection that we individually hand-picked,” he explained further.

Finding an ideal balance between a modern feel and laid-back comfort was likewise a priority for the Mago Wine Lounge. “The technology that we’ve adopted in order to ensure the quality of our wines is truly cutting-edge,” Tabuchi-Sumida pointed out. “Every step from handling, storage, and even serving follows a strict quality control protocol. We are as much a wine lab as we are a wine lounge,” she said with slight amusement.

The Mago Wine Lounge is located on the second floor of Magosaburo, at Fort Pointe 2 (The Fort Strip). For inquiries or reservations, you may contact 856-0795 []