PAGCOR’S TALENTS, ARE THEY THE NEXT BIG THING IN 2014?

PAGCOR’S TALENTS, THE NEXT BIG THING IN 2014?


From the PAGCOR Casinos to the TV screen?

Making quite an impression with their performance in front of entertainment media last week, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) homegrown talents are definitely headed for bigger things this 2014.

Whether it’s joining The Voice of the Philippines or any other reality TV talent shows, these four groups could easily give even veteran performers a run for their money—especially with the continued support and training by PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment, Bong Quintana.

“The PAGCOR management is a staunch supporter and believer in Pinoy talents. Our own homegrown artists are PAGCOR’s biggest contributions to the Philippine entertainment and music industry. Nais namin na mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon na maipakita ang kanilang talento kaya sila ay binigyan ng
PAGCOR ng chance na maging featured performers sa Casino Filipino,” And now, we are launching them
to the mainstream entertainment arena.”Quintana cited.

According to Quintana, the successful shows of PAGCOR’s in-house singing group – the PAGCOR 5 – inspired them to form new musical groups that will suit the varied preferences of casino patrons and the general public.

“We intend to capitalize on the buzz generated by the PAGCOR 5 as we launch our new set of talents for 2014. I am highly positive that this level of exposure can help our homegrown artists make a breakthrough in the mainstream music industry. At the same time, we know these fresh talents can give our Casino Filipino guests and patrons something new to look forward to,” Quintana added.

The musical groups formed by PAGCOR’s Entertainment Department include “Dash as One Rhythm” featuring PAGCOR 5 member Dash Camporaso; the “Krazy Chikz”, the “Viktors” which consists of the champions of the OPM@PAGCOR Talent Search Season 1 Joyce Tanana, Season 2 Froilan Canlas and Season 3 Karl Tanhueco; and the “K Menn”, a singing trio formed in 2013 whose all-male members, Steev Fernandez, Mykle Benedicto and Eeboy Quizol, were also finalists  in the last three seasons of the OPM@PAGCOR nationwide singing search.

According to Quintana, the singing groups will focus on different genres which will give casino patrons more choices of entertainment. “Dash as One Rhythm will be playing almost all genres. The K Menn will be focusing on novelty songs, ballads and classics. On the other hand, the Krazy Chikz will be dancing and singing pop and modern songs. The Viktors meantime will be rendering OPM, ballad and contemporary pieces,” Quintana explained.

At the press conference The K Menn did a very surprising mashup of the Masculados “Hotdog” and Boyz to Men’s “On Bended Knees” before they were joined on stage by the Krazy Chicks as they sang Blurred Lines.

The Krazy Chicks were perhaps the most entertaining surprise of the day— Raine de Guzman, Reyna Yamanouchi, Carin Ramos and Kim Parajes - all Miss Casino Filipino 2012 pageant winners whom Quintana describes as “beauty queen-turned-models-turned-dancers-and-trying to be singers.”

And whatever these Krazy Chicks lack in voice quality, they more than make up with their beauty, sexy grooves and very bold ambitions.

True enough, the four ladies were “crazy” enough to take on the songs of Whitney Houston and said they also want to include Katy Perry, Spice Girls, Aegis and even Lea Salonga song in their repertoire.

Quintana later answered all the questions from the press, from how they formed each group—saying they believed in “the more the merrier concept” to the preparations and training each of them have to further improve their performances.

PAGCOR’s musical director Elmer Blancaflor serves as their voice coach and helps them arrange their mashups and repertoire of songs; Donald Galang handles dance and choreography, while Quintana is their mentor for hosting and spiel delivery.

“We are very excited about the group’s upcoming performances because they are the best of the best. They have proven their talent after winning either as grand finalists or champions in PAGCOR’s nationwide talent search and pageants,” Quintana cited.

Dash who has been part of the PAGCOR 5 for years, said those who will be watching the One Rhythm Band shows can expect more from her as an artist. She also promised to promote OPM through her own musical style.

“The audience can expect new song arrangements. As we all know, PAGCOR is promoting pinoy talents and giving importance to OPM, so as an advocate of OPM, hindi po mawawalasa list ng band namin ang mga OPM songs pero bibigyan po namin ito ng panibagong tunog or areglo para magkaroon po ng twist and more excitement,” Dash explained.

Joyce Tañaña - a member of the Viktors – lauded PAGCOR for giving budding local artists like her a chance to showcase their musical flair. “Malaking tulong ang break na ibinigay sa amin. Sana ipag-patuloy pa ng PAGCOR ang pag-tulong sa mga Filipino singers na katulad ko na magkaroon ng trabaho at makapag-perform sa lahat ng branches ng Casino Filipino. Maraming nagsasabi na OPM is dead. Dahil sa proyekto ng PAGCOR, naniniwala ako na mas umangat at nabigyan ng buhay ulit ang OPM,” she said.

Tañaña was the grand champion in the first season of OPM@PAGCOR Nationwide Talent Search held in 2011.

Froilan Canlas, also a member of the Viktors and the grand champion of OPM@PAGCOR Season 2, shared how performing at Casino Filipino has changed his life. “Sobrang thankful at happy ako sa kung anong meron ako ngayon. Noong manalo ako sa OPM@PAGCOR 2, maraming nangyari na nagpabago ng buhay ko. I was able to perform with different celebrities like David Pomeranz, Randy Santiago and KZ Tandingan. Maituturing ko itong learning experience. Nakapag-patayo din ako ng business, music school, recording and rehearsal studio,” Canlas narrated.

K Menn member Steev Fernandez also thanked PAGCOR on behalf of his group, “We are very thankful na may PAGCOR na patuloy na naniniwala sa aming talents as Filipino artists. Without their support we won’t be able to showcase our abilities as entertainers and singers,” he enthused.

For more information on Casino Filipino’s entertainment offerings, please call PAGCOR’s Entertainment Department at (02) 854-4688 or 852-7760 or visit www.casinofilipino.ph and www.facebook/casinofilipino.

Chris Pine talks about being Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Chris Pine is the new Jack Ryan in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming action thriller Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, based on the popular Tom Clancy novels. Pine's Jack Ryan is a CIA analyst who unwittingly discovers a Russian terrorist plot and is sent into the field to continue the investigation.
Chris Pine, is the fourth actor to take on the titular role of the CIA Operative (following in the footsteps of Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford and Ben Affleck), The film co-stars  Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner and Kenneth Branagh.

His films include Just My Luck, Blind Dating, Smokin’ Aces, This Means War, People Like Us, Rise of the Guardians and Star Trek Into Darkness.

You’re following in the shoes of Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck and Alec Baldwin. How did you make the role your own?
I think I make the part my own simply by the fact that I’m in it so there are certain things that I bring to it that are different. I watched the films and enjoyed them growing up and I really like the spy genre. What I loved about Harrison is that he has an intrinsic humility to him that I think he brings to everything he does, whether it’s Clear And Present Danger or Patriot Games, where Anne Archer drives a Porsche and he has a Volkswagen Jetta and he has a tweed jacket that he seems to have had forever and I just loved that. I did this movie called This Means War that was all about a man in great suits who wants to be the James Bond type of spy and if you see some of the suits I wear in this you’ll know that Jack Ryan is not a man interested in threads – he would much rather go to a first edition book store. So I always loved that humility of Harrison and with Alec Baldwin I just love that kind of sharp, incisiveness he brought to it. He was like a razor in terms of his ability to cut up information and put it together and process it. And I loved that in The Hunt for Red October, in order to avert nuclear catastrophe, he had to figure out the mind of one man and it all came down to this man missing his wife. So there was a psychology to it I really liked. And I think what sets our film apart is that there is great action in this film and when Ken and I started, we talked about how often in films you see so much death and mayhem and violence and no one ever really pays attention to it – you know that a bad guy dies but he maybe also had a wife and a kid but you don’t know his background. So we thought it would be interesting to see the face of that part of the experience. What happens when an everyman is thrown into an extraordinary situation where he has to do things that you wouldn’t necessarily do on any given day and how does he deal with seeing death? How does he deal with inflicting violence? How does he deal with potentially killing someone? And I thought that was really interesting because I can’t recall where you see that happen in films of this genre; where you see people killed but you never see the effects of it. So I like that human aspect it has.

How did you prepare for your role?
I came to the UK last year before we started shooting and Ken organized some things for me. We went to the American Embassy in London and we had this little spy game to do, which was a lot of fun.

What did you have to do?
It’s known as a ‘drop’ in spy parlance and the whole thing was like being at spy camp. Ken was really proud of himself and he was like, ‘I’ve organized a little something for you Chris...’ and then we ended up at the American Embassy and the security team there were in on the plan. I had to find the people that were watching me and there was a drop at one point where I had to pick up a memory stick and do all kinds of stuff. It was a fun but as fun as it was even in that scenario, when you know that there are people out there watching you, your senses are immediately heightened and your heart starts to race.

Did it give you a taste of what it would be like to work for the CIA?
Yeah, and it certainly did that (laughs). And I obviously wasn’t in any danger so I can only imagine what people, real operatives, have to deal with.

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Did you talk to any real CIA agents?
I talked with a guy there who was the head of security at the Embassy in London, which is the biggest Embassy in Europe, and his stories about being in Beirut were just crazy. And it’s often less about the stories but more about the energy you get from people like that. I talked to Bob Baer and he’s written a couple of books and he was in the CIA and being around someone like that was really helpful and his stories are great, too. It’s all about the energy that people put out in the room.

Jack has been injured at the start the story. Did you do any research into that?
Jack Ryan has suffered a major back injury and he has to recuperate I went to a facility outside of London where veterans are recuperating from major traumatic events from Afghanistan and Iraq and I got to talk to some of them. And again, we were bringing it back to the facts – if you are in a helicopter crash, what does that mean? It’s major and traumatic and if you see violence and death and all sorts of horrible stuff, that has an effect on you. And it’s the idea that this is a man who is wounded, like any of us would be, psychologically as well as physically, but he still wants to serve. And I met many people who were gravely wounded and still wanted to serve. And I wanted to get my head around that because I am certainly not that courageous. I wanted to understand what that was all about and that was a real eye opener.

Does it make a difference that Kenneth Branagh is also acting as well as directing Jack Ryan?

What’s nice about working with an actor/ director that there is an understanding of the experience of the actors. Ken knows intrinsically what you are going through and what you may need at any given moment because he’s been there himself. And there’s a level of communication that’s better and easier often than with someone who hasn’t been an actor. Ken knows the experience and how it needs to be said to get across for me to achieve what he is looking for in a scene. And then he also brought things to it that was purely down to his talent as a director. This is a big action film and we were shooting relatively easy 11, 12-hour days and that just comes from Ken not over shooting it. Ken would have three cameras and he would block it off and we’d finish a three or four page scene in a day or less, which doesn’t happen very often and I like that. So I think with Ken, a lot of it is the way he communicates and a lot of it is has to do with his talent as a director.


Were you a fan of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan novels growing up?
I was born a fan of the films, that’s what brought me into the fold, and then I read some of his books.

And did you get the chance to meet Tom Clancy before his passing?
Sadly I didn’t know the man at all but I’m playing a character that he created that I love and I’ve loved for many years and I’m thankful that I have this opportunity. I wish I’d had the chance to meet him. My thoughts go out to his family.



How close do you think your character, Jack Ryan, is to reality?
We talked to people like Bob Baer who was an analyst with the agency for a while, and not only are the tricks and gadgets we use in the film very real but that this kind of thing – the financial terrorism that is a big part of our story – is very current. As we all know, we are in a new world where warfare and terror takes on many, many different forms and the financial system is so complicated as it is that you would need a PhD to figure out what is going on. But Jack has one. It’s really scary. It starts with a bank and goes beneath a bank and I think it is based in reality but hopefully this won’t happen.

You could argue that a good spy thriller has to reflect the time in which it is made and the Jack Ryan books have changed according to the time. Was it important for you that the film reflects the geo-political reality of our times?
It was of the utmost importance to me and I can’t tell you how many conversations I had with everyone involved. For me, the question always came down to what it meant to be a patriot because Jack is a patriot of sorts. And my contention was that in a post 9/11, era the world is much grayer than it was 25, 30 years ago. With the Cold War, there was a kind of easy black and white, much in the same way we view World War II, there was good and there was bad and it made life a lot easier. But it was different after 9/11 and I wasn’t interested in making a film that was about espousing the ideals of America or that America was great. For me, it was like watching what Harrison was about when he did the role, that this wasn’t a man that was tied to ideology – this is a man with a great internal moral compass who knew what right and wrong was. It’s a man who would stand up for what was right and I love that. I love the fact that he has an internal flag, that’s what he goes by, and if it meant disobeying, he would do that. And I always think that’s a definition of a hero that we all connect to that more than anything else. Once I found an inroad into the character, it made a lot of sense to me and I thought if we could make a film about an American spy post 9/11, a spy who is a good man but conflicted about what he has to do and he wanted to make sure he was serving on his own terms – I could understand that and I felt comfortable with it.

The spy genre has produced some great films and some enduring characters – James Bond, Jason Bourne for example – what will Jack Ryan bring to the audience?
I would say that James Bond has Q, Jason Bourne has his fists and Jack Ryan has his mind. And it’s about a regular man, albeit a smart man, who is way more comfortable in the world of his mind, in the world of the intellectual puzzles that he likes to figure out, who finds himself inextricably pulled towards the front line. Jack Ryan has a great amount of intellect and he has to find his way out of very dangerous physical and intellectual situations. It’s about a man who has to deal with all of this stuff that we know to be a part of the spy genre like death and intrigue and it’s about how a man like that deals with committing violence and protecting the people that he loves and all of that affects who he is and he doesn’t do it easily.

And how are plans for another Star Trek movie progressing?
I have no idea. Like I’ve said before, we are the last to know. I think they have broken ground on a script and I think JJ (Abrams) was meeting with directors but beyond that, I don’t know. We all have ideas about what we want to do and I think from the last film there is a lot of different ways for it to go so I’m fascinated to see what will happen. But I’m pretty sure it will be made in 2014.

“Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit” is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp.SHOWING on JANUARY 15, 2014. NATIONWIDE

Watch out for American Idol, New Season, New Judges.

I have been a fan of American Idol since its first season up until to this day. Imagine my happiness soar when I discovered that Harry Connick Jr added as one of the judges. This would be exciting and cant wait to watch the first episode of this season unfolds. I will be glued to its first airing, that I know for sure.

After twelve seasons, American Idol can lay its claim as the only TV singing competition show to produce numerous hit and award-winning recording artists. Combined, Idol finalists have released more than 200 albums, hit No.1 on the Billboard charts over 400 times, and have garnered more than 250 million iTunes downloads. This January 2014, the Road to Fame starts on ETC as they bring you American Idol XIII. Catch the two day premiere on ETC this January 16, Thursday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM and January 17, Friday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM.
Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, and featuring judges Harry Connick, Jr., Keith Urban, and Jennifer Lopez, along with in-house mentor Randy Jackson, the series continues its search across America to find the next singing superstar.

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

Locally, ETC lets you have your say via their Twitter (@etc_channel) and Facebook (facebook.com/etctv) page where you could win great prizes from the channel or see your comments on-air. Just type in your thoughts with the hashtag: #aionetc
Watch American Idol XIII on ETC online, log onto http://www.blink-now.com to watch ETC’s free live streaming on a computer.
American Idol XIII premieres January 16, Thursday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM and January 17, Friday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM on ETC

Also check out ETC online at:
• www.facebook.com/etctv
• www.twitter.com/etc_channel
• http://www.blink-now.com
ETC is seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cable and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, Cable Link Ch. 34 and various cable operators nationwide.

Mumbai Love

Capestone Pictures Inc. has joined forces with Solar Entertainment Corporation in the romantic comedy team-up of sexy and beauteous Solenn Heusaff and talented new actor Kiko Matos.  

Mumbai Love is a cross-cultural romantic comedy shot on location in India and the Philippines. The story is centered on the love between Solenn and Kiko from two different worlds who will risk everything even racial differences of age-old traditions because of their love for each other.

Solenn has enjoyed doing the movie Mumbai Love. She has improved her craft, the reason why she has lots of projects both on TV and the movies.Her film titled Status: It’s Complicated is doing well in the box office and her TV series Sa Akin Pa Rinang Bukas is gaining more followers who love drama and suspense.

How does it feel to be the lead actress of Mumbai Love?

“We really became like a family and there’s rapport of the actors on the screen.The film features breathtaking scenic spots in Mumbai and I learned about their culture and traditions. I admire the kindness of my love interest in the movie, Kiko. He’s a real gentleman. I’m happy to work with such a fabulous director, cast and crew. I’m really proud of this movie”, says Solenn.

Upcoming actor Kiko Matos who first caught our attention in the movie Babagwa said he couldn’t believe that he was to become lead actor when he first auditioned for Mumbai Love. This movie is one big break for Kiko’s acting career where he really learned a lot on acting from multi-awarded director Benito Bautista.

He also auditioned for Sonder which took Honorable Mention award in the Short Films Category during the 25th Gawad CCP para sa Alternatibo at Video. The Mumbai Love auditions were announced online and Kiko tried his luck for the lead character of Nandi. Even with his manager’s (Mell Navarro) wish for him to land even a supporting role, Kiko took the bold move and got the lead role of Nandi, an Indian tourist guide.

“When I first saw Solenn in the auditions, I was star-struck because of her stunning beauty and oozing sex appeal. Later on, I found her to be a really wonderful and beautiful person inside and out. I love her as a person,” Kiko muses.

Kiko also fell in love with the beautiful traditions and culture of India while shooting there, not to mention the scenic and historic places they visited. Kiko Matos was one of the winners of TV Idol, male teen talent search of MTB ang Saya-Saya. He also did fashion modeling and was seen on several TV commercials. 

Mumbai Love is directed by multi-awarded director Benito Bautista and is distributed by Solar Entertainment Corporation. Showing soon at your favorite theaters.

For more details visit mumbailovethemovie.com >> Twitter@mumbailovemovie and Facebook@mumbailovemovie,

Celebrating the taste--and feel of Christmas with C2 Cool and Clean

I have been an iced tea advocate for over a decade now, and I like it natural, with a slightly tinge of fruity sweetness with the combined bitterness and leafy taste of tea.  Cuddling that C2 bottle in hand (whether its green, red, orange, etc) guarantees a refreshing good time for anyone as it perfectly complements any kind of meal, just like a loyal partner who is always there, and would never leave
you.

For nearly a decade, C2 Cool and Clean has become part of the Filipino dining table for almost any celebration-- from the simplest office merienda get together with friends to grand family reunions, and of course during Christmas gatherings. 

Joining in this year's holiday festivities, C2 Cool and Clean, the country’s leading ready-to- drink green tea beverage, launched the first ever C2 Sarap ng Christmas Tree-Making Contest.

Through this event, the brand aims to bring a relevant and memorable Christmas experience to the young and young-at-heart.

The National College of Business and Arts’ Hotel and Restaurant
Management Society’s winning Christmas Tree complete with a Noche Buena set up

With over P200,000 worth of prizes up for grabs, schools from all over the metro were invited to build beautiful Christmas trees out of hundreds of C2 bottles in less than a month. Christmas tree entries were eventually narrowed down to 10 finalists, from which three will emerge on top. Entries will be judged based on the following criteria: adherence to the C2 Sarap ng Christmas theme (40%); creative execution (30%) and technical execution (30%).  The 2nd Runner Up shall receive P25,000 cash prize and an endowment of P15,000 to the school; the 1st Runner Up shall receive P50,000 cash prize and an endowment of P25,000 to the school; and the grand prize winner shall receive P75,000 cash and P30,000 endowment to the school. All 10 finalists also received generous Christmas gift packs.

For its complete Noche Buena setup to complement its Christmas tree creation, NCBA Fairview Hotel and Restaurant Management Society won the grand prize bringing home P100,000 total prize, the Philippine Women's University University Student Choir won second place while the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Supreme Student Council came in third.

 “C2 has always been at the forefront of supporting the youth and encouraging them to adopt a healthy lifestyle,” said Vice-President and General Manager for URC Beverage Division, Edwin Totanes. “Through the C2 Christmas Tree Making Contest, we hope to showcase the artistic talent of these young students and at the same time remind them that a healthy mind and body is the best gift you can give yourself this Holiday Season” he added.

Celebrate a healthier and more delicious new year by making C2 your beverage of choice this holiday season. Create even more special memories with its latest variants, Red Tea and Iced Tea, which are flavors that best complement your favorite Christmas meals. Kapag may C2, Sarap ng Christmas!

C2 is available in leading supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores.

The University of the Philippines UP Artists Circle Sorority puts their own creative spin on the traditional Christmas Tree.

The University of Makati College of Allied Health Services adds some Filipino flair to their design.

The United Architects of the Philippines Student Auxiliary of the Central Colleges of the Philippines dazzles with their design.

C2 is the star in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s Supreme Student Council’s entry.

C2 takes the center stage with the Philippine Women’s University’s Student Choir group’s Christmas Tree.

Family and kids enjoy Jollibee Chickenjoy’s new Side Dishes.

Christmas is all about warm hugs and great bonding times for kids and their families best enjoyed over a special feast of Jollibee treats.


Add more joy to your Holiday with Jollibee Chickenjoy’s new Side Dishes!

You can now add more joy to your family bonding moments with everyone’s favorite Chickenjoy and two new side dishes- creamy, delicious Mashed Potato and sweet, juicy Buttered Corn.

Enjoy Chickenjoy Super Value Meal with 2-piece Chickenjoy Super Value Meal with 2-piece Chickenjoy, rice, two (2) new side dishes, Chocolate or Strawberry Sundae and regular Coke for only P169. And the Chickenjoy Bucket Treats with 8 pieces of Chickenjoy, 4 rice, 4 new side dishes, 4 Chocolate or Strawberry Sundaes and 4 regular Coke for only P599.

Available in all Jollibee branches nationwide for dine-in and take-out. For delivery, call the Jollibee Express Deliver Service at 8-7000 or log-on at www.jollibeedelivery.com.
(For delivery orders, the Sundaes will be replaced by Peach Mango Pies).

Celebrate the holidays together with the family and the langhap-sarap goodness of Jollibee Chickenjoy Bucket Treats, now with new delicious side dishes – creamy Mashed Potato and juicy Buttered Corn.

TV host Regine Tolentino and her husband, Lander Vera Perez with daughters Reigne and Reigen energize the audience with a Zumba dance number.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Colours Glamfest

Beauty and Influence in Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Colours Glamfest

End the year with a bang and kick off 2014 with Colours Glamfest as it takes us in the loop of the 5 hottest events in Hollywood.  From breath-taking musical performances to unforgettable movie actors and ceremonies, the celebration becomes extra exciting and eventful – most especially when this includes slender and sexy supermodels strutting down the runway in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

At a moment when overriding mood is one of grace and femininity, it isn’t surprising that Victoria’s Secret has magically touched the lingerie collections, brushing through the season with a subtle sensuality and a distinct lingerie design. So this year’s edition of the Victoria ‘s Secret Fashion Show will feature world-famous Victoria’s Secret Angels.

Looking at these supermodels – Andriana Francesca Lim, Corine Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel, Lindsay Marie Ellingson and Karlie Elizabeth Kloss – they embody Victoria’s Secret - apt, contemporary and effortless. They are strong, independent thinkers and travellers with an amazing global aesthetic. Naturally, they draw on Victoria’s Secret palette providing an amazing variety with unexpected style and fantasy to their own wardrobe.

Brazilian model and actress Adriana is probably best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret. She wore the “Fantasy Bra” for the 2008 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The bra, created by American jewelry designer Martin Katz, was valued at over $5 million.
A Brazilian model, Corine was chosen as the first spokesmodel for Victoria’s Secret  "PINK" line. She is currently one of the Victoria's Secret Angels and has modeled for brands such as Next, Armani Exchange, Christian Dior, and Ralph Lauren. In 2005, she walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway wearing lingerie made entirely out of candy.
In 2010, Candice became a Victoria's Secret Angel. Candice Swanepoel modeled for the Kardashians' 2010 swimwear line. On August 12, 2010, she opened the first Victoria's Secret retail store in Canada, at West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton. This year, she will walk the runway wearing the $10 million Royal Fantasy Bra, designed exclusively for Victoria’s Secret by world-renowned jeweler Mouawad.  It will have 4,200 precious gems from around the world, featuring a 52-carat pear-shaped ruby along with diamonds and yellow sapphires.
Lindsay Marie has been walking for Victoria's Secret for five straight years. Ellingson and Emanuela de Paula were chosen to be spokeswomen for "Body by Victoria" by Victoria's Secret alongside Alessandra Ambrosio and Marisa Miller; she was also a featured model in the 2010 Victoria's Secret "SWIM" catalog.  She is currently listed as one of the brand's 12 "supermodels" and was one of the featured models during the 2009 fashion show. In 2011, she became one of the brand's signature Angels, as well as the face of its perfume line VS Attractions and its new bra, Gorgeous.

An American fashion model, Karlie Elizabeth ranked seventh on the Top 50 Models Women list by Models.com. Vogue Paris declared her one of the top 30 models of the 2000s. She is a Victoria's Secret Angel. In February 2011, supermodel Tyra Banks stated that Kloss was one of her favorite models because of her "unique, atypical beauty". In 2011 she made her debut in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. In 2012 also appeared in that year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. In 2013, Kloss was the face of Donna Karan, Lacoste, and Lanvin campaigns. Karlie Elizabeth worked with Victoria's Secret on their 2013 summer swimwear video.
As Victoria’s Secret continues to shine, its dazzling lingerie designs have been catapulted into new realms of desirability. Which illustrates perhaps how this piece of clothing is resonating with women in a way only accessories have done before.

Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Colours was shown on December 19, 2013 at 8pm and multi-awarded singer Taylor Swift, Fall Out Boy and Neon Jungle, did performances.  This is part of the Colours Glamfest campaign, which celebrates the airing of 5 of the hottest Hollywood specials.  Colours is available on Cignal channel 27 on SD and channel 101 on HD.

Yahoo PH Technostorm 2013: Tech and Devices Merged In.

While more and more consumers are purchasing mobile devices, the next big trend in the internet according to Yahoo will be personalized content.

"Content is the next big thing," said Mike Constantino, Country Sales Director of Yahoo Philippines, who also spoke about how to to create content based on the preferences of your website viewers.


Yahoo Philippines held TechnoStorm 2013, an on-ground expo which brings the latest gadgets and devices up close to Filipinos.

Following the hugely successful TechnoStorm 2012, the expo is open to all who are interested in experiencing the latest consumer technology products, services and solutions from leading global and local brands. TechnoStorm 2013showcases the latest tech trends through product demos, tech-talks andhands-onexperiences, providing a one-stop platform to learn and explore the world of consumer technology.

The expo was held from November 29 to December 1 at the Central Plaza of Market! Market!, featuring products and devices from well-known tech brands and industry leaders such as Globe, Sun Cellular, Blink Entertainment, Paktor, BDO, Hewlett Packard, MyPhone, CloudFone, Sony, Huawei, and LG.During the three-day expo, consumers can also look forward to product launches,live demos and tech updates on the digital, connectivity, entertainment and mobile industry in the country.

“TechnoStorm has met success because we utilize Yahoo’s digital capacities and collaborate with other players in the tech industry to provide a highly-personalized experience for users,” said Constantino.


“We’re particularly excited for TechnoStorm 2013, which is even better than last year.  This is a unique event that reflects Yahoo’s passion of celebrating innovation by finding creative ways to use technology to make daily tasks more inspiring and entertaining,” added Constantino.

For the online-savvy consumers, the Yahoo Philippines TechnoStorm portal remains the go-to place for over 16 million visitors seeking information and expert advice on anything tech.  At TechnoStorm,consumers can get the latest news in the IT industry, read expert gadget reviews, watch how to and do-it-yourself videos that feature unique and creative ways to get the best out of gadgets and devices, and get technology deals by international and local brands.

For more information on TechnoStorm 2013, please visit Yahoo Philippines’ TechnoStorm at http://ph.news.yahoo.com/technostorm.

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.