Robert Downey Jr.'s The Judge orders new poster and teaser trailer

From Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures comes “The Judge,” starring Oscar nominee Robert Downey Jr., Oscar winner Robert Duvall and Oscar  nominee Vera Farmiga . Take your first look at the film's main poster and teaser trailer which has just been released by the studios at
http://youtu.be/o3AkVYmiirs.

Directed by David Dobkin (“Wedding Crashers”), “The Judge” stars Downey as big city lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town’s judge (Duvall), is suspected of murder. He sets out to discover the truth and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before.


Starring alongside Downey, Duvall and Farmiga are Vincent D’Onofrio, Jeremy Strong, Dax Shephard, and Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton. The film also stars Oscar winner Melissa Leo, Leighton Meester, Ken Howard, Emma Tremblay, Balthazar Getty, David Krumholtz, Sarah Lancaster, Grace Zabriskie and Denis O’Hare.


“The Judge” is being produced by Susan Downey (the “Sherlock Holmes” films), David Dobkin, and David Gambino (“The Brave One”), with Herbert W. Gains, Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Kleeman and Bruce Berman serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Nick Schenk (“Gran Torino”) and Bill Dubuque, story by Dobkin & Schenk.


Dobkin’s behind the scenes creative team includes Oscar winning director of photography Janusz Kaminski (“Lincoln”), production designer Mark Ricker (“The Way Way Back”), editor Mark Livolsi (“The Blind Side”) and costume designer Marlene Stewart (“Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters”). The music is by 12-time Oscar nominee Thomas Newman (“Saving Mr. Banks”).


Opening across the Philippines on Oct. 22, 2014, “The Judge” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Experience New Zealand and its scenic vistas

Promo fares to top New Zealand destinations offered in trade fair

Auckland

It’s Middle Earth to some, and home of the fascinating Maori culture to many.  There is no better time to visit New Zealand than now, as the Experience New Zealand trade fair kicks off with promo package offerings from Singapore Airlines, Destinations Unlimited and 11 participating travel agencies.

Experience New Zealand will be held from June 20-22, 2014 at the Glorietta Activity Center, Palm Drive.  The trade fair features sales and exhibits of the country’s food and wine products, as well as tour packages covering Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown, North Island, South Island and sites such as the Hobbiton movie set and the Lord of the Rings Edoras location.

“This presents a great opportunity for Filipinos to explore the vast attractions New Zealand has in store. Whether it’s the stunning scenery, adventure tourism, the great wine and food, or even the Lord of the Rings locations, there is something for everyone,” said New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore.

H.E. Ambassador Reuben Levermore, Ambassador of New Zealand to the Philippines, New Zealand Embassy

With its top visitors from Australia, China, US, UK and Japan, New Zealand will soon be part of the Filipino’s travel wish-list.  The abundance of sights and experiences is now within reach.    

  Tours range from four-day, three-night packages to seven-day, six night packages, including roundtrip airfares via Singapore Airlines.  Packages start at only $1,071 upwards, providing every kind of adventure for every kind of traveller.

Nature lovers will embrace the scenic vistas from a tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.”  The beautiful Christchurch city is revealed on tours given on a classic double-decker bus.  The spectacular Milford Sound, dubbed as the 8th Wonder of the World, is enjoyed via a boat cruise to see waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.  In Rotorua, visit the Waimangu Thermal Valley, considered the newest geothermal system in the world. 

 The valley houses Frying Pan Lake and Inferno Crater.  At the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour, take a boat ride through caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms.

In Queenstown, visitors can choose a number of optional adventures such as river jet boat tours, a helicopter scenic flight with alpine landing, the bungee jump, skydiving, guided nature walks, 4WD tours or a winery tour of Central Otago.

No visit would be complete without a deep appreciation of Maori culture at Te Puia, a living Maori arts and culture center located in Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. 

 Te Puia is home to 500 natural geothermal wonders, such as geysers and mud pools.  The center also features native flora and fauna, live kiwi birds and unique Maori arts and architecture.  It houses the National Carving and Weaving Schools of New Zealand which preserves the traditional arts.  In the evening, visitors enjoy a feast of food and friendship with a cultural performance and a banquet of modern and traditional cuisine.

For diehard Lord of the Rings fans, tour options include a visit to the Hobbiton set and Edoras location.  Some 37 hobbit holes, the mill, double arch bridge, Bilbo’s party tree, Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn are included in the Hobbiton tour.

From Christchurch, fans can also journey to Edoras via a 4WD ride.  The trip brings visitors to the beautiful Mt. Potts high country station to see where the set of Edoras, home of the Riders of Rohan was built.

 Aside from an informative and entertaining commentary, enjoy a short guided walk, champagne picnic lunch and handle movie replicas of swords, Gandalf’s staff and the flag of Rohan.

Sightseeing, adventure travel, food and wine, cultural appreciation, indulging movie fandom and just basking in New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery are the many choices available to travellers. 

Visitors to the Experience New Zealand fair can inquire from SIA Holidays (753-5151), Rakso Travel (812-9667), Travel Specialist Ventures (928-7487), Trends Travelmart (478-5401), Interlink (524-0016), Allpoints Travel (410-1527), Swire Travel (817-1082), Citimiles Travel (523-2881), Corporate International Travel (631-6541), The Marvels of Travel (842-7548), Best Wing Travel (Cavite) (425-4203) and Ecozone Travel (Pampanga) (045-887-0332).

Powerpuff Girls return to Cartoon Network

Get ready to save the world before bedtime as Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup return to TV screens worldwide with an all-new series, slated to launch in 2016.

“The original Powerpuff Girls was a franchise phenomenon for Cartoon Network, paving the way for a new generation of innovative storytellers and enthusiastic fans worldwide,” said Rob Sorcher, Cartoon Network’s chief content officer, at the 2014 Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. “We are calling these girls back into action based upon an overwhelming demand for sugar, spice and Chemical X.”

One of Cartoon Network’s most enduring original series, The Powerpuff Girls has earned two Emmy Awards along with five nominations and countless animation honors throughout its 78-episode run which ended in 2005. The series also inspired a feature film in 2003, a 10th anniversary special and a re-imagined CG special, The Powerpuff Girls: Dance Pantsed, which aired on Cartoon Network in January 2014 and featured Ringo Starr. The new series will be produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

The Powerpuff Girls, which debuted on Cartoon Network in 1998, was created by Craig McCracken and centers on three sugar-coated superheroes whose mission in life alternates between going to school, fighting crime and winning at hopscotch.


Get the latest updates on your favorite shows and characters by following Cartoon Network on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CartoonNetworkAsia or visit www.cartoonnetworkasia.com.

The Michelin starred Tim Ho Wan has found its way in Manila.

I have never been to a Michelin starred restaurant before.  I googled what makes the restaurant earned its Michelin Star and I was awed.  When I heard that the cheapest Michelin One Star Tim Ho Wan would make its way here in the Philippines,  I cant contain my excitement. I like anything dimsum, I am a fan of Machang and all kinds of anything Chinese food and would like to take a bite on their star dish Baked bun with BBQ pork.

The lines at Tim Ho Wan SM Mega Fashion Hall

 Baked Buns with BBQ Pork (3 pcs. - P145)

This is what the baked bun looked like, in all its simpleness. Their star dish, the baked bun with BBQ pork was baked to perfection. It was soft, chewy, crusty and ohh so tasty with braised sweet lean pork inside the crisp golden dough, it has a similar taste to "asado" but better. Actually, I could eat the 3 buns in one seating. Best to consume after serving.

Tim Ho Wan's menu

  

Glutinous Rice with Lotus Leaf (P190)

My favorite is their "machang"or Glutinous Rice with Lotus Leaf. It is a complete meal itself, I love the sticky rice and the generous meaty fillings inside. This is the best tasting "machang" in Manila. 

Prawn Dumpling (P160)

The prawn dumplings which were served fresh bursting with shrimp from its thin wrapper. Among the best I've had, because I could eat the dumplings without the chili and sauces. That is how tasty their dumplings are.

Cold Barley (P50

Their refreshing cold barley is best to consume with your dimsum. I like that this should be served with ice.

Steamed Egg Cake (P85)

Their steamed egg cake has the fresh faint taste of a mocha cake, it is fluffy and has the right amount of sweetness. I could have this anytime of the day.

Wasabi Salad Prawn dumplings (P140)

Their Wasabi Salad Prawn Dumplings are crunchy and has the right amount of Wasabi as braised toppings. The prawn are tasty and its complimenting the wasabi.

While prized for its savory pork buns- a crumbly, fluffy pastry packed with lush, sweet and savory barbecued pork, which in itself have not failed to lure a lengthy line, Tim Ho Wan also reserves quite the acclaim for its Big 4 Heavenly Kings.

Tim Ho Wan's other dim sum heavyweights such as Fried Beancurd Skin Roll with Shrimp, Teochew Dumpling, Beef Ball with Beancurd Skin, Steamed Pork Dumpling with Shrimp and many more, complimented by a refreshing wash of Barley Milk, transcend the Tim Ho Wan experience to the realms of the otherworldly.

Executive Chefs of Tim Ho Wan

Much of Tim Ho Wan's allure is credited for its premium quality ingredients, prepared fresh and from scratch upon every order. Its founder and chef, Mak Kwai Pu, mastered the art of dim sum for almost four decades was able to pick up the craft in the tender age of 15. He leads an army of refined dim sum masters, most of which, like Mak himself, hailed from Hong Kong. Together, the Tim Ho Wan team, like a well-oiled machine, as complimented by its well-trained wait-staff, makes sure that you get your freshly-prepared specialties in almost an instant, without compromising its passion and taste for excellence.

Proof that while, at times, its flavor and flair commands a lengthy attention that can very well be an exercise to one's patience and hunger, the end destination where all lines lead is surely worth it: an exceptional dim sum heaven that serves up quite the stellar experience. The Manila franchise is a partnership between Ricky Dee of Mesa Filipino Moderne and Todd English Food Hall, and Felix Ang of Cats Motors.

Tim Ho Wan
Upper Ground Floor, Mega Fashion Hall
SM Megamall, EDSA, Mandaluyong City
Store Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00am to 10:00pm

Health is wealth at Robinson's Supermarket Wellness Festival

Celebrate family healthy living with Robinsons Supermarket’s Wellness Festival

Team Kramer

 Living a healthy, active lifestyle is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Eating the right food should be one of your main goal to live healthy and exercise a lot. There are dietary strategies for supporting total wellness. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce risk of heart disease and stroke, prevent some types of cancer, lower risk of eye and digestive problems, and have a positive effect upon blood sugar which can help keep appetite in check. In lieu of this Robinson"s Supermarket launched the Wellness Festival.  Explore the produce aisle at Robinson's Supermarket and eat your way to wellness.

Robinson's Supermarket launched the Wellness festival on June 19, 2014 at Robinson's Magnolia with Team Kramer as guests, promoting a healthy lifestyle by eating what your body needs, and refrain from eating sweets and preservatives, and one should exercise to achieve a healthy way of living.

Aside from having a health and wellness section, Robinsons Supermarket is holding a series of three-day Wellness Festivals, starting at Robinsons Magnolia from June 19-22, to encourage Filipino families to eat healthy and make more educated nutritional decisions.

On its 7th year, the Wellness Festival showcases more fun and engaging booths that will enable people to try out healthier options and practices. This includes Unilever’s Dove consultation booth, and Nestle’s general wellness booth that includes fat analysis check, BMI check, and nutrition counseling, to name a few.

Believing that a family’s healthier life starts from well-aware and educated purchases, Robinsons Supermarket has also employed “Shop Smart” tag labels that color codes items based on health benefits, nutritional content, and price discounts. It further established its position in promoting health and wellness by partnering with the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), to provide up-to-date information on food and its nutrient contributions.

“We wanted to shift the paradigm of grocery shopping, so we decided to place all our efforts behind helping consumers get the adequate attention, support and education they need to make meaningful and long-lasting improvements to their health through smart purchases,” said Jody Gadia, Robinsons Supermarket general manager.

Families who want to know how they can start living a healthy life can visit the Wellness Festival which will also be held at Robinsons Ermita from July 18-20 and Robinsons Imus from July 25-27.

Robinsons Supermarket is not just about eating well but about living well. Visit its official website at www.robinsons-supermarket.com.ph to learn more about the Wellness campaign, or “Like” its Facebook page www.facebook.com/RobinsonsSupermarketOfficial to get the latest updates.

Jasmine Curtis-Smith Face the Sun with Ponds White Beauty SPF15

#FACETHESUN WITH POND’S WHITE BEAUTY SPF15 DAY CREAM AND YOUR BFF

More #FaceTheSun activities with the lovely Pond’s Girls!

There’s nothing more exciting than going on an adventure with your BFF. Pond’s, the country’s leading name in skincare, knows how important these bonding moments are and wants to help make sure that you always have worry-free fun while you’re soaking up the sun. “One of my favorite girl bonding moments is just hanging out by the beach and enjoying the breeze,” shares Pond’s brand ambassador Jasmine Curtis-Smith. “That’s why I like the Pond’s White Beauty SPF15 Day Cream—aside from keeping my skin young even if I’m under the sun, it also prevents further darkening.”

Next challenge was the Jonah’s challenge where the Pond’s Girls (Jasmine Curtis Smith) had to team up and finish the yummy shake in 15 seconds

The #PondsGirl Adventure
This summer, Pond’s girls Nicole Andersson and Jasmine Curtis-Smith went on a Boracay-bound adventure. And because Pond’s understands that it’s more exciting when you get to share your get-pretty skincare secrets with your best gal pals, two more lucky besties got to go on the adventure with them. “Maxine and Paula are happy-go-lucky and super game to join in on the fun challenges we faced,” shares Jasmine. Fellow Pond’s brand ambassador, Nicole, also shares the same sentiments. “They’re really cool and fun loving,” she adds. “At first, they were a bit shy, but after making them kulit, they began to open up.”

More Girl Bonding
While on the white sands of Boracay, the four girls paired up to see who could win various challenges from building sandcastles to taking the perfect pyramid photo. The most memorable one of all? “Definitely the volleyball challenge,” says Paula. “We got to know Jasmine and Nicole well through this activity and see their personalities. We realized they’re fun to be with even though they’re celebrities. We got along really well.” As the four girls took on the tough—and occasionally silly—challenges, one thing was for sure: they didn’t hold themselves back from having some beach fun because they weren’t afraid to face the sun. “I know that my skin is protected because Pond’s White Beauty Day Cream has SPF15,” shares Maxine. “It makes me unstoppable under the blazing heat.”

Pond’s White Beauty: Your Real Skin’s BFF
Because 76% of Filipinas desire fairer skin, “it can be hard to enjoy when you always have to think about reapplying,” shares Nicole. Pond’s gives you the freedom to face the sun by banishing acne-causing oil, protecting from you from harmful UV rays, and by keeping your skin radiantly flawless no matter what time of the year it is. “Since it’s very sunny in the Philippines regardless of the season, the Pond’s White Beauty SPF15 Cream is the one product I can’t live without,” reveals Jasmine.

Thanks to the Korean Ginseng + Saffron in the Pond’s White SPF15 Cream, girls can score the Pond’s signature Rosy White Glow—just like our Pond’s girls Jasmine and Nicole–with no sticky feel due to its powder-like finish. “It’s part of my daily routine since it doubles as a moisturizer and sun protection since it also has PA++,” says Jasmine. “I can actually walk out with just that on my face.” For Nicole, the Pond’s White Beauty SPF15 Day Cream is also one of her top beauty must-haves–and that’s why she recommends it to ladies who are bound for their own #FaceTheSun adventures. “Always be prepared by packing all the right outfits and all the right toiletries to keep you protected. All you have to do is to have fun after that.”

THE “2ND MANILA FOLDING BIKE FESTIVAL” UNFOLDS AT TIENDESITAS

Folding Bike Pilipinas (FBP), established on November 11, 2011, is a convergence of different bikers from a diverse number of biking groups. All members came together as they share a common passion about using folding bikes a sport, as a form of transportation and as a part of their lifestyle. FBP likewise supports significant advocacies—all in the spirit of fun and solidarity.

In 2012, FBP saw it was about time it shared this sense of passion with everyone, thus, in the spirit of camaraderie, it launched “THE 1st MANILA FOLDING BIKE FESTIVAL”—a whole day affair that included a folding bike parade, bike show, talks about biking and its benefits, raffle, bike bazaar, bike clinic, exhibit and competition plus a lot more that made it truly a celebration of the comradeship that connected everyone, the way biking always do.

The said breakthrough event was attended by almost a thousand bikers from all walks of life. Thus, following the overwhelming success of that event, it is with great pride and joy that FBP is re-launching a sequel in continuation of its desire to spread the love of folding bikes with the “2nd MANILA FOLDING BIKE FESTIVAL”.

The “2nd MANILA FOLDING BIKE FESTIVAL” has been set on June 21, 2014—from 10:am to 6:30pm—and will be held in Tiendesitas, Pasig.

This year, FBP is expecting the number of guests and participants to double as more and more people have been lured into biking, specifically on folding bikes. Aside from the continuous games, a bike show and competition is also underway.

Doors open at 10:00am. Admission is free!

Bike categories for the competition are as follows:
·         Best in 12”
·         Best in 14”
·         Best in 16”
·         Best in 18”
·         Best in 20”
·         Best in 24” and 26”
·         Best in off-size
·         Best in Brompton

Onsite registration fee is P300.00 per bike/entry. Participants will be allowed only up to five (5) bikes/entries.

No less than Firefly Brigade Philippines’ president, Karen Crisostomo, will grace the event with her presence and give a short talk about the group’s advocacy. There will also be an area where bike part and accessories will be sold. A “bike clinic” spearheaded by FBP member Atty Lucio Binalla will also take place. Other activities and interesting segments include booth games, a roving photoman from iFlick, and freebies for those who come early.

After the announcement and awarding of the Bike Competition winners in the afternoon, the event will end with a high note as FBP, together with its valued sponsors, will raffle off gift certificates, bike-related items, Cycling apparel, bike frames, a mountain bike and and three (3) folding bikes.

The “2nd Manila Folding Bike Festival” is powered by Folding Bike Pilipinas in cooperation with Firefly Brigade Philippines, Brompton Club of the Philippines, Polkit, United Folding Bikers and the Cainta Mountain Bikers.

The event is done with the valuable support of Mars Kingdom, Brompton Philippines, Dahon Philippines, Fucoidan Wellness and Rejuvenation Center, Kojie San, R.O.X., Coolstuff, Peerless (Litepro), Ed Lee Designs, Crius, Barako Bull and Holly’s Milk.

Tattoo Trend Talks Bring DJ Armin Van Buuren in the Phils

 Tattoo hosts first ever Trend Talks
Industry headliners delve into the evolution of dance music led by DJ Armin Van Buuren

DJ Armin Van Buuren

Tattoo, the country’s leading mobile broadband, recently launched the first ever passion forum Trend Talks where local and international speakers, authorities in their respective fields, shared their expertise and discussed the different facets and trends in the evolution of electronic dance music in the Philippines.

Tattoo Trend Talks exhibit wall

Five-time top DJ in the world and producer Armin Van Buuren top-billed the event, in which he shared his expertise and international view on the evolution of dance music, particularly in progressive trance and uplifting trance—genres he is most familiar with. Armin welcomed questions from the press, guests and fans about his passion for music and his world tour, as well as his pre-show rituals and future plans. He was also asked about balancing being a prolific artist and being a devoted family man.

Hosted by prominent event industry insider Tim Yap and supermodel Joey Mead King, the forum tackled a variety of topics from the artists’ point of view down to the business and career side of the industry.

Homegrown talent DJ Nicky Jurado opened the forum, sharing his experiences being at the forefront of the booming clubbing scene back in the days of hit clubs like Orange Juice. Driven Manila’s Domini Primero and Bigfish International’s Ricky Daker, on the other hand, touched on international trends that permeated the local dance-event market. As two of the country's leading event and concert promoters who have worked with countless foreign acts, their wisdom proved integral to the discussion.

Tim Yap, Armin van Buuren, and Joey Mead King

Next on the list were top local DJ Mars Miranda and business maverick Stephen Ku, who tackled the business side of putting up clubs and establishments and making a career out of being a DJ. Pulling from their experiences, they gave valuable insight that aspiring musicians and producers, as well as entrepreneurs, can draw inspiration from.

Subsequently, Katrina Razon and Mikail Schemm began their segment by treating the crowd with a special set showcasing their signature brand of sound. They shared their view on the shifting patterns and trends of underground music in Southeast Asia, taking off from their immersions and observations, having travelled to different parts of the world. Completing the lineup of speakers were Ingo Voglemann and Pav Parrotte, who showed the similarities and contrasts between the international and local underground dance music scenes.

Globe VP for Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business Dong Ronquillo, Tim Yap, Armin van Buuren, and Joey Mead King

“We are very proud of the success of the first ever Trend Talks. Alongside the launch of our new products GoSURF and Spotify, we are happy that we’re able to let the audience enjoy music not only through parties but also with this engaging new platform that gives customers a whole new experience filled with interesting and inspiring talks led by our selected industry leaders,” enthuses Dong Ronquillo, Globe VP for Tattoo Nomadic Broadband Business.

The forum closed with an afternoon of cocktails and an astounding set from one of Trend Talks speakers – Mikail Schemm. Afterwards, guests headed to DJ Armin Van Buuren’s solo concert entitled Armin Only “Intense” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Van Buuren took the crowd on a six-hour multi-sensorial musical spectacle full of his famous hits and original beats.

As a treat to subscribers who can't get enough of the music, Tattoo takes it further by showcasing playlists of the latest tracks that the Trend Talks speakers are listening to on Spotify, which they can play for free on their tablets. Tattoo prepaid customers can subscribe to GoSURF50 to get free access to Spotify, as well as 250MB of data valid for 3 days.

Make your world sound wonderful with consumable mobile internet and all the music you want for free with GoSURF and Spotify. Register by texting GoSurf 50 to 8888. To know more about GoSurf and Spotify, visit http://tattoo.globe.com.ph/promos/gosurf-spotify

Experience fast and reliable internet connection with Tattoo. Learn more about their new products and services by visiting tattoo.globe.com.ph, visit any Globe store nearest you, or call 730-1010

Fifty Shades of Christian Grey

TAKE YOUR FIRST LOOK AT JAMIE DORNAN AS CHRISTIAN GREY

We've seen his back in the first teaser poster, and to celebrate the fictional character's birthday, Focus Features has revealed the first good look at Jamie Dornan as Christian Grey in Sam Taylor-Johnson's feature film adaptation of “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is the hotly anticipated film adaptation of the bestselling book that has become a global phenomenon. Since its release, the “Fifty Shades” trilogy has been translated into 51 languages worldwide and sold more than 100 million copies in e-book and print—making it one of the biggest and fastest-selling book series ever.

Stepping into the roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, who have become iconic to millions of readers, are Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson.

Joining Dornan and Johnson in the cast are Luke Grimes as Elliot, Christian’s brother; Victor Rasuk as José, Anastasia’s close friend; Eloise Mumford as Kate, Anastasia’s best friend and roommate; Marcia Gay Harden as Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey, Christian’s mother; Rita Ora as Mia, Christian’s sister; Max Martini as Taylor, Christian’s bodyguard; Callum Keith Rennie as Ray, Anastasia’s stepfather; Jennifer Ehle as Carla, Anastasia’s mother; and Dylan Neal as Bob, Carla’s husband.

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson and produced by Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti alongside E L James, the creator of the series. The screenplay for the film is by Kelly Marcel.

Opening across the Philippines on February 2015, “Fifty Shades of Grey” will be distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Cebu Pacific flies to Sydney and Kuwait starting September

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines leading airline offers a long haul route from Manila to Sydney, for as low as p4,999. all- in. These are inclusive of the fare, fuel surcharge and other fees, but exclusive of the Philippine Travel Tax. After the seat sale, lowest year-round all-inclusive fares to Sydney start at P12,150.  The first low cost carrier (LCC) to fly these routes non-stop.

“Our trademark low fares will allow our kababayans abroad, the Global Filipinos, to visit home more often, as we had done in other destinations before, and at the same time attract Australian tourists into our shores,” said  Cebu Pacific president Lance Gokongwei during the press launch. There are over 300,000 Filipinos based in Australia. Gokongwei added, the new flights will serve Filipino expatriates  and will boost tourism both for the  Philippines and Australia.

Travel Period for Sydney is from September 9 to December 31 , 2014.

Cebu Pacific will be the only airline offering non-stop flights to Kuwait, which hosts more than 180,000 Filipinos workers. The new Manila-Kuwait thrice-weekly service will start on September 2 thrice a week for Kuwait flights.

Gokongwei said they hope these new routes will become profitable in 6 to 18 months when they hope to hit their target load factor of 80 percent of capacity.

These new routes will utilize CEB’s brand-new Airbus A330-300 aircraft with a configuration of 436 all-economy class seats.

During the seat sale, there is a P1 base fare from Manila to Kuwait.  These are exclusive of fuel surcharge, country taxes and other fees. After the seat sale, lowest year-round base fares to Kuwait start at P4,999.

 Travel period is from Sep. 2 to Dec. 31 , 2014.

Cebu Pacific Air telephone numbers : Call Center Manila Office: Tel: 632-7020-888; Hongkong Office: Tel: 852-397-33800; Cebu Office: 6332-230-8888

The Health Giving Property of Aquabest

Aquabest, the country’s leading water refilling franchise has launched its "Nanogen" nanotechnology water filtration system and "purity" test  on June 14, 2014 at Grills and Sizzles QC. The company is a long time member of the Philippine Franchise Association and is considered to be among the leading players in the water franchising industry.

Drinking water helps cleanse and revitalize the body sweeping away toxins and impurities in the body. Water also helps keep our energy and alertness levels up all day. Overall, drinking lots of water can lead to greater personal wellness and well-being. However, not all water is the same some are better than others.

Aquabest Granderized water in particular is radically different from other types of drinking water being not only clean but also healthy. Utilizing four unique technologies Grander, Tanwing, Nanogen, and Reverse Osmosis; Aquabest alters the very nature of water to make it better.


Tanwing Technology and Reverse Osmosis are filtration technologies that help eliminate practically all contaminants in the water making them safe and clean. Tanwing works by utilizing two wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation to help eliminate all biological contaminants. At the same time, reverse osmosis filters water at the nanometer level far smaller than a strand of hair to ensure that all impurities are filtered out.

The Nanogen and Grander Technologies work at the molecular level to infuse health giving properties to the water by affecting the molecular structure of the water. Nanogen is a Korean technology that utilizes nanotechnology to neutralize pure water’s inherent acidity. Acidic water is supposed to be a contributing factor to some diseases. Grander Technology from Austria alters the molecular structure of water to improve body absorption.

Normal water molecules are large and irregularly shaped. This causes uneven rates of absorption into the body making it inefficient and disorganized. With Grander Technology the water molecules are compressed and given a uniform shape. This facilitates faster and more efficient absorption into the body.

Overall, Aquabest Granderized Water improves on the inherent cleansing and rejuvenating qualities of water.  Each drop reaches deeper into the core of every cell in our bodies allowing them to perform their functions better. Drinking Aquabest Granderized Water will rejuvenate the body at its very core helping people look and feel better.

Apart from its new technology, the company is also looking to continue its expansion particularly in rural areas which have the potential to drive the company’s growth “We are looking at the possibility further expanding in provincial areas particularly for our sub brands Aquaquest and Aquaspree since these concepts are better suited to penetrate these emerging markets” says Carson Tan CEO of GQWEST Inc. the mother company of Aquabest.