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Monday, September 15, 2014

Kakao Talk features the top downloaded game SundayToz’s "Anipang"

Anipang for Kakao capturing the hearts of Filipinos



The summer heat may be over, but the popularity of SundayToz’s Anipang for Kakao seems to be reaching its apex. The puzzle game available on KakaoTalk’s mobile social platform is climbing up the charts and ranking among the top downloaded games in various app stores.

Anipang was featured last month on Pinoy Big Brother All In. In the episode, current housemates took on eliminated cast members in a heated game of Anipang for Kakao, with the winners receiving limited edition character items. With user interest in the game high, Kakao Philippines made Anipang a featured app within KakaoTalk for both Android and iOS so user could gain easy access.


Anipang is already a blockbuster hit in Korea, where it has been downloaded more than 30 million times. Approximately 80% of all smartphone users in Korea have played Anipang, making it the undisputed no. 1 game on mobile platform. Many of the country’s top stars, including G-Dragon of Big Bang, Lee Byung-hun, as well as members of TVXQ and SNSD, have expressed their love for Anipang and its characters.

A major part of Anipang’s appeal is the ability to send and receive hearts with other KakaoTalk friends. Hearts function as play tokens within the game, and with Anipang being the perfect game to enjoy with friends and family, exchanging heart messages has emerged as huge cultural phenomenon among players since it debuted two years ago.



“Kakao Game is one of the successful aspects of KakaoTalk’s various social platform services, with around 520 million subscribers worldwide,” said Jean Lee, Head of Kakao Philippines. “The key reason for its popularity is the fact that you can compete and compare scores with other KakaoTalk users, making it a very social, connective experience. Anipang is certainly a great example of this, and we’re glad Filipinos are embracing this great game,” Lee added.

For more information on KakaoTalk’s features and offerings, visit www.kakaotalk.com.ph/




Sharp Calculators on the look out for the TEN OUSTANDING YOUNG MATHEMATICIANS 2015


This year, Sharp Calculators furthers its advocacy by partnering with more educational institutions such as the Department of Education-National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR), Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), Mathematics Trainers’ Guild Philippines (MTG), Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSP), Philippine Council of Mathematics Educators, Inc. (MathTEd)as it launches the very first search for the TEN OUSTANDING YOUNG MATHEMATICIANS (TOYM) from National Capital Region.

The launch was held September 12, 2014 at the Makati Shangri-la and was hosted by a Math Wiz himself, Atom Araullo.

Atom Araullo


In the latest World Economic Forum WEF Global Competitiveness Report for 2013-2014, the Philippines has been ranked 96th out of 142 countries in perceived quality of Math and Science education. The survey questioned business executives around the world to rate the quality of education, among other things, in their respective countries.



Although it is a considerable improvement from being ranked 115th(WEF 2011-1012), but still far behind our other Asian counterparts such Indonesia (35th), Japan (34th), Malaysia (27th), Taiwan (11th) Hongkong (10th). Singapore continues to be on top of the list.  The importance of mathematics has never been greater than now and for the foreseeable future and is crucial for a wide array of analytical, technological, scientific, and economic applications.

Six years ago, Sharp Calculators through Collins International Trading Corporation launched the SHARP Minds Program to help uplift the standard of education in the Philippines particularly in teaching Math subjects.

Partnering with two of the biggest Mathematics organizations in the country, Mathematics Trainers Guild, Philippines (MTG) and Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP), the SHARP Minds Program sponsored Mathematics activities and programs in member schools with the goal of recognizing the sharpest math minds and transforming the pedagogy of mathematics teaching in the Philippines.

“With TOYM Awards, Sharp Calculators aims to foster the academic excellence of the Filipino Youth in Math as we recognize their extraordinary math skills to motivate them further in becoming the future think tanks of this country. We also hope to raise the status of mathematics in society — to stimulate the interest of the students, the academic and the general public to the significance of Math in the development of the society,” said Collins International Trading Corporation’s Assistant Vice President Mr. Lucero Ong.

Lucero Ong AVP Collins, Ruby Cristobal Div Chief Science and Technology Manpower Educ Research and Promotion-DOST and Julie Lim Vice President Collins Internationl Inc (distributor of Sharp Calculators) 2


“Notable Filipino mathematicians such as Raymundo Favila, Casimiro del Rosario, Gregorio Y. Zara, Amador Muriel, Tito A. Mijares and Jose A. Marasigan have all been recognized for their contributions to diverse fields of physics, astronomy, biophysics and biotechnology. Who knows maybe the next great Mathematician would be among our TOYM awardees,” Mr. Ong added.

The search is open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have completed at least two years of high school. They must be Filipino citizens, either naturalized or born. The nominee must be among the Top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal and the award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and international competitions.

A recommendation from School principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents will be the basis of judging. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be the basis of the judges’ questions for the panel interview.


The Deliberation/ Final interview of finalist will be conducted by representatives from Department of Education NCR, DOST-SEI, MTG Philippines, MSP, MathTed

The TOYM awardees will be the first batch of Sharp Calculators’ Youth Ambassadors that will inspire and encourage the Filipino youth to strive and achieve academic excellence through school tours and mathematics symposiums. They will be receiving plaque of excellence, cash prizes and gifts from Sharp Calculators and sponsors.

The deadline for nominations will be on January 5, 2015, with the awarding ceremonies scheduled on February 2015.

Nomination kits are now available at selected National Book Store Branches in National Capital Region or can be downloaded through www.sharpminds.ph For more information please contact Sharp Calculators at 681-6161/646-2867 and look for Ms. Mary Rose Rocha or Ms. Clara Camille Ocampo.



NOMINATION MECHANICS:
1. Open to all public and private high school students in the National Capital Region who have completed at least two years of high school. They must be Filipino citizen either naturalized or born.
2. Nominee must be among the Top 3 students in math as certified by the school principal.
3. The award will be based primarily on the nominee’s performance on national and international competition. These competitions must be recognized by the Department of Education or Department of Science and Technology.
4. Presentations or publications of original work in mathematics are desirable.
5. Students who contribute to the promotion of Mathematics and show leadership skills are desirable. Good moral character will be considered

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

CRITERIA PERCENT
Performance in Mathematics Competition 75%
Research and Publications in Mathematics 10%
Leadership and Promotion of Mathematics 15%
TOTAL 100%

a. Performance in Mathematics Competitions 75%
Nominee’s performance on international, national and regional mathematics competitions that are recognized by the Department of Education and Department of Science and Technology.

b. Research and Publications in Mathematics 10%

c. Leadership and Involvement in Promotion of Mathematics
A recommendation from School principal / Mathematics head with supporting documents will be the basis of judging. For students who are chosen to the top 20, each involvement on activities included in the recommendation of the principal/math head or other recognized authority will be reviewed and assessed by judges/co-presenters. The said recommendations will be one of the bases of the judges’ questions for the panel interview

SCREENING PROCEDURES

The screening procedure is summarized in the diagram below. All nominees will undergo a pre-screening process by pre-screening committee. On the basis of a nominee’s performance in mathematics competitions and their research and publications, 20 nominees will be selected for an interview by a panel of judges. Interview questions may be based on the nominee’s involvement in activities that promote mathematics, as indicated in (1) the recommendation from the school principal/mathematics head, (2) the nominee’s essay, and (3) other information submitted.



Rico Blanco sings for Valda Pastilles








 My father has been buying Valda since I was in college, you can always find Valda pastilles in our home. When he thinks that a cold is coming, he will pick Valda instead of an antitussive medicine. It has been a reliable pick-me-up anti colds, sneeze pastille. I am glad that it is still available in the country.

Valda Pastilles recently launched its new ambassador Rico Blanco at Alphonse Bar last September 11, 2014. On the day of its launch, a new Valda Pastilles TV commercial was revealed, which showcased no less than Rico and the brand’s single that he wrote and composed entitled, “Time For You”. Just like Valda pastilles, "Time For You", is catchy and one song that soothes and cools. I still have the last song syndrome.

Believe it or not, your throat is as hardworking as you are. It also gets stressed and experiences a lot of wear and tear, especially when your profession requires you to sing or speak every second of every day or night. So as much as you want time to relax your mind and body, your throat should also be given time for some R and R.


Valda Pastilles, a green, conical-shaped, chewy pastilles, has been known for soothing and cooling throats for more than a century now. Recently, with its launch event held last September 11, 2014 at Alphonse Bistro in Pasig, the brand has upped its cool ante by showcasing its newest endorser, Rico Blanco.


As we all know, Rico is one of the most talented musicians in the Philippines. He is every inch a rock star, oozing with a cool persona. His voice alone holds a refreshing power that can captivate the hearts of every Filipino with just the first note, much like how Valda Pastilles gives instant cooling sensation in every chew. No wonder Rico is the perfect face for the brand.

With the brand and Rico’s collaboration, they have created a fresh song that leaves nothing but cool vibes.



In addition, the feel good song’s full-length music video was also unveiled, which was as soothing as the song alone.

So, now that Valda Pastilles has teamed up with Rico Blanco, there will always be time for you to soothe and cool your throat wherever you are and whenever you feel like it.

For more highlights of the event, visit facebook.com/VALDAPILIPINAS.


Sunday, September 14, 2014

Healthy lifestyle begins with Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp 2014




Nowadays, filipinos are more aware of their health, everyone is into vegetable juicing, counting calories, yoga, running, zumba, and enrolling in a gym.  Getting healthy is a lifestyle change.  Total wellness involves getting enough exercise, ample sleep, reducing stress, eating right and more. Whether you’re looking to make an overnight, complete change or gradually develop positive habits, advice from experts is always helpful. Now comes, the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp, now on its 4 season. After engaging in their 4 minutes repetition exercise, I was convinced that I have to join and be healthy for the rest of my life.

Medicard Philippines, Inc., a leading HMO provider, caps the year with Season 4 of the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp at the Centris Walk, Eton Centris in Quezon City, beginning September 30, 2014. This is part of Medicard’s mission of encouraging the public to live healthier lifestyles.

“It is our privilege and pleasure to the partnership with Medicard in this Fitness Boot Camp. It is a great opportunity for fitness enthusiasts to have this type of activity. Rest assured that Eton Centris will always be in support of all Medicard’s future endeavors.” Maria Victoria L. Santiago, AVP for Centris Operations.

Dr. Nicky Montoya, President of Medicard Philippines Inc. , welcomed Eton Centris as the new partner for the boot camp’s fourth season.

“With the success of our first three seasons, we feel that it has become our duty to continue the goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he said.




MediCard-Meta Fit Fitness Boot Camp, which started in February 2012 at the Medicard Lifestyle Center in Makati, gives participants a chance to challenge and motivate themselves for comprehensive training and high-intensity workouts with proper guidance from and supervision of expert fitness instructors including ABS-CBN’s Biggest Loser coach and Meta Fit developer Jim Saret, together with other coaches.

Its success has produced three legs of the program across Metro Manila.

With Toni and Jim Saret of ABS-CBN Biggest Loser



“The boot camp is a perfect venue for health and wellness advocates as we help provide them a more comprehensive health and fitness package,” Saret said. “Meta Fit provides physical training part while MediCard provides the health service.”

MediCard-Meta Fit Fitness Boot Camp Season 4’s 12-session program runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Online registration for interested participants is open until September 30, 2014 through the official Facebook page through the official Facebook page



Who will vie for The Miss CF 2014 crown?




From a hundred aspirants who participated in the regional screenings, twenty-nine (29) beautiful Filipinas will vie for the coveted Miss CF 2014 crown during the pageant’s grand coronation night on September 19, 2014 at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

Hailing from the various provinces in the Philippines, the candidates were selected from hundreds of aspirants who participated in the nationwide Miss CF regional screenings from July 25 to August 30, 2014. The screenings were held in CF branches in Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Malabon, Hyatt and Pavilion.



The finalists from the Visayas and Mindanao are Roselyn Corilla, Joy Magielen Jontilano, Saiphil Nipales, Rogelie Catacutan, Julienne Hazel Penserga, Maria Fatima Saudia Al-Sowyed, Mary Grace Castillo, Gladys Comandao, Darlene Paula Dichoso, Zairah Marie Agsaluna, Jenny Babes Puda and Eiseley Kyle Pragados.

Luzon bets are Berna Bail Penales, Camille Laylay, Emylyn Perez, Johvielyne Co, Martina McKinsey, Donna Velasco, Gel Dacion, Emma Mary Tiglao and Maolin Yalung.

Meanwhile, the candidates representing Metro Manila are Danita Joan Ruazol, Jannie Alipo-on, Abbygale Rey, Dale Ivory Lee, Ivy Meerry Enriquez, Haydee Gumasing, Angela Aninang, Rose Turner and Agatha Lei Romero.


Bong Quintana, PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment and Bingo, said this year’s batch of Miss CF candidates is a mix of young professionals and college students. “We have an engineer, a pharmacist, a nurse and graduates of Speech Pathology and Hotel and Restaurant Management, among others. We are happy that the pool of our Miss CF candidates is improving every year,” he said.

Quintana added that all of the candidates have a common goal when they joined the Miss CF pageant. “Apart from winning the crown, the contestants are also motivated to join Miss Casino Filipino because they see this pageant as a means to pursue their respective advocacies. They know that winning the crown would allow them to lend a helping hand to those in need since PAGCOR will be donating P200,000 in cash to their preferred charitable institution,” he said.


Apart from participating in PAGCOR’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and being able to help various charities, the past winners of Miss Casino Filipino were also given career opportunities. “We have discovered many talented ladies through our nationwide beauty contest. Some of them are already part of PAGCOR’s stable of artists who are performing regularly in our different Casino Filipino venues,” Quintana added.

Big cash prizes await the winners of Miss CF 2014. The grand winner will take home P500,000 in cash. Meantime, the runners-up will receive P400,000 (1st), P300,000 (2nd), P200,000 (3rd) and P100,000 (4th). PAGCOR will also award special prizes such as Best in Talent, Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Friendship, Miss Photogenic, meanwhile, the candidate who gets the most number of ‘Likes’  in the online media voting in CF Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/casinofilipino  will be awarded the ‘Social Media Darling’ and will be given fabulous prizes.  The winners of the other special awards will get P10,000 each.



The Miss CF 2014 grand coronation night will be hosted by Binibining Pilipinas 2009 Bianca Manalo and TV host, model Marc Nelson. Among the panel of judges who will be selecting the winners are Celebrity Actor Mr. Gabby Concepcion, Basketball Star Vince Hizon, Reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2014 Glennifer Perido,  Hospitality Headhunter, Trainer and Consultant Vic Alcuaz among others.
Guest performers are Randy Santiago, Ariel Rivera, Kyla, Merjohn Lagaya, Marcus Davis and back-ups Whiplash and Buganda Dancers.



For inquiries and details, please contact the PAGCOR Entertainment and Bingo Department at (02) 708-2046 –  526-0337 loc 2401 / 2403 or visit www.facebook.com/casinofilipino, www.facebook.com/pagcorartists or www.twitter.com/casinofilipino. #

                                                           

#LagingGoodVibes with Mefenamic Acid Dolfenal





 Mefenamic Acid Dolfenal officially introduced its latest campaign #LagingGoodVibes to media and bloggers on Sept. 10, 2014 at VYNE, The Fort.  A Candy Bar full of marshmallows, gummies, candysticks, chocolates, strawberry pochis greeted us upon entering the place. The tables were adorned with flower paper maches, crayons, cute coloring placemats.   It launched Dolfenal’s social media assets, the  #LagingGoodVibes webisodes featured funny man Ramon Bautista and Youtube sensation and actress Ashley Rivera aka Petra Mahalimuyak.

The campaign kicked off with Rivera’s “How to Dance While in Pain” video. This was followed by the Good Vibes vs. Bad Vibes mash-up video featuring Rivera and Bautista dancing while in pain from dysmenorrhea, migraine, and toothache then transitioning to a good vibes dance.
The most recent video launched is another one of Ashley’s How To Videos – “How to Take a Selfie while in Pain.” Since its launch, these videos have garnered over 10,000 views with favorable reviews.


“Our continuing objective for this campaign is to empower our customers to enjoy life. Dolfenal is a mefenamic acid painkiller for users to expect relief from pain caused by dysmenorrhea, migraine, and toothache. With Dolfenal, you get rid of the bad vibes para #LagingGoodVibes,” shared Hector Pagalilauan, Marketing Director.









Guests also met Dolfenal influencer Ashley Rivera aka Petra Mahalimuyak who led a dance session on “How to Dance with Dysmenorrhea,” featured on her first “How To” webisode. Other fun activities included a Donut Eating contest and an hour of singing with a live acoustic band to showcase the fun to be had when free from the pains of toothache and migraine.



Dolfenal 250 mg tablet is available for only P12/capsule through leading drugstores nationwide. You can also ask your doctor about it. Uminom ng Dolfenal para #LagingGoodVibes

To know more about how to get Laging Good Vibes with Dolfenal and view the Bad Vibes vs. Good Vibes videos, check out Doflenal’s webisodes by liking us on https://www.facebook.com/dolfenal or visiting our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/dolfenalphilippines and follow us on https://twitter.com/dolfenalph.



Saturday, September 13, 2014

Watch out for SHREK THE MUSICAL on Sept.19 at the Meralco Theatre




Shrek the Musical, is finally here in the Philippines, watch for this funny and amazing show which stars our very own Sheila Valderrama Martinez as Fiona, Sheila auditioned for the role, two years ago and got the part, it was her first time to act and sing for the cast of Shrek The Musical. She also done Carrie, and Dani Girl before also for theatre. Nyoy Volante, yes, the balladeer singer, is the voice behind Donkey. He did Rak of Aegis, and grandma for the hilarious the Addams Family. Nyoy told the media that he did theatre before becoming a singer. He has the passion for musical. " Its uplifting and you got this kind of fulfillment and also good for the soul", he says.  Rycharde Everley plays the funny Shrek, who video auditioned here in Manila, says that its the prettiest, funny musical, and it has a lot of good songs, he says that establishing a relationship with Donkey on stage is important, thats why he and Nyoy Volante are buddy even off stage and  they clicked together as partner in this musical comedy.



 Spend an unforgettable evening with a talking donkey, a lovestruck dragon, and everyone’s favorite green ogre when SHREK THE MUSICAL comes to Manila. Shrek the Musical, a song-and dance-filled stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated film, opens September 19 and runs through October 12 at the Meralco Theatre.

Shrek The Musical puts a twist on fairytales as we have come to know them. Instead of a knight riding a noble steed, the hero is Shrek, a swamp-dwelling ogre who befriends a wisecracking Donkey. And the Princess? She’s the slightly temperamental and neurotic Fiona. After Shrek rescues Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower, the two fall in love before she reveals there’s more to her than meets the eye. Other fairytale misfits join the madcap adventure in this colorful musical including a brave puppet named Pinocchio, a Gingerbread Man with an attitude and Three Blind Mice who channel their inner Dreamgirls.

This entertaining, family-friendly show features a terrific score including the hit song “I’m A Believer!” The songs come from Jeanine Tesori, who wrote the music, and David Lindsay-Abaire, who wrote the book and lyrics.

Shrek the Musical also draws from a 1990 children’s book by famed New Yorker cartoonist William Steig. Like the first 2001 Shrek film, the musical stays true to Steig’s fractured fairytale vision where dragons are friendly, swamps are better than castles, and the true hero isn’t handsome or noble but a grouchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside ogre who is more or less content with himself and his life in a swamp.


After Shrek the Musical premiered in 2008, as the most expensive show ever produced on Broadway, it played for more than a year and earned numerous Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations. It went on to become a hit musical in London’s West End and continues to tour the UK.

Starring in  SHREK THE MUSICAL are Rycharde Everley as Shrek, Shiela Valderrama-Martinez as Princess Fiona, Nyoy Volante as Donkey, Jett Pangan as Lord Farquaad, Nel Gomez as Pinocchio and Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Dragon.Joining them are Altair Alonso, Katie Bradshaw, Arron Cadawas, Tristan Cheng, Steven Conde, Johann dela Fuente,Hans Eckstein,  Ariana Everley, Bea Garcia, Franz Imperial, Sab Jose ,Mariela Laurel,  Bibo Reyes, Warren Saga Marissa Srroca, Abi Sulit, Thea Tadiar Everley, Tricia Torres, Japs Treopaldo, and Jamie Wilson.

SHREK is Directed by Bobby Garcia, Choreography by Cecile Martinez, Set Design by Faust Peneyra, Lighting Design by Dong Calingacion, Original Broadway and West End Costume Design by Olivier and Tony Award winner Tim Hatley, Costume Execution and Additional Costumes by Eric Pineda, Hair and Make Up Design by Johann dela Fuente, Dragon Puppet Design by Benny Batoctoy, Musical Direction by Ceejay Javier, and Vocal Coaching by ManMan Angsico.
SHREK is the perfect musical for the entire family that will instantly make you a believer! Get your tickets now to SHREK! Call Ticketworld 891-9999.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Save up with AXA ION, the first online life insurance store in PH



A life insurance helps that in the event something happens to you, it maybe an accident or a heart attack, the needs of your loved ones can be provided for up to the amount you feel you are worth. You can insure yourself with  AXA eXentials line, guaranteed fast and easy with AXA iON thru online application. Save for the future and provide your family with financial stability and security when it matters most.



AXA Philippines,one of the country’s largest and fastest growing life insurance companies, continues to redefine standards by being the first life insurance company in the Philippines to offer life insurance products online through AXA iON (AXA Insurance Online).




“The internet is playing an ever increasing role in the way we communicate, transact and find information about anything,” says Rien Hermans, President & CEO of AXA Philippines. “Nowadays people meet on social media, find jobs online, buy books, gadgets, clothes, shoes, book hotels and air travel on the internet ---all of this is no surprise to any of us anymore.”

“With AXAiON, we now give customers the chance to secure their financial future from the increasing costs of education, the burden of expensive healthcare costs, and the passing of a breadwinner, all in a digital platform and in just a few, easy steps,”Hermans stated.



Hermans observes that most life insurance companies tend to create a lot of mystery or confusion around their products by coming up with a multitude of options, features and limitations, all packed in a lot of jargon.

“AXA Philippines wants to change this by offering the most basic financial products that can help people secure their financial future in a transparent, easy, and affordable way to the growing population of Filipinos who are logged on to the internet on an almost daily basis,” adds Hermans.

AXA iON offers four (4) fully-guaranteed products that make up the AXA eXentials line, which are designed to be affordable with premiums starting at only P1,000 per month: Health eXentials, Savings eXentials, Academic eXentials, and Life eXentials.

1.  Savings eXentials is a fail-proof alternative to savings that provide better returns than a regular savings account returns, pays out the cash to your family even if you don’t complete the 5-year savings plan in case of death or disability.

2.  Academic eXentials gives guaranteed cash benefits once a year for 5 consecutive years, to help defray costs related to tuition or education. But in case of untimely demise before the 5-year payout period, Academic eXentials will give your family additional cash every year until the year before the scheduled release of benefits.

3.  Life eXentials is a back-to-basics income replacement plan. Unlike typical life insurance plans, Life eXentials pays out its benefits monthly over a period of up to 5 years so there’s no danger of wiping out the insurance proceeds at once and ensures that the beneficiaries get a monthly stipend to replace the income of the loved one who passed away.

4.  Health eXentials is the affordable complement to HMO coverage as it pays out cash upon diagnosis of critical conditions such as heart attack, stroke, including gender specific cancers (breast, cervical, prostate cancers), stroke, heart attack, Alzheimer’s disease, liver disease and 30 other critical illnesses.

“Through AXA iON, customers can now learn more about these financial solutions, at their own pace and convenience” says Amor Balagtas, Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Philippines.  “Having done one’s own research and now ready to secure his financial future,one can purchase their desired financial productby simply using their credit card in just a few clicks.”

“But for those who prefer to talk to an AXA Financial Partner, they may use AXA iON to start a conversation on their financial needs, as this is a great tool to help them understand what options are available to them,”Balagtas explains further.

“The internet will not replace the financial advisor, but it will complement the way how we communicate and transact with our clients,” adds Hermans. “This is why we allow customers to select their financial advisor, even if they buy online. This ensures that once they want to do a full financial need analysis,they will have someone that they can turn to.”

“Having someone to support you in the important financial decisions in your life, to balance your investments, to prepare your retirement income and to fail proof your financial plans is of tremendous value.This is the reason why AXA focuses on quality over quantity when it comes to its financial advisors, providing continuous training, and providing them state of the art tools to support their job,” Hermans concludes.

To find out more about AXA iON, visit www.axaion.com.ph.

The craft of making the horror-thriller "Annabelle" from Director Leonetti

“ANNABELLE” DIRECTOR LEARNS CRAFT FROM MENTOR JAMES WAN


“The Conjuring” and “Insidious” cinematographer John R. Leonetti makes his feature directorial debut with New Line Cinema's upcoming horror-thriller “Annabelle.”

The new film begins before the evil was unleashed in “The Conjuring.” John Form (Ward Horton) has found the perfect gift for his expectant wife, Mia (Annabelle Wallis)—a beautiful, rare vintage doll in a pure white wedding dress. But Mia’s delight with Annabelle doesn’t last long.

On one horrific night, their home is invaded by members of a satanic cult, who violently attack the couple. Spilled blood and terror are not all they leave behind. The cultists have conjured an entity so malevolent that nothing they did will compare to the sinister conduit to the damned that is now...Annabelle.




The first-time director talks about his inspiration, mentor James Wan and the craft of making horror films, in the following interview.

Question: You have been working with James Wan as a cinematographer on a number of films. What was it about “Annabelle” that made you want to make the switch to director on this film?

John Leonetti: It’s fun doing these movies with James, like “Insidious” and “The Conjuring.” I love crafting these films as a cinematographer. But this script was so amazing, first of all. When they approached me about it—it just came out of the blue; I didn’t solicit it—I said, ‘Well, let me read the script.’ So I did. It was so good that I couldn’t believe that [screenwriter] Gary Dauberman had written the first draft in just six days.

It’s kind of a throwback to the past in terms of older movies like Polanski’s “Rosemary’s Baby.” It’s birthed by “The Conjuring,” I guess you could say, but the structure of this movie is different and one thing I really love is female protagonists. I’m a fan of women, and I’ve always been attracted to stories that are about women. And, honestly, as weakened as our heroine Mia becomes in the events surrounding this doll and the demon she has to confront, she is a very strong and has a very powerful soul in her own right.

But, really, it was the script, and then knowing that the family—I guess you could call it “The Conjuring” family from New Line—would be involved.

Q: When you’re directing, do you have to fight the urge to set up shots like a cinematographer or do you see it as more of a collaboration?



Leonetti: I do separate myself from it. However, having [cinematographer] Jimmy Kneist on the film, who’s really talented, was great. He’s someone that is open enough to let me add my three cents, yet he gets my vision and my sensibility enough to be able to just make it happen. I’m very specific about how I set up my shots. I didn’t storyboard the movie before we started, but I literally visualized, shot-listed, edited and cut the whole movie before we even started shooting. I’m very visual, obviously. That’s my day job. [Laughs] But when you’re working with a filmmaker like James Wan, you analyze how he’s directing these movies. He’s very visual as well. And we’ve been a pretty awesome team for five movies in a row.

Q: You’ve got like mind-meld going on...

Leonetti: Yeah, we do. [Laughs] So, when he visualizes something, I know I can give it to him. For someone else to come in and be me while I’m being James, if you will, it would be difficult for anybody because I know where I want to cut, where the transitions are, all those things.

It’s not to say that Tom Melkins, our editor, won’t be making variations on that, as he should, and make it better. That’s awesome, because the movie is not just about how it looks, but what the camera is doing at every moment and why. It’s building up suspense by getting inside Mia’s world, and following the characters and that freaking doll as well. [Laughs]

We’re so lucky to have such a great cast. They’re all amazing actors. But the thread throughout the movie is Mia and that demon and the suspense that builds around this conflict she’s facing essentially alone. And designing that, shot by shot, tasting each element as it comes, has to be very, very specific.

Q: “The Conjuring” has such a distinct look and feel to it. Was that a touchstone for you for “Annabelle”?

Leonetti: Oh, no question. Visually, it’s in the same zone as “The Conjuring” in terms of inspiration, conception and execution. Jimmy has been kind enough to embrace my cinematography on “The Conjuring,” to help maintain that continuity for a very specific reason. Not just the way the camera moves, but the way the film looks. Both stories take place around 1970, so the period is the same.

The way we manipulate the color in the post process is very similar. So it’s going to have very much the same look and feel and, by the way, it’s just as beautiful.

Q: Can you talk about building the tension and mood of the film, and also engineering the scares in the film? Were those fun for you to devise?

Leonetti: Definitely. The script is written in a way that creates a template for how we pace the movie. And my motto on this movie is ‘less is more,’ patience in suspense, and James Wan knows about that as well, obviously. So it’s always about keeping a balance between the ticking Hitchcock bomb and a jump scare, and you don’t give anything away. So you have to carefully set things up and then it’s how you pay them off throughout the movie, and there are many layers to that. Sometimes it’s just disorienting the audience enough to create the environment to be scared, or to let them know what Mia doesn’t to the point where they say, ‘Oh, no, don’t go down those stairs!’ Whatever it is.
The other thing that we did, which was so wonderful, is to shoot the film almost entirely in continuity. We were able to watch it grow, so that by the third act, everybody emotionally and dramatically can know where we are, from me to the actors.

But, even more importantly, it’s Annabelle’s performance as Mia. I believe that as strong as the demon is, so is she. As much as it knocks the wind out of her sails and tries to take the legs out from underneath her, every time that happens inside, she puts up another pillar of strength. We don’t see it, but it’s there. And then it’s a matter of gauging and varying performance, all the way through the movie, where she’s really vulnerable and becomes stronger.

Opening across the Philippines on October 01, 2014, “Annabelle” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.



Thursday, September 11, 2014

Cherry Mobile unveils the Alpha series together with Kim Chiu


Multi-awarded actress and one of the country’s most sought-after celebrity endorsers, Kim Chiu, once again joins Cherry Mobile in unveiling the newest line of premium yet affordable smartphones and tablets, the Alpha Series, last night, September 9, 2014, at the Harbour Tent of Sofitel Manila.



The event were hosted by Phoemela Barranda and Cherry Mobile brand ambassador, Victor Basa, Kim Chiu graced the launch event as she shared her excitement over Cherry Mobile’s Alpha Series and her new TVC. With her Cherry Mobile devices Kim is able to stay connected with her family and friends, even on the go, especially with the new Style, Luxe, Play, and Morph. The Alpha Series’ sleek design, power, and functionality truly complement Kim’s lifestyle.

A first for the local phone brand recognized as the future of mobile, Cherry Mobile partnered with Microsoft, Intel, and Qualcomm in developing the Alpha Series, which features two smartphones and two tablets. Together, they aim to continue to produce innovative and affordable mobile devices for every Filipino lifestyle.



Heading the series are Cherry Mobile’s 10-inch high-definition, Morph, and 8-inch sleek, Play, which both run on Windows 8.1 operating system. Morph, priced at Php 11,999, is the more productivity-oriented of the pair, coming with its own keyboard in-box, 32 gigabytes of on-board memory, and two gigabytes of RAM. On the other hand, Play, priced at Php 7,999, is designed for mobile play and media consumption, with 16 gigabytes of memory, and a gigabyte of RAM.

Style and Luxe are the series’ smartphones with the Windows Phone 8.1 operating system, priced at Php 2,999 and Php 4,999 respectively. Style is for the young techie with its 4-inch 800×480 IPS screen, four gigabytes of memory, and 512 megabytes of RAM. Luxe is for professionals who need powerful smartphones for work. It has a 5-inch 1280×720 HD screen, eight gigabytes of memory, and a gigabyte of RAM.

To compliment these gadgets and to meet the needs of every tech savvy consumer like Kim, all Alpha Series Windows phones come with a free download of Office Mobile, while all Alpha Series Windows tablets come with a one-year free subscription of Microsoft Office 365 Personal.



Similar to Kim Chiu’s continuous rise in the local showbiz scene, Cherry Mobile also continues to introduce new devices to stay ahead of its competitors by meeting the fast changing needs of its consumers, while still staying true to their commitment in offering their products at competitive price points.

Watch GMA News TV’s Biyahe ni Drew visits Kyoto, Nagoya and Shiga, Japan




Join television host Drew Arellano on a personal tour of various exciting places in Japan with his travel show Biyahe ni Drew.

On its first co-production, GMA News TV’s  teams up with Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) for a special two-part episode which will air on September 12 and 19 (Friday, 8 pm on GMA News TV). Drew is reliable travel guide as he takes the viewers on a virtual tour of three of Japan’s historic and picturesque prefectures: Kyoto, Nagoya and Shiga.

The travel show is packed with useful information about Japan. In the first episode, Drew discovers interesting facets of the Japanese culture through his encounters with graceful geishas in Gion district in Kyoto.



Drew has his fair share of memorable experiences during his brief stay in Japan. He meditates with a Zen monk at Kenninji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kyoto. He tries to calm his mind and control his breathing, guided by a zen master. When he loses concentration, the monk taps his shoulders with a large wooden stick.

Drew becomes a ninja for a day at the Koka Ninja Village in Koka City, Shiga prefecture. Here, he learns the truth behind ninja myths, how they developed their stealth, and the tools and skills that made them such lethal assassins.

At the famous Toei Studio Park (a movie set and theme park) in Kyoto, Drew and the crew dress up as samurais. Drew explores the various attractions in the park that’s meant to educate and entertain local Japanese and tourists about the ancient samurai and ninja traditions.



Watch Biyahe ni Drew and be fascinated by everything and anything that is Japanese.

Drew is a Backroom artist. For Inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email us at backroominc@hotmail.com. Like Backroom Inc. on facebook at www.facebook.com/backroominc and or follow Backroom Inc. on twitter at www.twitter.com/BackroomArtists.


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