Delicious food and endless fun come together at Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is the perfect destination for an easy escape, whether for a quick day tour or an overnight stay. Conveniently located 15 minutes from the Mall of Asia, Island Cove allows you to get away from the madness of the metro without having to go too far.

Island Cove has four food and beverage outlets, helmed by Executive Chef Jomar Medrano. The Fishing Village is a Filipino-themed restaurant that offers a unique experience that is much appreciated by balikbayans and tourists. Facing Manila Bay, the Fishing Village has 21 bamboo huts atop the water and has spectacular views of the Manila and Makati skylines. Guests can go fishing and may have their catch cooked or can order Filipino favorites from the menu including dishes that are unique to Cavite.

Top recommendations are the Pinoy Boodle Feast and the Lechon sa Buho. Sangley Point features western-style cuisine and must-try items are the baked baby back ribs, burgers and their home made bacon barbecue. iCafe offers coffee, shakes, quick meals and sweet treats. Bayside KTV serves pica-pica such as baked oysters and mussels.

There is something for every member of the family at the Island.  You can even bring the family dog, because yes, Island Cove is pet-friendly, allowing guests with dogs to enjoy the facilities. Aside from dining at the restaurants, you can spend hours at the Oceania Swim and Splash Park.

They just added a 350-square meter kid-friendly splash park to the Oceania Water Park (which is now aptly renamed as the Oceania Swim and Splash Park). The splashers and sprayers were imported from Australia. Safety is of paramount importance so they installed colorful, water safe rubber flooring (EPDM) to minimize the possibility of accidents. The main pools of the Oceania Swim and Splash Park retain the 4 giant slides and giant inflatables. The whole water complex spans over 3,000 square meters and their splash park is the biggest in Mega Manila. It is also notable that all their lifeguards are certified in standard first aid and basic life support by the Philippine National Red Cross.

You can also visit the Island Cove Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to different species of reptiles, mammals and birds. Aside from feeding crocodiles and monkeys, you can take photos of ostriches, Bengal tigers, Philippine deer, and a 15-foot python. If you want more thrill, their Adventure Zone has one of the largest paintball arenas in the country and an airsoft game site. You can try their Island Cove Maze Challenge too. Their other outdoor facilities include a basketball court, a tennis court, a 1.4-kilometer jogging path, several playgrounds for children and a giant chess set. Bikes are available for rent.

If you prefer to stay indoors, they have billiard and table tennis tables and a game room with Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox consoles. If you like to work out, you can visit their full service gym.

For those who like to sing, the Bayside KTV would be perfect. It has nine private rooms that can seat groups of 2 to 30. Each of its unique rooms has up-to-date equipment that plays more than 3,000 songs in Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese and Filipino.

For those seeking relaxation and stress relief, the Island Spa is for you. It offers various western and oriental massage treatments.

Island Cove has accommodations that serve guests and clients of every need and budget. You can choose from 86 hotel rooms, 14 two-bedroom duplex cabanas which can accommodate 4 to 6  persons each, 3 single detached 2-bedroom cabanas and two dormitories for 16 to 20 persons. The hotel complex has a jacuzzi and pool exclusive to checked in guests.

Managing Director Gilbert Remulla says that they are doing a year-long renovation of all their hotel rooms, cabanas and dormitories. They just finished with the first phase and target completion by the middle of 2015. The new rooms will be more in tune with the times with USB charging ports, wi-fi internet connectivity, flat screen TVs, and modern bathrooms while maintaining its Mediterranean feel.

Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is a great place for events, socials and conferences. They have 2 main ballrooms that can fit between 300 to 500 people, 10 air-conditioned function and meeting rooms (including an air-conditioned tent), various non-airconditioned pavilions and function areas.

Island Cove is capable of catering and organizing events for as many as 14,000 persons. They have a concert park where they hold concerts from time to time. They’ve had David Pomeranz, Sharon Cuneta, Side A Band, Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, Daniel Padilla, Rico J. Puno, Marco Sison, Randy Santiago, Louie Heredia, Chad Borja, Nonoy Zuniga, Sitti Navarro, Jed Madela,  The Company, Bamboo, Ely Buendia, Aiza Seguerra, Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Spongecola, and Cueshe. They have also hosted wellness events, food festivals, dog shows and sporting activities. And have served as venue to TV shows such as ASAP, Umagang Kay Ganda and Unang Hirit. Movies and soap operas have frequently used Island Cove for their out-of-studio location shoots as well.


Island Cove Hotel and Leisure Park is located in Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite, only 15 minutes away from Mall of Asia. For more information, log on to www.islandcovephil.com, call (046) 434 0210 or email inquiry@islandcovephil.com.

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THRILLER “AS ABOVE, SO BELOW” EXCLUSIVE AT AYALA MALLS CINEMAS OCT 22

Miles of twisting catacombs lie beneath the streets of Paris, the eternal home to countless souls. When a team of explorers ventures into the uncharted maze of bones, they uncover the dark secret that lies within this city of the dead.

A journey into madness and terror, Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures' new horror-thriller “As Above, So Below” reaches deep into the human psyche to reveal the personal demons that come back to haunt us all.

Written by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle (“Quarantine,” “Devil”) and directed by John Erick Dowdle, “As Above, So Below” will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide starting Oct. 22, 2014.

In the film, Scarlett Marlowe (Perdita Weeks), a rebellious adventurer and brilliant archaeologist, has devoted her entire life to pursuing history's greatest hidden treasure: Flamel's Philosopher's Stone. According to legend, this elusive artifact can turn metal into pure gold and grant eternal life-a power beyond imagination.

Tormented by the unsettling suicide of her father and rumors of his insanity, Scarlett is driven to the point of obsession: She will never be complete until she finishes his work and restores his legacy.
A series of cryptic puzzles leads her to discover that the all-powerful stone lies beneath the streets of Paris, hidden within the world's largest crypt: the Catacombs.

To document her historic mission, Scarlett recruits her old flame and partner in crime, George (Ben Feldman) - a brilliant archaeologist in his own right who is dedicated to restoring historical monuments to their former glory-as well as amateur filmmaker Benji (Eedwin Hodge) - a claustrophobic cameraman unaware of how deep this journey will take him.

Knowing the dangers that lie beneath, the trio scours the City of Light and recruits a team of underground experts known as Cataphiles to guide the way.

With the rest of Scarlett's crew - Papillon (Francois Civil), the leader of the pack; Souxie (Marion Lambert), the punk-rock protector of the group; and Zed (Ali Marhyar), the strong and silent one - assembled, they begin their descent. Although each of them carries a secret, in the Catacombs, no one can outrun their past.

A brief history of the Catacombs:
Fascinatingly, there are more corpses buried underneath the streets of Paris than there are people living above it - forming a vast labyrinth of skeletal remains, claustrophobic tunnels and seemingly endless darkness.
The Catacombs of Paris confront our most primal and deep-seated phobias: fear of the dark, fear of being alone, fear of enclosed spaces and fear of being trapped. This largely unexplored tunnel system has fascinated historians, explorers and storytellers for centuries, with a timeless mystery-what treasures and terrors lie within?

Nearly five stories underground lies the remains of more than six million people-more than double the population of Paris-who have been forever entombed in the Catacombs of Paris. When visitors enter the Catacombs, they are greeted with the written verse "Arrete! C'est ici l'empire de la mort," which means "Stop! This is the empire of death."

Beginning in the 17th century, as the city of Paris was growing rapidly, cemeteries were running out of spaces to bury the dead. In fact, they were so overcrowded that corpses became uncovered, resulting to putrid smells of rotting bodies.

However, it wasn't until 1780 that something was actually done about the public health problem. After an extended period of rainfall, a wall around Les Innocents collapsed, sending decomposing corpses flowing into the neighborhood. That led to Louis XVI championing the crusade to begin moving bodies underground into Paris' old quarries. It took 12 years to move the six million corpses-with some more than 1,200 years old - into the Catacombs. Indeed, the French Revolution signaled the beginning of burying bodies directly into the Catacombs, though this practice ended in 1860.

Although the Catacombs' mazes and tunnels cover more than an astonishing 180 miles under the streets of Paris, only a small portion (approximately one mile) is open to the public; the vast majority is cordoned off for being too dangerous...but for some urban explorers, that is part of the appeal.
Literally a city of death, it is hard to imagine a location closer to hell. This iconic landmark is so forbidding it has remained largely unexplored. Until now...

Have a party with your favorite Adventure Time characters this holloween

This Halloween, go on a spooktacular, glow-in-the-dark adventure with your favorite characters from The Land of Ooo with Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time Night-O-Sphere on Friday, October 31, 2014 at the Samsung Hall, Level 6, SM Aura Premier. Gates open at 11:00am.

To enter, spend a minimum of PhP1,000 (single receipt) on Halloween and Cartoon Network merchandise from now to 31 at participating Toy Kingdom and Toy Kingdom Express outlets. Redeem your ticket at participating Toy Kingdom Customer Centers. Each ticket admits one child and one adult.

Get ready to enter the Night-O-Sphere, a special place teeming with bone-tingling adventures starring Finn and Jake. Take part in some hair-raising sing-along with Marceline, the vampire queen. And don’t forget to come as your favorite Adventure Time character or wear white and bright-colored clothes for some added fun.

Adventure Time Night-O-Sphere’s venue partner is SM Aura Premier. Media partners are SKYCable and Destiny Cable. Presenting sponsor is Bankee. Co-sponsors are Propan TLC, Toy Kingdom, Selecta Moo, McDonald’s. Major sponsor is Skechers. Patron sponsors are URC Wiggles, Rebisco Lipps, Rebisco Chubby, and Rebisco Krimstix.

For more information, visit CartoonNetworkAsia.com or follow Cartoon Network’s Facebook page at facebook.com/CartoonNetworkAsia .

Phil Craft Distillers Inc., introduces world class Lakan the extra premium lambanog

EXTRA PREMIUM LAMBANOG LAUNCHED
IN THE PHILIPPINES

I have known lambanog when my parents introduced that drink to us kids when we were still teenagers, my father used to harvest from a coconut sap small plantation  the taste was in-between sweet and bitter, and with a spirit that later kicks in after 3 shot glass. We were told that it came with harvesting coconut nectar, thus the term coconut vodka,  made me proud that my country is distilling the best tasting and a world class fine spirit in the world. It should be in the vodka list of all the bars in Manila,  until I was invited to Lakan launch last October 8, 2014 at Manila Peninsula's Salon de Ning.

Philippine Craft Distillers, Inc., a licensed world-class distiller of liquor and spirits launched Lakan the extra premium lambanog. Lakan, a warrior ruler, symbolizes the character and strength of this liquor,  with media, guests and celebrities graced the event. The Company, provided entertainment singing the songs from the 70s, 80s and up to present while we were enjoying our drinks from Lakan line like tableia, and Lakan on the rocks. The tableia was chocolatey delicious with a hint of spirit, this is just the right drink for women who want to party. Lakan on the rocks was strong for me, I could immediately taste the alcohol thereafter.  We were later told that Lakan has no hangover. Lakan proved that right, when I woke up with no headache. This one is for keeps, the bottle costs php3500, and is the best gift for the holiday season.

CEO of Philippine Craft Distillers Inc., Anthony C. Manguiat states “We are excited to be launching a product that showcases that true Filipino spirits are world class.  We have craft distilled a lambanog that is meant to be enjoyed by the discriminating global citizen.”

The craft begins with a meticulous process of harvesting coconut nectar which requires tens of coconut trees to produce one exceptional bottle of peerless and exquisite quality.

At the exact hour when fermentation is perfect for distillation a Master Artisan begins the multi stage handcrafting of coconut nectar into the distinctively smooth and silky flavors of Lakan.

Practically all human senses are used to scrutinize the product at every possible level to create this pure, clean and natural liquor.

Lakan is distilled from pure coconut nectar that ferments on its own without the need for additives resulting in a 90 proof work of art that is best taken neat. Additionally,  Lakan is a product registered with the FDA with a CPR.

Sony Channel presents Tea Leoni as Madam Secretary

Its been a while since I last watched a Tea Leoni movie, I love her subtle acting, not to mention her timeless beauty. It excites me to learn that my now favorite Sony Channel brings Madam Secretary, the story revolves revolves around the life of Elizabeth McCord (Tea Leoni)   the shrewd, determined and brilliant former CIA analyst now working as a college professor. However, after a controversy that involves a plane crash, McCordre turns to public service at the request of her old friend, and the current President of the United States (Keith Carradine).


McCord’s team includes her Chief of Staff Nadine Tolliver (Bebe Neuwirth), speechwriter Matt Mahoney (Geoffrey Arend), press coordinator Daisy Grant (Patina Miller) and her charming assistant Blake Moran (Erich Bergen). McCord’s flair for diplomacy and high standards for ethics have enabled her to take on daunting political tasks such as debating third world problems, finessing foreign dignitaries at work,as well as battling it out with the President’s combative Chief of Staff Russell Jackson.As a dedicated wife and mother, she ends each day at work going home to her supportive husband, Henry, and their two bright children, where “politics” and “compromise” take on new meaning.

Sony Channel’s new political drama stars TéaLeoni  (Elizabeth McCord), Tim Daly  (Henry McCord), Bebe Neuwirth  (Nadine Tolliver), Zeljko Ivanek  (Russell Jackson), Patina Miller  (Daisy Grant), Erich Bergen  (Blake Moran), Geoffrey Arend  (Matt Mahoney), Katherine Herzer  (Alison McCord), and Evan Roe  (Jason McCord).

Madam Secretary premieres on Thursday, October 16 at 9:05 p.m. First & Exclusive at Sony Channel.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Have a merry Octoberfest at Island Cove and Leisure Park

I am always anticipating for Octoberfest, my type of party, it is my prelude to the holiday season, where I get to drink all the beers that I want with my favorite band in tow, food and friends. Have a hard time choosing where to spend your Octoberfest?

 Then head to Island Cove and Leisure Park with free San Miguel Beer and live music. Get in the know and don’t miss out on the following dates, tag along your friends and loved ones and spend it the Island Cove way.

October 1 - Experience the New Island Cove Hotel and get special perks!
Be the first to experience Island Cove's newly renovated rooms and get a 20% discount plus a free cocktail drink or glass of wine! Check in any day from October 1 to December 31, 2014 to avail of this promo.

October 4 - Health and Wellness Event
Island Cove promotes health and wellness this October! Enjoy activities such as zumba and fun runs for free, side by side with some product sampling and raffle promos from some of Island Cove's partners.

October 25 - Mad Hatter Halloween Party
Enjoy the annual halloween party. This year’s theme - Mad Hatter Halloween! Have fun in the Island's wonderland - Mad Hatter themed games, prizes, and activities! Ticket Price is at P220.00, inclusive of entrance to Island Cove good for 3 pax (participating child and parents), entrance to Oceania Swim and Splash Park (good for 2), light snacks and loot bag.

November 15 - Daniel Padilla Road Tour, Concert Grounds

December 24 - Noche Buena
Enjoy a night of music and traditional Filipino food at Island Cove this December 24. Celebrate the yuletide season with games and raffle.

December 31 - Media Noche (New Year Countdown)
Greet the new year with food and fireworks at Island Cove’s annual event.

Marites Allen teaches you how to live a charmed life this 2015

Feng Shui expert Ms. Marites Allen recently held her birthday presscon at Luxent Hotel last October 9, 2014.  She was radiant in her green gown Rajo Laurel creation, she told the media that the gown was 10 yrs old and it still fits her like new. She wore it for luck, green is the lucky color of the year, she stated.  She discussed about her upcoming Feng Shui Convention schedules and her First Frigga Charmed Life boutique that will open in November 8 at SM Moa.

She gamely gave advice and readings to the media who were present at the event. She is open for consultation this coming December 27, 2014.  Marites Allen was so generous, we ladies, went home with a charmed bracelet which coincides with my animal birth sign Year of the Horse. Luck was on my side that day for I took home a pair of my favorite flats from an event that I attended after her birthday presscon. One good thing that she reminds me of is to stay away with negative people and wear anything green to drive away bad luck.

Here is what in store for the Year of the Wood Sheep


February 19, 2015 until February 7, 2016 is marked in the Chinese lunar calendar as the Year of the Wood Sheep. For feng shui believers, the Sheep represents the eighth year in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. In Chinese culture, number eight is a symbol of auspicious fortune. To some, this could be an indication that after a challenging 2014, the Year of the Wood Sheep will be a period of good fortune, peace, and abundance.

lnternational feng shui master Marites Allen has both good and bad news. “Yes, great prospects are indicated for next year,” she says because “the Sheep is one of the better signs of the Chinese zodiac. It is known for its mild and peaceful ways.” The destiny chart for 2015 has indications of all the five elements, and all the four pillars of the charts, so generally it is a better chart than 2014, which has too much Fire and missing Earth and Water Elements.” In addition, the two (2) sets of astrological “secret friends” of Tiger & Boar, Horse & Sheep are all present in the four pillars of the chart, which means a very rare opportunity and could very well indicate great luck, auspicious energies for the year and a peaceful resolution of any issues at hand.

Other positive indications in the destiny chart for next year that should serve as guidance to those individuals who have the presence of Wood, Water, and Earth elements on their destiny charts. This would mean that they are on for a great year! “What matters is that people should be well-informed, be ready to make full use of the positive energies, and stay protected from the negative ones that will emerge next year.”

To help feng shui followers keep abreast of these destiny indications, Marites conducts an Annual Feng Shui Convention a couple of months before the onset of the lunar new year. This time, which is different from the previous conventions, Ms. Allen will request all participants to attend the event with their destiny charts printed (or else, they have to come early to the venue and print it from there), so participants can follow Ms. Allen's presentation and check whether or not the individual destiny charts have the three major elements mentioned above. This year the convention will be held on December 27, 2014 at the Luxent Hotel in Timog Avenue, Quezon City.

This is also a meaningful year for Marites as it marks the 10th year since she brought in the World of Feng Shui (WOFS) brand from Malaysia in 2004 that has, no doubt, educated and inspired many feng shui practitioners around. “A bigger and better event awaits the participants in celebration of this milestone in my feng shui practice in the country” Marites states. Marites has been advocating the application of the Chinese art of geomancy in various aspects of daily living for over a decade.

For the December event, Marites says that participants can look forward to learn valuable tips on how to unlock the good potentials of the year and how to create great opportunities out of them. Participants will also learn how to protect themselves from the negative energies that may hinder them from achieving their personal goals. Because travel is a key aspect for 2015, there will also be lots of suggestions on how to stay safe during travel. Other feng shui applications in daily living will be another highlight as Marites unveils the latest designs from Frigga Charmed Life, her unique brand of auspicious fashion, for the Chinese New Year.

For further details and to reserve your seats in this event, please call 09209509390 / 44201 13 / 5765331 / 4 786378 or email wofsQhiliQgines@gmai/.com.

Do more, work less with Canon's imagePRESS C700 and C800

Canon launched its new printer the imagePRESS C800 the new colour production cut-sheet press to the bloggers last October 7, 2014 at Canon Show room McKinley.  As part of their continued efforts imagePRESS C800 series empower print service providers (PSPs) to cater to the print industry’s evolving needs. It delivers outstanding print quality to surpass print industry production. Canon Marketing (Phils.) Inc. new president and CEO, Lim Kok Hin, explains that with the release of these new imagepress series, it will provide clients the desired print quality in less than a time. It is capable of achieving high production speeds of up to 80 impressions per minute (ipm) across varying types of media without compromising the quality.

The new addition deliver advances levels of print quality, productivity and versatility in both commercial and in-house print environment.

With technology derived from the award-winning Canon imagePRESS series, the 70ppm imagePRESS C700 and 80ppm imagePRESS C800 deliver excellent print quality, enhance productivity and enable versatility in both commercial and in-house print environments.

“We are confident that the new imagePRESS C800 series will be an invaluable asset to the print services industry.  This innovative technology will help businesses to deliver nothing short of the best quality print services at maximum productivity and efficiency,” said Jojo Bolima, Senior Director for Business Imaging Solutions & Regional Operations of Canon Marketing (Philippines) Inc.

Empowered with Versatility

The imagePRESS C800 is capable of handling a wide variety of media, such as heavyweight coated stock and envelopes. This is attributed to the Elastic Intermediate Transfer Belt, which allows it to produce extensive applications on uneven media, such as textured or recycled media.

Additionally, the imagePRESS C800 operates effortlessly be it short runs or even complex variable data printing for personalized print communications.

An extensive choice of automated in-line finishing capabilities for the imagePRESS C800 series ensures end-to-end productivity and opens up a wide range of business opportunities with minimal manual intervention, generating time and cost efficiencies with every print job. For maximum flexibility, the imagePRESS C800 series is also compatible with various third party in-line finishing devices.

Impressive Print Quality

In helping customer exceed the requirements of print jobs in the industry today, the ImagePRESS C800 series utilizes a 32 beam Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) unit with multi-exposure technology to deliver vivid detail and resolution of up to 2,400 x 2,400 dpi.

Beyond excellent print resolution, is the new AutoCorrect Colour Tone (ACCT) that allows for multi-dimensional mixed colour calibration; while an upgraded and user-friendly colour calibration tool, the Auto Gradation Adjustment (AGA) helps PSPs deliver on uncompromised quality with the most vibrant images and text.

Outstanding Performance in Precision and Consistency

The newly developed Consistently Vivid (CV) technology allows for improved transfer efficiency for enhanced colour consistency and accuracy across various mediums of media, such as embossed paper and paper with irregular surfaces.

In complementing the CV technology, the Compact Registration Technology (CRT) ensures that every single image is placed at the same spot on every sheet; granting precision alignment even for print jobs that scale up to the thousands.

Maximized Productivity and Efficiency

The imagePRESS C800 series is ,  achieve the fastest possible speed on heavy stock up to 220 grams per square metre (gsm) without compromising print quality.

When handling heavy weight media of up to 300 gsm, the imagePRESS C800 series can produce duplex print jobs with highly accurate front to back registration without any manual intervention or impact on print room productivity.

The device also features a new multi-drawer paper deck with three new technologies, which prevents misfeeds, even with coated stock. For new materials within the system, a new separation control system and a system that blows air at varying speeds [depending on the weight of the paper] eliminates paper jams to maximize device up-time.  Hence enhancing print room efficiency and productivity.

Finally, the in-built innovative induction heating and cooling technology enables the device to moderate its internal temperature intelligently to optimize productivity with mixed media jobs.

With these, the imagePRESS C800 is sure to make your business operations simpler as it boosts productivity and competence to a whole new level.  This also best illustrates the “Do More, Work Less” philosophy introduced by Canon Marketing (Phils.) Inc. new president and CEO, Lim Kok Hin. This thinking means that businesses must utilize advanced technologies for better efficiency at work so as to enjoy the other aspects of life.

Customized Workflows to Suit any Print Environment

The imagePRESS C800 series features three innovative workflows to accommodate the different needs of in-house print and Graphic Arts environments. The Canon imagePRESS Printer Kit B1 allows for the easy production of high-quality print jobs.  The PRISMAsync iPR C800 series A1 provides a single point of control for the entire production workflow with easy, intuitive operation and efficient task splitting. The imagePRESS Server F200 and imagePRESS Server G100, two new digital front ends (DFEs) offer faster processing, unsurpassed image quality and easy-to-use, automated workflows.

"The Book of Life" composed of a voice cast led by Channing Tatum

           Director Jorge R. Gutierrez's love for family, tradition and storytelling created a truly singular, a first of its kind animation in "The Book of Life" where it will reveal never-before-seen characters and will take the audience in three fantastical worlds - the town of  San Angel, The Land of the Remembered and The Land of the Forgotten.

        "The Book of Life" is also about remembrance and cherishing memories composed of a voice cast led by Channing Tatum, Diego Luna and Zoe Saldana, along with multi-talented actors Christina Applegate, Kate Del Castillo, Ice Cube and Ron Perlman. In the movie, following Maria’s (Saldana) return to San Angel, she is reunited with her best friends Manolo (Luna) and Joaquin (Tatum) at the bullfighting arena, where Manolo is preparing for his first match.  Manolo, like all the Sanchez men who preceded him, battles bravely and skillfully.  But unlike his forebears, when the moment comes for Manolo to finish the bull, he refuses.  The whole town turns on Manolo, including his father who feels terribly let down.  Moreover, Manolo fears he may have thrown away his chance to woo Maria.

              As if bucking family tradition wasn’t enough of a barrier to Manolo’s romantic pursuits, two other principals have thrown themselves into the romantic triangle, and they’re betting it all on who ends up with Maria’s hand.  The battling husband-and-wife deities La Muerte (Del Castillo) and Xibalba (Perlman) have made a wager, and the stakes for all of them couldn’t be higher.  Resolute in her belief in the fundamental goodness of mortals, La Muerte puts her faith in Manolo.  If he succeeds in winning Maria’s hand, then La Muerte will remain the beloved ancient god who oversees a wondrous world called The Land of the Remembered, and Xibalba must stop his meddlesome ways with humans.

           
            When La Muerte and Xibalba's wager started, Manolo gets swept up in the parade of his ancestors, who to Manolo are superheroes he’s been hearing about his entire life. But his joy is tempered when he discovers that Maria is not there – and indeed never made the journey to The Land of the Remembered.  With the support of his ancestors, Manolo embarks on an extraordinary mission to find La Muerte, who is the only one who can help him return to San Angel.
                But first, he must travel to a portal, the Cave of Souls, between all the magical lands. There, Manolo meets another spirit, the Candle Maker.   With a body made of wax and a beard made of clouds, the Candle Maker is a larger than life – and kind of nutty – ancient god.  He makes billions of candles, with each candle representing a life.   “The Candle Maker looks over – and geeks out over – humanity,” says lead animator Eric Dobrile.

                Though he’s supposed to be hands-off with mortals, the Candle Maker bends the rules a little to help Manolo.  “He sees something special in Manolo,” says Ice Cube, who makes his animated feature debut voicing the Candle Maker. “The Candle Maker has never seen blank pages in The Book of Life, so this is an exciting thing for him.  Also, it’s The Day of the Dead, which provides some license for him to break a few rules.”

                Manolo’s feisty and quick-witted great-grandmother, known simply as Grandma (voiced by Grey Griffin), is sure to become another audience favorite. Short in stature but long of whisker and tough to boot, Grandma is more than a match for the men in her family – past, present and future.  “Grandma’s kind of seen it all and been through it all, and she’s kind of our Peanut Gallery,” says producer Brad Booker, who adds that she’s his favorite character in the film.

                "The Book of Life" (2D and 3D) opens nationwide in cinemas on October 16 (Thursday) from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Bon Appetit for The Best Food Forward now on its 4th year at the Rockwell

For the food lovers like me, get ready for the bustling food scene as the Best Food Forward brings you the best food fair happening this coming October 11-12 at the Rockwell Tent, Makati.  Prepare your palate and camera for you will get the best of both, bite after bite, post after post.  This fair is worth instagramming believe me as they launched the Best Food Forward  on its 4th year at The Blackboard last September 27, 2014, and presented to the media some of the best newcomers in the food industry and the best thing is that we get to taste the food that they offered, and we came home satisfied. That is why I encourage everyone to go and take a bite, as this food fair marks its 4th year at its new venue, with celebrity chef appearances, celebrity guests and many more.

Indeed, there is more to food than meets the eye at Best Food Forward.  It has the power to continue bringing kith and kin together, convert strangers into friends, gather the food industry’s who’s who, and at the same time, happily give newcomers an avenue to be discovered in the bustling food scene. And from a meager 2-day attraction for a few hundred people during its very first staging in 2011, Best Food Forward is sure to surpass its attendance of over 6,000 food-lovers for its 4th year! With various specialty food stalls, innovative cooking demonstrations,  family attractions,  and many more, its vibe and atmosphere will definitely make this event the most memorable to date – one that surely can’t be missed!

Best Food Forward is co-presented by Carnation and Kewpie. It has also partnered with Coca-Cola Philippines, Center for Culinary Arts Manila, Marmalade Kitchen, Good Life, Clara Ole, Lee Kum Kee, San Remo, Tabasco, Elba, Sun Cellular, E-Plus, Make Believe Productions and Grab Taxi.  Media partners include Appetite, Food, Breakfast, BusinessWorld, ClicktheCity.com, WhenInManila.com, Herword.com, Crossover 105.1, Nuffnang, and Outcomm. This year’s beneficiaries will be various flood victims. For more information, please call 0917.8871933, 0920.9148175 or 701.1398, and like Best Food Forward on Facebook.