Cecilia Ahern's "Where Rainbows End" adapted to film's "Love Rosie"

Do we really only get one shot at true love? In “Love, Rosie” -Rosie and Alex have been best friends since they were 5, so they couldn’t possibly be right for one another...or could they? When it comes to love, life and making the right choices, these two are their own worst enemies.  One awkward turn at 18, one missed opportunity...and life sends them hurling in different directions. But somehow, across time, space and different continents, the tie that binds them cannot be undone – despite unwanted pregnancies, disastrous love affairs, marriage, infidelity and divorce. Will they find their way back to one another, or will it be too late?

Based on Cecelia Ahern’s bestselling novel, “Where Rainbows End,” “Love, Rosie” is a sassy, heart-warming, and utterly modern comedy-of-errors tale.   Director Christian Ditter adapts to film “Love, Rosie” where Lily Collins and Sam Claflin star as Rosie and Alex, childhood friends seemingly destined to be together, yet a couple which fate itself seems determined to keep apart. The film paints a rich and textured canvas of a complicated yet lifelong bond between Rosie and Alex, beginning in their childhood, spanning a trans-Atlantic separation, and enduring ups and downs of romantic liaisons with everyone but each other resulting in some bittersweet consequences.

“The story is about two people who really have a deep love for each other, but are constantly being pulled apart,” explains acclaimed Irish author, Cecelia Ahern, whose novel, "Where Rainbows End", was the source material for the film. “I wrote "Where Rainbows End" a couple of months after I had finished "P.S. I Love You,” she says of the follow-up to her first novel, written when she was only 21 years old.

“How do you adapt a book that’s all texts and emails,” says filmmaker Brooks of one of the project’s biggest challenges – the novel’s epistolary structure, composed around the emails, letters and text messages which Alex and Rosie exchange. “How do you make that into a movie?”  Around the same time, Hollywood producer Robert Kulzer of Constantin Film, found himself in a bookstore back in his native Germany – a country, notably, where the Irish author has one of her most loyal followings.

To adapt Ahern’s novel to the screen, Kulzer and Brooks turned to the British screenwriter Juliette Towhidi, whose credits include the 2003 award-winning hit comedy, Calendar Girls, with Helen Mirren and Julie Walters.  “She was like a detective,” says Kulzer of Towhidi’s process of adapting Ahern’s unconventional novel. “She was extracting plot and story points, creating her own world around these episodes that Cecilia had created in her novel.”

                Still, most crucial to the film’s overall success, would be the actor’s cast in the two leading roles – Rosie and Alex – best friends destined to be something more who’ve never managed to get their act together. Finding the perfect actors to portray them on screen would prove a simpler proposition, however, with the casting of Lily Collins and Sam Claflin – the filmmakers’ first and only choices for the roles.   Amongst the bright young faces in the Love, Rosie cast are: Jaime Winstone (daughter of British actor, Ray Winstone), here playing Rosie’s friend and confidante, Ruby; London fashion model Suki Waterhouse (Pusher), marking her second feature film role as Rosie’s rival, Bethany; rising star Tamsin Egerton (The Look of Love) as Sally, and Christian Cooke ("Magic City") as Greg, a local who takes more than a casual interest in Rosie.

“Jaime, Tamsin, Suki – all of them; I think we got lucky,” says producer, Simon Brooks of the ensemble. “The movie is fresh, kind of hip and cool and we got a cast that is young, fresh, hip and cool.”

                Love winds and finds ways - “Lovie, Rosie” opens January 8, 2015 in theatres from Pioneer Films.

Cebu Pacific supports Katutubo Exchange Program

More than the thrill of riding high up the clouds and reaching a destination, travel has the transformative power to introduce someone to the life outside the world he lives in, which leaves him with a new perspective and fresh approach in life. This was how travel opened the eyes of Dr. Edwin Antonio to the rich and often overlooked culture of the Philippines’ Indigenous Peoples. Working for an arts and culture agency, he traveled frequently to different parts of the country and immersed himself in varied communities. He once conducted a photography workshop for the children of an indigenous community and saw how much impact that activity made on them.

“I took a group to take photos of a local festival celebration and observed how they felt like real journalists covering an event. I realized that they just needed some exposure to build their confidence and dream of the future,” Antonio said. This experience led Antonio to put up Katutubo Exchange Philippines, a volunteer group of cultural workers and youth that advocate the promotion of indigenous culture. And part of their efforts is the Katutubo Exchange Program (KEP) which promotes cross-cultural understanding and traditional arts, and heightens awareness on indigenous cultures.

Every year, a group of children and youth from various ethnic tribes are given the opportunity to participate in the KEP. Here, they go on an educational tour around the city and share the beauty of their culture through a showcase of talents. This year, in celebration of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples and International Youth Day, the KEP brought to Manila 30 talented youths from the participating ethnic tribes Mamanwa of Surigao, T’boli of South Cotabato, Manobo/Bagobo of Davao, Panay Bukidnon of Iloilo, Ifugao of Ifugao, Kalinga of Kalinga, Ibaloi of Benguet, and Kankanaey/Yapayao of Ilocos Norte. Here, they exhibited the beauty of their culture to city residents by performing traditional songs and dances. This integration program provides an opportunity for all participants to learn about the indigenous community’s experiences and culture, and vice-versa. And in the short span of time since KEP was launched, Antonio has noticed a growing appreciation and understanding for these communities. It has also made significant change in the lives of these underprivileged children, as seen in their enthusiasm to participate and involve themselves in efforts to establish cross-cultural understanding.

“The opportunity provided by this Katutubo Exchange made a tremendous impact in the lives of the chosen participants. They are able to develop pride in being indigenous people, and they get to meet and make friends with kids from other tribes,” Antonio said. “Through the program, they not only help the indigenous children and youth, but also help the nation in developing, preserving, and promoting the indigenous communities’ arts and culture”. One key factor in the program’s success is the support that KEP receives from companies and institutions that identify with its cause like Cebu Pacific Air, which has been supporting the KEP advocacy. The airline had been bringing these children to Manila since the program started. This seemingly simple gesture contributes greatly to the expansion of these children’s horizons. “We are forever grateful to Cebu Pacific for giving these children the chance to experience what it’s like to ride an airplane and set foot in different places. This is the second year and Cebu Pacific continues to inspire us all by being good Samaritans to future leaders of this country”.  Antonio added. For more information on the program, visit the Katutubo Exchange Philippines Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kxphilippines).

The Best Pinoy Street Food experience at SM Hypermarket Cubao

Nothing excites me when I see or discover some street food cooking right across the neighborhood. It has become a habit to buy from them. I dont know but I have a thing for palabok, bola bola, hot mami with egg, pansit and sago. They have become my comfort food as the years passed by.  Now SM Hypermarket brings 10 of the best pinoy street food cooks where they prepared their best dishes and impressed food critics including Chef Boy Logro and hundreds of expectators during the grand finals  cook off at SM Hypermarket Cubao last November 28, 2014 where Jose Nestor Guevara II emerged as the grand prize winner after 2 rounds of intense challenges set by Chef Boy Logro himself.

 The top ten contestants faced a two-part challenge pushing them to their limits. As street food cooks, they’re only as good as their most critical customer which is why Chef Boy Logro’s first challenge was to pair up and cook a noodle based dish of their choice for 100 people. Using all their techniques, knowledge, and skills, the top ten gave it their all and cooked pansit that’s nowhere near ordinary. After 100 people tasted the noodles and voted for their favorite dish, the final four was finally named: Hercules Umali of Star-BAKS Sizzling and Frappe in Quezon City, Jose Nestor Guevara II of Lola Ebeng’s Lugawan & BBQ-han in Las Piñas, Merly Dulay-Co of Merly’s Gotohan in Pasay, and Eloisa Cabrales of Cab’s Burgeria in Batangas.

“Maraming maraming salamat sa SM Hypermarket, di ko inaasahan ito. Akala ko hanggang pagluluto lang ako ng lugaw. Napapagod ako pero ayaw ko sumuko. Kahit di ako manalo basta makasali ako,” said Merly Dulay-Co.

The last but the most challenging according to the final four was Chef Boy’s ultimate challenge which was to recreate his signature “Crepe Surprise,” an interesting kind of crepe filled with cream and seafood. The four were only given 30 minutes everything and merely a spoonful of the crepe to taste. As soon as the timer started, the final four proved why they made it this far as they displayed great presence of mind, effective multitasking, and mad kitchen skills. In the end, it all boiled down to who made the best tasting crepe. Chef Boy Logro, along with Chef Paulo Sia of Unilever, Chef Niño Logarta of CDO, Chef John Valley of Purefoods, and Anton Diaz of Our Awesome Planet, tasted each crepe carefully. After thorough discussions and deep thoughts, the judges finally came to a decision to who goes home with an SM Hypermarket business. Jose Nestor Guevara II, a.k.a. Jones jumped high into the air and stomped hard on the stage as soon as his name was called as the first grand champion of the country most epic street food battle ever.

“Elementary pa lang magaling na akong mangopya,” Jones joked but on a more serious note, he explained, “marami kaming street food vendor. Dito (Best Pinoy Street Food) napapakita namin ang galing namin sa pagluluto. Na ang kalidad ng pagkain namin ay di nalalayo ang lasa sa mamahalin.”

Jones is set to operate his very own food stall at SM Hypermarket rent-free for a year as well as take home 100,000 pesos worth of prizes including an SM Prestige Card loaded with points, large food packs, ingredients, cooking equipments, etc. courtesy of SM Hypermarket’s Food Service Center; the perfect source of all HORECA needs.

“Maganda itong ginawa ng SM dahil dapat talaga mabigyang pansin and street food. Unang una, maraming Pilipino ang mahilig sa street food. Mayaman (o) mahirap mahilig nito. Miski ako. Nakalakihan na yan ng masang Pilipino…. We have to inspire them kasi mapagmamalaki talaga ang Pinoy street food," said Chef Boy Logro.

Jose Nestor “Jones” Guevara II

Jose Nestor “Jones” Guevara II is the owner of Lola Ebeng’s Lugawan and BBQ-han, a small food business he opened in their garage and named after his mom. Their house is in front of a church and his clients were mostly people who came to hear mass or those working in the parish. Customers were only abundant when there is mass which is why his business is only open on weekends. The rest of the week, Lola Ebeng’s is closed and Jones has to find other means to earn. According to Jones, he doesn’t have any other places to open his food business because rent elsewhere is too steep for his trade. But now that he’s won the first ever Best Pinoy Street Food, Jones is looking forward to a yummier future.

“Maraming salamat sa SM Hypermarket at binigyan niyo kami ng opportunity na ipakita ang aming talent. Marami kayong matutulungan na tulad ko (street food vendor). Promise, babalik-balikan niyo ang signature dishes namin.”


Part of the grand finals was probably the best tasting street food fair ever. The food bazaar features the Best Pinoy Street Food contestants who won in the elimination rounds held at 30 different SM Hypermarket branches. Each tenant beat hundreds of other entries to qualify for the semi-finals as they impressed culinary experts from different brands and kitchens. The Street Food Fair featured the best of the best when it comes to street food.

Moreover, everyone present at the event was able to take part in the fun games, exciting promos, and must-have freebies arranged by the event’s sponsors - Purefoods Funstuff Nuggets, Tender Juicy Hotdog, Fiesta Ham, Crisp n’ Juicy, Star Chickn’ Tasty Hotdog, Thick Cut Bacon, Unilever Food Solutions, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, Maggi, Knorr, Bounty Fresh Chicken, Bibbo Hotdog, Bibbo Cheesedog, CDO Ulam Burger, Funstastik Young Pork Tocino, Del Monte, P&G, and Joy. SM Hypermarket Best Pinoy Street Food has truly accomplished what it has set out to do; to highlight the exceptional cooking skills of the everyday people selling the popular Pinoy street food.

“Malaking opportunity ito sa maliliit na negosyo. Dahil sa contest na ito, dumami customers namin at, higit sa lahat, nagkaroon kami ng mga bagong nanay at mga kaibigan na di mapapantayan ng salapi,” said Hercules when asked about his Best Pinoy Street Food experience.

Life well lit for Transitions Signature lenses through Life 360.

In these age and technology, we should provide and invest when it comes to our eyesight. I have been changing my reading glasses when I cant see clearly anymore. I have bought 5 reading glasses for the past 6 years. I am on the lookout for the best eyeglasses there is, I am more than willing to pay for the quality, thus I discovered Transitions Signature Lenses last Nov. 27 at Top of the Citi Paseo de Roxas Makati. We tested the eyeglasses available in fashionable frame and  colors of gray and brown at the roof deck of the building, true to its promise, the lenses changes colors when we went outside.

Transitions Signature lenses are completely clear indoors – but outside, they’re more responsive because of the  exclusive Chromea7 photochromic technology. They are more reactive to UV light so they get darker in more conditions, including bright sun, partially sunny, cloudy, and everything in between.


Transitions Optical releases the new Transitions Signature Lenses to enhance the visual experience of lens wearers in Asia Pacific.  The new Transitions Signature lenses from Transitions Optical are very responsive outdoors and captures images vividly, providing a comfortable and superior visual for all lens wearers.

 Transitions Optical, Inc. has released its latest Transitions Signature lenses for all lens wearers across the region in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Featuring the most responsive adaptive lenses by Transitions Optical to date, the revolutionary new Transitions Signature lenses are developed from Transitions 0ptical’s latest Chromea7’ technology and tested with an exclusive measurement methodology, Life360.

This newly patented Chromea7"‘ technology, an exclusive dye formulation which enables the lens to be more responsive to the smallest change in light conditions outdoors while maintaining clarity indoors. This scientific breakthrough increases Transitions Signature lenses’ sensitivity to light - allowing them to adapt very well across various environmental conditions — and capture colours and images more vividly; leading to a superior and more comfortable wearing experience unlike any other. Transitions Optical Inc. developed and pioneered their new Life.-360"‘ methodology - a more holistic approach compared to current traditional lab-testing models practiced in the industry. Transitions’ Signature” lenses have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation in more than 200 real life conditions and 1000 scenarios in different countries. including Thailand and Philippines.

These scenarios comprised of combinations of differing temperatures, angles of light, UV light, weather conditions and geographical locations; Which improve the real life applications of Transitions’ Signature lenses and ensure its versatility across a variety of settings for lens wearers. Furthermore, blind tests have been conducted with current clear and photochromic lens wearers to assess the visual experience of Transitions“ Signature” lenses. Users have reported Transitions’ Signature“ lenses provide the optimal range of benefits — better darkness outdoors, improved responsiveness in more situations, faster speed of activation and fade back while maintaining clarity of vision indoors and at night - which have led to an improved visual experience compared with their existing set of clear or photochromic lenses‘.

The methodology of Life360‘”' means that Transitions” Signature” lenses are able to adapt to the unique environmental conditions of both Southeast Asia and Asian countries, thus remaining relevant to the market here. Lance Lim, Marketing Manager of Transitions Optical Inc Asia explains the benefits of such a detailed testing process conducted by genuine spectacle wearers, "The high humidity experienced by countries near the Equator mean that various levels of cloud cover across the region result in more indirect sunlight. Transitions® Signature” lenses’ level of tint adapts to all outdoor conditions, making them the smart choice for all-day protection as today's wearers commute between indoor and outdoor environments, as well as travel from region to region.”  Transitions Signature” lenses cater to the increasingly mobile lifestyle of the lens wearer with the latest advancement in photochromic technology. Their lenses are also equally adaptable indoors and in low-light conditions — able to fade quickly and return to clarity — ensuring the best possible visual experience for its users. in addition, Transitions” Signature” lenses protect its wearer from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, while maintaining its vivid and sharp colour perception.  Transitions and the swirl are registered trademarks and Transitions Signature and Chromea7 are trademarks of Transitions Optical, lnc. Transitions Optical, lnc.

Power Mac Center celebrates 20th anniversary with the most fashionable wearable tech in the Phils.

Power Mac Center celebrates its 20th Anniversary last November 28, 2014 at Glorietta 5 by presenting the most fashionable wearable tech in the Philippines. The fashion show was hosted by the lovely couple Chuckie and Yen Dreyfuss,

The mini show started by unveiling the latest trends in Wearable technology; Cookoo, Jawbone, Cogito, Misfit and Garmin with its various trends in texture and color fused with the top of the line technology.

The lovely couple Chuckie and Yen Dreyfuss

I have been meaning to buy Misfit Shine for the past 6 months to keep track of the calories and the food I am taking into my body. This is just in time for the festive season, I will check on this and should have the Misfit at the end of December.
Through the years, technology has always faced the challenge of keeping up to convenience and style. Power Mac Center addresses the challenge by bringing in outstanding products equipped with great hardware wrapped in a stylish look. Who says geeky can’t be stylish?

After 20 years of leading the industry, Power Mac Center is truly unstoppable in offering the Philippines a wide array of innovation and class.

Power Mac Center is a recognized Apple Premium Reseller, Authorized Education Reseller, Apple Authorized Training Center, and Apple Authorized Service Provider in the Philippines. Power Mac Center has become a reliable retail shop and service provider of Apple products to the Filipino consumer.

The company has grown to 22 branches, with stores located in Greenbelt 3, Greenbelt 5, The Annex at SM City North EDSA, TriNoma, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Megamall, The Podium, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, Festival Supermall, Cash and Carry Mall, Abreeza Mall, SM Lanang Premier, SM City Marikina, Power Plant Mall, SM City BF Parañaque, Harbor Point, SM City Pampanga, SM City Bacoor, SM City Santa Rosa, Sm City Dasmariñas and SM City Batangas.

Follow Power Mac Center on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter:
www.powermaccenter.com
www.facebook.com/powermaccenter
www.twitter.com/powermaccenter
www.instagram.com/powermaccenter

EZY Asia Pacific launches EZY Neon Speaker

 EZY Asia Pacific’s latest addition to its roster of high-quality electronics launches the Neon Speaker on November 20 at Prive in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The launch was hosted by Cosplay Queen Alodia Gosiengfiao with VIP executives Winfred Navas and Philip Lim.

L-R: Mr. Winfred Navas, EZY General Manager; Alodia Gosiengfiao, cosplay queen and Mr. Philip Lim, EZY President

The Neon Speaker looks like an ordinary Bluetooth but turned on, it takes the listener to an exciting new multi-sensory experience, as you would see music and hear colors, with 5 multi-LED strobe light show made straight from Japan. With Synaesthesia, it is the neurological condition which blends the senses–such as hearing colors and seeing music. It also has been linked to creativity by scientific researches.

“With EZY’s new Neon Speaker, prepare yourself to ‘see sounds and hear colors.’ With this, the new age of the ultimate sound experience is finally here.”

“Experience ‘synaesthesia,’ by using the EZY Neon Speaker” said Philip Lim, president of EZY Asia Pacific.

EZY’s new Neon Speaker are equipped with 7Watts audio output which produces clear and crisp sound in every second.

“Aside from the powerful sound quality it produces, it’s multi-functional features plus the physical attributes of the speaker will surely delight everyone,” said Lim. “It’s the newest and one of the most powerful EZY products at par with other branded bluetooth speakers, for a fraction of the cost.

Feeling lazy to adjust the volume? No worries. Say goodbye to obsolete manual control as the Neon Speaker has Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities plus bluetooth connection, both wireless capabilities to adjust and enhance your music-listening experience with a press of a button.

Priced at Php 4,500.00, it’s already equipped with 5 multi-LED strobe light show made straight from Japan. Recreate a neon rave party in your own home ‘til the wee hours with its rechargable 4,000 mAh lithium-ion polymer battery.

“Its black coat shows elegance, yet, emphasizes the colorful lights each time you play a tune,” he added.

Alodia Gosiengfiao is EZY’s host for the night. Apart from being a world-renowned cosplayer, artist, and model, she is also an avid tech geek who loves stylish and powerful gadgetry to improve her lifestyle.

“There is nothing that I don’t love about EZY’s Neon Speaker,” raved Alodia Gosiengfiao. “Not only are the speakers very stylish, it works well with interior decor of my room. It’s also portable and sleek, I can carry it whenever I have to travel abroad for work––easy!”

Gosiengfiao added that EZY’s Neon Speakers are great for gaming, parties, and just chillaxing at home. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a good combination of style and sound.

As a woman passionate and practical about life, Gosiengfiao agrees that every Filipino aspires to have the option to possess the best home entertainment technology of high quality and at the same time affordable.

“Tech and gadgets are more than just luxury to be enjoyed. They improve and enhance our lives so we can get the most out of it” said Gosiengfiao.

EZY’s Neon Speaker is an excellent partner in living your life to the fullest, she added.

“EZY is a brand that satisfies the high-quality tech essentials of every person of any age,” said Gosiengfiao. “And I fully relate to EZY. It’s all about being modern, diverse, and practical. They cater to different people from all walks of life.”

“Everyone can appreciate what we have to offer. We strongly believe that the new generation would find our products fit for their modern and hip lifestyle,” said Lim.

They offer audio-video products such as LED TV and smart internet TVs which range from 32”-58” starting at Php 11,000.00 only. Apart from this, they also offer personal refrigerator for as low as Php 8,000.00, with dimensions that ranges from 3.2 and 3.4 cubic feet.

“Well, this is just the start of our campaign for EZY. By 2015, we are expecting to be more aggressive and more visible to all Filipinos looking for a great deal through print, broadcast, and online. And of course, more new products for 2015!” concluded Lim.


EZY Asia Pacific Inc. home appliances and gadget speakers are sold through various appliance stores such as SM Appliance Center, Ansons, Metro Gaisano and other leading appliance and gadget stores.

Shrek the Musical returns in time for the holiday season

It’s time to SHREK THE HALLS, as everyone’s favorite green ogre returns in time for the holiday season when SHREK THE MUSICAL stomps back into town for a very limited repeat run from December 26, 2014 - January 4, 2015 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. It recently had an acclaimed sell out run in Manila.

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.

Rycharde Everley, who has played roles in AVENUE Q and SPELLING BEE, returns as Shrek and Shiela Valderama-Martinez once again plays the neurotic Princess Fiona, Nyoy Volante plays Donkey, Lorenz Martinez as Lord Farquaad, Nel Gomez plays Pinocchio, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza plays Dragon.

Directed by Bobby Garcia, SHREK is the perfect musical for the entire family this holiday season!
Get your tickets now to SHREK! Call Ticketworld 891-9999.

Watch "Jane The Virgin" exclusively on Sony Channel

We had the opportunity to meet "Jane The Virgin" or  Gina Rodriguez in person last November 27, at Raffles Hotel. She is prettier and bubbly in person. She happily states and excited  that her new tv series "Jane The Virgin"  has many filipino followers. Gina Rodriguez who lives in Los Angeles, California was named the “Next Big Thing” and one of the “Top 35 Latinos Under 35” by The Hollywood Reporter.  Gina Rodriguez’s profile has been rising steadily since her breakout performance as the titular character in “Filly Brown” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012 and brought Rodriguez an Imagen award winner for Best Actress in a Feature Film.


In the new comedy series “Jane The Virgin,” Gina Rodriguez,  stars as Jane Villanueva, whose meticulous life plans are suddenly turned upside down when she is accidentally artificially inseminated.

Growing up in Chicago, Rodriguez started performing at age 7 with the salsa dance company Fantasia Juvenil. She went on to work with other companies including Los Soneros Del Swing, performing at several Salsa Congresses in Chicago, California, New York and Puerto Rico. At 16, Gina was one of thirteen teens to be accepted into Columbia University NY- Theatrical Collaboration taaturught by Richard Niles, where she wrote, directed and performed original works.

She fell in love with New York and was accepted into the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.

Rodriguez had four years of intense theatre training at both the Atlantic Theatre Company and Experimental Theatre Wing, working with David Mamet, William H. Macy and Rosemary Quinn. Directly after graduation, she booked her first lead role in the feature film “Tiny Dancer.” Next, she originated the role of Frida Kahlo in the world premiere of “Casa Blue: The Last Moments in the Life of Frida Kahlo,” at the American Stage Theatre. She continued to work in NY with multiple theatres and her work in film and TV steadily grew, including series “Jonny Zero,” “Army Wives,” and “Law & Order,” in addition to several shorts and indie films. One short film, “Osvaldos,” earned Rodriguez a “Best Actor” award at the First Run Film Festival in NY.

After the years of success in NY, Rodriguez booked a lead role in a feature film “Go For It” in which she received a 2011 Imagen Awards nomination. After this, Rodriguez booked her first co-star role on CBS’ “Eleventh Hour.” She went on to book series regular roles on web series “Eden's Court” and “No Names;” her first studio film “Our Family Wedding” with America Ferrera; and a lead in the film “Superchicas.” Since then she has also guest starred on the “The Mentalist,” “Happy Endings” and “Ten Things I Hate About You.”

Next came one of Rodriguez’s most exciting roles to date, “Filly Brown.” Originally, this role had been written as a spoken word artist, an area in which Rodriguez had experience, but upon meeting Rodriguez, the producers changed the part to a rapper. After an outstanding audition,
in which Gina provided an impromptu rap performance, she secured the role. She collaborated with music producers, E Dub and Khoolaid from Silent Giant, to come up with original songs for the film. Rodriguez went on to star in the dark indie comedy “Sleeping with Fishes,” written and directed by Nicole Gomez Fisher. The film focuses on Alexis Rodriguez Fish, who returns home to her family after the death of her cheating husband.

Rodriguez starred in the Cima Productions film “Marching Banda,” playing a single mother of a boy whose estranged father comes back into their lives and begins teaching him traditional regional Mexican music and incorporating it into the school’s marching band repertoire. She also starred in a supporting role in “Snap,” a reunion with her “Filly Brown” director Youssef Delara, which had its world premiere at SXSW this past year. She also completed production on another indie film, “California Winter,” with Rutina Wesley.

Rodriguez is a supporter of Inspira, an organization that works to spotlight Latino leaders who shape their communities. She also works with the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts and the Boyle Heights Learning Collaborative.

Jane the Virgin airs every Sunday, starting October 19 at 9:05 pm, in the same week as the US telecast, first & exclusively on Sony Channel.

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

Chocolate Cherry Torte is the perfect treat after a long day

Chocolate contains an amino acid which acts a building block for serotonin, stimulating feelings of happiness. When I am stressed  I always reach out for a bar of dark chocolate or headed to the nearest mall for a roll of chocolate cake.  I dont know but this makes me happy. This eased out the burden and stress that some of us experience in our daily lives. Molecules in chocolate, have shown positive effects on mood. 

 As such, Goldilocks has come up with a new and exciting variation of a classic chocolate bestseller, the Chocolate Cherry Torte. The country’s number one bakeshop now offers this blockbuster cake in whole or half-roll varieties, as well as single servings.

The cake is iced with whipped cream, drizzled with luscious chocolate ganache, and sprinkled with chocolate chips. The rolls and round cake are topped off with chocolate triangles and fresh maraschino cherries.Indeed, the Chocolate Cherry Torte is the perfect treat after a long day, is great for sharing, or even for those who want to enjoy it on the go.

Rather than being worn out in traffic, visit your nearest Goldilocks outlet on the way home, and stop in for something delicious that’s sure to put a smile on your face.

Come and celebrate a very random christmas with Cartoon Network!

Cartoon Network will get to celebrate A Very Random Christmas at Sky Ranch on December 13-14. Bring your kids and loved ones. The free admission, weekend-long party will be held at the Amphitheater of Sky Ranch, the complete day destination for families and friends in Tagaytay City. A celebration of all things funny, crazy, goofy, amazing, awesome and random, Cartoon Network’s A Very Random Christmas is the must-attend family event of the season.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can experience a slew of colorful activities, games and mascot appearances featuring characters from the network’s hit shows like Adventure Time, Uncle Grandpa, Ben 10: Omniverse, The Amazing World of Gumball, Regular Show, and more. Sky Ranch guests will also be able to witness a festive Cartoon Network parade within the park throughout the day.

Special treats are also in store for new and existing Cignal subscribers. The first 60 Cignal subscribers to present their monthly bill at the event will automatically get Meet & Greet Express passes. Sign up for a Cignal subscription at the event and take home a special reversible Adventure Time backpack.

Pile on the exciting randomness this Christmas on Cartoon Network. For more information about A Very Random Christmas, please visit www.facebook.com/asia.cartoonnetwork or www.cartoonnetworkasia.com.

Backroom Inc. celebrates 25th anniversary with the launch of social media portal for its artists

Backroom celebrates its 25th anniversary and launches its social media portal www.backroom.ph. The launch was held last November 25 at Astoria Chardonnay and attended by Backroom, Inc. founder Boy Abunda and Backroom talents. The show was hosted by Bianca Gonzales, Mariel Rodriguez and Drew Arellano.

Backroom, Inc. was established in 1989 by award-winning television host Boy Abunda. In 2012, he relinquished his position as President and Managing Director of the company and handed over the reins to his five senior employees.

Backroom, Inc. has established itself as one of the country’s most successful companies in artist booking and career management, public relations, promotions, multi-media publicity, and concert production.

Backroom artists now have their own domain name at the new Backroom website. The public can connect to their favorite artists in their different social media platform such as instagram, twitter and facebook accounts which is in sync to the Backroom's social media portal.

The new social media portal, www.backroom.ph is interactive and fans can chat with their favorite  artists, get live updates and find out what they do off cam.

More things are in store  in the new Backroom website: Video Archive Section for the video clips and concert snippets, the Photo Gallery Section for the artists new pictorials and the latest in fashion, and Marketplace  Section where  stars and fans can share/exchange/buy old and new stuff.

To keep up with the changing times, Backroom, Inc. has also evolved in its field of specialization by opening its doors to special projects like product launch, events management conceptualization and staging, and movie production.

Its stellar league of talents include Gretchen Barretto, Dawn Zulueta, Bianca Gonzalez, Julius Babao, Karen Davila, Amy Perez, Sitti Navarro, Gelli de Belen, Drew Arellano, Mariel Rodriguez, Tintin Bersola-Babao, K Brosas, Aiko Melendez, Ariel Rivera, Pooh, Ima Castro, Dominic Ochoa, Direk GB Sampedro, Arnold Reyes, Duncan Ramos, Mauro Lumba, Benj Bolivar, Carlo Sawit, PJ Go, Kaye Chua, Avery Paraiso, Jennica Ollero, Junnel Manansala, AiAi delas Alas, and Boy Abunda.

For inquiries, call (02) 9280717 or email backroominc@hotmail.com