Halle Berry stars in mystery thriller series "Extant"

Premieres January 6, Tuesday at 9:55pm

Academy Award winner Halle Berry stars as Molly Woods on EXTANT, a mystery thriller series executive produced by Steven Spielberg. EXTANT premieres first and exclusive on RTL CBS Entertainment HD on January 6, Tuesday at 9:55pm. Berry plays Molly Woods, a female astronaut who is trying to reconnect with her family when she returns from outer space. This may prove to be difficult as she is found to be pregnant after 13 months of being alone.  Her experiences lead to events that ultimately will change the course of human history.

Berry stars along Goran Visnjic, who plays her husband John Woods, a robotics engineer heading the Humanichs project.  He created their android son, Ethan, played by Pierce Gagnon. As parents, their characters have conflicted feelings about their son. Questions about his humanity and his actual emotions are raised.

The cast also features Japanese actor Hiroyuki Sanada as Hideki Yasumoto, Golden Globe Award winner Camryn Manheim as Sam Barton, The Newsroom’s Grace Gummer as Julie Gelineu and Michael O’ Neill from the Dallas Buyers Club as Alvin Sparks.

USA Today’s Robert Bianco praises Berry’s performance saying, “She brings a dignity and gravity to Molly, a projected intelligence that allows you to buy her as an astronaut and to see what has happened to her as frightening rather than ridiculous. Berry's all in, and you float along.”

Hank Stuever of The Washington Post said that the series is, “coolly conceived and professionally directed.” His point is further proven as EXTANT was chosen for the Critic’s Choice Television Award for Most Exciting New Series.

RTL CBS Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), on Destiny channel 53, Cablelink channel 224, and other provincial operators nationwide. Like on Facebook (RTLCBSEntertainment) and follow on Twitter (@RTLCBSEntertain).

Exodus: Gods and Kings premieres at London

FROM RED SEA TO LONDON’S RED CARPET – “EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS” PREMIERE PHOTOS

After traversing  mountains, crossing the Red Sea and dodging spears in the most anticipated Biblical epic of the year,   “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” Christian Bale walked the Red Carpet in the recently concluded premiere night in London along with director Ridley Scott and cast of the movie.

In photos and at the premiere are Joel Edgerton, Maria Valverde, Golshifteh Farahani, Ben Kingsley and Andrew Tarbet.  “Exodus: Gods and Kings” by acclaimed director Ridley Scott (“Gladiator,” “Prometheus”) is the story of one man’s daring courage to take on the might of an empire.  Using state of the art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

“Exodus: Gods and Kings” opens December 5 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox – available in 3D and IMAX 3D.

Harman will change the way you see and hear sounds

Nothing beats a good sound system, you always go for the one that produce crisp, clear music, Let your speaker be as unique as your taste in music with JBLquality sound in one portable speaker package. Just like my choice of skincare, I always go for the high end products, the one that would deliver, I will never compromise my skin to some affordable brand that would later make me regret buying. Same with my audio or sound system, I will always choose quality over design.  When I was abroad, I would always see professionals buying JBL headsets, wireless, bluetooth speakers. I was tempted to ask the salesman, why JBL. He just instructed me to test their products, I was amazed how clear the reception of the sound is. Before THX and Dolby before stereo and even hi-fi, there was JBL.

Harman the premiere name in sound systems unveils four new audio solutions JBL, Infinity, Kardon and Harman last December 2, 2014 at Abenson, Ascott BGC.

HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, the award-winning maker of outstanding audio and entertainment solutions, brings to the Philippines its legacy of design and innovation that has earned the company numerous awards from the world’s largest consumer technology trade show.

Over the course of the past two years, HARMAN has won 116 awards for 70 unique products from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), producer of the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), for its wireless sound systems that make use of Bluetooth and Near Field Communications (NFC) technology.

"HARMAN recognizes the importance of providing stylish products that deliver not only high-quality technology, but also a sense of connectedness and we are very proud to introduce these new products to the Philippine market”, says Lauro Secreto, representative from Harman International Singapore.

"Applying the concept of creating products designed to enhance everyday life, these wireless systems are perfect for those who value constant connections not only to music, but also to friends, family and the world around them," said Secreto.

Lauro Secreto, Brand Activation Manager, Harman

PORTABLE ELEGANCE; HARMAN KARDON ESQUIRE MINI
The Harman Kardon Esquire Mini embodies elegance, sophistication and extreme portability in a chic, urban uni-body design that spares no attention to detail.

Made from premium materials, including real leather backing and brushed aluminum finish; the Esquire Mini is big on looks and even bigger in sound quality.

Mohit Parasher, Harman International Industries Vice-President for Asia Pacific.

"Harman is known for its runway-ready, head-turning good looks to the slimmest wireless speaker and conferencing system in the world," says Mohit Parasher, Harman International Industries Vice-President for Asia Pacific.

"With its advanced features, big high-fidelity sound, unsurpassed portability, and its ability to serve as a charging center for your other mobile devices, it will easily become your favorite travel companion," he added.

The Esquire Mini is also Bluetooth -enabled for full stereo streaming and doubles as a conference phone system with dual-microphone and built-in echo- and noise-cancellation for superb sound and crystal-clear conference calling.

MULTI ROOM HD SURROUND: Harman Kardon Omni Wireless HD
Upgrade your home system and experience high-quality streaming anywhere in your house with the Harman Kardon Omni loudspeakers and the Harman Kardon Adapt wireless adapter.

The Harman Kardon Omni system comprises three new products: Omni 10 and Omni 20 wireless HD loudspeakers and the Adapt plug-in to upgrade your existing home stereo system, all powered by Blackfire Research™ wireless media technology.

Using the Harman Kardon app or Bluetooth let you access and stream any music from your gadgets, favorite streaming services or your favorite apps seamlessly.

You can even add custom applications to make the system suited to your needs and personal preferences.

“These high definition audio system represents the ultimate in scalability, upgradeability, and personalization for home audio entertainment,” said Parasher.

“Unlike other wireless streaming systems, the Harman Kardon Omni 10 and Omni 20 support 24-bit/96kHz Studio Quality HD audio streaming. So, along with the convenience of wireless audio streaming, you'll enjoy a superior audio experience, with higher resolution than from a CD.


The Harman Kardon Omni 10 and Omni 20 loudspeakers can be used as standalone speakers combine two for a wireless stereo system, or even five to create a full multi-channel speaker system. Place the Omni speakers in any room, wherever you want music, or group them together for an immersive same-room wireless sound experience. Because Omni loudspeakers are wireless, you can easily position them to fine-tune the sound in your room, leaving no corner uncovered.

The Harman Kardon Adapt is a first-of-its-kind truly HD, wireless adapter for your existing home stereo system. Making full use of Harman’s expertise in audio technology, Adapt connects the gap between your existing Hi-Fi gear and the wireless network, to deliver pure, crisp sound at the touch of a button. Simply set up multiple speakers or adapters and enjoy wireless room-filling sound in any room you choose. Harman Kardon Adapt lets you play different music in each room for private listening, or stream the same song throughout the house in party mode.

Home audio has never been this easier to set up or manage, or sounded so good.

LIGHT AND SOUND:  JBL Pulse
Bring your music to life—and light with the JBL Pulse.

JBL Pulse gives you music to be seen and heard combining room-filling JBL sound with an eye-catching, programmable LED light show in one portable speaker. Take your music with you wherever you go, and liven up any get-together with a Multi-LED light show. JBL Pulse is a wireless sound and vision treat for the eyes and ears that gives you new ways to enjoy your favorite tunes. JBL Pulse streams your music from any portable device via Bluetooth. Enhance the music with your choice of programmed or customizable light themes. JBL Pulse's sound is a stereo punch, clear and powerful, and portable enough to turn anyplace into a party space.

“JBL Pulse will change the way you enjoy music,” enthused Parasher. “You'll be amazed how much more immersive the listening experience can be, with a lightshow perfectly synched in brightness and color with the music.”

JBL Pulse can go anywhere and deliver wireless fun for up to 10 hours of music or 5 hours of music and light show, thanks to its rechargeable lithium-ion battery. One less thing to worry about means the party starts now.

PARTY AT THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS: JBLFlip 2
Harman takes portable speaker systems to the next generation with the JBL Flip 2.

The Wireless Portable Speaker System is a true next-generation device with innovative features including dual JBL drivers with a built-in bass port for full range sound that makes it easy and fun to carry awesome sound anywhere you go and a built-in speakerphone with SoundClear® echo and noise cancellation technologies.

JBL Flip 2 is proof that you need not sacrifice portability for full rich sound, or vice versa. It's the perfect partner for your smartphone or tablet and its music library, with no wires to break, lose or tangle. JBL Flip 2 streams the music wirelessly by means of Bluetooth, so your mobile device stays mobile. Because you use your phone for phone calls, JBL Flip 2 has a built-in, hands-free speakerphone with SoundClear® echo and noise cancellation to keep your conversations clear and error-free at any volume.

 “It's much, much more than a portable sound system, with dual, performance-tuned drivers and a built-in bass port, powerful bass for real, dynamic depth and five-hour lithium-ion rechargeable battery, it's a party in the palm of your hand,” the Harman executive said.

Casino Filipino is ready for December Celebrity Tour

CELEBRITY TOUR AT CASINO FILIPINO IN DECEMBER

Prepare to be tickled this December as Casino Filipino brings you a series of performances from  funnyman Jose Manalo and  actress- comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas. The Christmas stage is set for shows at the different Casino Filipino branches this December.

If you want fun and comedy, or music to relax your tired soul and maybe a bit of dancing, then Casino Filipino is the way to go.

December performances start with funnyman Jose Manalo on December 4 at Casino Filipino Tagaytay; December 5, Casino Filipino Pavillion; December 6, Casino Filipino Angeles; December 10, Casino Filipino Ronquillo; and December 12, Casino Filipino Olongapo.

Bossa nova queen Sitti and Nyoy Volante will lit up the stage on December 17 at Casino Filipino Pavillion, December 27 Casino Filipino  Malabon, and December 30 Casino Filipino Tagaytay.

Regular habitués of Casino Filipino Angeles will be treated to a special performance by EDM Diva Ai Ai delas Alas on December 27.

For inquiries call the Entertainment and Bingo Department at (02) 708-2046. 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403

Lenovo features Yoga multi modes and Lenovo Y50

Lenovo’s rolls out the new Yoga line-up with more modes, sexier variants and brawnier brains
Lenovo Y50 also launched to address consumers’ all-day computing needs last November 28, 2014 at Sky Lounge W High Street.

 Lenovo ups the ante on its popular Yoga Series and introduces the new Lenovo Y50,  all of which bring more productivity, flexibility, and connectivity to users.

“Lenovo’s new Yoga line-up features thin designs and robust processors with four modes for amazing portability and performance when playing and working with digital content. Equipped with unparalleled audio capabilities and long battery life, the new Yoga multi-modes as well as the new Lenovo Y50 being launched today reflect Lenovo’s commitment to innovation, paving a new way for doers to accomplish more in today’s mobile-focused digital era,” said Michael Ngan, Country General Manager, Lenovo Philippines.

Yoga Tablet 2: Four Modes for Intuitive Usage
Available in 8-inch and 10-in Android variants, the Yoga Tablet 2 users can enjoy the three original modes – Hold, Tilt and Stand – and discover a fourth mode -  Hang. This mode allows them to hang the Yoga when viewing content, freeing up their hands to do other tasks. Lenovo has also improved the kickstand in Stand mode for more stability when pressing the 10-point multi-touch screen.

In addition to the tablet’s responsive design, Lenovo has upgraded the Yoga Table 2 to Intel® Atom processor, Dolby® Audio, and Wolfson® Master Hi-Fi™. It also has dual front speakers and an 8 MP rear camera. Yoga Tablet 2 sports better connectivity, with dual band Wi-Fi and a micro USB with OTG connection that allows users to charge their phones with a separate cable on the go.

Yoga Tablet 2 Pro: A New Way to Watch and Listen
Developed by Lenovo’s product engineer, Ashton Kutcher, the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro gives consumers a new way to reach, watch, connect and create. Its superior resolution (2560 x 1440) and long-life 9600-mAh battery and built-in Pico projector makes it the ultimate home entertainment tablet to add to anyone's wish list. The 8-watt JBL sound system with subwoofer gives an immersive sound experience.

Like the Yoga Tablet 2, Yoga Tablet 2 Pro also features four modes - the Yoga Tablet’s three original modes, Hold, Tilt, and Stand - and the Hang mode, which allows users to hang the tablet anywhere they want.

Yoga 3 Pro: Redefining Thin and Light
The new Yoga 3 Pro pushes the boundary on thinness and lightness. It is thinner by 17 percent as compared to the Yoga 2 Pro, 14 percent slimmer than its predecessor at just 12.8 mm and it weighs 1.19 kg. With a new watchband hinge made from 800 pieces of steel and aluminum, the Yoga 3 Pro is as flexible as a metallic watch band, with six focus points instead of two.

Complementing the distinctive new hinge design, the Yoga 3 Pro is available in two eye-catching colors: Platinum Silver or Champagne Gold.

Lenovo Y50 for Cutting Edge Performance

The Lenovo Y50 laptop offers advanced technology, which includes an optional backlit keyboard,  and NVIDIA GeForce, for enhanced graphics.  Powered by an up to 4th generation Intel Core™ i7 processor, Windows 8.1, and HDD, users can easily multitask among activities such as watching videos, opening apps, posting to social media and browsing photos. The powerful combination of JBL speakers and Dolby Home Theatre v4 helps to redefine the multimedia experience with its crisp and resonant sound.


Pricing and Availability
The Yoga Tablet 2 Androids will be priced at Php13,999 (wifi) and Php19,999 (LTE wifi) for the eight-in and 10-in variants respectively, while SRPs for the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro and Yoga 3 Pro are at Php33,999 and Php 76,995 respectively. The new Yoga multi-modes will all be available within December. The first 18 consumers who buy the Yoga Tablet 2 from Lenovo Exclusive Stores (LES) and Lenovo Mobile Exclusive Stores (LMES) nationwide will get it at Php1,800 off the SRP as part of Lenovo’s Christmas promo. Buyers who purchase the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 will get One Direction’s “Four” album and a chance to win tickets to their concert as well. The eight-in Lenovo Yoga Tablet 2 will also come with a free Intel starter pack. The Lenovo Y50, which is already available, is priced starting from Php72,995. All these devices are/will be available through select Lenovo Exclusive Stores (LES) and authorized retailers nationwide. Yoga Tablet 2 and Yoga Tablet 2 Pro will also be sold in Lenovo Mobile Exclusive Stores (LMES) nationwide.

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.