His Holiness Pope Francis Papal visit to Manila this January 2015

Where were you when Pope John Paul II visited Manila in 1995?  I remember waving at him near UST, there were so many people surrounded the pope that it was nearly impossible to get a glimpse of him. But good vibes and bliss were everywhere during that time, the world stopped for a moment. Manila felt blessed and so were the filipinos.

January 2015 marks the year in which His Holiness Pope Francis, will en route his apostolic trip to the Philippines with the goal of encountering Filipino families from all over the region. In support of the Pope’s advocacy, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. (SMLEI) together with the entire SM Group, will have the Mall of Asia Arena as the venue for the papal visit on January 16, 2015.

With its capacity to house over 15,000 guests, Mall of Asia Arena is a fitting venue for the Pope’s monumental visit. Mall of Asia Arena’s existing CCTV cameras provided by Mobotix, is at par with the same equipment used at the Vatican Apostolic Library at the Vatican with professional-grade, high-resolution security devices, aside from this enhanced surveillance system, management is placing additional measures to assure safety of not only His Holiness the Pope,

 but of all the guests who will be in attendance of the event. It is also assured that the venue will be equipped with adequate security presence who are well trained in handling huge crowded events in accordance with security protocols required by the organizers, Presidential Security Group and the Papal Guards. The Mall of Asia Arena is working closely with the government and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to assure a peaceful and manageable event.

Seen as a very rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of His Holiness Pope Francis, who will be delivering his message of “mercy and compassion” to all Filipino families, the SM Group foresees the millions of eager patrons to visit the Mall of Asia Complex. Preparations is underway in cooperation with the MOA Complex locators, Central Business Park, Mall of Asia Mall Management, and SM Land to make room for the anticipated guests, SM will convert the South Transport Terminal and SMX/Mall of Asia Arena Parking lot into holding areas for visiting patrons may not be accommodated inside Mall of Asia Arena.

“Mall of Asia Arena and the entire SM Group is deeply gratified to be in support of the Catholic Church and His Holiness Pope Francis’ advocacy of reaching out, inspiring and strengthening the devotion Filipino families through this event” says the Business Unit Head of Mall of Asia Arena, Mr. Arnel Gonzales.

Carmudi provides car buyers, sellers and car dealers online

With online shopping being the trend nowadays, more and more websites have emerged over the Internet. But only some guaranteed and dished out positive results. One of which is Carmudi.

Carmudi, the leading vehicle platform around the world, has recently tapped the Philippine automotive scene in providing buyers, sellers, and car dealers an opportunity to experience safe and convenient online transaction.

Carmudi Philippines—through its website www.carmudi.com.ph—has been generating positive leads for potential car buyers and sellers in the country since it started January 2014. The website currently has close to 25,000 vehicles in its inventory spanning from cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles; brand new or used.

According to Subir Lohani, managing director of Carmudi Philippines, “Having the most number of listings is not the main thing that defines Carmudi.com.ph and Carmudi in general. We look on the quality of listings and value of proposition that we offer both buyers and sellers of vehicles that defines us.”

Lohani explained, “We envision Carmudi Philippines to become a complete one-stop shop for anything vehicle related such as loans, finding an auto repair shop, tips and tricks for your car, and more. Cars are essentially a lifestyle product. Whether it be the brand, model, make, or color, it tells about your individual personality so Carmudi must also evolve into a lifestyle product which we are in process of doing.”

Lohani also shared, “Our search functionality is one of the most important things that differentiates us from the traditional classifieds and online general classifieds. As a dedicated vehicle platform, we realized that buyers want to have the ability to search with certain parameters for their dream cars.”

The company prides itself on how both buyers and sellers will experience customer satisfaction by looking on the complete data list of each vehicle from multiple pictures, descriptions, identifications, and even on the details of map of dealership.

“Being online and having a mobile app has a definite advantage as prospective buyers of vehicles can quickly search with a few swipes of a screen on the go anytime they have a few minutes. Furthermore, once the user sees a vehicle that they are interested in, they can directly sms, email, or call the dealer directly through our online and mobile platforms, which improves efficiency in the overall process,” adds Lohani.

Globally, Carmudi has 250,000 up-to-date listings, 9,000 of which are vehicle dealers. Through Carmudi.com.ph, individual vehicle owners can list their vehicles on the platform, while professional sellers can list their vehicles through the platform and receive professional support on how to present themselves and their offerings.

Carmudi was originally founded in Berlin, Germany in 2013 under the Rocket Internet Group, who also ventures company such as Zalora, Easy Taxi, Lazada, PricePanda, Lamido, Lamudi, and Tripda.

Liam Neeson is back for the action packed "Taken 3"

BARRELS OF NO-HOLDS-BARRED ACTION SEQUENCE IN “TAKEN 3”

Everyone is clamoring for the 3rd installment of Taken, after watching 1 and 2. The movie has made Liam Neeson the action star that he is right now. The plot and twists of Taken has made me more excited to watch for the 3rd installment.

                Like a big typhoon, the action never stops in the third installment of the blockbuster franchise “Taken” that cemented Liam Neeson as cinema’s newest and most unexpected action hero.  “Taken 3” brings Liam Neeson’s character Bryan Mills to the extreme as his particular set of skills is pushed to the edge when his reconciliation with his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered.  Consumed with rage, and framed for the crime, he goes on the run to evade the relentless pursuit of the CIA, FBI and the police. For one last time, Mills must use his “particular set of skills,” to track down the real killers, exact his unique brand of justice, and protect the only thing that matters to him now – his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace).

             
                The world will once again cheer and root for the overprotective father, Mills, whose skills, forged through years of covert ops – continue to be put to the test long after his retirement from the CIA.  TAKEN 3 sees Bryan facing his biggest challenge ever, as he deals with the aftershocks of his ex-wife’s murder, while evading pursuit from several law enforcement agencies, hunting down the real killers, and most of all, protecting his daughter Kim.

                “What makes TAKEN 3 a quintessential Taken movie is that, at its heart, it’s still about Bryan Mills doing everything in his power to save his family,” says Neeson.  “That’s why these films resonate with a global audience, because at their core, they are about the love and sanctity of family and the lengths we’ll go to protect that.”

                Neeson elaborates on the films’ careful mix of action and drama: “Even though Bryan Mills is a guy with a ‘particular set of skills,’ he’s also a kind of everyman. People identify with his love of family. Parents will do anything for their kids and they see that in Bryan. For all his faults, he still is a very devoted father who’ll do anything for his child. But I think audiences also enjoy the fact that he bucks the system and doesn’t trust anyone in authority. And if he has to break the law, then he does.
                “The underlying stories in the Taken films are solid,” Neeson continues.  “We’ve tried to avoid doing anything in excess just to excite an audience. The triggers for that action have always been very strong. And it’s, of course, about Bryan Mills defending his family and protecting them, against all odds. You have that bedrock of a very stable relationship that’s being tested all the time. So once you have that base in place and audiences believe in that charge of love – especially between Bryan and his daughter Kim – you can take the action anywhere you want.”

That being said, Neeson notes that he enjoys the films’ non-stop action and the physicality of the role of Bryan Mills.  In terms of thrills, TAKEN 3 is the biggest Taken yet.  Highlights include lightning-fast fight sequences, an incredible freeway chase – and the film’s overall relentless pacing.

                “Making a movie is like solving a puzzle, like a Rubik’s cube,” adds director Olivier Megaton.  “At first, you have no idea how to attack these things. You have to figure out every element on almost every shot. If you try to be too clever, it’s too complex. So you look for simpler solutions. But in the end, everything clicks.”

                “Taken 3” opens Jauary 14 nationwide in cinemas across the Philippines from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

The truth behind the #DongYanwedding massive cake

So much has been said and done for the enchanting  #DongYanwedding, let alone for their  massive  cake, which created quite a stir in the social network.  The 12 ft 3D, 5 tiered wedding cake was the groom's concept and was beautifully perfected by Goldilocks. Almost everyone speculated that the couple paid a whooping php7 million for the cake alone. 

Ms Pinky Yee,  Goldilocks New Business Director released the following statement to put closure on the issue.

TNT all set to compete in Mumbai

            TNT Movie (Tago Nang Tago/Always on the Run) starts 2015 with a bang as it competes in the 13th Third Eye Asian Film Festival,  with the short film screening on the first Sunday of the year, January 4, 2015, 11:30am. at the Ravindra Natya Mandir - Mini Theatre, Sayani Marg, Prabhadevi (Near Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Next To ICICI Bank), Mumbai 400025, Maharashtra, India.

            TNT is the only Filipino film included in the official selection of the said festival. It will be will be screened along with other shorts produced by Asians and/or in the Asian region in the short film competition.

            Written and directed by Roberto Reyes Ang, TNT is about the plight of an undocumented immigrant, portrayed by Perry Escaño, who is to realize his American dream and survive in the city that never sleeps, New York.

            "It's been a very meaningful year for TNT. There have been a lot of suspense and twists and turns, from looking like the project is not going anywhere due to numerous delays and unexpected circumstances to ending 2014 on a very high note. This film became a reality and stands where it is now because of the men and women who believed it in from the very start with, we would like to thank all the people who made this film possible . You put this film to where it stands now. This is a product of love and hard work," says director Robert Reyes Ang.

            The 13th Third Eye Asian Film Festival is organized by The Asian Film Foundation of Mumbai in collaboration with the Prabhat Chitra Mandal National Film Development Corporation Limited.
     Prior to competing in this festival, TNT world premiered at the International Film Festival where it won the Best Ensemble Cast Award.
    It was showcased in the FACINE’s 21st Filipino International Film Festival in San Francisco.
      It was also among the IndieBravo! Award of Distinction recipients sponsored by the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

       Escaño shares, “TNT (Always on the Run) is a story that rings true to many, it is about a Filipino expatriate living illegally in New York City.  Hopefully, this short film will make overseas Filipino workers to become more aware of what to do and what to avoid when it comes to working abroad. It also tackles human trafficking and exploitation of laborers.”
       Shooting for three straight days in several places in Queens, Manhattan, in the subway station and on Time Square, the lead actor relates,  “I felt uncomfortable in the beginning. I felt pressured because I was the only professional actor on the set. I know that I shouldn't commit any mistakes, that they expected a lot from me.”
       Aside from acting, Escaño  is also into film direction. He says, " Making films is my passion. I want to keep on making projects that move the audience, that make them rethink old views. There's satisfaction in being able to share your art to the audience, and also in being able to impart something to them.”
      "Overture" which Escaño directed  and “Tama (Deranged),” which he wrote, participated as official entries during the 2011 Gawad CCP Film Festival.
       Last year,  he wrote and directed “The Platinum Hair,” a documentary on the life of the late theater thespian Ama Quiambao.
       He is set to shoot his next film starring BJ Forbes, Maria Isabel Lopez, Dindo Arroyo, Geoff Taylor and Mark Justine Aguillon.
       His thoughts about winning the Best Ensemble Acting at the 2014 International Film Festival Manhattan NYC,: “I'm happy that the group got an award. All the actors I've worked with on this film are New-York based. What's interesting is that they are not professional actors. Ged is a painter, Ramon is a film producer (“Batang West Side,” 2001) while Dominique works at a restaurant. Still, they were very focused and serious. They would all sit down and give analysis of each of their characters. I guess that's why this project turned out well.”
            He enthuses, “An international recognition means that the global community now trusts Filipino products; That if it's done by Filipinos, there is already that premium that it's a good film.”

            For the festival's full program, please visit: http://www.affmumbai.info/schedule2013/sche2014.html
            For more information about our film, please check out our website: http://theglobalx.wix.com/tnt-movie

Chef Lau joins the cast of The Apartment: Celebrity Edition

Culinary extraordinaire Chef Rolando Laudico, more famously known as Chef Lau, represents the Philippines in Asia’s number one design reality TV show, The Apartment, for its fourth season produced by Imagine Group in collaboration with Fox International Channels. The series is set at the breathtaking Bangtao Beach in partnership with Castlewood Group featuring celebrities from all over the globe. Chef Lau will be battling it out with 11 other contestants and get the chance to win USD 100,000 for a charity of their choice.

The renowned chef has been featured on television for the development of Selecta’s Gold Label Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream and was a recurring judge and host in the highly popular and successful MasterChef: Pinoy Edition. This time, Chef Lau is competing against an international cast, namely: Paula Taylor (Actress/ Host), Xiao Wang (Actress/ Jewelry Designer), Rima Fakih (Miss USA 2011), Lucy Clarkson – Demeo (Model/ Singer), Patricia Knudsen (DJ/ TV Host), Nicole Russo (Producer/ Singer), Mary Christina Brown (Film Star), Cindy Gomez (Pop Singer), Justin Bratton (Host/ Actor), Ryan Star (Singer), and Bronson Pelletier (Actor).

The cast will be divided into four groups to redesign luxurious villas provided by the Castlewood Group. Chris Comer, CEO of Castlewood Group, said, “We are extremely proud to be partnering with Imagine Group for this year’s brand new format of Asia’s leading reality design show, The Apartment. This edition has been taken to a whole new level, raising the bar for reality TV with a star-studded international cast in a beautiful and inspiring setting with our award-winning luxury villas in Bangtao Beach, Phuket. Also having all the winnings donated to charity supports our belief in giving back to local communities, something very close to my heart. Can’t wait to see the celebs go at it!”

This season of The Apartment, top design guru Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen will reprise his role as the head judge of the competition, and former guest judge, Andrea Savage will join the panel as a recurring judge on the show. Jamie Durie is also back as the host of the show.

President and Founder of Imagine Group Riaz Mehta also expressed, “We are extremely excited to launch The Apartment: Celebrity Edition. The Apartment is one of our longest running reality TV shows and having celebrities as contestants add a varied dimension to the show.”

Mr. Jeremy Rowe, Managing Director, Decorative Paints – South East and South Asia at AkzoNobel, the manufacturer of Dulux, said: “We have a long-standing partnership with The Apartment from the very first season, and this is the fourth consecutive year that we provide the contestants with access to the latest interior design tools and resources. As the world’s leading colour authority, we are excited to the return of this Asia’s number one design show and look forward to see all 12 celebrity contestant this year to express their personal style and turn their ideas to reality.”

The Apartment: Celebrity Edition will air on StarWorld every Sunday, 9:40PM SG/HK (8:40PM JKT/BKK) starting 25 January 2015 and will run for 10 action-packed one-hour episodes.

Teddys Bigger Burgers specialty burgers now exclusively available at its 2nd branch Shangri-la Mall

The first time I had a taste of that fat delicious juicy mouth-watering burger from Teddy's was on its opening day last August 23 of last year.  My perception of what a burger should taste and look like levelled up, there will never be a burger like Teddy's Bigger Burgers, theirs is a gourmet of a burger its high end but reasonably priced. You have to pay for taste and quality.  I love the way they made it, hot, delicious, juicy, and with a potato bun so squishy made perfect for their patty. Their secret sauce and add-ons are the ones I love the most because you can customize your burger accordingly.

Everyone is anticipating for Teddy's second branch, those whose working or residing near
 the Pasig area will now have access on the burgers they love. Teddy's Bigger Burgers is now open at the 6th level of Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City. It has the same charming Hawaiian 50s interior (just like in Greenbelt) with surfboards, wooden tables and chairs,  but this time the second branch is bigger and spacious.

Good thing is they now offer specialty burgers, the Samurai, Elvis and Bandito and are  exclusively available at this branch.

The SAMURAI BURGER from Teddy's branch in Japan  is a 100% USDA Ground Chuck patty topped with crispy sweet potato, wasabi mayonnaise, teriyaki sauce and nori strips. The strong flavor of the wasabi is balanced by the sweetness of the teriyaki sauce and the complex flavors of the nori to make for a unique burger that will delight those into Japanese food. The spicy sweet taste got me, because I like all things spice.

The ELVIS BURGER was inspired by ‘’The King of Rock ‘n Roll’, Elvis Presley. As Ted Tsakiris and Rich Stula made a research they gathered that Elvis loved his burger with peanut butter, bacon and bananas. So they created this gourmet burger, for those who would like to sample this, go on and try, you will surely go bananas!

This is one of my favorite I could eat 3 orders of this the whole day, seriously the BANDITO BURGER with jalapeño and dripping cheese sauce and juicy patty compliments each other so well. It was concocted with the adventurous diners in mind, the one who prefers to bite into burgers with strong flavors and zest.

Teddy’s burgers are made of 100% USDA Ground Chuck made-to-order patty, dressed with a secret special sauce then sandwiched in a soft potato bun. Available in 5 oz (big), 7 oz (bigger), 9 oz (biggest) and Monster Double (double patty) options, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers are best paired with extra crispy fries, tater tots or beer-battered onion rings, and super thick milk shakes.

Awarded multiple times as the best burger in Hawaii and recently in Seattle, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers was established in 1998 by Tsakiris and Stula, with locations across Hawaii and the mainland U.S. The Philippines is Teddy’s 2nd international location, following Japan.

For more information about Teddy’s Bigger Burgers PH, visit the official Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/TeddysBurgersPH). Teddy’s Bigger Burgers branches are located in Greenbelt 3 and Shangri-la Plaza Mall.

ELECTRON TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTER OPENS DRIVING AND COMPUTER SCHOOL AT SM NOVALICHES

In celebration of its 12 founding anniversary, Electron Technical Training Center, Inc. furthers its mission of helping create a more skilled labor force as it opened its newest satellite branch at the SM Novaliches Mall.

The new branch offers Driving courses at more affordable tuition rates that would hopefully raise the quality of drivers (both private and public) here in the metro, especially since a lot of new drivers lack the basic knowledge of traffic rules and regulations.

The event held at the SM Novaliches activity center was attended by students, faculty and members of various Rotary Clubs, some of which are business owners who have partnered with the school and provide job opportunities to its graduates.

In his speech, guest of honor Congressman Samuel D. Pagdilao, Jr. praised the husband and wife team of Dr. Dominador and Lea Solis for establishing the school and fulfilling the dreams of its graduates. Pagdilao also inspired the students with his keys to success, such as HARD WORK, THOROUGH PREPARATION, having the RIGHT ATTITUDE toward work, and TO SEEK GOD’S PROVIDENCE, to pray and ask for guidance.

"As the world is facing a worsening employment crisis. we at Electron hope to empower the next generation of the Filipino labor force with the skills needed to gain better employment, notes founder Dr. Dennis Solis.

"The school's goal is to help fulfill one’s dreams . Our basic mission is to provide a rigid training that will bring out one’s potential, ability, talent and gain it’s confidence. Electron also offers a quality and comprehensive learning in a short period of time, with a little eflbrt and less expenses, that tends to be useful and productive for their daily living with an income generating value not just here in the Philippines but also abroad, added Ms. Lea Solis.

“Kapag graduate ka ng EI.ECTRON, trabaho ang maghahanap sa ‘yo! has been our tag line as specially skilled individuals are more recognized to be highly qualified workers, therefore, they will get more employment opportunities as well."

Electron offers courses which are the most-in—demand works especially in abroad. They have a 15-day course offered ( Computer Science, Computer Secretarial, Computer Technician, Dressmaking and Tailoring, Electronics Technician, Gas/Diesel Mechanics, Industrial Electricity, Motorcycle Mechanics, Practical Electricity, Ref and Air Conditioned Technician, Welding SMAW); 10-day course offered (ADOBE Photoshop, Animation Using Flash, Auto-cad with Drafting, Bartending, Beauty Care, Book-keeping, CCTV Security/Surveillance Camera, Cell Phone Technician, Computer Programming, Driving with Troubleshooting, English Proficiency and Finishing Courses for Call Center Agents, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage, Hairdressing, Laptop Technician, Massage Therapy, Web Designing). The school also offers a five-month, one year and two-year courses. All courses are accredited by TESDA.

And the good news when enrolled in Electron — they have the lowest tuition fee ever! There are also no age limit when enrolling in Electron , they have a hands-on training for immediate acquisition of skills. They have a unique ladderized program that allows each enrollee to acquire specialized skill in any courses offered with a certificate of completion awarded after every 15"‘ meeting thus qualifying them to work immediately. Plus, Electron allows each of their enrollees to take refresher courses as much as they want for FREE!

Electron has 10 branches that includes Novaliches — Main Campus, Munoz, Valenzuela, Paranaque, Pasig, Las Pinas, Espana, Pasay, Caloocan and in Marilao, Bulacan.

For more inquiries, visit Electron in #664 Quirino Highway, Bagbag, Novaliches Quezon City. You can also call 02- 418-2232/02-352008 I/02-703-0878 or email at electrontech2002@yahoo.com.

BACKROOM, INC. LOOKS AHEAD FOR A MORE BLESSED AND BRIGHTER 2015

Backroom, Inc. wrapped up a blessed and meaningful 2014 with a Christmas Party last December 18 held at the Village Patio, 185 Maginhawa Street, Diliman, Quezon City . For Backroom, Christmas is always a joyous and much-anticipated season of the year. It is a time of merry-making and thanksgiving for all the blessings received. The Christmas Party was also a continuation of Backroom’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The party began with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Reverend Fr. Allan Samonte followed by a sumptuous dinner.

After dinner, exciting parlor games were played participated in by Backroom staff, artists, and guests.

One of the highlights of the party was the videoke singing competition among Backroom staff and guests. Junnel Manansala, Backroom artist and member of NYOBG, emerged as the First Place winner with his rendition of the song Let Me Be the One. Jamie Almario who sang You bagged Second Place while Philip Rojas who sang Bituing Walang Ningning won Third Place.

A video presentation reminiscing the company’s 25 years was presented. Happy memories of the good old years were recalled as the staff and the guests watched old photos on the screen.

As part of its annual tradition, Backroom had its raffle draw and exchange gifts. Raffle prizes were also drawn for lucky guests.

It was a fun and intimate Christmas Party. Backroom, Inc. is now optimistic for a more blessed and brighter 2015!

"Annie" is back with Oscar Nominee Quvenzhané Wallis

YOUNGEST EVER OSCAR BEST ACTRESS NOMINEE PLAYS “ANNIE”

Who will ever forget the first movie "Annie"? That cute adorable girl with her curly blonde locks that made us love her more in the late 80s.  America's favorite orphan is now back in the persona of Quvenzhané Wallis.

The girl who moves with the rhythm of a busy NYC? The foster kid who sees the good in everybody - even her foster mom, the queen of mean, Miss Hannigan? Who Hearts New York - and finds out that New York Hearts her right back? Just one kid - it's “Annie!”


The youngest person ever nominated for a Best Actress Oscar, Quvenzhané Wallis (“Beasts of the Southern Wild”) stars as Annie, a young, happy foster kid who's also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014.

Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they'd be back for her someday, it's been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). But everything's about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) - advised by his brilliant VP, Grace (Rose Byrne) and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor, Guy (Bobby Cannavale) - makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he's her guardian angel, but Annie's self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it's the other way around.

"What is cool about Annie is that she teaches the adults what matters in life," says Wallis of the plucky heroine. "I think all kids feel like we have something to teach grownups."

Wallis says she's a fan of the original movie. "It's my favorite," she says. "I like to sing and dance along with it. So I love that I got to sing and dance in the movie for real this time."

"Annie is very kind and serious, and worries about the other girls - she makes sure they're okay," says Wallis. "She just has a dream of finding her parents. That's the number one thing on her list. Miss Hannigan is always in her way, but she also has the other four girls by her side."

Of course, Wallis formed a special bond with those four other girls. "I felt like I had four sisters on the set," she says. "They were so fun - I made such good friends. And also Cameron Diaz - she's so nice in real life. Miss Hannigan is supposed to be mean, but not Cameron!"

A Broadway classic that has delighted audiences for generations comes to the big screen with a new, contemporary vision in Columbia Pictures’ comedy “Annie.”

Director/Producer/Screenwriter Will Gluck teams with producers James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith & Will Smith, Caleeb Pinkett, and Shawn “JAY Z” Carter, Laurence “Jay” Brown, and Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith with a modern telling that captures the magic of the classic characters and original show that won seven Tony Awards. Celia Costas and Alicia Emmrich serve as Executive Producers. The screenplay is by Will Gluck and Aline Brosh McKenna, based on the musical stage play “Annie,” book by Thomas Meehan, music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and on “Little Orphan Annie,” © and ® Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Opening across the Philippines on January 21, 2015, “Annie” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of

Electrolux; Your Guide to a Healthy Holiday!

The holidays are just around the corner and with festivities like Christmas and New Year celebrations come food— lots of it.

Lechon, pasta, fried chicken, fruit salad, and cakes are only some of the usual dishes in most Filipino family’s holiday meal plan. We all know how hard it is to resist these delicious yet calorie-packed treats. So here are some tips to help you enjoy the holiday season while keeping the extra pounds away.

Eat breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so remember to jump-start your day with a hearty meal, especially on days you will be eating more. Depriving yourself of this vital meal can lead to overindulgence on calorie-laden treats that you will surely regret later on. Skipping breakfast can also lead to snacking throughout the day, which means eating more than you would otherwise.

Welcome the day with a slice or two of whole grain or multigrain bread. These have low glycemic indices (GI), which mean they are digested more slowly over a longer period of time than white bread. Add a bit of crunch to your bread by toasting it in the Electrolux pop-up toaster. Pair this up with a cup of freshly brewed coffee using the Electrolux coffee maker or maybe a hot cup of tea or milk when you quickly heat up water with the Electrolux electric kettle. Whip up a simple but hearty breakfast conveniently with the Electrolux Easy Sense breakfast set.

(L-R: ETS 3200 Easy Sense Pop-up Toaster, EEK 3200 Easy Sense Coffee Maker, ECM 3200 Electric Kettle)

Bring your own healthy options
Bring a salad or a vegetable side dish when invited to a Christmas party potluck to make sure that there is a healthy option on the table. Instead of bringing fruit salad in milk and cream, indulge on mixed fruits in honey to satisfy your sweet tooth with less guilt. Keep all your vegetables and fruits fresh and crisp with the Electrolux NutriFresh™ 3-door refrigerator. Its middle compartment can be used as a crisper, chiller, or freezer depending on your party needs.

Electrolux EME3500SA 12 cu. ft. 3-Door NutriFresh Refrigerator


Hearty substitutes
With a little imagination and the right kitchen equipment, it’s not hard to cook healthier versions of your favorite holiday dishes. For instance, use vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise-based dressings for your salads. You can also add fruits and nuts to add flavour and texture to your salad. For cake frostings, you can use a fruit puree instead of the usual sugar or cream cheese frosting. All you need is a powerful blender like the Electrolux Powermix Silent Blender to ensure the right texture and consistency of your puree.

Electrolux EBR5050 Powermix Silent Blender


Healthy snacking
Holiday recipes like fried chicken and lechon kawali call for a liberal amount of cooking oil. Instead of deep-frying, try roasting with the Electrolux cooking range with electric oven and grill; this way you get to enjoy the same meaty goodness with significantly less oil. For your cookies, try using whole wheat or gluten-free flour for the batter. You can also sweeten it up with honey instead of refined sugar. Instead of buying from your trusty bake shop, you can create these treats for the whole family in one go using the Electrolux Inspiro built-in oven. This oven offers the same kind of flexibility that busy chefs require. It has a 74-liter capacity, offers up to 8 cooking programs, and allows multi-level cooking that lets you evenly bake a big batch of treats for your loved ones.

( Electrolux EKM66405X Cooking Range, Electrolux EOB5450AAX Inspiro Built-in Oven)