KidZania, Manila's first education oriented theme park

KidZania RightZkeepers Bache, Urbano, Beebop, Vita and Chika

It excites me to no end when I learned that a play city KidZania will be coming our way this 2015 in Manila. Our children would surely want to experience how to role play as an adult, from doctors, nurses to firefighters to dentists. They will also learn the art of using and saving money. This would prepare them for their future, for a better world.

KidZania Manila introduced and paid tribute to its Industry Partners during a presentation held at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila last January 29 at Hotel Intercontinental Manila. The tribute was hosted by Ms. Maricel Laxa Pangilinan.  Over 100 officials representing the different Industry Partners, along with members of the media and other guests, were in attendance, as they celebrated the wonderful play experience in store for Filipino kids.

Henk Hermans, Project Director KidZania Manila.

With more than 100 role playing activities, KidZania Manila empowers children to explore, discover, and choose whatever roles they want. Here, children get to experience how a community works, earn and manage their money, as well as cooperate and work with others. Each experience is completely hands-on and helps develop teamwork, independence, self-esteem, and valuable life skills – equipping kids to create a better world in the future.

Immersive, interactive role play rooted in real-life activities and establishments is at the core of the KidZania experience. And that is where Industry Partners support the experience:  with their expertise in their respective industries, Industry Partners help bring realism to the kid-sized city, providing children with truly engaging activities and skills that they can use in real life.

“We want kids to imagine, to play and have fun, enjoying the amazing role play experiences at KidZania Manila. They will learn, as they play, about the varied, interesting roles and establishments that collaborate and serve to create a good community.  Our Industry Partners contribute significantly to make the KidZania Manila experience as authentic and meaningful as possible for the children who will visit our play city,” said Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas, State Governor for KidZania Philippines. “With their years of knowledge and expertise, they help enrich the educational entertainment value of the KidZania concept.”

KidZania Manila President and CEO Maricel Pangilinan Arenas

As KidZania Industry Partners, companies will have a real opportunity to become indispensable parts of the story as KidZania Manila incorporates each real-world brand into various establishments. As a result, the experience sparks the imagination, ignites their minds, nurtures creativity and inspires real-world exploration.

“What makes the KidZania experience unique is immersive, authentic role play, so it is important to incorporate realistic places and recognizable brands that make up a city,” said Cecille L. Mariño, KidZania Manila Industry Partners Director.

KidZania Manila is opening this 2015 at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Visit manila.kidzania.com for more information and updates.

Its The Script's third time live in Manila at the SM Moa Arena

I became a fan of The Script  the first time I watched them performed live 4 years ago at The Araneta Coliseum. What I did remember then was the way Danny O’Donoghue (vocals / piano) belted out The Man Who Cant Be Moved. Everyone shrieked, sang and had a time of their life. I didnt get to attend their second concert though because of my busy schedule this was last 2013.  Now on their 3rd gig here in Manila,  I will not let this pass again. Rain or shine, I will surely be a part of the crowd, this time at SM MOA Arena on April 17, 2015.

This year, SM MOA Arena has been the venue for historic events. After the Pope’s meeting with the families last January 16, comes an epic top international music artists concert line up!

Known as the Staples Center of the Philippines, seize the opportunity to be entertained in the newest world-class indoor concert venue with ultramodern features only at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Philippines.  Don’t miss out the chance to experience concert on the exceptional with world-standard amenities unique in all of Southeast Asia. SM MOA brings you top international artists such as 1975, Michele Bublé, The Vamps, T-Pain, Ed Sheeran, Incubus,  One Direction, The Script, Demi Lavato, Sam Smith and our very own respected local artists!

 

The renowned American rock band Incubus: Brandon Boyd, Mike Einziger, Jose Pasillas, Ben Kenney, and DJ Kilmorewill definitely astound MOA Arena as they perform on March 13, Friday at 8pm.

The international pop sensation One Direction will make the teenagers’ wish come true on their first ever concert on March 21 and 22 in SM Mall of Asia Grounds. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and get swoon over the world’s prominent boy band of this generation.

The crooner and multi-awarded singer and songwriter Ed Sheeran will melt the hearts of Filipino fans for his first concert on March 12, Thursday here in Manila. He will be performing his singles from his latest album X which debuted number 1 in the Billboard 200.

Starmobile launches the Starmobile Sync 2.0 app

Rapid smartphone adoption creates need for seamless ‘data migration’

A 2014 study by UK-based research firm On Device Research reveals that half of Filipino mobile phone users will own a smartphone by the end of 2015.

Apart from the demand for high-speed mobile services, this unprecedented rise in usage has also created the need for a fast and easy way to ‘migrate’ data from basic phones to smartphones.

Keeping this in mind, Philippine smartphone and tablet manufacturer Starmobile has introduced Starmobile Sync 2.0, an intelligent mobile app that enables end-users to transfer phone data quickly and hassle-free.

“Filipinos have become aware of the benefits of owning a Starmobile smartphone,” said Starmobile Product Development Head Michael Chen. “But one thing that discourages them from making the jump is that their contacts, text messages, photos, music, and videos are ‘trapped’ in another device—Starmobile Sync addresses all of that,” he said.

Building on the success of the original Starmobile Sync, Starmobile Sync 2.0 now includes Wi-Fi functionality.

“Before, the app could only transfer data via Bluetooth. With Wi-Fi functionality it has become faster, more seamless, and more universal,” Chen said.

A Starmobile KNIGHT X user for example simply has to power up Starmobile Sync 2.0 on the source and target devices and make sure both are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

From there on, it’s as simple as following the on-screen instructions. Depending on the network’s capabilities, Starmobile Sync 2.0 can transfer over 1,000 contacts in less than a minute.

Users of non-Wi-Fi enabled devices, meanwhile, can opt to use the Bluetooth transfer option.

Starmobile Sync 2.0 is available in all new Starmobile Android devices, beginning with the recently announced Starmobile KNIGHT X and Starmobile UP Snap.

For more information, please visit www.starmobile.com.ph or call 333-STAR (7827).

Zalora launches Lunar New Year 2015 Collection

Usher in the year of the Sheep in ZALORA’s bold and opulent Lunar New Year 2015 collection. The 150-piece womenswear collection is a modern interpretation of the traditional Chinese wear, perfect not only for the festive season but also for the rest of the year. ZALORA prides itself on launching modern and stylish ethnic wear collections suitable for local festivities and this year’s Lunar New Year collection, which comprises a mix of peplum tops, playsuits and fit and flare dresses, is no exception.

Designed for the fashion conscious women, the ZALORA Lunar New Year collection is perfect for those who want to celebrate the Lunar New Year in festive wear that give a fashion-forward nod to
the traditional Chinese garb. The collection incorporates interesting fabrics such as jacquard and neoprene with lace and oriental bloom prints.

The Asian influenced prints on modern silhouettes and cuts accented with mandarin collar shows a cross between traditional and contemporary design. A strong palette of auspicious red from bright rose to darker wines dominates the collection and is mixed with hints of fashion’s latest hues - blue, white and coral keeping the overall look fresh and modern.

Regine King, ZALORA Philippines Head of Category Management said, “As a form of expression, fashion must reflect the intricate dynamics of bridging the past to the present and with the future. Our collection pays tribute to traditional Chinese aesthetics interpreted in contemporary silhouettes to help dress the modern woman. Women nowadays are more discerning and want to mix and match their wardrobe; they are innovators and want to own their look.”

“Our collection gives them the chance to celebrate heritage without looking dated and empowers them to style freely as each piece can match any modern fashion accessory.” Paulo Campos, ZALORA Philippines’ Managing Director, added.

Prices range from Php 1,000-2,000  meaning getting your glam festive look this Chinese New Year is not only quick and convenient with ZALORA’s same day delivery option (or 1-3 day delivery time), but also affordable. The collection is available exclusively on ZALORA from now until sold out.

Lets commit this February on "Comet"

I have always anticipating for an Emmy Rossum film, it is seldom that I see her face on the big screen, the latest was at the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards as presenter. I always love her style and acting. Im glad that the 28-year-old actress returns on "Comet" the movie.

“A beautifully rendered experience that excels on nearly every level”  Awards Circuit

Following the success of the Adam Levine-Kiera Knightley starrer Begin Again, Solar Pictures brings to local cinemas “COMET”-- a cosmic love story that is sure to leave audiences with that warm February feeling.

“Comet,” stars Golden Globe nominee Emmy Rossum (“The Day After Tomorrow,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Mystic River”) and Justin Long (“Live Free or Die Hard,” “He’s Just Not That Into You”).

“Comet” is an original modern love story that follows Kimberly (Rossum) and Dell (Long), who first meet at the Hollywood cemetery where they’ve both come to watch a meteor shower.

Kimberly is brilliant and beautiful; Dell is nerdy and pessimistic, but with an incredibly sharp mind and direct manner. While she and he are not a natural pair, they are cosmically drawn to each other and, under a night sky, luminous with falling stars, they begin their epic love story.

As the opening title card states the events “take place over six years (a few parallel universes over).”

But what starts as a typical romance quickly turns dreamlike as viewers leap back and forth in time, examining their eventual six-year relationship through the lens of their meeting and four other pivotal moments: a monumental fight at a friend’s wedding in Paris; a break up conversation after Dell has moved to New York; a reconnection on a train ride along the California coast; and finally, when Dell pops in on Kimberly unexpectedly in her home in the Hollywood Hills.

The leaps between these moments are seamlessly woven together to create a sense that this love story transcends time and space and that Kimberly and Dell are destined to be together, if not in this universe, then maybe the next.

Content Media introduced and screened the film to international distributors for the first time at the 2014 American Film Market (AFM) last November and was then picked up by Solar Pictures, among other films.

“The universal theme and inventive storytelling in ‘Comet’ have us believing that audiences will really connect with the film,” said Content Media President of Film Jamie Carmichael. “We were drawn in immediately and are happy to have this film…”

COMET opens in cinemas nationwide on February 25, 2014 and is released by Solar Pictures.


For more information Like the Solar Pictures Facebook page: www.facebook.com/solarpicturesPH
Solar Pictures YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/solarpicturesPH
Watch the #CometMovie trailer here http://youtu.be/VncNuiNKiOc

Artist Theatre Company Sets Marco Polo, an Untold Love Story International Preview!

All roads lead to the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines as its curtain opens for Marco Polo, an Untold Love Story, with its international preview slated on March 25 and 26, 2015 at 8pm..

Artists Theatre Company, headed by its Artistic Director Roger Salcedo Chua, brings on stage the life of the Venetian explorer.

Jonathan Wagner

Chua says, “I was aged 14 when I saw a very impressive movie about the life of Marco Polo.  The adventure story of the young man from Venice traveling through the silkroad to Cathay crossing mountains, valleys and deserts was totally fascinating to me. There is no love story in the book about Marco Polo 'Le Devisement du Monde’ Therefore, I created one for this musical. .”

“Two years ago, specifically in August 10, we presented its concert version,” the artistic director shares the beginning of the musical’s creative journey. “We showcased its music, songs and dances. Its workshop version premiered on Feb 8 with a repeat on Feb 9, 2014. The structure of the storyline was highlighted during that time. For this international premiere version, we considered the comments and feedbacks regarding orchestration, choreography, costumes and casting We gave due importance to all aspects of the musical. The audiences can expect something new, something better during our staging in CCP. ”

            Salcedo enthuses. “In all the versions of the musical, its universal theme remains integral. Regardless of time, place, and circumstance, an invisible thread, tangled but unbreakable, ties those who are destined to meet and love each other. This is inspired by a Chinese belief about the invisible red thread of destiny.

Stephanie Reese

            Playing the leads are Jonathan Wagner as Marco Polo and Stephanie Reese as Princess Kogajin. The lead cast includes Chinggoy Alonso as Niccolo, Pinky Marquez as Empress Wu, Gian Gloria as Princess Toragana, Kuya Manzano as Kublai Khan and Enrhil Serguino as Lord Khogatal.

Artist Theatre Company had its inaugural production many years ago with the presentation of David Mamet's 'A Life in the Theater' at the Bulwagang Gantimpala Basement Theater of the CCP. The company’s main goal was to stage plays and productions that cater to a global theater audience.

The invisible thread of destiny leads the company back to where all the artistic and creative dreams started. Only this time, it is in the Main Theater where the story of Marco Polo unfolds. .

 Chua, also wrote the musical’s book and libretto. He also did the set design. Assisting him to create 13th century East West Love story are Daniel Bartolome, conductor of the Manila Sinfonietta Orchestra, Renz Sevilla (Lights Design/Technical Director); Odit Sarte and Raven Ong (Costume Designers); Remus Villanueva (Choreographer); Emmalyn Doverte (Stage Manager) and Dusty Suarez (Production Manager)
.For block reservations, sponsorships, benefactors, investors, send an SMS or call 09175581222,  Email: artiststheater@live.com or joycdelarmente@gmail.com. For tickets, call Ticketworld.(8919999) or the CCP (83211235).

K Brosas and Pooh partners for a night of fun at Casino Filipino Angeles

 The very funny K Brosas and Pooh will bring the house down as they will perform live to tickle your funny bones this January 28.

The stage is ready for the much-awaited special show of K Brosas and Pooh at Casino Filipino Angeles on January 28. If you want fun and comedy, then Casino Filipino is the way to go.

The comic tandem with their witty  and side-splitting punch lines and riotous performances promises a night of pure entertainment, “Sinisiguro kong walang uuwing luhaan sa audience. Lahat tayo ay mage-enjoy sa show… pangako iyan.”

Pooh adds, “Thankful ako dahil until now ay marami pa rin ang sumusuporta sa amin ni K. Nakakataba ng puso kapag may napapasaya kang tao. Ibang level ng happiness iyon.”

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

Jollibee treats fans to a Jolly Jolly Joy Joy Thanksgiving Party!

The highlight of the Jolly Jolly Joy Joy Christmas Special was Popstar Royalty and Jollibee brand ambassador Sarah Geronimo, who serenaded the crowd with songs from her newest album. 

Jollibee lovers of all ages were treated to a grand musical holiday as the leading fast-food chain celebrated the harmony of the holiday season in the Jolly Jolly Joy Joy Christmas Special with Sarah Geronimo. The Pop Star Royalty and long-time Chickenjoy ambassador led the festivities, which were held at the Trinoma Activity Center, and shared Christmas joy through her heartwarming rendition of well-loved holiday carols and the new Jollibee theme song, “Jolly Jolly Joy Joy.” The event was hosted by Justin and Riki Flores.

“Jollibee has always been a part of many Filipino families’ Christmas tradition, and we are very honored and thankful for that,” said Jollibee Marketing Manager Kent Mariano. “This is why we have made it our goal to make every day, not just Christmas, a celebration na laging pasarap nang pasarap nang pasarap, just like our Chickenjoy.” 

Singing heartthrob and former Yumbassador Sam Concepcion also kept the crowd on their feet with his energetic performance. 

One of the most loved and respected vocal ensembles in the Philippines, The Company also  performed a series of their hits, much to the enjoyment of the crowd

WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE SHEEP WITH LAZADA CHINESE NEW YEAR SALE!

Unwrap 2015 with Lazada.com.ph Chinese New Year Kick-Off Sale Happening this January 27!
With the successful Online Revolution Month culminating last December 12, 2014, Lazada.com.ph is poised to stage yet again another show-stopping shopping event happening this January 27 as a kick-off to the forthcoming Chinese New Year. With jaw-dropping deals of as much as 88% off on select best-selling items, flash sales, and surprise items, keep your eyes peeled on ww.lazada.com.ph/chinese-new-year/ starting 12:01 AM of January 27 and will end on 11:59 PM of the same day.

If you are curious as to what makes it different from the other sale that Lazada.com.ph has previously staged, here are a few pointers to get you started:

1. For the shopaholic nightowls, Lazada.com.ph will be holding night Sales Promotion from 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM of January 27, with many night vouchers up for grabs to give you the best additional discounts on top of discounted best selling items!
2. For those who seek adventure and shopping thrill, there will be 16 Hourly Flash Sales from 8:00 AM until 11:59 PM!

3. For the competitive shoppers, there will be hourly contests and special prizes on www.lazada.com.ph and on the Lazada Facebook Page www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines;

4. For the Deal Hunters to get more out of their hard-earned bucks, Lazada.com.ph will be unveiling killer deals  on best-selling tech and lifestyle items with discounts of as much as 88%!!!

5. For those who seek shopping discounts, exclusive discount vouchers can be availed from our partners such as Smart Bro, Citibank, BPI, BDO and Maybank
So spread the word and take advantage of this year’s opening sale from the Philippines’ Biggest Online Shopping Mall – www.lazada.com.ph

So spread the word and take advantage of this year’s opening sale from the Philippines’ Biggest Online Shopping Mall – www.lazada.com.ph

Oscar nominated Edward Norton shines in "Birdman"

                Oscar nominated actor Edward Norton relished the opportunity to work with director Alejandro González Iñárritu in the black comedy “Birdman,” which opened the 71st Venice Film Festival where it won rave reviews that will open exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas nationwide on January 28.

                Norton joins an all star cast including Michael Keaton as a fading Hollywood star, Riggan Thomson, desperate to regain his credibility by staging a Broadway play. Thomson once played a comic book hero, Birdman, in several box office hits and now he is haunted by his Birdman alter ego who warns him that staging a play – an adaptation of Raymond Carver’s “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love” – is a big mistake.

                Norton plays Mike Shiner, a gifted but troublesome stage actor Thomson reluctantly hires when his leading man is injured in a freak accident.  Emma Stone plays Sam, Thomson’s troubled young daughter, who has recently been in rehab and Naomi Watts plays Lesley, an actress in a difficult relationship with Shiner. Zach Galafianakis is Thomson’s long-suffering manager who warns him that the play has to be a success to rescue his flagging career.

                With moments of surreal fantasy – Thomson as Birdman, imagines he really does have super powers and can fly over Manhattan – combined with dark, observational humour about a man on the brink of a mental breakdown is poignant and hilariously funny.

                Nominated as Best Supporting Actor in this year’s Academy Awards, Norton has earlier earned a reputation as one of the very best actors of his generation. His breakout role in the courtroom drama “Primal Fear,” in 1966, won him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

                Norton, known for his work on stage as well as in movies, was impressed at how accurately “Birdman” captured the New York theater world.  “When I read the script, I found myself wondering how Alejandro and his writing partners got so inside some of the hilarious and poignant nuances of not just the lives of actors but specifically the particular experiences and vicissitudes of New York theater actors. Having come up in the New York theater world early in my career and still being involved in it, I was impressed at how spot on the script was,” Norton says.

                Norton adds that while BIRDMAN is specific to actors, it was the project’s universal themes that intrigued him. “Alejandro said to me in the beginning that he didn’t want this to be just about actors or even artists per se. He wanted it to be about something that anybody would relate to. I think what he was really in interested in was the idea of those moments in life when you feel you’ve gotten far away from the noble idea that you had of yourself at some earlier place in your life. Alejandro has such a soulful view. It can be a deeply existentially terrifying kind of moment as you approach a certain age and you start thinking about your own mortality and have to confront the idea of being less than you had somehow envisioned you would be.  I think that the story hinges on Riggan taking an audacious shot at recovering a sense of himself that he can be proud of – he just happens to be an actor.  How he does it, to me, is poignant and often hilarious because of the lengths he is willing to go to achieve it,” Norton explains.
             
             
         
                Some of the dynamics between Riggan and his troupe of actors, Norton adds, are also archetypal. “My character is the younger guy who threatens Riggan, makes him feel insecure, the generational tension between the Young Turk and the guy fighting to maintain his relevance and sense of his own strength. There are love affairs, issues with children and an ex-wife, stuff that anyone can relate to,” Norton says.

                Born and raised near Baltimore, he graduated from Yale University before embarking on a stellar career as an actor, producer and director. As an actor his CV includes “Everyone Says I Love You,” “Fight Club,” “The Score,” “25th Hour,” “Kingdom of Heaven,” “The Illusionist,” “The Painted Veil,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Stone” and “The Bourne Legacy.”

                He has worked with director Wes Anderson on “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Norton received second Academy Award nomination, for Best Actor, for his searing performance in “American History X.”

                Catch Edward Norton’s award-winning performance in “Birdman” when it opens on January 28 exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas.  Check www.sureseats.com for screening schedule.

Johnny Depp reinvents his cinematic look for "Into the Woods"

No one can do it better than Johnny Depp who re-invents his cinematic look for "Into the Woods". Johnny Depp stars as the The Wolf in Walt Disney Pictures' new fantasy adventure.

When director Rob Marshall approached Johnny Depp (“Sweeney Todd,” “Alice in Wonderland”) about bringing the predatory character of the Wolf to life, the actor was quick to sign on. Having worked with Marshall on “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” Depp shares a similar sensibility with the director, and says, “I’d shoot the phone book with Rob if he asked. He’s the real thing.”

In discussing the character of the Wolf, screenwriter James Lapine says, “The Wolf is the feral creature in the storytelling. He’s the unguarded, animalistic presence embodied, rather amazingly, by Johnny Depp, who we also see as seductive. It’s the seduction of the wild.”

Bringing the fairy tales into a realistic setting, which was one of composer Stephen Sondheim and Lapine’s original goals with “Into the Woods” was one aspect the Depp found very appealing. The actor says, “I loved the idea of taking all these fairy tales that we’ve grown up with and bringing them all to life in one large musical. We get to know more about them which turns out to be even spookier and funnier than imagined, so it’s just a brilliant idea. And it’s so beautifully put together.”
A long-time fan of Sondheim, Depp adds, “Stephen’s work is just magnificent…he’s a living legend.

His compositions and his ability to translate into song what the characters are feeling, is just miraculous. His material is very complicated to read and very complex to sing. If you’re not a trained singer you have to really dig in deep to find those things that help you feel and understand the meaning of each lyric. But there’s something very exciting about challenging yourself to see if you can get to that place.”

As for Marshall’s style of directing, Depp praises, “His approach is very pure, and his vision of the author’s work and the choices that he made were very beautiful and emotional. He has a fine understanding of subtext and a very unique way of approaching it, and he knows that sometimes what is not said is just as important as what is actually said.”
Right after “Into the Woods,” Depp recently wrapped production on “Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass.”

“Into the Woods” is a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy)—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife (James Corden & Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch (Meryl Streep) who has put a curse on them.

Opening across the Philippines on January 28, 2015, “Into the Woods” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.