The joy of riding the Honda Click 125i

The New Honda Click 125i was launched to the public last February 21 at Trinoma Activity Center, the Honda Scooter which everyone anticipates for its New Generation Intelligent 125cc global engine with cutting edge technological features developed simultaneously with other Honda-dominated-scooter countries like Thailand and Indonesia. With the traffic in Metro Manila, its but convenient to own a Honda Click 125i  to get to your destination on time.

The Honda Scooter revolution continuous from the unique concept of Honda Zoomer-X which is the 1st scooter of its kind to Honda CLICK 125i which is another Philippines’ 1st scooter of its kind never seen before in Philippine market. This model will surely capture the hearts of every Filipino customer not only for the young generation but for the young at heart as well.

“The Click 125i is our answer to customers who are looking for Environmental friendly Super Sports Scooter with superior specification, unbeatable features and “futuristic” design. Fortunately for Philippine scooter market, we are not going to wait for the future, but the future will be now with the introduction of the New Click 125i eSP”, says Elie Salamangkit Jr. – New Model & Accessory Development Manager of Honda Philippines.

Yasushi Okamoto, President and GM Honda Phils, Inc.

The Click 125i presents an aggressive and sporty design with a sleek and innovative look based on the image of the new engine featuring cutting-edge technology and an exhilarating ride, while projecting a “slim & sharp” futuristic image”.

PGM-FI, a technology pioneered by Honda since the introduction of Honda CX500Turbo in 1982, the 1st in the world Fuel Injected Motorcycle is also used in this model. However, the innovation is not focused on the Fuel injection of this scooter. Every aspect that was developed in the Click 125i is Honda’s effort in providing products that delivers better benefits and exceeds customer expectations.

Shinji Nakayama AVP Production Control

Hideo Nishinaga Honda AVP for Sales and Marketing

Delfin De Guzman Honda VP Business Admin

Honda’s dedication to provide the Joy of riding a motorcycle is clearly demonstrated in the use of the revolutionary HONDA SMART TECHNOLOGY. The Click 125i brings future technology to the present with cut-away innovations never seen before in the local motorcycle history such as Enhance Smart Power (eSP), Idling Stop System (ISS) and trendsetter Combined Brake System (CBS).

Angelia Ong Host of the event

Dennis Restor  Honda MC Sales Luzon, Yasushi Okamoto  Honda Pres  and GM, Hideo Nishinaga  Honda AVP  Sales and Mktg and  Elie Salamangkit Jr  New Model Planning & Accessory Dev Mgr
While it does not have a “sixth sense” and cannot predict your thoughts or where you want to go, the Click 125i, has its own version of eSP and knows what riders want from their scooters.

Honda’s eSP or Enhanced Smart Power is an advance engine technology that combines high power and high fuel efficiency with a quiet start and smooth eco-friendly engine. eSP technology is able to maximize the efficient combustion and minimize friction to reduce the risk of waste, and to optimize the energy out. eSP technology is integrated with the Unique Honda ACG starter that is able to start the engine jolt free and with a more refined sound, as well as the basis for the application of advanced feature Idling Stop System (ISS). The benefit of Honda Smart Technology is further optimized with the advent of technology Combi-Brake System (CBS) which balances braking the rear wheels and front optimally.

The Honda ACG starter is exclusively developed for comfortable frequent operation of the idling Stop System. The engine is started via the same AC generator used to generate electricity and charge the battery while riding. This eliminates the need for a conventional starter motor, thus there are no reduction gears and gear meshing noises… just smooth, quiet starts.

The PGM-FI built-in Liquid cooled engine boasts of 8.40 kW (11.4PS) @8500 RPM maximum power and 11.16 N.m @6500 RPM maximum torque and delivers class leading fuel efficiency of 64.3 km/liter at 50kph or 58.9KM/liter under ECE R40 testing method *<Actual fuel consumption may be higher or lower depending on drivers habit and actual driving condition>.

The Idling Stop System (ISS) of the Click 125i is one of the reasons for its fuel efficiency. Compared to the conventional engine which continuously consumes fuel once the engine is started, ISS eliminates wasteful fuel consumption by automatically switching the engine off after 3 seconds in traffic lights and other brief stops; and when you have to move all you have to do is just to twist the throttle to Start up and Go in less than a second.

In addition, the New Honda Click 125i eSP also features dependable Honda Safety and Security features like standard automatic Side Stand Switch where the engine does not start up when in the down position, and Brake Lock easily operated to prevent the motor jump when started or remains in the idle state when stopped on a hill. Bigger tubeless tires for better traction and more secure feeling and comfort compared to other brands. Another excellent feature is the ever reliable safety magnetic key (Magnetic Key Shutter) which effectively prevents theft and push-button seat opener. The New Honda Click 125i eSP also has the largest luggage capacity in its class at 18 liters which is capable of storing a Full-face helmet.

Image of this Futuristic Super Sport Scooter is complemented by its Trendsetter LCD Meter Panel and class leading Dual Keen Eyes LED Headlight projecting a commanding “Night-Face-Image”. The LED headlight provides a better advantage for the rider through 80% higher light intensity, 80% more efficient power consumption, and longer lifetime.

Finally, the Adoption of a wide range of low-friction technologies and Excellent Combustion Efficiency of this engine ensures Click 125i’s better fuel efficiency and better total all-around performance.

With the latest technology and appearance, the All New Honda Click 125i is offered at a reasonable price of SRP PhP 87,900.00 and available in 3 premium colors, Pearl Horizon White, Asteroid Black Metallic and Candy Rosy Red with Honda Genuine Accessories in selected Honda 3S shops.

Now, the future is here… the New Click 125i driven by the Power of Dreams…
For more information, visit www.hondaph.com

Gretchen Barretto and Arnold Reyes bagged top awards at the 13th Gawad Tanglaw

Gretchen Barretto and Arnold Reyes received top honors at the recent 13th Gawad TANGLAW Awards (Gawad Tagapuring mga Akademisyan ng Aninong Gumagalaw). Gawad Tanglaw is an organization composed of members from the academe.

Gretchen won the Best Supporting Actress award for her brilliant performance in the movie The Trial where she plays a psychologist who convinces her lawyer husband to help a mentally-challenged student accused of raping his teacher.

Arnold bagged the President’s Jury Award for Excellence (Theatre Television and Film). He is known in showbiz circles as the ultimate actor having displayed his acting skills in numerous stage plays, television shows, and movies (both indie and mainstream).

Gretchen and Arnold are both Backroom artists. For inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email us at backroominc@hotmail.com. Like Backroom Inc. on facebook at www.facebook.com/backroominc and or follow Backroom Inc. on twitter at www.twitter.com/BackroomArtists.

Will Team Caramel or Team Hazelnut win the Starbucks Macchiato Monday online poll?

From February 24 to March 5, 2015, Starbucks Philippines will run an online poll (through starbuckspromotions.ph) to ask their Facebook fans which of the two (2) featured Macchiato beverages is their favorite. Starbucks Philippines Facebook fans can vote on what team they’re on: Team Caramel or Team Hazelnut.

The winning Starbucks Macchiato beverage will be announced on March 6, 2015 via Starbucks Philippines Facebook Page and thru the Daily Offerings Board in Starbucks stores. The winning Macchiato beverage will be celebrated with a special Macchiato Buy One, Get One event, Macchiato Monday, on March 9, 2015 in all Starbucks stores nationwide.

The Macchiato Buy One, Get One event is valid only for the winning Macchiato beverage (hot and iced, of any size) and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Beverage star will be given for the purchased beverage when paid using the Starbucks Card.

Promotion will run in all Starbucks stores nationwide.

This summer dont just get fit #GetSpeedoFit 2015

Speedo unveiled its Spring/Summer 2015 collection in a fashion show last February 18, 2015 at the  Glorietta Activity Center. Models paraded in their best summer essentials wearing Speedo's trunks, colorful tankinis, floral one pieces and 2 pieces. My personal favorite is The Speedo Sculpture Collection which was inspired by the theme Magnify, which draws on microscopic views and uses classic graphics, bold colors, and bright prints in colorful capsules. The choices are endless but one can never leave home for summer without the number one swimwear Speedo.  Akiko Thomson-Guevara Speedo’s Swim Fitness Ambassador joined the finale runway together with his family.

Speedo,  offers a full line of swimwear and accessories for swimmers of all types and ages. Speedo combines fashion and function to enable everyone to make the most of their time in and around the water.

Featuring a new high stretch fabric exclusive to Speedo, the Xtra Life LYCRA, each suit from the collection lasts up to 10 times longer than conventional swimwear. The result is a softer, lighter, and smoother suit with the same great shaping power to enhance feminine curves in a way that looks and feels natural.

Fitness buffs will delight with the improved technique enhancing swimwear included in the Swim Fitness collection. Both the Pinnacle Kickback and Pinnacle V Jammer have been updated to include more compression panels, making the suits feel tighter. The panels help swimmers engage the core muscles, thus minimizing drag and energy for a more efficient swim and makes maintaining a horizontal streamlined position in the water easier.

Speedo has updated its Fastskin LZR Racer Elite 2 suit with increased water repellency but still retaining its highly compressive and lightweight qualities which provides all over compression and core stabilization to help maintain a strong body position in the water.
The new female silhouettes now feature comfort straps, allowing maximum shoulder rotation without any loss in suit compression.

World Record Ryan Lochte wearing Speedo Fastskin Lzr Racer 

Speedo’s Play & Fun collection offers beach lovers a great selection of flattering and feminine styles.

Inspired by the theme Reactive, the Competitive Training collection took inspiration from the look of chemical and biological reactions, amplified by contrasting colors for maximum impact.

Both the adult and junior styles now uses an improved comfort thread and are made using Speedo’s exclusive Endurance+ and Endurance10 fabrics which feature increased chlorine resistance, superior softness, and a longer lasting fit.

A new and improved range of Speedo goggles are introduced for 2015 which boasts of the revolutionary Speedo Biofuse and IQfit technologies. The Aquapulse Max 2 has been updated to provide a more secure and accurate fit while the Futura Biofuse now features a smoother seal and frame for even better comfort. Plus, the Speedo Fastskin Elite Mirror goggles are now available in bright colors.

The First Pacific Leadership Academy invites you to The Musicality of Faith

In this day and age of extreme work quantification, where your every move can be tabulated and distilled as a neat column of numbers on a spreadsheet, it’s very easy to lose yourself to the mind-numbing monotony of the daily grind. In the race to make the top of the Fortune 500 list, many companies strip the workplace down to the basics, reducing their employees to worker drones who clock in and out with nothing to distinguish one from the other but the rate of their deliverables.
But there’s a better way to do run a business without sacrificing your employees’ individuality and happiness at the altar of workplace efficiency.

On February 27, the First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), the preferred leadership company of the MVP Group, has invited several thought leaders to discuss how the merging of spirituality and music in the workplace can create an environment that is both uplifting and effective.

In FPLA’s first Executive Talk of the year 2015, titled “The Musicality of Faith,”several of the country’s leading personalities in religion and the music industry gather to talk about how to better invigorate a workplace. Included among the guest speakers are Fr. Benildus Maramba, Jim Paredes, Joey Ayala, Noel Cabangon, and the KoroI lustrado singers. For an afternoon of religious insight (and the odd musical performance or two), this esteemed group of luminaries in music and religion will lead the in-depth conversation regarding humanistic values that music and spirituality can lend to a business establishment.

Joey Ayala

Jim Paredes

Many studies have been launched to uncover just how music significantly increases workplace efficiency. Whether this is due to the music’s tendency to brighten up a dreary mood or tothe psychological effects of some hidden musical undercurrent is still up for debate, but the fact remains that music has proven itself to be an invaluable tool for an efficient—and happy—work environment.

In the interests of optimizing the workplace, music’s function as “a powerful gateway to connect us to our spiritual nature,” as described by Grammy-nominated songwriter and social entrepreneur Frank Fitzpatrick described, opens up avenues to further improve the spiritual front. According to author and educator Corinne McLaughlin, there are numerous benefits one can reap from an ethical and spiritual workplace, such as “increased productivity and profitability, as well as employee retention, customer loyalty, and brand reputation.”

Thus, the need for “The Musicality of Faith,” where the Executive Talks guest speakers, who are each powerful influencers in their own right, will discuss just what music and spirituality can bring to the conference table, and how it can help resolve real life situations that arise at the office. FPLA’s Executive Talks, historically well-attended by professionals from a wide range of industries, promise a lively discussion about the power and spirituality of music.

This Executive Talk is scheduled for 2:00-5:00pm on February 27. It will be held within the First Pacific Leadership Academy, on Km. 27 Sumulong Highway, Antipolo City, Rizal. To reserve tickets or to learn more about the Executive Talks, call 696-3051 or visit http://www.fpacademy.net/etalks.

The New Pond's Pearl Cleansing Gel helps you achieve the minimal look

Every Filipina wants to achieve a clear, smoother and fairer skin. I, for one is on the lookout for one amazing product that has all the qualification but is easy on the budget. Pond's, the number one face care brand in the Philippines recently launched the New Pond's Pearl Cleansing Gel last February 17 at R Space Events, Makati. Agoo Benzon, Ponds Beauty expert graced the event and let us sample the Ponds pearl cleansing gel.

Tis the season for the minimal look, its summer out there already and almost every girls want to achieve the bare look, Love that there's one beauty product that help you prepped that up.  

This season, Pond’s introduces a breakthrough to add to your beauty regimen, the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel. It is the first whitening facial wash in gel formulation that cleanses your skin, making it whiter and fresher, without drying it. Gel skincare products are lighter in texture and generally have milder ingredients allowing its essential properties to dissolve faster and more effectively into the skin.

Pond’s launched their latest innovation with a Beauty Trends Talk, led by resident beauty expert Agoo Bengzon. She shared the latest beauty trends this season, namely the bare minimum or no makeup look, which is all about having great skin; the multi-taskers, or products that save you time and effort; and gels, which is present in many beauty products now. “The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel is this season’s beauty must, as it latches onto all these trends,” she shared. “The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel does not only clean, but it also keeps dry areas hydrated, leaving you ready to bare your fresh face.”

Pond’s has always taken the lead when it comes to tried, tested, and true solutions in skincare. With the growing demand for products that address specific skin types and provide solutions for varied beauty concerns, it is but natural for the number one face care brand in the Philippines to extensively study and develop new formulations and formats for its skincare products, whilst latching on to the latest beauty musts.


The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel allows for better absorption of its Pearl Essence, which is known and tested for noticeable skin whitening. With its oxygenated formulation, it cleanses and refreshes while locking in moisture, making skin softer and more supple. Also, it is perfect for sensitive skin as it has milder ingredients compared to drying, whitening soaps.

“We saw how successful our launch for Pond’s Dewy Rose Gel was last year, so we decided to complete the whitening gel regimen in skincare,” said Jules Gollayan, Pond’s Senior Brand Manager. “The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel stands out from regular whitening soaps because while it removes the dirt from your skin, it does not drag your skin’s moisture with it. It leaves your skin fresh and supple after washing.”


Using gel cleansers is perfect for sensitive skin, making the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel the answer for women with specific skin types. With its lightweight formulation, it delivers hydration for those with oily or combination skin, and will not cause breakouts or clogged pores.


Pond’s Beauty Council members also shared their personal experiences using the latest from the Pond’s Institute. “What I loved about the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel l was that after using it for several nights, it didn’t leave behind a rough texture that regular facial soaps normally do. Instead, my skin felt very smooth and clean,” said fashion blogger Laureen Uy.

“I don’t have to worry about piling on heavy makeup anymore. Taking a perfect, effortlessly pretty selfie is as easy as washing my face with the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel,” says photographer and blogger Tricia Gosingtian.  Meanwhile, fashion and beauty blogger Patricia Prieto also testified to the product’s effectiveness, saying, “My skin always feels fresh and youthful now. It really lets my skin breathe!”

Be one of the first to try the NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel by logging on to Zalora on February 20. The first 100 shoppers will get the latest innovation from Pond’s shipped to them for free.  The NEW Pond’s Pearl Cleansing Gel will be available nationwide in all leading department stores, drugstores, supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores this March.

Essilor helps you Seeing the World Better

Top global opthalmic lenses manufacturer Essilor launched a public campaign for healthy vision last February 16, 2015 at 55 Events Place, along with its new brand ambassador Piolo Pascual.

 Essilor conducted an eye exam for bloggers and media at the event for free. Surprisingly, I still had a 20/20 vision for distance and was glad that my reading vision is still the same at R.0.75, L 0.50. I was advised by the optometrist to have a spare reading glasses so I ordered one and should wait for a call from Essilor.   I admit I cant live without my reading glasses, I always use it for  (blogging) work,  signing documents and reading a book. I always have my eyes checked yearly or if my vision blurred me due to headache. I am afraid of having cataract, myopia or glaucoma for that matter. Prevention comes first for me to achieve better eyesight and prevent eye problems in the future.

“Across the globe, 4 billion people need visual correction, and in the Philippines, over 20 million individuals need visual correction. As a leader, we feel it is our responsibility to do something to alleviate the situation and this is the reason we are doing this campaign,” said Dr. Emelita Roleda, Essilor general manager. 

“Essilor's ‘Seeing the World Better’ campaign is our company's way of helping the world see better by raising awareness about the importance of healthy vision and address the alarming number of visual impairment cases in the country. We also hope that through this campaign, Filipinos will start paying more attention to their eyes so they can see the world in a clearer and brighter view,” Dr. Roleda added.

Essilor is the world leader for corrective lenses.  The success of the company, which is present in more than 100 countries, is the result of a strategy that has been driven by innovation for more than 160 years.  It has been awarded by Forbes magazine as “The World’s Most Innovative Companies” for four consecutive years.

Headlining the campaign is top actor Piolo Pascual who appears in Essilor’s latest TVC and educational materials. A sportsman and a known health buff, Piolo believes prevention is the first step towards healthy vision.  “Good eye health is a serious matter because it is essential to performing practically all our daily tasks. Without good vision, we can only do so much and this limitation can stand in the way of achieving our goals.” 

To effectively raise awareness, Essilor launched its latest infomercial featuring brand ambassador Piolo Pascual performing various activities – swimming, reading, driving – and how good vision helps him accomplish these tasks effectively. The newest TV ad will air on March 1, at primetime slots on select cable channels.


The campaign will drive three important messages: Prevention: Essilor lenses help prevent age-related eye diseases, 2) Protection: It also helps provide everyday protection from ultraviolet (UV) rays and harmful blue light 3) Correction: promote the initial purpose of Essilor which is to help correct eyesight.

Dr. Roleda cites the plethora of electronic devices that we are exposed to everyday, which emits harmful blue lights that damage the retina. “Repetitive exposure to blue light posts threat to our eyes. It may cause oxidative damage, and may be responsible for causing age-related macular degeneration, which can result to blindness.”   Wearing protective lenses like Crizal Prevencia, she adds, can do a lot in preventing the detrimental effects of harmful blue light. Crizal Prevencia is the only clear lens that selectively filters harmful blue light from gadgets, LED and UV light while letting through the healthy blue light.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays, on the other hand, contribute to the development of cataracts. Wearing Crizal Forte UV lenses can protect our eyes from these harmful rays.

For those starting around age 40, our eyes can gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects; this is an unavoidable condition but it can be corrected, says Dr Roleda. “Essilor Varilux progressive lenses offer a smooth transition from distance vision through intermediate vision to near vision.  This means that instead of having just two different viewing zones (near and distant), like with bifocals, Varilux provides the most natural vision correction,” said Dr. Roleda.

Unilever together with Smart and Cebuana Lhuillier strengthens partnership for sachet recovery program

Unilever and its number one brand Surf, Smart Communications and Cebuana Lhuillier renewed their commitment for environmental preservation through sachet recovery program last February 11, 2015 at Mandaluyong Elem.School. Smart president and CEO Napoleon L. Nazareno,  Unilever Philippines’ chairman and CEO Rohit Jawa, and Cebuana Lhuillier’s president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier graced the event for ceremonial turnover of 7,000 cement pavers to Mandaluyong Elementary School. The pavers are made of empty recovered shredded sachets that are turned into construction materials for school grounds.

With their shared mission to improve Filipino lives, the partners launched the third year of their Sachet Recovery Program. Through their joint efforts to create a process that is easy, convenient and rewarding, the program involves and educates more consumers about sustainability and waste recycling. During this event, Smart President and CEO Napoleon Nazareno told that empty sachets of Surf can be exchanged for 10 free SMS from Smart at any Cebuana Lhuillier’s 1,946 branches nationwide.  

Unilever Philippines Chairman and CEO Rohit Jawa thanked their partners for their continued support in the endeavor to reduce the environmental impact of sachets. This, according to Jawa, is in line with the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan that aims to double their business while cutting their environmental footprint in half, and in the process, bringing a brighter future to one billion people worldwide.

“We owe the Sachet Recovery program’s success these past two years to the valuable contributions of Smart Communications and Cebuana Lhuillier. This year, their bigger participation will definitely produce greater results for the benefit of the environment and Filipino communities,” Jawa said.

Since 2013, the Sachet Recovery Program has been teaching proper waste segregation and recycling by encouraging millions of Filipinos to collect empty Surf sachets in exchange for free Smart texts at any Cebuana Lhuillier branch nationwide.

Unilever Philippines Vice President for Home Care Benjie Yap shared the achievements of the Sachet Recovery Program from the previous years. “In Year 1, we collected 4.5 million sachets, which we converted into 45,000 pavers. In 2014, we collected an additional 7.5 million empty sachets nationwide,” Yap said, adding that some of the pavers were readily donated to Barangay Union Coastal of Mayorga, Leyte and served as foundation to the environmentally-friendly laundry facility, Surf Labahan.

In 2015, the three industry leaders plan to make the Sachet Recovery Program bigger and better than the first two years. For every sachet surrendered in any of the close to 2,000 Cebuana Lhuillier outlets, consumers will receive 10 free texts from Smart. With this increased incentive, more people will be involved in and educated about recycling empty sachets.

Cebuana Lhuillier, on the other hand, will add newly-opened outlets to facilitate the redemption of Surf sachets. “Our growing branch network, which now totals close to 2,000 outlets, will provide a convenient way for millions of consumers nationwide to participate in the Sachet Recovery Program,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO.

#UseYourPower to Change Climate Change! WWF Celebrates Earth Hour 2015

#UseYourPower to Change Climate Change!
Here is the Earth Hour 2015 Official Video



Earth Hour 2015 will be held on Saturday 28 March between 8.30PM and 9.30PM. The event is held worldwide towards the end of March annually, encouraging individuals, communities households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol for their commitment to the planet.

"SINGKUWENTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL OPENS THIS FEBRUARY 21!"

All roads lead to the SINGKWENTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, which will start on February 21, 6pm, at the Tanghalang Leandro Locsin  of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, at the NCCA Building, 633 General Malvar Street Intramuros, Manila.

A total of 51 filmmakers and 53 films will be showcased in this year's Singkuwento International Film Festival.

Three movies that tackle the harsh realities faced by impoverished Filipinos here and abroad, will open the weeklong film derby on February 21.

They are, Roberto Reyes Ang's “TNT” (Always on The Run), a short film that tells of the life of an illegal immigrant living in the United States.

Ang's short film recently won the Best Ensemble award from the 2014 International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City.

Perry Escano's “Ang Platinong Buhok,” a short docu-film about the late theater, TV and film actress Amable "Ama” Quiambao. The docu talks of the much missed Quiambao and her life  as mother, friend, teacher and actress.

Nash Ang's “Paraiso," a 60-minute documentary that follows the lives of child survivors and their remaining families one month after the tragedy of Supertyphoon Yolanda. It reveals their struggles as they live on and rebuild their lives in what was once their “paraiso” or paradise.
These screenings will be followed by  Jun Lana's award-winning drama “Barber's Tales,” which features Eugene Domingo, Iza Calzado, Nonie Buencamino and Eddie Garcia.

The Singkuwento Film Festivalfest, with screenings until February 28, started in 2013 as a non-competition festival that showcased short films by a small group of filmmakers.

This year, it will start its first competition that is open to the public. Fifteen short films will battle for awards for Best Short Film, Best Cultural Short Film and Best Documentary Short Film, among others.

The festival's objective was to “give Filipinos both here and abroad a channel where they can share their impressions of the Philippines and its people,” said festival director Perry Escano.

Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on February 28.

For his invaluable contributions to the movie industry, filmmaker Brillante Mendoza will be the recipient of this year's Singkuwento International Lifetime Achievement Award.

Aside from the competing short films, the Singkuwento International fest will also exhibit 15 shorts and screen full-length films from directors Jason Paul Laxamana, Nick Olanka Olanka, Rica Arevalo, Ellen Ramos, Sarah Roxas,Diane Ventura, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Mes de Guzman Will Fredo, Francis Xavier Pasion, Benito Bautista, Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.

Films by young directors Kip Oebanda (“Tumbang Preso”) and Don Gerardo Frasco (“Waves”) will likewise have their first international film fest screenings during the Singkuwento fest. Screening schedules will be announced soon.

Concluding film of the Singkuwento Film Festival is Joselito Altarejos' “Kasal” on February 28 at 6 p.m.

The movie, a slice of life of a gay couple played by Arnold Reyes and Oliver Aquino, bagged the Best Film award (Directors' Showcase) at the 2014 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

After the screening, awarding of the Best Short Film, Best Cultural Short Film and Best Documentary Short Film happens at 8pm.

The weeklong event is in cooperation with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and MPJ Entertainment Productions. For tickets, visit ticketworld.com.ph.

"Hot Pursuit" teaser trailer stars Academy Award Winner Reese Witherspoon

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and New Line Cinema have just released the teaser trailer of its upcoming comedy “Hot Pursuit,” starring Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara. The trailer may be viewed at http://youtu.be/G7oyLLeI6tE.




In “Hot Pursuit,” an uptight and by-the-book cop (Witherspoon) tries to protect the sexy and outgoing widow (Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas, pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.

Anne Fletcher (“The Proposal”) directs from a screenplay written by David Feeney (TV’s “New Girl”) & John Quaintance (TV’s “Ben & Kate”) and Dana Fox (“What Happens in Vegas”) & Katherine Silberman (TV’s “Ben & Kate”). John Carroll Lynch (“Crazy, Stupid, Love.”) and Rob Kazinsky (“Pacific Rim”) also star.

Set for release across the Philippines on May 7, “Hot Pursuit” is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.