Actress Anne Curtis meets with with children and families of UNICEF supported Yolanda efforts

Newly appointed UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis spent two moving days visiting parts of Leyte. She saw the recovery operations just over a year after Typhoon Yolanda and took time to engage and interact with children and their families.

“I am honored to join UNICEF on this very fulfilling and meaningful trip. I am deeply touched by how children and families have coped and are building back their lives. Clearly, significant progress have been achieved. Talking to children and their families, and being able to bring smiles to their faces is something I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Anne Curtis.

She adds, “As a donor and supporter of UNICEF, I am glad to see how our funds have reached and worked for children most in need.” In the past two days, Anne saw UNICEF supported emergency response while visiting a maternal health care ward in the regional hospital, an immunization site, a child friendly space at a temporary housing site, educational facilities such as day care centres and elementary schools, equipped with water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. In every site she visited, Anne took her time to talk with children and families.

“I played with children in a child-friendly space and a day care centre. I read books to them and helped them draw in an arts & crafts session. I washed hands with school children and participated in their song and dance number,” shared Anne, “It was heartwarming to listen to mothers, children and young people. It is important that people know these stories, understand how communities are recovering and what we can do to help.”

As a UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children, Anne will focus on promoting Early Childhood Care & Development. She will also help in mobilizing support and resources for the most vulnerable children and families, those living in abject poverty, are affected by violence, abuse, exploitation, and particularly in emergency and conflict situations.

“Anne has been a steady supporter of UNICEF since 2009. UNICEF Philippines welcomes her as a Celebrity Advocate,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Ms. Lotta Sylwander. “We trust that with her popularity and large following, Anne will play a significant role in drawing due attention to issues affecting the most vulnerable, marginalized and underserved children.”

In the Philippines, Anne joins UNICEF National Ambassador Gary Valenciano and UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Paez in upholding UNICEF’s mandate to protect and promote the rights of children worldwide.

Power Mac Center’s Summer Workshop is back on its 8th Year

Power Mac Center, through its Apple Authorized Training Center (AATC), presents a specialized educational opportunity for children to gain or enhance their digital skills during summer break with the return of Summer Workshop. Early registration is now open for this annual seasonal program that will run from April to May.

Summer Workshop 2015 is designed to help young learners aged 4 to 16 years old to maximize their iOS and Mac devices through a variety of enriching topics. Trainings will be facilitated by Power Mac Center Apple Authorized Training Center Trainers who will engage participants in lectures and hands-on instructional activities to ensure learning while having fun.

“One of Power Mac Center’s thrusts is to promote digital literacy among the youth, and Summer Workshop 2015 exemplifies this advocacy by providing training programs that help these young learners acquire valuable knowledge and skills in this digital world,” said Marketing Director Joey Alvarez.

Now on its 8th year, Summer Workshop 2015 incorporates the theme “Shape your Imagination through Technology” in its program offerings tailored to fit the needs and interest of children of different ages.

iPad Class is dedicated to children aged 4 to 6 years old. Programming, Digital Design, Animation & Music is for the 7 to 12 age group. Power Mac Center offers two batches and venues for accessibility and convenience. The first batch is scheduled at Power Mac Center TriNoma on the third week of April to the first week of May. The second batch will be held at the Greenbelt 3 branch from the second to third week of May.
​
​Meanwhile, the Junior IT Specialist course is offered to youngsters 13 to 16 years old. Since the course requires more technical support, it will be conducted at the Power Mac Center AATC in Makati.

Package fee for a Full Course is Php 6,000 per student, while Half Course costs Php 3,500 per student. Interested participants are encouraged to register early as available seats per course are limited.

Equip your children with technological aptitude and let them explore digital creativity through Power Mac Center’s Summer Workshop 2015. Register online via
http://tinyurl.com/AATCSummerWorkshops2015. For more information, visit Power Mac Center TriNoma, Greenbelt 3 or the AATC Makati, email workshops@powermaccenter.com or call 553-4211 or 6399.

Celebrate Earth Hour on March 28 by giving The Gift of Light

When the sun sets at Beton, Northern Palawan, children struggle their way to education using kerosene lamps to light up everything which is hazardous to one's health and costly at the same time. WWF-Philippines which organizes  Earth Hour locally,  finds a way by providing solar lamps to light up off-grid island communities to help the children studies at night. Solar lamps will help them create a lasting sustainable change in their lives.

WWF-Philippines, which organizes Earth Hour locally, revealed its switch-off plans at a press launch led by WWF International Director General Dr. Marco Lambertini, WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, plus WWF-Philippines Climate Solutions Steward Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworksi last February 27, 2015 at Dusit Thani, Makati.

Around 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity, relying instead on flammable and expensive kerosene lamps to illuminate their homes. “I must earn an additional PHP150 (USD3.5) each month to buy half-a-gallon of kerosene,” says Joys Dominguez, a 35-year old fisherman from the island community of Beton in Northern Palawan. “I have four small kids. If they tip over just one of the lamps, our wooden hut can burn down. I need safe lights for my family.”




To help families in Palawan safely and economically light up their homes, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines shall deploy hundreds of portable solar lamps. “Solar lamps rely on the power of the sun, eliminating the need to buy fuel. We’re teaching communities to veer away from fossil-fuels, the burning of which contributes to climate change,” explains Earth Hour Philippines head, Atty. Gia Ibay. “The money Joys and other beneficiaries will save can buy basic needs like food, books and clothes.”

This year’s main switch-off shall be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on March 28, Saturday night. “In the spirit of promoting meaningful climate solutions, we encourage Pinoy families to stay at home and observe the hour through low-carbon means – but everyone who wishes to join us at Quezon Circle will be treated to a surprise. A clue – come in sporty attire and bright colours,” reveals Ibay.

Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off lights for 60 minutes to deliver a powerful message on the need for decisive climate change solutions. In the past eight years, the movement has grown from a symbolic switch-off event in Sydney, Australia to the world’s largest open-sourced environmental campaign mobilising hundreds of millions of people in more than 7000 cities and 163 countries.

“More than a symbolic switch-off for the planet, Earth Hour aims to deliver concrete solutions to people in need. Last year, we deployed hundreds of fibreglass boats to help fishers affected by Typhoon Yolanda. This year, we will offer off-grid communities The Gift of Light,” says WWF-Philippines CEO Joel Palma. “Earth Hour’s message is clear. When we unite towards a common goal, we can change climate change.”

Donate here:http://wwf.org.ph/earthhour/give-the-gift-of-light

Backroom search for new talents : Audition on March 9 at Anix's Resto

Do you have what it takes to be the next showbiz sensation? Then what are you waiting for?

Backroom Inc. is currently looking for new singers, actors, hosts, comedians, and models who would like to break into the exciting world of showbiz. Audition is on March 9 (Monday), 2 to 5pm at Anix’s Resto #12 Scout Borromeo St., South Triangle, Quezon City .

Applicants must be 18 to 23 years old. They must bring their folio, tight shot and whole body photo. For singers, kindly bring demo CD and minus one.

Interested applicants can apply on audition day.

For 25 years, Backroom has established itself as one of the country’s most successful companies in artist management, public relations, concert production, product launch, among other fields of specialization. The company has a stellar league of talents in the entertainment and media industries.

For more inquiries regarding the audition, please call Dale Magdangal at 9280717 and 0917-8879210.

Know your history through SiningSaysay exhibit at Gateway Gallery

"Muslim in the Philippines"  by National Artist Abdul Mari Asia Imao

If history lessons would be this colorful and interesting and presented in murals, I would get a high grade in high school.  Nothing interests me but a painting that speaks a lot about its subject. I had a pleasure of seeing the first Philippine History paintings last February 28 at the Gateway Gallery 5L Araneta Center.  The fun of knowing and seeing what happened in your country for the last 5 decades or so made me proud to be a filipino. This is more than knowing your roots as it is educational and fun as well.

SiningSaysay presents the timeline/archipelago of the Philippines through murals.  Images and milestones were presented in artists' medium, acrylic, oil, and others,

In this age of Instagram and Twitter, quick short bites of communiqué are the norm. lt can be a statement of fact or the start of a meaningful discussion. SININGSAYSAY:
Philippine History in Art achieves both.

Mr. Gari Tiongco, Former UP Regent  and Former Pres.of UP Alumni Association

The art exhibit of 30 murals covering pre-historic Philippines to modern times should serve as a must for every student and observer of the country’s life and times.

A joint project of the University of the Philippines (UP), the UP Alumni Association (U PAA) and the Araneta Center, the exhibit is open free to the public every day at the Gateway Gallery. Students from elementary and secondary schools are set to tour the exhibit with expert guidance from teachers and historians. For the young and old experiencing history through these murals, it promises to be a pleasurable walk.

From the petroglyphs discovered in Angono, Rizal to a depiction of our Austronesian roots and Philippine tribes, and on to Spanish influence and rule, visitors will move on to important fragments of history.

The Cry of Pugad Lawin, the declaration of independence in Kawit, Cavite; the great women of history such as Gabriela Silang, young nationalist Macario Sakay, the establishment of the Commonwealth Government, the rise of the labor unions and all the way to the Filipino’s triumph over natural disasters and continuing fight for justice and democracy.

The project team called on the talents of 28 UP alumni artists to bring their visions of history to life on 6 ft. by 12 ft. canvasses. Artists consulted renowned historians Dr. Serafin Quiazon and Profi Ma. Luisa Camagay, and also researched historic materials on the Net, in old newspapers, and even old movies and vintage airplane models to help recreate details. The project took four years to complete, first envisioned by the UPAA under Atty. Gari M. Tiongco before it was finally mounted.

“The concept was to be a come-on for students to learn the history of the Philippines in just half a day by going around. And notjust going around a museum, but here it is given to you in the form of art, from alumni artists of UP. Not every country has this, but here, a tourist can come to the Philippines and learn our history by going over these artworks,” he said.

The participating artists also formed a veritable who’s who of the Philippine art world, specifically: Adonai Artificio, Armand Bacaltos, Adi Baen-Santos, Grandier Bella, Benjie Cabangis, Ben Cabrera, Angel Cacnio, Romeo Carlos, Cris Cruz, Denes Dasco, Gig De Pio, Simkin De Pio, Vincent De Pio, Neil Doloricon, Norman Dreo, Amado Hidalgo, Abdul Asia Mari Imao, Ben Infante, Gigi Javier-Alfonso, Aileen Lanuza, Romeo Mananquil, Norlie Meimban, Julius Samson, Jonahmar Salvosa, Randy Solon, Michael Velasco, Jun Yee, and Janice Young.

"Galleon Trade" by Artist Jonahmar A. Salvosa

"The West Discovers the Philippines I" by Artist Armand B. Bacaltos

“Sining Saysay is an innovative way of teaching history, promoting art appreciation, understanding Filipino identity, and imbibing cultural pride; all constituting valuable aspects of teaching and public service, which the University of the Philippines is mandated to do,” said Alfredo E. Pascual, UP President.

The Gateway Gallery is located on the 5/L of the Gateway Tower Mall. As the country’s largest private gallery, it presents a fitting venue to such an illustrious art project.

“With Siningsaysay, Araneta Center is affirmed as the arts and culture hub of Quezon City. We are housing a collection of great artistic and historic value. This is notjust an educational opportunity, but a source of national pride,” said Jorge L. Araneta, Chairman and CEO of the Araneta Group. The exhibit is open every day from 11AM to 7PM at the Gateway Gallery.

Summer sweet treats start early at Jollibee with Reese's Mix-ins and Cookies & Cream Shake

I have been a fan of mix-ins when I tried it abroad, you can turn your vanilla ice cream into tons of different flavors by adding your favorite chocolate chunks, cookie dough/shaves into that cup of soft serve vanilla ice cream. I became a fan of Reese's and its creamy peanut buttery taste which I discovered at a party I attended 2 years ago. The creamy taste of chocolatey peanut butter got me hooked.  Jollibee came up with a delicious idea of Reese's mix-ins with their soft serve vanilla ice cream. In time for the summer heat, Mix-ins will surely be loved by everyone who adorned Reese's, it is a perfect dessert combination after your  palabok, chicken joy meal at any Jollibee branch.

Jollibee launched the summer dessert treats  Reese's Mix-ins and Cookies & Cream Shake to the media last February 27 at Jollibee Greenhills branch. The launch was attended by bloggers and Ms. Laureen Uy.  There was a parlor game for bloggers, and my #Team Orange won the puzzle game. I got to bring home Reese's buttery cups which I planned to top with my order of Reese's Mix-ins for my next visit to Jollibee.

Fans of Reese’s chocolate will surely find a new favorite in Jollibee’s Reese’s Mix-Ins, which brings together creamy vanilla soft-serve ice cream and the #1 chocolate peanut butter cup in the world in one luscious cup of pure summer delight. Another sweet offering is the Cookies & Cream Shake, which offers a delicious combination of creamy vanilla soft-serve, milk and crushed cookies for a truly indulging, rich and satisfying treat.

At only P45 each, Jollibee Reese’s Mix-Ins and Cookies & Cream Shake are definitely summer’s most refreshing and affordable dessert treats. The Reese’s Mix-Ins is  available as an add-on to your favorite langhap-sarap Value Meals for only P35. While the Cookies & Cream Shake is available as a Value Meal upgrade for only P25.

With its clear blue skies, golden sun, gentle breeze and warm weather that are just perfect for outdoor fun, summer is surely one season that everyone looks forward to. And since it happens only once a year, you can make the most of summer by taking on adventures that are not only exciting but also refreshing, especially with Jollibee’s latest dessert treats, the new Reese’s Mix-Ins and Cookies & Cream Shake.

Make everyday summer adventures exciting and satisfying with the delightful dessert creaminess of the new Jollibee Reese’s Mix-Ins and Cookies & Cream Shake, available for a limited time only at all Jollibee outlets nationwide starting March 2, 2015.

Watch out for Sinag Maynila Film Festival Entries this coming March 18

SINAG MAYNILA is the country’s newest independent film festival that showcases quality and thought-provoking movies from young, non-mainstream Filipino filmmakers.

Conceptualized and helmed by its CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng, together with world-renowned and internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza as Festival Director, SINAG MAYNILA gives grants to independent filmmakers so they can develop their individual material to a full-length film for public exhibition.

“Mas maraming festivals, mas maraming pagkakataong makapaghatid ng marami pang kwento, lalo na ang mga independent filmmaker,” Mendoza said.

But unlike the rest of independent film festivals in town, SINAG MAYNILA is committed to pushing boundaries.

For Tieng, the festival “does not only up the ante. Working with Brillante Mendoza, we hope to give our homegrown filmmakers the chance to tell the stories of Filipinos in the most compelling visual narrative possible.”

This early, Tieng commends the five feature films “for showing great promise of high recognition not just locally but in international independent film festivals as well.”

BALUT COUNTRY

Synopsis

Jun, an heir to the duck farm left to him by his late father, must decide between selling the property to secure a future with his partner, or sparing the family of the land’s loyal caretakers of inevitable displacement.

Directed By: Paul Sta. Ana
Written By: Paul Sta. Ana
Cast: Rocco Nacino, Ronnie Quizon, Angela Cortez, Nanette Inventor
and Vincent Magbanua
Also Starring: Archi Adamos, Jelson Bay, Leo Sarmiento, and Denise Jewel Alfonso

About The Filmmaker

PAUL STA. ANA
Writer | Director

Paul Sta. Ana graduated from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Philosophy. Currently, he is a writer and director of GMA Network. As a screenwriter, Paul has received a Balanghai trophy from the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for the film, Mayohan in 2010. He has since then garnered several nominations from the the Young Critics’ Circle, Star Awards for Film and the GawadUrian for his screenplays (Mayohan, Bisperas, Oros) and direction (Oros).

In 2013, his film Oros (The Coinbearer) was the opening film of the 2012 AsiaticaFilmediale in Rome, Italy. It also won Best Film in the DC Independent Film Festival. The film and its supporting actor (Kristoffer Martin) also garnered honorable mention awards in both the Landlocked Film Festival (Iowa) and Long Island Film Expo (New York) respectively.

BAMBANTI (Scarecrow)


Synopsis

The search for a missing watch instigates the painful quest for the truth in Belyn’s and her son’s life.

Directed By: Zig Dulay
Written By: Zig Dulay
Cast: Alessandra de Rossi, MickoLaurente, Julio Diaz, ShamaineBuencamino,
Lui Manansala
Also Starring: Delphine Buencamino, Erlinda Villalobos, Celio Aquino, AbegailEdillo
and Kiki Baento.

About The Filmmaker
ZIG DULAY
Writer | Director

Zig M. Dulay began his career as a filmmaker in 2011 when he directed his first full-length film HulingHalik (The Last Kiss), a NETPAC entry in 2011 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.   In 2012, he started to write screenplays for various directors. His screenplays include; Posas (Shackled) directed by Lawrence Fajardo (Best Picture in 2012 Cinemalaya Film Festival and 2012 Hanoi International Film Festival); QWERTY by Ed Lejano (Special Jury Prize in 2012 SinengPambansa Film Festival); Ad Ignorantiam by Armando Lao (Jury Prize in 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, New Wave); Ekstra (The Bit Player) directed by Jeffrey Jeturian (Jury Prize in 2013 Cinemalaya Film Festival and this is also the film in which he bagged the Best Screenplay; and Kasal (The Commitment) directed by Jay Altarejos (Best Film in 2014 Cinemalaya Film Festival). His short film ‘Missing’ was included in the official selection of 2013 Cinemalaya Film Festival, short film category. The film won the Best Short Film in 2013 URIAN Awards. His latest full-length film ‘M. (Mother’s Maiden Name) won Special Jury Prize in 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival - New Wave Section.

SWAP


Synopsis

A young father is torn between solving a crime and committing another crime when one day his only son is kidnapped and the criminals demand him to steal another kid in exchange for the life of his son.

Directed By:RemtonSiegaZuasola
Written By: RemtonSiegaZuasola
Cast: Dionne Monsanto, Matt Daclan, Mon Confiado
Also Starring: Publio Briones, Ramon Bagatsing, Jesus Mendoza, Genica Ines Mijares, Charisse Mari Fonacier, NatileighSitoy, Maria Cristina Mondragon, Eli Razo, and RonyelCompra.


About The Filmmaker

REMTON SIEGA ZUASOLA
Writer | Director

A Filipino film director dedicated to the cultivation of modern Cebuano cinema. A receptient of the Ani ng Dangal award for his outstanding contribution to National Cinema. The province of Cebu awarded him with a Governor's Citation of the GarbosaSugbo Awards (pride of Cebu) for his contribution to Cebuano Cinema.

He first caught the attention of the Philippine film scene with his short film "To Siomai love" which won for him the 2009 Ishmael bernal award for most outstanding young Filipino filmmaker from Cinemanila international film festival. In 2010 his first feature length film "AngDamgoniEleuteria".  It garnered top awards from GawadUrian such as best picture, best cinematography, best musical score and Remton became one of the youngest recipient of the GawadUrian Best Director Award. Remton has recently finished his 2nd feature "Soap Opera" under Cinema one Originals.

IMBISIBOL


Synopsis

Two Filipino illegal migrants in Japan meet at their friend’s house to collect the letters their family sent under their fictional names, only for all of them to be left in a quandary when in the middle of their happy lunch, a fellow Filipino suddenly barges in and confesses that he has accidentally killed a co-worker and that the police are after him.

Directed By: Lawrence Fajardo
Written By: John Paul Bedia, Herlyn Gail Alegre
Cast: JM De Guzman, Ces Quesada, Bernardo Bernardo, Allen Dizon and Ricky Davao
Also Starring: JC Santos, Only Torres, Naoki Takai, Shinpei Suzuki, May Alleman, KazSawamura, Masaharu Iwamoto, OyeeBarro and Ricky Davao.


About The Filmmaker
LAWRENCE FAJARDO
Director

Lawrence Fajardo hails from Bacolod City, Negros Occidental where he finished Masscommunication at the   University of St. Lasalle Bacolod.

His most prominent works to date are Amok, a finalist in the New Breed Category of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival in 2011 where it won Best Sound and Editing, followed by Posas in 2012, which won Best Film in the Director’s Showcase Category. Both of which competed in countless prestigious film festivals around the globe. Amok was shown in South Korea, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, France, USA, Canada and Italy. Amok won Best Sound and Editing in the Natatanging Gawad Urian in 2012 and bagged the Special Prize of the Jury Award at the Detective Fest in Moscow, Russia in the same year. Posas even became even more successful as it was shown in 12 festivals, spanning 5 different continents around the globe. It brought home pride as it won Best Film in Hanoi International Film Festival in 2012.In 2013, Lawrence rekindled his love for theater when he directed the play “Imbisibol”, which was staged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines as part of the Virgin Labfest 9.  It was restaged the following year as part of Virgin Labfest 10.

NINJA PARTY


Synopsis

Top female students of an elite Catholic high school discover their identities and sexualities amidst clashing values. Conflicts between themselves, their families, and their school forces them to grow up and grow in friendship. They face slut­shaming when a rumor spreads about their participation in a secret orgy.

Directed By: Jim Libran
Written By: Jim Libiran, Dominic Lim, Iris Lee
Cast:AnnickaDolonius, JulzSavard, Bea Galvez, EloraEspano, Mariz Reyes, JapoParcero, Odette Khan, Teresa Loyzaga and Denise Marasigan


About The Filmmaker

JIM LIBIRAN
Co-Writer | Director


Jim Libiran made his directorial debut in 2006 with PANCIT CANTON, a short film which his wrote and produced. In 2007, he came up with his first full-length film TRIBU and followed it with HAPPYLAND in 2010.  He also wrote and directed the short film Batch 2011, a feature in the ABS-CBN News KINSE Human Rights Film Anthology. His latest works include his contribution as creative producer to the film SUNTOK SA BUWAN directed Bianca Catbagan, and ARAW, a short film produced by SunLife Financials Asia and KymeChow Media.

AXN Names “Asia’s Got Talent” Hosts: Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez

AXN announced that the Philippines-based TV personalities Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez will reunite once again on the channel as hosts of the inaugural season of the talent search series “Asia’s Got Talent,” set to launch this March.

Nelson and Fernandez will support the four previously-announced celebrity judges -- David Foster, Anggun, Van Ness Wu and Melanie C. -- in their search for Asia's most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, and breathtaking performances. Contestants who advance to the semi-finals will face an even tougher judge, as AXN audiences at home will decide who wins the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent.”

Hui Keng Ang, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia said: “As competitors on the second season of ‘The Amazing Race Asia,’ Marc and Rovilson captivated viewers with their on-screen charisma. We saw them as a natural fit to host a show like ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ and are proud to have them back on AXN.”

Paul O’Hanlon, Managing Director of FremantleMedia Asia, said: “In addition to their years of experience, Marc and Rovilson bring an incredible energy that will encourage and motivate the contestants. They complement our panel of judges perfectly and we look forward to working with them in the season ahead.”

George Levendis, Head of International for Syco Entertainment, said: “Marc and Rovilson are about to take us on a fantastic ride across Asia. We welcome them both to the ‘Got Talent’ family and look forward to them bringing their warmth, wit, humour and magnetism to this unique production.”
Nelson and Fernandez burst onto the scene in 2007 on AXN’s “The Amazing Race Asia,” where the best friends held pole position for a record length of the race, from the second to the eighth episodes, ultimately reclaimed the lead during the penultimate episode. From there, they hosted “The Duke,” AXN’s original talk and lifestyle magazine show that profiled some of the most successful men in the region.

Both continued to build their respective careers. Nelson hosted ABS-CBN’s “Sports Unlimited,” and appeared with Fernandez in QTV 11’s “Dare Duo.” Fernandez, who has served as an editor of Maxim men’s magazine in the Philippines, currently hosts his weekly countdown show “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV.

Nelson said: “It is an honor and a privilege to host ‘Asia’s Got Talent,’ the biggest talent competition in the world, and to do so with Rovilson is a bonus. We look forward to working with the judges as well as setting the stage for the incredible contestants to shine.”

Fernandez said: “I am humbled to play a part in this great search for talent across our region. With Marc, we will do our best to bring our amazing experience on ‘Asia’s Got Talent’ to AXN viewers.”
The Guinness World Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia, is launching its 63rd version on AXN. Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, the show will dazzle audiences across Asia and spotlight some of the region’s most amazing performing artists competing for the coveted winning title. “Got Talent” is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

AXN is a leader of regionally-produced original content in Asia with four seasons of the International Emmy-nominated “The Amazing Race Asia,” the Asian Television Award-winning “Cash Cab Asia,” “The Apprentice Asia,” “Cyril: Rio Magic,” “Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition,” and the Asian Television Award-nominated “Cyril: Simply Magic.”
“Got Talent” Sponsors

As previously announced, the inaugural season of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, BIG Cola, Pantene, Caltex and Jetstar.

Marina Bay Sands is the premier sponsor of “Asia’s Got Talent.” As Asia’s leading entertainment destination and crossroads for global celebrities, Marina Bay Sands provides opportunities for local talent to shine on the world’s stage. The semi-finals and finale of “Asia’s Got Talent” will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, where the winner will take home a contract to return and perform live at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.

BIG is the exclusive beverage partner of “Asia’s Got Talent.” With BIG Cola, ‘if you can dream it, you can do it.’ Contestants and fans across Asia will be encouraged to ‘think big’ and ‘dream bigger’ in pursuit of their dreams.

Pantene, the exclusive haircare partner of “Asia’s Got Talent,” makes hair stronger inside and shinier outside to enable contestants to shine and be the world’s number one talent.
Caltex is the exclusive petroleum partner of “Asia’s Got Talent.” Caltex delivers a hassle-free experience to get people back on their journey quickly, so they can have more time and energy to do whatever matters most to them. By being a part of “Asia’s Got Talent,” Caltex wants to celebrate key moments of the contestants’ journey to stardom, providing viewers the opportunity to enjoy the journey with them.

Jetstar is proud to be the official airline of the very first edition of “Asia’s Got Talent.” With more than 600 weekly flights to 22 destinations across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Jetstar enables talent to fly further, connect with families and fulfil dreams.
www.AXNAsia.com/AsiasGotTalent

Lee Min Ho's fun meet at Kyochon Grand Launch

Kyochon, the Korean restaurant that introduced Filipinos to Chicken like they’ve never had before, now brings fans an experience they’ve never had before!

If there’s one culture, we Filipinos have embraced the most in the last few years, it has to be Korean. From television dramas, pop music and KPop idols, Filipinos have become totally crazy about anything from South Korea.

So it came as no surprise that when KyoChon, Korea’s leading chicken restaurant chain finally opened its doors, Filipinos were more than excited to line up and finally taste Korea’s best fried chicken.

Kyochon started the entire Korean fried chicken craze in the region when it began serving its signature chicken dishes in 1991. It has since gone worldwide with almost 1000 branches in the US, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and the Philippines.

Light and Hearty recipe
Unlike ordinary fried chicken, Korean-style fried chicken is fried twice making the skin crunchier and less greasy. Kyochon’s thin batter and double frying method also remove excess oil, offers a clean and light taste.

The secret of crispy but moist chicken is Kyochon’s 20-year know-how, and Kyochon’s oil is exclusively for deep-frying. For the best taste, Kyochon sticks to the standard recipe on manual at clean kitchens.

“Double-frying and piece-by-piece sauce-coating are time-consuming, but these are necessary processes for our hearty nutritious chicken,” says Chanky Tiangco, Marketing Manager of KyoChon Philippines.

 “This distinguishes us from other fast-food restaurants. Because we value quality ingredients and customers’ health, we only serve honest, healthy chicken and use all natural ingredients,” she added.

According to her, you wont find any frozen chicken in their kitchen, and it will be cooked only after you order. In addition, KyoChon only uses domestically grown, natural ingredients and their chicken contains the lowest amount of sodium among the industry, by naturally aged meat without curing.

Which KyoChon Chicken are you?
Kyochon’s menu came to perfection through the combination of good ingredients grown by the wind, sunlight and soil, state-of-the-art facilities and their specialists’ endless research and passion.

Kyochon is proud of the best, unrivaled taste, made from all natural ingredients.
The Kyochon Chicken comes in four (4) variant series – Original (Kyochon series), Honey (Honey series), Spicy (Red series), and the Soonsal series.

The Original series is light and slightly salty with the crunchy and crispy chicken coated in Kyochon’s exclusive soy garlic glaze.

Sweet and sticky, but never runny, the Honey Series is marinated for 24 hours in a special seasoning, the then fried to perfection and coated with natural honey sauce.

Some like it hot, and for them there’s the KyoChon Red Series. Glazed with the original hot sauce made from Korea’s hottest red chili peppers, this one is recommended only for the brave ones.

Looking for something that is truly unique? Try the KyoChon Soonsal series--boneless chicken breast strips coated in special rice batter it comes with a choice of 3 dipping sauces. You can order it in soy Soonsal, Soonsal Rice Bowl, and for a truly healthy meal there’s Soonsal Salad.

Besides its trademark chicken, KyoChon also serves Green Salad with Grilled Chicken (with the Choice of Blueberry or Orange Dressing) side dishes like Wedge Potato, Pickled Radish and rice cake soup and an assortment of drinks like the Kyochon Special Cold Tea, Plum Sparkling Tea, Yuza Sparkling Tea, as well as barley, corn, and green tea that goes well with any meal.

Keeping a promise
Kyochon lives by its three promises: "First, we won’t make fast food. Second, we only use natural ingredients and third, we only make healthy chicken with honesty,” says Tiangco.

“But now its time to fulfill a fourth promise we made last year—and that is to let fans of KyoChon meet one of KyoChon’s biggest fan—Lee Min Ho!”

For the past several months, KyoChon held a promo that gives fans a chance to meet the Korean Superstar in person. Thousands of fans joined the contest posting their pictures on Facebook hoping for the chance to be part of Lee Min Ho’s Fun Meet which will be held during the grand opening of its KyoChon’s newest branch at the Greenhills Theater Mall on February 24, 2015.

Lee Minho’s break-through success came in 2009 with the Korean version of Boys Over Flowers as Gu Jun-pyo. The role won him several awards, including the Best New Actor award in the category of television at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards and made him a household name in the Philippines. He further cemented his status as the leading-man with the success City Hunter and The Heirs, which garnered him another nomination for Most Popular Actor at the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards. He visited the Philippines twice, first to promote a local clothing brand and for an Asian Tour to promote his first album.

Minho nabbed his first movie lead role as an impoverished orphan-turned-mobster in the film “Gangnam 1970,” (Gangnam Blues) a noir action film depicting the tumultuous history of real estate development behind Seoul‘s now most famous district.

KyoChon has branches located at the Greenhills Theatre Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center; Upper Ground Floor, SM Megamall Building B, SM Megamall, EDSA corner Julia Vargas Ave., Mandaluyong City; Sm City Fairview Ground Floor, Main Building, SM City Fairview, Quezon City, Ground Level,; and soon at the Eastwood Citywalk, Eastwood City.

CARMUDI SECURES $25M IN NEW FUNDING FOR ASIA AND LATIN AMERICA

Rocket Internet backed online car classified player to become No.1 in emerging markets

Carmudi, a leading car classified site backed by Rocket Internet, has raised $25 million to strengthen its operations in Asia and Latin America. Investors include Asia Pacific Internet Group (APACIG), a joint venture of Rocket Internet and Ooredoo, Holtzbrinck Ventures, a leading consumer internet investor, Tengelmann Ventures, a division of international multi-sector retailer Tengelmann Group, and a private investor.

Launched in October 2013, Carmudi has rapidly scaled up to 20 countries, seven of which are in Asia (Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) and one in Latin America (Mexico). The platform is known to provide the most innovative and fastest way to buy and sell cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles online.

The announcement of this funding comes at a time when the company is experiencing a remarkable growth of over 50 per cent in all its markets and has authentic listings of over 300,000 vehicles for its users globally.

Carmudi Co-Founder and Global Managing Director Stefan Haubold said: “This funding will be crucial in boosting our operations in Asia and Latin America. Our goal is to be the No.1 car classified platform in all our markets. There are over 300 million active internet users that we are aiming to tap into in these markets. We want to make sure that we bring them the best experience of car shopping on their laptops and mobile phones.”

The new round of investment goes to show the support and confidence investors have in Carmudi’s business model. Koen Thijssen, co-CEO of APACIG stated, “We invest in companies where we see high potential for growth and expansion. We are sure that Carmudi will be able to conquer its markets very soon." As the internet penetration is likely to reach 44 per cent by 2018 in in Asia Pacific region alone (excluding China and India), Carmudi’s strategic timing could not have been better. Having the first-mover advantage is certainly helping Carmudi become a household name as it continues to reap the rewards from a growing middle class and influx of foreign spending in emerging markets. In fact, it is already reaching over a million users per month through its website and mobile app.

With its new features, Carmudi is making the selling and buying process much simpler for experts and novices alike who are new to the Internet.

Asia's Got Talent is set to premiere on AXN on March 12

AXN’s “Asia’s Got Talent” is set to premiere first on AXN on 12 March 2015, airing on Thursdays at 8.05pm (SG, MY, PH, HK) / 7.05pm (JKT, BKK). The series is the biggest talent competition in the world featuring some of the region’s most incredible performing artists as they compete to take home the coveted winning title.

Officially launching “Asia’s Got Talent” today is the series’ esteemed celebrity judging panel made up of 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu. The judges met with 500 members of the media, sponsors and partners for the first time at the “Asia’s Got Talent” showcase held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

From thousands of applicants from 15 territories across Asia, the four judges must select the most jaw-dropping, mind-blowing and breath-taking performances. Those who advance to the semi-finals will face an even tougher judge, the AXN audience at home who will decide the winner of the first season of “Asia’s Got Talent”.



Adding to the excitement, the semi-finals and finale will be held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Prizes worth up to US$100,000 are at stake, along with the opportunity for the winner to return and perform at Asia’s leading entertainment destination.



Supporting the judges are Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez as hosts of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Marc and Rovilson are familiar to AXN audiences as contestants of “The Amazing Race Asia Season 2” and hosts of the talk show “The Duke”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” will span a total of 10 weekly episodes, leading with five judges’ auditions episodes, before three semi-finals, a finale episode and concluding with the results show. In addition to enjoying the amazing performances, audiences can expect to learn more about their favourite acts as “Asia Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colourful individuals and groups in the competition.

The inaugural season of “Asia’s Got Talent” on AXN is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex and Jetstar.

Anggun, Rock Icon
Anggun started singing at seven and by 12 released her first Indonesian studio album, ‘Dunia Aku Punya’, with hit single ‘Mimpi’ recognized as one of the ‘150 Greatest Indonesian Songs of All Time’ by Rolling Stone magazine. A series of singles and albums followed to make Anggun the biggest Indonesian rock star of the 90s.
Her international breakthrough came in 1997 with ‘Snow on the Sahara’ which was released in 33 countries worldwide, topped music charts in Italy and Indonesia, and made the top 20 in Finland, France, Japan, Spain and the US. Following that, Anggun released five more studio albums, and released songs that featured in Danish movie, ‘Open Hearts, and the Hollywood box office hit, Transporter 2. Anggun is a recipient of the ‘Chevalier des Arts et Lettres’ from the French government. She is also a judge on “X Factor Indonesia” and “Indonesia’s Got Talent” TV series.

David Foster, Music Producer
David Foster discovered and launched some of the greatest music careers including Michael Bublé, Josh Groban and Celine Dion. He has created hit songs and award-winning platinum and gold albums for Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ‘N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan; propelled classical singers like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban into mainstream popularity, as well as created soundtracks for hit films like ‘The Bodyguard’, ‘Urban Cowboy’ and ‘St Elmo’s Fire’. In 2008 and 2011, David performed and hosted his very own, star-studded ‘Foster & Friends’ concerts in Las Vegas to celebrate the music from his career and toured Asia annually from 2010-2012. David has won 16 Grammy Awards from 47 nominations and is the chairman of Verve Music Group.

Melanie C., Pop Icon
Melanie was part of the iconic five-member Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed ‘Sporty Spice’. Following that, as a solo artist, Melanie sold more than 12 million records from six albums that she released. She has the second most No.1 singles in the United Kingdom and is the only female to top the charts as part of a quintet, a quartet, a duo and a solo artist. Melanie also performed the role of Mrs Johnstone in the West End musical ‘Blood Brothers’ for which she was nominated for ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ at the Laurence Olivier Awards. In 2012, Melanie co-starred in the musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, and also judged the preceding talent search series ‘Superstar’ to select the lead actor for the said musical.

Van Ness Wu, Actor/Singer
Van ness Wu was born in California where he took classes in performing arts, acting and languages in Hollywood before moving to Taiwan at 21 to build his career. His breakthrough came with his lead role in the wildly popular hit idol drama ‘Meteor Garden’ and its sequels. Van ness and his co-actors of the series formed the pop idol group F4 – now known as JVKV – and released three studio albums. Turning his attention to his solo career, Van ness released his debut solo album in 2002 and followed that with six other solo studio albums up to 2013, as well as singles, collaborating with musicians including Kanye West, Beyonce, Wang Lee Hom, Gangta and Coco Lee. He also acted in many other TV series, including ‘Autumn Concerto’, ‘Material Queen’ and ‘Peach Girl’, as well as movies such as ‘Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon’ and ‘Kung Fu Chefs’.

About the hosts
Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez

Philippines-based TV personalities Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez reunite on AXN as hosts of the inaugural season of the talent search series “Asia’s Got Talent”. The pair of friends burst onto the scene in 2007 on AXN’s “The Amazing Race Asia,” where the best friends held pole position for a record length of the race, from the second to the eighth episodes, ultimately reclaimed the lead during the penultimate episode. From there, they hosted “The Duke,” AXN’s original talk and lifestyle magazine show that profiled some of the most successful men in the region.
Both continued to build their respective careers. Nelson hosted ABS-CBN’s “Sports Unlimited,” and appeared with Fernandez in QTV 11’s “Dare Duo.” Fernandez, who has served as an editor of Maxim men’s magazine in the Philippines, currently hosts his weekly countdown show “Ang Pinaka” on GMA News TV.