Jacob Benedicto, the fresh face of OPM

Fans of classic and newer OPM alike will be delighted to learn that the talented singer, heartthrob, and Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) alumnus Jacob Benedicto has been launched as one of Star Music’s newest singers, on the compilation album “OPM Fresh”. Jacob –  along with the other artists featured on “OPM Fresh” –  were recently introduced to the members of the press and music bloggers during an eventful launching activity.

“OPM Fresh” is the latest project of Star Music, acting as a platform to introduce up-and-coming stars of Pinoy pop music. This compilation album introduces the hottest new names and faces in OPM right now, thus living up to its name. Part of the pioneer batch includes JC Padilla, brother of Teen King Daniel Padilla, and Jacob’s former PBB housemate Maris Racal. “The first batch of artists were chosen not only for their talent, but for the unique and refreshing sound they can deliver,” said Star Music Head Roxy Liquigan.

Jacob’s track “Pagka’t Ikaw” is a melodious downtempo ballad, that is surprisingly mature for someone who has been primarily known for his boyish good looks. Although his talent agency Fame Factory was aware of Jacob’s exceptional singing voice from the beginning, it was only recently that his fans realized that he is so much more than a handsome face. “Even when I lived abroad, I loved singing in both Filipino and English, it taps into my soul the same way acting does,” said Benedicto.

“OPM Fresh” is now available in all record stores, and music sections nationwide for only P199. You can also download or stream the album on iTunes, Spotify and StarMusic.ph. For more details please visit starmusic.abs-cbn.com

Beat the Heat with Goldilocks Thirst Quenchers

There’s no denying that the freedom of summer in the Philippines comes hand-in-hand with an intolerable blast of hot weather. Still, it’s that time of the year when your sunnies and flip-flops beg you to take them out for some fun in the sun. Whether your idea of a perfect summer is an out of town adventure or relaxing hangout in the city, the only way to survive the stifling heat is to keep cool and hydrated. There’s nothing quite like a nice, frosty, and gently perspiring pampalamig to freshen up a sizzling summer afternoon.

Beat the heat with a special selection of truly Pinoy Thirst Quenchers from Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop. Indeed, after almost fifty years of giving delight to local consumers.

Goldilocks can provide the perfect taste of summer with these specially mixed Filipino classics. Coast through this heat wave with the classic Goldilocks Thirst Quenchers: Halo Halo, Mais con Hielo and Sago’t Gulaman. Starting at Php 39.00, the Thirst Quenchers are sure to add a cool edge to your summer memories in only the way Goldilocks can.

Add Goldilocks Thirst Quenchers to your summer Must-Have list to stay cool! For more details, head to your nearest Goldilocks Bakeshop or visit http://www.goldilocks.com.ph/.

Jollibee Chickenjoy made more Affordelicious!

Loyal fans of Jollibee’s crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy are in for a real treat as everyone’s all-time favorite langhap-sarap fried chicken is now available at a more Affordelicious price.

The 1-piece Chickenjoy Value Meal can now be enjoyed at a more wallet-friendly price—from P87 to only P79. At the same time, Jolly Spaghetti lovers can delight in the Chickenjoy with Jolly Spaghetti Solo Meal more often—from P117, this favorite is now priced at P99. Sharing the well-loved Jollibee Chickenjoy with family and friends becomes more fun as well, now that the 8-piece Chickenjoy Bucket is down from P479 to P429. 

With the price rollback, talaga namang ang sarap ulit-ulitin ng mas affordelicious na paborito nating Jollibee Chickenjoy!

Every day is a cause for celebration with the all-time favorite Chickenjoy, now at a more affordelicious price. 

Asia Tour of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Aims to Bring Audience To Their Feet—And Dance in the Aisles

”The younger generation has not had a chance to witness the impact of the movie 'Saturday Night Fever' made in the '70s.  I'd be great to see a new generation of theatergoers dancing in the aisles to the timeless tunes of The Bee Gees,” says Patrick Bywalski, deputy chairman of Robert Stigwood Organisation Ltd. , which co-produces the upcoming Asian Tour of the hit West End and Broadway dance musical SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER alongside Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) and Ten Bridges Media Corp.

In fact, the dancing crowd doing the hustle is expected to spill out of The Theatre at Solaire Resort and Casino, where a '70s disco-themed party will take place at a nearby venue to aptly kick off the tour running in Manila (July 3-26), Kuala Lumpur (Septmber 1-15), and Singapore (September 25 to October 11).

“Since SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER opened in the West End in 1997, we've nurtured the musical around the globe with each production contextualized [and recontextualized] to please the local customs,” adds Bywalski. Apparently, the recent UK productions and the upcoming Asian Tour of the musical have been more fearless—definitely more provocative—than their sanitized predecessors in the West End and on Broadway by staying true to the authentic, gritty realism depicted in the landmark film.   

“The film was, finally, so authentic...it was more of a documentary,” Karen Lynn Gorney, the actress who played Stephanie Mangano, the love interest of John Travolta's Tony Manero in the film, told Vanity Fair in December 2007. “We improvised for two weeks, so that by the time it came to filming, [film director] John Badham just shot what was happening. It wasn't acting.”

With the stamp of approval to reimagine SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER onstage for Asian audiences, multi-awarded stage director Bobby Garcia has set his eyes on reliving the authentic coming-of-age in a tough world story of the film—amid the backdrop of the pulsating strobe lights of the infamous retro '70s disco era.

For Garcia, nothing would be more authentic than asking Broadway choreographer and child of the '70s Vince Pesce to join his creative team.  Pesce, who's a longtime associate choreographer of Tony winner Kathleen Marshall, grew up in the same neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York, where the movie was filmed.  “I've a clear memory of the movement/dance and how it made us feel,” says Pesce.

Based upon music critic Nik Cohn's magazine article “Tribal Rites of the New Saturday Night,” which was published in the June 7, 1976 issue of New York, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER tells the story of Italian-American Vincent (later renamed to Tony Manero) and his gang in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn who are stuck in dead-end jobs but rule the dance floor at the discotheque 2001 Odyssey. Vincent or Tony is a tough cookie; an outstanding dancer, his ultimate dream was to escape the mean streets of Brooklyn.

“I did go back and look at the movie again just to make sure I capture the gritty, dynamic, and social movement that shifted popular dance as we know it,” Pesce continues. “With that in mind, Bobby Garcia, our director, and I felt we needed to expand the dancing in the show and make it more relatable to modern audiences yet remain true to the original choreography.  You'll get to see the hustle, Travolta's finger point, and lots of exciting disco dancing but much more is needed to be done.
“Today's sophisticated audiences are accustomed to intricate, dynamic dance styles on TV, e.g. 'Dancing with the Stars.' We have to deliver expanded dance sequences that will thrill. On the other hand, we also have to create a world of movement that doesn't only take place in the disco.

 Essentially, we need to capture the pulse, frustration, and energy of the streets of Brooklyn and the '70s social movements.”

A show that's heavy on the dance side yet demands authentic emotions onstage, a triple threat casting is equally crucial.  “We auditioned for the roles of Tony, Stephanie, Tony's friend Double J, and a [Latin] dancer in N.Y.,” says West End and Broadway casting director Tara Rubin.  “We were looking for great actors, singers, and dancers who seemed authentic to the show's time and place.  We needed actors experienced enough to star in the show and play these iconic roles.”

Pesce adds, “The culture in Brooklyn is all about bigger than life and fun loving personalities.  We didn't stop looking until we found them.”

At the end of the auditions, Brandon Rubendall (“Spider-man” on Broadway), Jenna Rubaii (“American Idiot”), and Nick Varricchio (“A Chorus Line”) were cast as Tony, Stephanie, and Double J, respectively.
Thespians Marie Rose, Rafa Giguion-Reyna, Yanah Laurel, Jamie Wilson, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza are also joining its 20-strong cast.

Besides Garcia, Pesce, and Rubin, Tony Award-winning scenic designer David Gallo, original lighting designer of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER on Broadway Paul Miller, costume designer Eric Pineda, and musical director Ceejay Javier are also part of the show's first-rate creative team.


For tickets and more information, call ATEG at (632)650 5144 or (63917) 8381534; visit TicketWorld at ticketworld.com.ph.

Like ATEG on facebook.com/ATEGasia.

MUST WATCH! Pru Life UK: Filipino Spirit Never Gives Up

On an island in the Philippines which was almost washed away by typhoon Yolanda, hope is what the locals had left. Through Pru Life UK, the locals of Bantayan Island were given the courage to fight against the challenges in life.

Asia's Got Talent TV Ratings soars high

Asia's Got Talent achieved its highest television rating to date during its 9th episode last May 7.

The biggest talent competition in the world got 3.93 rating with 175% increase against the eight episode according to Kantar Media Philippines.

AXN was the #1 pay TV channel commanding a 93% share among 22 English GE (General Entertainment) channels. Moreover, Asia’s Got Talent was the highest rating pay TV program of the day, rating way ahead of the next closest program which had a 2.48 rating.

Asia’s Got Talent was also the highest rating English program of the day overall, even among FTA (free to air) channels.

Last May 7 airing was highest rating ever on AXN programming history (record going back to 2008).  The 2nd and 3rd highest were also Asia’s Got Talent, Episode 5 at 2.05 and Episode 6 at 1.97, respectively.

Aside from sports, Asia’s Got Talent was the next highest rating English program on pay TV since 2013.The grand finals performance of one of the most successful "Got Talent" franchise was held last May 7 where four Filipino Grand Finalist namely Gwyneth Dorado, Gerphil Flores, Junior New System and EL Gamma Penumbra earned a standing ovation from the judges.

Results of the grand finals will air on May 14, Thursday, 8:05 pm on AXN Network.

“Asia’s Got Talent” is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex, Jetstar and GrabTaxi.

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including 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”.

That’s it for now!

New Zealand Food Connection features eight quality food and beverages in Manila

New Zealand Food Connection presented their Eight food and beverage offerings last May 8 at Ballroom 2, Fairmont Hotel. An exclusive trade show was presented to the food enthusiasts and media, designed to connect New Zealand's quality food and beverage, if you are into healthy and organic food and drinks then New Zealand has it for you.

The first booth that offered me a taste of New Zealand ice cream was at  New Zealand Natural Ice cream stall.  I enjoyed their Vanilla regular ice cream and Vanilla Sugar-Free ice cream, it tasted the same with its creamy, milky taste to it. You cant distinguish between the two, now diabetics or those who are on a diet can enjoy their ice cream without the guilt.   Ms. Teefanie Chunpeng VP-Finance New Zealand Natural Ice Cream Inc., told that they only put fresh milk to their ice cream, that's why its creamy and fresh. No artificial flavorings and powdered milk. I had 3 cups of delicious goodness for my first stop.

Next was the Rockit Apples, I thought these are gala apples with its red intense blush colour. The Rockit apple is incredibly sweet, crunchy, cute and has no bitter after taste to it. It offers a healthy snack alternative for both children and adult. It is the best apple that I have tasted so far. I love their packaging.

What caught my attention was the Charlie's Organic Drinks, I had a free taste of non alcoholic and sweet Ginger beer. It is best served cold.  I love that its organic, since Im cutting on sodas and iced teas, this is the best alternative healthy drink for me and to all those watching their sugar intake.

More than 100 Philippine food and beverage influencers enjoyed a taste of great New Zealand products this week as New Zealand Food Connection kicked off in Manila.

Featured products included New Zealand wines and all natural, non-alcoholic beverages. Wine and beverages are among New Zealand’s fastest growing export products to the Philippines, with nearly two million litres exported in the year to March 2015 – growth of nearly a third in just one year.

New Zealand dairy is a household staple in the Philippines, one of New Zealand’s top dairy export destinations. New Zealand Food Connection highlighted the household name Anchor products, as well as a brand Filipinos love: New Zealand Natural ice-cream, which is known for its natural ingredients and huge variety of delicious flavours.

“The Philippines is a close friend of New Zealand, and it’s great to see Filipinos enjoying New Zealand products,” says Hernando Banal, New Zealand’s Trade Commissioner to the Philippines. 

“While New Zealand dairy has always been popular, more diverse New Zealand products are now found in stores, hotels and restaurants like wine, non-alcoholic beverages and meat.”


The value in New Zealand exports to the Philippines has increased 21% in the last two years to March 2015, with a value of more than 22 billion Pesos.

Midea unveils a complete suite of airconditioners for PH market

There are window types, split types, centralized or floor mounted, it comes in different horsepower HP and offered by a lot of brands. But have you ever noticed that airconditioners only come in white?

So why, after all these years, haven't brands ever think of putting some color to our favorite summer appliance.

I still don't know, but i'm sure glad one brand finally decided to offer aircon in different colors.

Midea has recently launched a full line of cooling solutions last May 6 at Cafe Romulo. Midea is a world class appliance manufacturer and one of the biggest in the global appliance industry in China. It is engineered to meet the unique challenges faced by consumers on a daily basis.

Today’s technological innovations are changing the way Filipinos live, work, and play. Instead of technology shaping the way people live, innovations are now being optimized to even more suit the lifestyle of its users. In the appliance industry in particular, appliances are no longer just still figures but rather partners in homes and businesses, making them indispensable parts of everyday life.

“The growing economy opens new doors for young Filipinos and businessmen,” said Phillip F. Trapaga, General Manager of Concepcion Midea Inc. “But when it comes to cooling, each of these opportunities comes with distinct needs and preferences. So these hardworking individuals need a partner that can understand their needs.

Anchored on energy efficiency, affordability and quality, Midea’s new range of air conditioners features Window RAC, Split Type, Floor-Standing, Under Ceiling, and Cassette models. Each cooling system brings a unique set of advantages to the table.

Finding the right air conditioner, according to Trapaga, depends on a number of considerations—including size of area to be cooled, total heat generated within the space, and even architectural dimensions.

So, what exactly does Midea’s latest cooling systems offer to Filipinos?

The starter’s choice


The new homeowner has different priorities in mind, ranging from designs to costs in buying and operating. Still, energy efficiency, affordability and quality remain top-of-mind for these new homeowners and independence seekers who have just moved out of their parents homes and are moving into their new condominiums.

Taking this into consideration, Midea offers a range of home cooling solutions worthy of the hard-earned money of these starting homeowners. The Window Type air conditioner, for example, is a great option for first-time air con buyers. Trapaga said about the model, “This unit offers affordable cooling for the Filipino family.”

For those looking for Split-type air conditioners, Midea has three models that offer a variety of user advantages: the Primera, the Genesis White, and the Mirror Black.

As the entry-level model, Primera offers unparalleled functionality. The Eco Mode and Turbo feature combine optimum energy-savings and high-speed cooling in one air-conditioner. It also comes with specially designed silver ion filters, which help clean and disinfect rooms.

The Genesis White, on the other hand, is engineered for homeowners who place a greater emphasis on quiet operation. When Quiet Mode is engaged, its large diameter fan minimizes the indoor unit’s noise level—so owners can sleep soundly at night. It is designed for homeowners who want to have their first inverter split type air conditioner.

Finally, the Mirror Black is Midea’s top-of-the-line inverter split type air conditioner. Its Turbo DC Inverter and D-Tech function delivers premium energy efficiency and highly intelligent operation. At the same time, its sleek black finish makes it a beautiful design complement to any living space it’s installed in.

Superior cooling for larger spaces

Small commercial establishments and industrial businesses need the same level of comfort required by homeowners but on a larger scale. For this, Midea is rolling out three new models: Under Ceiling, Floor Mounted, and Cassette. Each unit is engineered for different installation parameters, making them convenient additions to any space.

The Midea Under Ceiling offers flexible installation, as users can place it on the ceiling or mount it on the wall. To supply better airflow, it is designed with Swing Torsion Angles. This cooling unit is available in fixed speed and inverter versions to meet a wider budget range.

Similarly, the Midea Floor Mounted comes in fixed speed and inverter. This air conditioner is engineered to deliver superior and efficient cooling. At the same time, its metallic accent instantly enhances interior aesthetics.

Last but not the least, the Midea Cassette Inverter can be installed in the ceilings of offices or even small living rooms. It boasts 360-degree Air Outlet that enables it to deliver comfortable cooling in every corner of the room. It even comes with a Built-In Drain Pump that can lift the condensing water by up to 750mm.

“Quality is not the only consideration that small business owners have to factor in. A strong aftermarket service is also essential because it assures consumers that they will not suffer from loss of business opportunities in the event of a breakdown,” Trapaga said.

Midea’s cooling solutions power international projects which include Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 1 and Beijing National Aquatics Center used in the 2008 Olympics. In the Philippines’ the brands cooling solutions are present in major projects like The Raven Bar in BGC.

MideamyPAL Nationwide Service

Midea brings these products to the Philippines with an unparalleled Global Quality standard and are backed by a very reliable and wide Midea MYPAL Nationwide service.

“Midea’s tried and tested global reputation is now complemented by local expertise,” commented Trapaga. “At the same time, we share the same standards of world-class quality in all our products.”

He closed, “Air-conditioning is just one cornerstone of Midea’s extensive portfolio. We are looking to roll out more appliances throughout 2015.”

This summer...#come again with "Magic Mike XXL"

There is no inhibitions in the new "Magic Mike XXL" trailer. The much awaited film from 2012 is now ready to sizzle up again this 2015.

Sexual innuendoes spice up the new trailer of the Warner Bros. Pictures' “Magic Mike XXL” which may be viewed at https://youtu.be/HMsjXCj5x_g.

The opening cards of the trailer read “We didn't want to show the best parts of the movie in this trailer, but it was very...very...hard...to resist.”

Then, it closes with “This summer...#come again.”

“Magic Mike XXL” reunites Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez and Gabriel Iglesias, stars of the 2012 worldwide hit “Magic Mike.”

Featured in brand new roles are Elizabeth Banks, Donald Glover, Amber Heard, Andie MacDowell, Jada Pinkett Smith and Michael Strahan.

Picking up the story three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, “Magic Mike XXL” finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blow-out performance in Myrtle Beach, and with legendary headliner Magic Mike sharing the spotlight with them. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways.

The new film is directed and produced by Emmy Award winner Gregory Jacobs (“Behind the Candelabra”), who served as a producer on “Magic Mike,” as well as numerous features in a long-running collaboration with Steven Soderbergh.

Opening across the Philippines on July 08, 2015, “Magic Mike XXL” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment company.

Members of Horsepower.ph May Now Enjoy Insurance Benefits From Philam Life

(Seated from left) Horsepower Director, Diego Jose Ramos; President, Jorge Azurin; Philam Life Head of Operations and Vitality, Allan Santos and Corporate Solutions Head of Sales, Erwin Go.; (Standing from left) Horsepower Business Development Manager, Ely Condord de los Santos III; Client Experience Manager, Genesis Reonico; Director for Operations, Hannah Crisostomo; Philam Life Financial Advisor, Daisy Serrano and Director of Agencies for Manila A, Rico Bautista.


Philam Life signs a partnership agreement with Horsepower.ph, a newly-established company that aims to empower self-employed individuals, consultants, professionals, freelancers and SMEs by providing them access to affordable benefits such as health plans, online tools, legal and tax advice.  With this partnership, Philam Life becomes the sole provider of Group Life Insurance benefits to Horsepower.ph members.

Smart introduces new video data bundles

Enjoy the best of YouTube, Vimeo, Dubsmash, and other video apps on your mobile phones!

Google Philippines Country Head Ken Lingan, Dailymotion Partnerships Director Clement Gosse, and Smart FVP and Head of Data Services Michele Curran together introduce Smart’s new video data bundles, which allow subscribers to enjoy videos on YouTube, Dailymotion, Vimeo, Dubsmash and other video apps for as low as P5 per day.



In a groundbreaking move, wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is bringing the best of YouTube, Vimeo and other online video services to make mobile entertainment more accessible to Filipinos through new video data plans.

With this new development, Smart subscribers can now watch YouTube videos, as well as content from Dailymotion, Vimeo, Viewstream, Skype Qik, and Dubsmash on their mobile phones wherever and whenever they want.

Young star Maxene Magalona performs Ariana Grande’s “Break Free”  and Carly Rae Jepsen’s “I Really Like You.”

“Smart is thrilled to make online video content more affordable and accessible to Filipinos, who are avid viewers of YouTube’s trending music videos, viral clips, and online sensations,” said Michele Curran, First Vice President and Head for Data Services at Smart.

“Now, Smart subscribers can enjoy YouTube and other online videos like Dailymotion, Vimeo, Viewstream, Skype Qik, and Dubsmash wherever they want through affordable ‘sachets,’ designed to suit their mobile lifestyle and budget.”

“This move reinforces Smart’s push to deliver fast, fun and worry-free mobile Internet to serve all the needs of Filipinos – whether to connect with loved ones, access news and information, or enjoy the vast wealth of enriching and entertaining online content,” said Curran.

Gino Quillamor eventually won the night’s Lipsync Battle! Also in photo is Adrian Azana, Mobile Internet Head at Smart.

“We want to make sure we are making YouTube as enjoyable as possible for our growing base of mobile users in the Philippines. By working with Smart to create a more affordable way for people to watch videos on mobile we hope Filipinos will be able to enjoy a better YouTube experience across devices, either at home or on the go,” said Rajan Anandan, Vice President and Managing Director, Google Southeast Asia and India. “In addition to this new offering from Smart, Filipinos can also enjoy a smooth, buffer-free version of YouTube by using the new offline feature we introduced in the Philippines last December.”

Online videos on-the-go for all lifestyles

Smart’s affordable packages start with YouTube5, which offers 65MB of data for 15 minutes of standard definition video streaming on mobile phones, valid for one day, for only Php5. Smart will also offer YouTube25, which offers 160MB of data for 35 minutes of standard definition video streaming on mobile phones, valid for one day, for only Php25.

Heavy viewers can enjoy YouTube50, which offers 400MB of data for 90 minutes of standard definition  video streaming, valid over three days, for only Php50.

For even greater value-for-money, Smart also offers YouTube199, which provides 270 minutes of standard definition video streaming, valid over 30 days, for only Php199.

Aside from YouTube, subscribers can use these bundles to view their favorite videos on Vimeo, Dailymotion, and Viewstream, exchange quick video messages to friends via Skype Qik, and even create funny lip-synched videos through one of the year’s breakout viral apps, Dubsmash.

Safe, worry-free subscription

To avail of the offer, subscribers can simply text YOUTUBE5; YOUTUBE25; YOUTUBE50; or YOUTUBE199 to 9999. They can also dial *121# - Smart’s easy access number for all promos. Upon successful registration, subscribers will get an instant notification of their subscription, which shall be charged against their prepaid load or billed on top of their monthly service fee.

Once their video data bundle subscription is fully consumed, Smart Prepaid subscribers will be directed to a paywall or receive a notification in order to allow customers to easily manage their budget and service usage.

Driving growth in mobile data usage

Smart expects the new offers to drive even greater mobile data usage among Filipinos, who use mobile Internet services to enrich their lifestyle.

This trend is reflected in the network’s recent announcement that it grew mobile data revenues by 63 percent to P8.1 billion in 2014, a huge leap from P5 billion in 2013.

For more information on Smart’s latest promo and services, visit smart.com.ph and follow its official accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications) and Twitter (@SMARTCares).