ICON Manila Returns for its Second Year of International Entertainment and Design Conference

ICON Manila returns this year for the second International Entertainment and Design Conference this June 26 and 27 in De La Salle College of Saint Benilde.

“International Entertainment Design Conference 2015 is an avenue of learning for students and professionals in the field of fine arts, animation, advertising, games and visual design,” says Armand Serrano, Entertainment and Design Conference organizer. “Our impressive line-up of top industry leaders will bring forth an informative and exciting event which will impart new ideas that will ultimately strengthen Asia’s impact on the industry,” he added.

Speakers of the conference, Ben Mauro, Charles Lee, Noelle Triaureau, John Nevarez, and Armand Serrano, will give lectures on Film Concept, Game Cinematic, Animation Production, Animation Environment, and Visual Development.

These speakers have worked with the largest animation studios all over the world such as Sony Pictures Animation, Pixar Animation Studio, Walt Disney Animation Studio, Marvel Production, Sony Entertainment and Electronic Arts. The speakers have come from decades of exquisite experiences in their respective fields and are behind the big screen movies and games like The Hobbit Trilogy, World of Warcraft, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Big Hero 6.

ICON Manila is a paid conference under ICON for Missions, a newly formed non-profit organization based in Eastvale, California. “By hosting various conferences all over the world, its purpose is to raise money to fund their Christian mission and humanitarian aid in needy communities,” says Sam Tanner, Executive Director of ICON for Missions.

Media Partners are De La Salle College of St. Benilde, ABS-CBN, Animation Council of the Philippines INC, FleishmanHillard, Adobo Magazine, CG Masters Academy (USA), 3dsense Media School (Singapore) and The One Academy (Malaysia).

For more details on the conference speakers, schedule, and tickets, visit www.iconmanila.com.

Invest an education plan with Philam Life

Planning Ahead To Learn

Cecile S. Nishigaki (left) receives a check from Philam Life Director of Agencies for Manila B, Rico Bautista, for the education of her daughter Johannah who studies at the Lyceum of the Philippines.



It is a universal truth that parents only want the best for their children, and this is evident when it comes to education. No matter how diverse goals may be, a good education is considered by many as the main foundation of a successful future.

The curriculum, staff, social surroundings, and a school’s track record all play a part when parents need to choose the best academic program to help prepare their kids for “real life.”  A high quality education, however, usually comes with a high price tag.

Considering that future tuition fees can be overwhelming, new parents can benefit a lot from planning ahead. Before their child reach a year old, parents like Cecile S. Nishigaki decided to invest in an education plan with Philam Life to be paid for over the span of five years.

Fast forward to her children’s college years, Cecile now receives her investment in the form of annual checks. Although the annual payments may not cover the tuition in entirety, they undeniably help lighten a lot of the financial load.

Since 2004, Philam Life has released more than P9 billion in educational benefits, with P1.5 billion of that released in 2014 alone.  Johannah, the daughter of Cecile will be entering her 4th year at the Lyceum of the Philippines. Indeed, parents who choose to invest in their children’s future with Philam Life will be happy to see their investment pay off in the future.

GMA Kapuso Star Janine Gutierrez graced the JBL / Harman Kardon launch in Fairview Terraces

QBeyond Innovations Inc., with JBL and the Harman group as its flagship brand in consumer and high-end audio, visual, and infotainment, holds the  ribbon-cutting ceremony and launched the opening of its new store at the 3rd floor of Fairview Terraces Mall last May 30, 2015. GMA Kapuso star Janine Gutierrez graced the launch together with media.

To the JBL/Harman Kardon fans in the Fairview and North area, worry no more because your favorite premium speakers are now available at Fairview Terraces mall.

The new store, located at the 3rd floor of the mall, has already been in operation since March 2015 and was officially launched last May 30.  The store kicked off the launch with store-exclusive discounts as well as a raffle for chance to win great prizes.

 Other great offers include free calibration, trade-in, and discounts of up to 30%. The Grand Prize raffle was held last May 31, 2015.

The JBL / Harman Kardon showroom houses a number of the known Harman brands including JBL, AKG, Harman Kardon, and Infinity among others.  Its lineup of products, which includes portable and home speakers, soundbars, audio/video receivers, and headphones, is unmatched in terms of sound quality and award-winning design.

It is the latest showroom to open, along with other branches in SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, TriNoma, and Bonifacio High Street.  Offering actual hands-on demos of various products and setups, all showrooms provide optimum experience to customers wanting to get the most out of their audio-visual entertainment.  Located at the 3rd level of Fairview Terraces, for inquiries you can call the store at 958-5600.

Versailles Stay, a revolutionary property business concept by Capitarise Holdings Inc and FPD Asia

Versailles Stay: High Concept for High Rise Living

Versailles Stay was officially launched last May 29 at One Central Residences. The launch was attended by Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Mr. Chavit Singson and guests from media.

Now that the staycation is the "in" thing to do these days because it is cost-friendly vacation option, for which the relaxation experience will be just as rewarding, why not try the Versailles Stay? It does offer temporary lodging and common hotel amenities and services to its guests, it brings much more to the table due to its unique business model.

 It is located in the heart of Makati and you could check the malls, restaurants and museum around the vicinity.

Versailles Stay is a rental management solution for fully furnished, high-quality residences, offering dependable property care for unit owners and developers, as well as value-for-money, convenient, and hospitable lodgings for guests and clients.


The property management game in the Philippines is about to change. Enter Versailles Stay, a revolutionary property business concept by Capitarise Holdings Inc. and FPD Asia.

Versailles Stay acts as a gateway for foreign property investors and enables them to access apartment suites from the luxurious condominium developers across the Metro. The Versailles Stay management furnishes and maintains these units, making them available for travellers and stay-cationers. Anyone looking for comfortable, affordable, and top-of-the-line living spaces conveniently placed at the heart of Metro Manila need look no further. Versailles Stay keeps ahead of its competitors and breaks the limits that bind conventional lodging businesses; these benefits are then directly reaped by the property developers and unit owners.

Versailles Stay’s concept creates a winning situation for all parties involved. The first core market, the high-end condominium developers, benefit from directly selling multiple units. The responsibility of managing and maintaining these units, as well as collecting association dues, is then transferred to Versailles Stay’s capable and efficient staff. Since Versailles Stay’s guests avail of the building’s amenities, the company also provides support and maintenance for the building’s recreational facilities.

The unit owners, the second core market, benefit from Versailles Stay’s management of their investment, as they handle the general upkeep of the units and locate prospective occupants. Unit owners can simply sit back and reap the returns.

Versailles Stay’s end users, the guests and the final core market, can rest assured knowing that Versailles Stay places the utmost care and precision in ensuring their comfort during their sojourn.
They have access to amenities and services similar to that of a hotel’s, but at a much more competitive price. They also have options for short to mid-term billeting in prime and select locations across the metropolis. Versailles Stay is the perfect choice for businessmen on corporate trips, professionals attending conferences, or families seeking enjoyable and relaxing stay-cations.


To learn more, visit www.VersaillesStay.com or visit them at the
ground floor of One Central, Sen. Gil J, Puyat Ave., Makati.

MATT DAMON IN “THE MARTIAN”

                The recent release of the first look photos of Ridley Scott’s upcoming film “The Martian” starring Matt Damon reveals the actor as a stranded astronaut left behind by his crew after being presumed dead during a fierce storm.

                “The Martian” features a star studded cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Donald Glover.

                The movie is based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir wherein Damon’s character Mark Watney, an astronaut left behind on Mars, must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to survive on the hostile planet while waiting for the most daring and impossible rescue mission to bring him back.

                “The Martian” opens very soon this November 26 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

James Wan is set to direct Warner's upcoming "Aquaman" feature

JAMES WAN TO DIRECT WARNER'S UPCOMING AQUAMAN FEATURE

Its good news for DC Comics sea-dwelling Super Hero Aquaman fans,  Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that director James Wan (“Fast & Furious 7,” “The Conjuring”) will take the helm of the Studio’s upcoming Aquaman feature film, with Jason Momoa (“Game of Thrones”) starring as Aquaman. The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Silverman stated, “We’ve been so lucky to have worked with James, first on New Line’s ‘The Conjuring’ and now on their upcoming ‘The Conjuring 2,’ and are thrilled to have him on board as we continue to expand our DC slate. The Aquaman film will be a major tentpole picture for us and James’s span of work has proven him able to take on any manner of project, bringing his incredible creative talent and unique voice to the material.”

Wan will also be supervising the script by Kurt Johnstad (“300,” “300: Rise of an Empire”). The film is being produced by Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder and Zack Snyder.

Roven said, “James is not only a great storyteller but can make action truly explode on the big screen, and Jason has a dynamic presence that commands your attention. Together, they will bring an undeniable vitality and energy to this character as he headlines his first feature film.”

An icon for over 70 years, Aquaman is the King of the Seven Seas. This reluctant ruler of Atlantis, caught between a surface world constantly ravaging the sea and Atlanteans looking to lash out in revolt, is committed to protecting the entire globe.

Currently set for a 2018 release, the film is based on characters appearing in comic books published by DC Entertainment.

Teen Star Alexa Ilacad is BUM’S Newest Endorser

Fashion can be a form of self-expression and a representation of one’s personality, more so for today’s teens who are brimming with youthful enthusiasm and are in the process of discovering themselves. A clothing brand known for catering to the young segment of fashionistas, BUM keeps up with their market’s ever-evolving tastes and preferences not only by launching trendy casual garbs but by also providing them with new role models and style icons they can take cues from.

BUM has always been the brand of choice of both up-and-coming and most sought-after teen celebrities, like ABS-CBN’s Nash Aguas, Ella Cruz and Jane Oineza, and GMA-7’s Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix (who are collectively known as the “Black Army”).But just when you thought this in-demand style squad cannot get any better, BUM has tapped another well-loved young star, who embody the vitality and versatility of the brand.

Last May 28, Goin’ Bulilit alum and Luv U mainstay Alexa Ilacad was launched as BUM’s latest celebrity endorser in a fun-filled event held at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City. This 15-year-old fashionista proves to be a perfect fit for the brand because she’s the adventurous type whose style can go from girly-girl to hip and rugged.

“Super happy ako to be a BUM endorserkasi I can show my versatility through BUM. Sobrangastig ng mgadamitnila. Kahitlagiakongpa-girly in colorful and bright outfits, favorite ko din ’yung dark colors kasimahiligakosarock eh;minsannga feeling korakistaako eh! With the clothes from BUM, I can enjoy and show the best of both worlds,” Alexa says.

That said, her favorite #OOTD-worthy BUM pieces likewise vary from the colorful girly dresses to the rocker-chic hoodies and skull-print tees to the comfy and stretchable jeans—all useful in the various roles she plays as an actress, student and normal teenager.

Alexa’s first campaign shoot with BUM is for the “Black2School” collection, wherein she got to work with the brand’s other ambassadors, which include Nash, her onscreen partnerand the other half of “NLex” love team.

Since it was her first time to shoot an edgy and fierce campaign, Alexa shared that Nash helped calm her nerves as he tried to make the shoot feel lighter and more fun for her. She shares, “Masaya mag-work ’pag meron kang ka-close. Si Nash, nakatulong talaga siya sa akin sa shoot kasi naging mas masaya ang first shoot ko with BUM.”

With the recent success of Nash and Alexa’s last TV show, Bagito, the NLex love team (which started in Goin' Bulilit) has gained more fans, who cannot wait until the two’s next project. In the meantime,fans can look forward to the couple tees soon to be launched by BUM, whose campaign will star this cute duo.A sneak peek of the collection of cute his-and-hers matching tops by BUM, with cool rib cage, skull and graphic prints, was seen in the brand's last "Black2School" collection; the campaign showed Nashgarbed ina blue roundneck statement tee that says "I Stole Her Heart" and Alexa clad in a matching pink round neck statement tee whose print reads "So I am Stealing His Heart."

It hasn’t been long since Alexa did her first BUM campaign shoot, and now she’s already looking forward to the next. While that is in the works, Alexa has taken it upon herself to give her fellow young girls a bunch of style inspirations by posting occasional #OOTDs on her Instagram account (which currently has about 272,000 followers). “Ang dami ko na ngang #OOTD na naka-BUM. Excited na ako i-post,” she quips.Now, girls, that’s something worth double tapping! BUM’s “Black2School” is available at BUM boutiques and leading department stores nationwide.


For more information about BUM’s “Black2School”, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph or follow us “@officialbumph” on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

#BUMBLACKBOOK: The Fashion Guide to BUMMERZ

Apart from Alexa Ilacad as the latest addition to the roster of talented, teenage brand ambassadors, BUM is thrilled to announce the availability of #BUMBLACKBOOK, which will be part of the #BUMBLACK2SCHOOL campaign in June 2015.

The #BUMBLACKBOOK comes in both handy-style and hard-bound; as it offers all avid BUM patrons or #BUMMERZ the unique style book complete with all the #BUMBLACK2SCHOOL collection.

All the youth brand ambassadors—Ella Cruz, Jane Oineza, Nash Aguas, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix together with Alexa Ilacad graced the glossy pages of the said #BUMBLACKBOOK, which can be availed for a single receipt purchase of any regular items worth Php1200 in all BUM Boutiques and leading department stores nationwide.

The said novelty item #BUMBLACKBOOK is also a planner. It is a must-have for all BUMMERZ who want to keep abreast and serves as an inspiration-guide for trends and styles inspiration anytime, anywhere.

Featured in the pages of #BUMBLACKBOOK are the campus-appropriate fashion styles that are easily achievable for girls and guys with an ultra-stylish and comfy selection of casual tops such as tees, pullovers and hoodies. There are also pair of jogger or denim pants made more exciting with details like rips, patches and stitching as among the favorite trends of today.

For more updates, visit its website www.bumequipment.com.ph and its social media accounts—Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook via @officialbumph.

Eddie Redmayne plays Newt Scamander in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"

Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne has been cast as Newt Scamander in Warner Bros. Pictures’ much-anticipated wizarding world adventure “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The announcement was made today by Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Redmayne will play J.K. Rowling’s creation Newt Scamander, the Wizarding World’s preeminent magizoologist, who in his travels has encountered and documented a myriad of magical creatures, ultimately leading to his penning the Hogwarts School textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

In making the announcement, Silverman said, “Eddie Redmayne has emerged as one of today’s most extraordinarily talented and acclaimed actors. We are thrilled to welcome him into J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, where we know he will deliver a remarkable performance as Newt Scamander, the central character in ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them."

Making her screenwriting debut on the film, J.K. Rowling has developed the character of Scamander and his primer—taken from her globally beloved Harry Potter series—to further explore the unique wizarding world she has crafted in print and bring it to life on screen.

David Yates, who directed the last four “Harry Potter” films and will direct “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” stated, “Eddie is a fearless actor, brimming with invention, wit and humanity. I couldn’t be more excited about the prospect of working with him as we start this new adventure in J.K. Rowling’s wonderful world, and I know she feels the same way.”

The film is being produced by David Heyman, producer of all eight of the blockbuster “Harry Potter” features; J.K. Rowling; Steve Kloves, who scripted all but one of the “Harry Potter” films; and Lionel Wigram, who served as an executive producer on the last four installments of the franchise.

Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in the 2014 biopic “The Theory of Everything.” His stunning portrayal of Stephen Hawking in that film also brought him Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards. In 2012, Redmayne starred as Marius in Tom Hooper’s screen adaptation of the hit musical “Les Misérables,” with Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried. In 2010, Redmayne won a Tony Award for his performance in “Red,” which marked his Broadway debut.

On screen, he next stars in Hooper’s true-life drama “The Danish Girl,” due out this November.

Warner Bros. Pictures has slated “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” for worldwide release in 3D and IMAX on November 18, 2016.

The High Cost of Health with Philam

A wise man once said, “If you think wellness is expensive, then try illness.” This particular quote sums up how one leading doctor in the Philippines’ Lifestyle Medicine sector feels about today’s society.

Dr. Johann Kim Mañez first started his medical career training as an Internal Medicine specialist. He noticed that patients affected by critical illnesses who were prescribed essential potent medication would soon fall ill to additional side effects. In order to combat the new complications, more medications would be prescribed. This would only increase the potential of getting even more side effects, thereby increasing the need for more medications, creating an endless costly loop of healthcare.

Seeing that the treatments and surgical procedures can easily cost patients hundreds of thousands, if not millions of pesos without assurance of gaining back health, he decided that he wanted to attack chronic diseases at their root, and treat the cause of diseases rather than their symptoms.  As a Lifestyle Medicine practitioner, Dr. Mañez now advises patients on how to improve their routines; this includes guidance on their diet and an increased rate of their physical activity.

 “Today’s society consumes an inordinate amount of unhealthy food. Humans were not made to survive on the diet that the general public is on nowadays,” said Dr. Mañez. He continued, “In order to maintain optimal health, we should learn how to avoid everything that harms our health including animal-based, junk and processed foods, and consume in moderation, everything that is good for us.” Dr. Mañez’s work as a Lifestyle Medicine practitioner has influenced his patients to start living healthy lifestyles, successfully ridding them of painful symptoms and underlying disease processes.

Sadly, even the physically fit and vigorous members of society have been struck by critical illnesses whether hereditary or caused by unhealthy lifestyle. Worst of all is that some of these critical illnesses are past the point that healthy lifestyles can no longer cure.

True to Dr. Mañez’s observations, these critical illnesses can lead down a costly loop of prescription medications and treatments. It is indeed a crying shame when those who have worked countless days sacrificing their health in hopes of providing a better future for their loved ones, fall ill. The savings they have accumulated from their hard work and dedication must be utilized to help them recover in times of health setbacks.

Considering this, Filipinos are now in need of help to brace for some of the worst events that may occur in their lives. To help financially prepare Filipinos for some of life’s unexpected turns, Philam Life recently launched Health Invest Plus, the company’s flagship health product.

Philam Life’s Health Invest Plus provides lump-sum cash benefits when diagnosed with any of 56 covered major critical illnesses and 11 covered early stage conditions– the most among unit-linked plans in the market. Unit-linked products are life insurance and investment plans-in-one where the benefits are linked to the returns of a chosen investment fund.

Once diagnosed with any of such critical illnesses, the plan holder is also spared from paying future premium payments. If the plan holder is diagnosed with a covered early stage critical condition, 25 percent of the critical Illness coverage will be given in advance.

Unlike most other critical illness plans, Health Invest Plus can be availed even by those who are already up to 65 years old. The critical illness coverage will still be in effect until they are 75, an age when most are in retirement and in need of greater medical care. Since Health Invest Plus is a unit-linked plan, a portion of premium payments are invested, allowing one to grow a Health fund which can be used for health maintenance or other costs during one’s later years. The plan also provides cash benefits for accidental injuries or disabilities and loss of life, providing comprehensive coverage for policyholders.

It is always good to hope for the best, but it’s even better to be prepared for the worst. Insurance plans such as Health Invest Plus can make a significant difference in a patient’s life.

To find out more about Philam Life’s Health Invest Plus, call 528-2000 or visit http://www.philamlife.com.

Make everyday a #mamonday with Goldilocks

Part of what makes us human and interesting are our different preferences. Some people prefer football to basketball, reading to watching television, polos to t-shirts, or breakfast to dinner. In fact, deciding what to have as a snack can be quite the challenge; but thankfully, Goldilocks has a wonderfully delighful solution. At the country’s number one bakeshop, there’s sure to be a mamon for everyone’s tastes.

Often imitated but never equaled, Goldilocks’s signature Mamon is the epitome of the perfect Filipino snack. For years, the Fluffy Mamon has been a staple pabaon and merienda that every one of all ages can afford and enjoy. Now, Goldilocks offers new flavors to give you even more ways to enjoy this well-loved classic. If you’re looking for a (literally and figuratively) sweeter spongecake, the Caramel Pusong Mamon will satisfy your every craving. If extra cheese is your thing, the Special Fluffy Mamon won’t disappoint. If you want to try something new, Goldilocks’ new Chocolate Mamon will be sure to please even the most diehard chocolate fanatic.

So what are you waiting for? Change things up today with Goldilocks! Make everyday a #mamonday by visiting your favorite Goldilocks outlet or calling 888-1-999 Go-Delivery. You can also join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram by following @GoldilocksPH