Olson Brothers Answer “Operator” Call

Directors Amariah and Obin Olson talk about the inspiration for their new film OPERATOR opening in cinemas nationwide October 21, 2015
 

 When a veteran 911 call center Operator's daughter is held hostage, she's left desperate with no choice but to follow a caller's rules; send a message through dispatch for all Los Angeles police and fire units to scatter to remote destinations where they are met with chaos; cars crashing, explosions, and gunfire.

Not knowing who or why, the one thing Amanda knows is if she fails to secretly collaborate with one of the police, her ex-husband - she'll be the sole person responsible for facilitating the biggest crime of the century. Now she must race the clock to make the choice of her life - save the city - or save her daughter.

Operator stars Mischa Barton (The O.C., The Sixth Sense, Notting Hill); Luke Goss (Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Frankenstein, Blade II) Ving Rhames (Mission Impossible, Dawn of The Dead, Pulp Fiction) and Michael Pare (The Lincoln Lawyer, Hope Floats, The Philadelphia Experiment).

“Operator is an action/thriller exploring an aspect of society that is important but often overlooked: 911 call center operators and emergency dispatchers,” says director Amariah Olson

“The Story was compelling for us as directors because of the insight it provides into these unsung heroes, men and women faced with so many crimes and having to learn to deal with these situations as the first response team... and then throw in the thought of “what if this system were taken over by a criminal to pull off the biggest heist of the century?” We thought this idea would be very interesting to explore as a film, thus Operator was born,” he added.

Olson explains the film is about everyday people who get thrown into extraordinary situations. “Luke Goss doesn’t play a superhero cop. In fact, he’s just been demoted and is struggling with his personal life. Mischa Barton’s character is a mother, a behind-the-scenes type of hero. Ving Rhames isn’t just the bad guy. He had to play an intense character with only a phone, no other actors to play off of. Michael Pare’s character is a cop that toys with greed and with frustrations that seem common these days.”

Audiences will enjoy the various layers that make this high-octane film more than the stereotypical shoot-em-up flick. Suspense and intrigue gets woven through every scene. We try to keep the suspense high and the action well-paced. You don’t know what’s going to happen next. You don’t know who’s in on it. You don’t know what’s going to happen to your favorite characters or the characters that you hate the most.

When the audience has to pay Php200 for a film, they need to be able to feel fulfilled when the end credits start rolling. If they can feel gratified with a fun, suspenseful thrill ride that keeps them guessing, then we’ve done our jobs.

Starting October 21, answer the call of the OPERATOR in cinemas nationwide. Distributed by Solar Pictures.

TRICK AND TREATS AT BURGOO

Exciting treats await all kids who come in Halloween costumes on October 30-November 1 at Burgoo.   Aside from the sumptuous kiddie meal which they can have for free, they will be given bagsful of chocolates and candies.  Interesting and thrilling Halloween designs will be seen all over the place.  And to complete the ambience, the staff will also put on their exciting masks and costumes.

Celebrate Halloween at Burgoo found at T. Morato, Quezon City; Rockwell Center, Makati City; The Podium, Ortigas Center; Gateway Mall, Araneta Center; SM Mall of Asia; Robinsons Galleria, Quezon City; The Block, SM City North EDSA, SM City Marikina, SM Southmall in Alabang, The District Ayala Mall in Cavite; The Terraces Ayala Mall in Fairview; and the recently-open Starmall Prima in Taguig. For reservations and inquiries, please call 9277396, 8981815, 6875565, 7264663, 9136112, 5560091, 6336256, 4420115, 4771932.

Watch "Jem and the Holograms" conquer hearts on the big screen

If you grew up in the 80s like me, you would most probably remember Molly Ringwald who starred in the 80s flick, Pretty in Pink, you could catch her again in "Jem and the Holograms" and lets compare note together.

As a small-town girl catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her band of sisters begin a one-in-a-million journey of discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden. In Universal Pictures’ “Jem and the Holograms,” four aspiring musicians will take the world by storm when they see that the key to creating your destiny lies in finding your own voice.



(Watch the Youngblood music video for “Jem and the Holograms” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebaIlyCn9W0.)


Directed by Jon M. Chu (“Step Up” series, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation”), the musical adventure stars Aubrey Peeples (TV’s “Nashville”) as Jerrica Benton/Jem, Stefanie Scott (“Insidious: Chapter 3”) as Kimber Benton, Aurora Perrineau (“A House Is Not a Home”) as Shana Elmsford, Hayley Koyoko (TV’s “CSI: Cyber”) as Aja Leith, Ryan Guzman (“The Boy Next Door”) as Rio, Molly Ringwald (TV’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”) as Aunt Bailey and Oscar-nominated actress Juliette Lewis (TV’s “Secrets and Lies”) as Erica Raymond.

“Jem and the Holograms,” based on the iconic ’80s Hasbro animated television series, is written by Ryan Landels (TV’s “Masterclass”).

The idea of reinventing Jerrica and her sisters for the big screen has been a longtime passion project of director Jon M. Chu, who has had a deep attachment to Jem and the Holograms since he was a child.

Chu found that the stars had finally aligned when the producers began discussing what it would look like—and what it would take—to reimagine this beloved property as a live-action film. Their 2015 “Jem and the Holograms” would honor the same underlying messages as the ’80s series, one of female empowerment, honesty and integrity—along with fashion and great music—but it would also be embraced by a new generation. To accomplish the above—while still deeply respecting the diehard fans who have turned the quartet in this iconic property into pop-culture icons—was Chu’s uncompromising mission.

Like many who grew up in the ’80s, the director’s fascination with “Jem and the Holograms” began the moment he first watched the show. Chu appreciated the positive messages that the program brought to kids of his generation, as well as the originality of the stories and characters. “It just really went crazy,” says Chu. “They didn’t go by any rules or any sort of way that cartoons are supposed to be made. The audiovisual robot Synergy would transform Jem and the Holograms into exciting avatars, and they would perform, fight the Misfits and go on adventures. They went everywhere and anywhere. That kind of fearlessness was something other cartoons just didn’t offer, and so I always went back to it as a kid. That inspired and shaped me as an artist as I grew up.”

Chu explains just what was so riveting about the series: “Jem was unlike anything on TV. At the time, I didn’t know what I loved about it other than it was fun and there was music; it was a superhero story where I could use my imagination and play alongside my toys. It wasn’t until years later that I realized how much joy the show brought me and that it was a fearless cartoon about female empowerment. The essence of the show was being true to your identity and nurturing your free expression—whether that is through music, art, dance or something else. Jem and the Holograms were true defenders of that idea.”

“Jem and the Holograms” opens across the Philippines on Nov. 04, 2015 and is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Avida celebrates 25 years with Tunog Natin! Songs from Home

Johnoy Danao

I have been a Johnoy Danao fan dubbed as the "Philippines Best Kept Secret" for 2 years now,  I accidentally discovered him singing covers at DJ Mo Good Times radio show.  DJ Mo seemed to love him as he kept on featuring Johnoy on his podcast show, this was the time when DJ Mo was mending a broken heart.  After that I have been downloading his covers from time to time. Songs like Fix you, Cry, Someone like you, Marry Me, The Scientist,  and many more acoustic covers to his credit.  Its his throaty, sweet and appealing voice that hooked me listening to all those covers. When I learned that "Ikaw at Ako" was his original. I fell in love with this guy instantly.

I got an invite to Tunog Natin, Songs from Home partners with Avida  held at the Avida Showroom in Glorietta 4 last October 13, the launch was hosted by Tunog Natin Creative consultant  Jim Paredes and graced by Chris Cahilig, Princess Velasco, Project Officer Anjo Resurreccion, Producer Jonathan Ong and Avida Representatives Tess Tatco and Anne Jarra and my favorite Johnoy Danao who sang "Ikaw at Ako" to the delight of everyone.

 Avida celebrates 25 years by launching Tunog Natin! Songs from Home, which features OPM sang by their chosen artists with different arrangement. It also includes Avida’s anniversary soundtrack “Home is Here”, which is an original composition sung by  Johnoy Danao.

You can download  Tunog Natin and listen to the entire album at Spotify and Itunes.

Home is truly where the heart is, and there is nothing like home-grown music to stir your emotions and always transport you back to its familiar comfort. In celebration of the sound of inspiration in Original Pilipino Music (OPM), Avida launched the second edition of Tunog Natin! Songs from Home through Soundscape Sessions, an afternoon of sounds and socials held at the Avida Showroom in Glorietta 4.

The second edition of Tunog Natin! Songs from Home, featuring a collection of classic Original 
Pinoy Music performed by some of the country’s homegrown talents, was launched in line with 
Avida’s 25th anniversary celebration of Inspiring Lives. Pictured above are the people behind the 
project, (L-R) Tunog Natin artist Johnoy Danao, Tunog Natin Album Producer Jonathan Ong, 
Tunog Natin artist Princess Velasco, Avida Marketing Head Tess Tatco, Tunog Natin Creative 
Consultant Jim Paredes, and Tunog Natin Project Officer Anjo Resurreccion.


Much like the debut album, Tunog Natin! Songs from Home Volume 2 will again feature the passion and artistry of some of the best local artists of today and well-loved OPM songs with an emotional appeal that can transcend generations. Independent singer-songwriter Johnoy Danao gave attendees a taste of the uplifting music packed in the album during the launch. While, the creative team behind the masterpiece, award-winning composer and arranger Jonathan Ong and Jim Paredes, sat out for a bit of chat with the guests.

Tunog Natin! Sounds from Home is Avida’s contribution in promoting local music. Aside from the participation of veteran artists, the commemorative album also introduces promising talents that are bound to make a mark in the local music scene. It features renditions of popular OPMs from Jim Paredes, Bloomfields, Johnoy Danao, Moira Dela Torre, and Princess Velasco, to name a few.

The album is in line with Avida’s mission to keep the Filipino heritage alive, as part of its ongoing Inspired Living campaign, which extends support to the essential artistic foundations that make a community. And the second edition of Tunog Natin! could not have been more apt as Avida celebrates 25 years of inspiring possibilities, as it pays homage to the nation through music that connects us all.

In line with Avida’s 25th anniversary efforts to promote local talents, all the songs from the Tunog Natin! Vol. 2 album will be made available for listening and free download in local and international music portals like Spotify and iTunes.

Avida is also launching the album during its festive anniversary celebration on October 14, through a free Tunog Natin concert where select local artists will perform OPM hits. Tasty fare from food booths and great music await as the concert is open to the public 8PM onwards at 34th St. corner 9th Ave (beside Turf BGC) in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Avida will also put the spotlight on local artists through another public concert in November.

Get Ready Aldub Nation; Alden Richards is set to perform at CF Angeles

After the Anne Curtis, Annekapal successful concert at Casino Filipino, Angeles last August 20, CF tagline " We Never Stop" stand true to its commitment of giving pure entertainment to the CF Angeles people, thus they are bringing Alden Richards of Kalye Serye fame.  He is set to perform this coming December, get ready on that Aldub Nation!

Casino Filipino (CF) Angeles will continue to treat its patrons to star-studded shows beginning October 2015.

Among the country’s top celebrity performers who will be spotted at the Angeles casino branch are “It’s Showtime” host Vice Ganda (November 14), singer-song writer Jose Mari Chan (for the VIP Night on November 20), and the country’s undisputed concert king Martin Nievera (December 29).

According to Nievera, he is proud to have been chosen as one of the Filipino artists who will perform in Casino Filipino.  “After years of performing in some of the major casino resorts all over Las Vegas and the world, it’s about time I perform here at home,” he excitedly said.

Since it will be his first time to hold a show in CF, Nievera vows to “squeeze in as many of my 33 years of music as I can in one show.  It’s an honor to be added to Casino Filipino’s already very prestigious line-up of performers,” he added.

Besides Nievera, Vice Ganda and Jose Marie Chan, CF Angeles will also feature the MYMP Band on October 14, actress-comedienne K. Brosas (with a live band) on October 17, Luke Mejares on October 23, and KZ Tandingan on October 28.

In November, among the featured celebrity performers are The Company (November 4), Ivy Violan (November 11), Liezl Garcia (November 13), Vina Morales (November 18), Frenchie Dy (November 25) and Willie Nepomuceno (November 28).

Meanwhile, Aldub fans in Pampanga and northern Philippines will have one of the best Christmas gifts from CF Angeles come December 2, as Alden Richards, the “Pambansang Bae” holds a show at the branch together with former Sexbomb dancer Rochelle Pangilinan.

Comedians Le Chazz and AJ Tamiza will also bring the house down on December 16 with their unique brand of comedy while Randy Santiago will serenade casino patrons on December 23.  Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola, along with a live band, will also entertain the Angeles casino guests on December 11 while Erik Santos is slated to hold another exciting show in the branch on December 26.

Featuring a star-studded cast in its regular and celebrity shows is in line with CF Angeles’ launch of its ‘We Never Stop’ tagline last August.

After beefing-up its entertainment offerings and services, CF Angeles had also seen improved revenues and customer attendance.

“That was really our objective for launching a new slogan.  Since we introduced the ‘We Never Stop’ tagline in July, we offered big celebrity shows and people now frequent the casino.  Nag-invest tayo, maganda din naman ang naging balik,” said Branch Manager Redentor Rivera.

He added that when Anne Curtis held her Annekapal concert in CF Angeles last August 20, they recorded P13 million in revenues.  “The average we earn per day is just P8.4 million.  That day, it was P13 million.  August was really a record-breaking month for us.”

Customer attendance also grew by 16.08 percent in August compared to the same month last year from 76,000 to more than 88,000.

Rivera shared that quality entertainment shows greatly contributed to CF Angeles’ gaming operations revenue.  “Entertainment is a very effective marketing tool.  Like Las Vegas, they are also focused on entertainment.  That’s the trend.  We saw how effective it was so we did it here.”

Through celebrity shows, CF Angeles was able to develop new markets, Rivera explained.  “After watching the shows, some guests would go to the gaming area to play. And they come back after experiencing the fun and the thrill of winning.   Lately, we observed that there are many new faces especially in the Slot Machine area,”

Celebrity shows, said Rivera, not only benefit the casino but also the whole province of Pampanga.  “We became a provider of quality entertainment to the locals and guests. Even residents from Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and other nearby provinces in Central and Northern Luzon come to watch our shows here,” Rivera said.

“Gagawin naming maganda talaga ang Casino Filipino Angeles.  We will never stop creating quality entertainment and we will never stop providing our customers with wonderful experiences,” Rivera concluded. #

For more inquiries and other concerns, you may call CF-Angeles’ Customer Hotline at (045) 625-76-04 or the branch’s Marketing and Entertainment Section at (045) 625-75-97 local 218, 219 and 311.  Further, you may also like us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists

GM Redentor Rivera with Bong Quintana head of entertainment for Pagcor

Iza Calzado loves her expressions with #PondsAgeMiracle

Yes, I admit I am a skin care fiend for almost a decade now, I am always on the look out for that one moisturizer that would cover my insecurities, ie wrinkles, crows feet and that one line on my forehead. I make it appoint to invest on one good moisturizer that would cost an arm and a leg on my bank account.  I would rather buy that one miracle cream  than eat or buy make up. I believe that if you have a good skin to flaunt, you will need less of the make ups, a red lipstick would do the trick of brightening up your face though, but that is another story.

I discovered Ponds, a month after I resigned from my night job.  I told myself I have to cut on everything that would compromise my budget.  I googled skincare and from there, Ponds Miracle Age Cream with Retinol, makes you 10 years younger, appeared on my monitor. I bought the entire skincare from facial wash to night cream.

I swear on their Pond's Age Miracle Cell ReGEN Facial Foam. It has micro granules to slouch off dead skin cells, with just one wash, you could see and feel the difference already.

Pond's recently launched its newest Pond's celebrity endorser Ms. Iza Calzado at Axon, Green Sun last October 13. The event was hosted by Ms. Sarah Meir and graced by Pond's celebrity endorsers Chesca Kramer, Apples Aberin, Rizza Mananquil-Trillo, Agoo Bengzon and Vanessa Matsunaga who all have flawless skin and love their expressions despite the age and stress.

Dr Anna Palabyab gave her insights on how to achieve good skin by using Ponds Age Miracle Skin and not to worry about your expression such as lines and wrinkles.

Pond’s, the country’s number one skincare brand, has long been aware of the skin aging concerns of Filipinas. Through decades of continuous research and innovation through the Pond’s Institute, the iconic brand has addressed lines and wrinkles of millions of Filipinas to date.

Women are known to be expressive – they smile, they laugh, they cry at every milestone in their lives. However, a recent global study conducted by Pond’s showed that 78% of women hold their facial expressions back due to fear of being stereotyped and fear of their lines and wrinkles being seen in plain sight.

For Pond’s, expressions should leave impressions—not lines. And with Pond’s Age Miracle, women can freely express themselves, while forgetting the lines, allowing them to share their beautiful stories.

Dra Anna Palabyab, Pond’s resident skin care expert said, “People who repeatedly smile, frown, or squint will develop lines and wrinkles earlier than others who do not use these facial expressions often. Just like the muscles in our bodies, the more often we use them, the bigger and stronger they get! As we get older, we lose elasticity in our skin and wrinkles will from in the areas of the face that we usually use the most. These wrinkles usually form around the eyes, in the forehead, in between the brows, and around the mouth.”

But the good news is that, according to Dra. Palabyab, with the right kind of prevention, women can express as much as they want and not worry about the lines. “The key is in using products that have Retinol, as it stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to keep skin elastic and less prone to lines and wrinkles,” she added.

Forget the lines with Ponds Age Miracle
Enter Pond’s Age Miracle, a hardworking anti-aging skincare range that leaves skin looking up to 10 years younger. Pond’s Age Miracle features gold standard ingredients in age management in its Intelligent Pro-Cell Complex. It has CLA and AHA, which work hand in hand to exfoliate old skin cells and stimulate production of new, younger cells. It also has Retinol, the clinically-proven anti-aging ingredient that maintains elasticity of the skin by preventing rapid break down of collagen. Lastly, it has unique Retinol Boosters which prolong the effectiveness of Retinol – by as much as 3x! With all of these combined, Pond’s Age Miracle can make you forget the lines and make you bring out your beautiful expressions without any fear.

The Pond’s Age Miracle Expression of Beautiful Stories campaign also launched the brand’s newest ambassador: renowned actress and host Ms. Iza Calzado. Iza shared, “I strongly believe that women should express themselves and not worry about the lines that expressions may cause. Rather, be proud that you have experienced countless emotions in life. That is true wisdom! Be glad that you are able to feel and express yourself. There is nothing more liberating than being able to express your emotions with authenticity! Let Ponds Age Miracle take care of the lines and wrinkles so women’s expressions are worry-free.”

Like Iza, love your expressions, forget the lines! Look up to 10 years younger with Pond’s Age Miracle. Tell us your beautiful stories with #LoveMyExpressions and #PondsAgeMiracle in your posts.

Ponds Age Miracle comes in a full range of products starting off with Pond’s Age Miracle Facial Foam which aids in the removal of dead skin cells; Pond’s Age Miralce Day Cream with SPF 15 PA++ to moisturize skin and protect it from the aging rays of the sun and Ponds Age Miracle Deep Action Night Cream that renews skin cells while you sleep. Highly specialized products are also available such as the Pond’s Age Miracle Dual Eye Cream which helps remove puffiness and dark circle AND Pond’s Age Miracle BB Cream SPF 30 PA++ which conceals age spots while treating lines and wrinkles from within.

Ponds Age Miracle products are available in leading supermarkets and department stores near you. Know more about the products by visiting the Pond’s Institute in your favorite malls.

OFW families get a chance to reunite this holiday with #CherryChristmas

There is really no place like home. I have been an OFW once and imagine the sadness and longing that I felt for my loved ones all those year. Let alone along the christmas season, I remember celebrating noche buena with my sister, all by ourselves at the condo where we used to live. It was silent and eerie, the loneliest christmas of my life.  We missed the christmas traditions.  The morning after christmas,  we attended the mass roamed and shopped at the mall until closing time.  All I could think of back then is home and the family I left behind which made me realized why I left them in the first place. Such is the agony OFWs have been feeling when theyre not around their loved ones.

Cherry Mobile recently launch its Cherry Christmas promo where OFWs can fly home for free.  The event was graced by its newest Cherry Mobile Ambassador Piolo Pascual and hosted by Samantha Purvor held at New World Hotel last October 9.

This Christmas season, Cherry Mobile fulfills the deepest wishes of several of our OFWs and reunites them with their families through the Cherry Christmas promo where OFWs can fly home for free. The promo is open to all Filipino active Facebook users who have a family member working abroad.

Maynard Ngu, president of Cherry Mobile, adds, “One thing holds true to every OFW out there, if they all had a choice, they would never leave their families. I know that they would do everything just to enjoy Noche Buena with their loved ones, to open gifts with their kids, to celebrate Mass with their family and friends, and to revel in the other Christmas traditions. So we would like to gift them with this opportunity. ”

Brand ambassador Piolo Pascual shares.“For our OFWs, the happiest time of the year is also sometimes the loneliest. I saw firsthand while I travel abroad how much Filipinos yearn for their home and families. There really is no place like home. For those who live in the Philippines, we are happy to give and receive gifts, but deep inside, there’s no greater joy than being with family. I’m proud to be part of a brand that supports, connects, and encourages the Filipino family to be together,”

Connecting families and helping bridge distances since 2009, Cherry Mobile has always put to heart the needs of the Filipino, especially OFWs – whether it’s designing quality mobile products or creating programs that uplift the lives of their consumers.

This season, through the #CherryChristmas promo, Cherry Mobile rewards the hard work and sacrifices of our unsung heroes – the OFWs.


“Cherry Mobile, the leading mobile phone brand in the country that values your lifestyle, has always put the Filipino first, and so it is with great pride and pleasure that we bring together the Filipino family on the most important day of the year,” ends Kat Arceo-Ocampo, Cherry Mobile Marketing Head. “Please do join and spread the joy of Christmas!”

For the complete mechanics of the #CherryChristmas promo, visit their website and Facebook.

"Weekend at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar with Lani Misalucha in Harana"

       

HAVE an extraordinary weekend at the country's only heritage resort by the sea, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, on October 31, 2015 as Lani Misalucha serenades their guest for an enchanted evening of music and memories in Harana.

World class Filipino artist, concert performer, scintillating chanteuse, diva of the highest order - these are some of the words often used to describe the one and only Lani Misalucha, adored by many as Asia's Nightingale.

In the late 90's Misalucha started her reign. She sang the song  "Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw" (written by Jimmy Borja) which was a finalist at the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival and later received the Awit Award for Record of the Year.

She recorded an album "More than I Should" (Alpha Records) with carrier single of the same title written by Bodjie Dasig. The album included Misalucha's cover of Fifth Dimension's "Somebody Warm Like Me" . The entire album earned 12 Katha Award nominations.

Misalucha won the Minuro Endo Best Interpreter/Singer Award at the 3rd Asian Song Festival. Her piece entitled "Handle with Care" (written by Gideon Jungee Marcelo) won silver in the Best Original Song category.

 
In 1999, Misalucha moved to Viva Records and her album, with carrier single "Tunay na Mahal" (written by Freddie Saturno), made the charts and turned gold, later receiving the Awit Award for Best Ballad Recording, Awit Award for Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist, and Katha Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

That year as well, her cover of the torch song, "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me" topped the Philippine charts and became a national anthem of hopless romanticsin the same year.

Her other iconic hits include Vehnee Saturno's "Ang Lahat Ng Ito Ay Para Sa Iyo", Jimmy Borja's "Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin," and Liza Diy's "Tila"

The Philippines' Pride also became the first Asian to headline in a Main Showroom of the Las Vegas Strip, performing with Hawaii's Society of Seven at the Jubilee Theatre of Bally's and at the Main Showroom of the Flamingo.
         
Misalucha already had 8 studio albums, 4 live albums and 3 compilation albums which were loved and supported by the listening public.
         
Lani is here now to perform in Harana, the one-of-a-kind concert happens at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar's newly opened Hotel de Oriente Convention Centre, a replica of the first ever-luxurious hotel in Manila.

Aside from Misalucha's world-class performance, guests will enjoy a four-course dinner in the midst of the picturesque hall featuring outstanding Filipino crafts and artworks.
         
Spread over 400 hectares, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar features a collection of Spanish Colonial buildings and stone houses (bahay na bato in Tagalog), planned to resemble a settlement reminiscent of the period.
                     
This will be the first huge musical event at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a history-in-the-making as it opens grounds for grand meetings, exhibits and shows with Hotel de Oriente Convention Centre. Its two large venues, Manila and Binondo Halls, can each accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

 Musical director of Harana is Mell Villena. Musical accompaniment provided by the AMP Band.

Tickets for two are available for only Php 20,000.00 with overnight room accommodation for October 31-November 1, dinner, set breakfast, guided heritage tour, and pool and beach access. A group of four will get the same perks for only P35,000.00. Also available are tickets for the dinner and show for only Php 10,000.00 per person.

Book your tickets now via Ticketworld and at selected major National Bookstore branches, selected Robinsons Department Stores, in Ayala Malls - Greenbelt I and Trinoma Cinema Box Office, and at Resorts World Manila Box Office.

Visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999, 0917-550-6997 (Globe) and 999-954-5922(Smart) for inquiries and reservations. You may also call Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar - Manila sales and reservation office at (63-2) 3325338 and (63-2) 3325286.  Limited seats available.

Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is located in Bagac, Bataan, easily accessible via NLEX and SCTEX. It is a project of New San Jose Builders, Inc. and managed by Asian Grand Legacy Hotels Corp.

GOLDILOCKS RAISES THE LEVEL OF RICE TOPPINGS

Rice has always been a staple in the Filipino diet. No matter where you are in the Philippines –  regardless of your age or social status – at least one meal a day is composed of a delicious viand and a heaping serving of hot rice.

It is this love for rice that has inspired Goldilocks Foodshop to come up with their latest line of pork rice topping dishes, which are affordably priced and prepared in the way that only Goldilocks can. The new pork rice topping menu comes in delicious variants including pork gravy rice toppings, the pork teriyaki rice topping, and the sweet & spicy pork rice topping meals. All of these are conveniently priced at under P100 per order.


The good news is that these delectable pork dishes are part of the ongoing Buena Mano Monday promo of Goldilocks Foodshop. Every Monday of this month, customers who order any of the pork topping meals will receive a free 12 oz. coke. Try the new Goldilocks Pork Rice Toppings today and taste what it truly is to be Pinoy! Follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldiclocksPH, on the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph

Nuvali stages "Dirt Weekend" at Nuvali, Laguna

There is something about mountain biking that thrills the riders.  When you descent upon rocks, trails, roots and rough terrain, the satisfaction never ends there, the fact that you have mastered the road and trails gives you the healthy edge among others. It is the best workout so far, as you use your muscles for pedalling and maneuvering.

To those who are joining the Dirt Weekend on November 6-8 , pack lightly and don’t ever place anything in your pack that could jeopardize you in the event of a crash. Move your body and shift a lot, and support yourself with food, pump and multi-tool.

Nuvali launches Dirt Weekend last October 13 at Mind Museum. The event was hosted by Frank Garcia and Fox representative Aica Danas.

Nuvali has announced that it will be staging this year’s Philippine qualifying leg of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Mountain Bike (MTB) World Championship at the annual “Dirt Weekend” on November 6, 7 and 8 at Nuvali in Laguna. UCI is the international governing body on sports cycling and competitive cycling events. Started in 2009, Dirt Weekend is now recognized as one of the country’s premium racing events among professional MTB riders and enthusiasts alike.

“We are honored that Nuvali is hosting this prestigious international cycling event. Biking is part of the environmentally-responsible culture that we are cultivating in Nuvali. We continuously develop programs that are attuned to the local biking community - programs that promote a healthier lifestyle by encouraging biking as a mode of transportation and recreation. Also, we would like to serve as a platform for globally competitive athletes from the Philippines to get a chance to compete in the global stage,” said John Estacio, Nuvali General Manager.

Nuvali is a 2,290-hectare masterplanned mixed-use development that straddles the cities of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna. It is Ayala Land’s largest estate development to date with approximately 50% of the whole development dedicated to green and open spaces. Through the years, it has become a notable stomping ground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts via its nature amenities such as the 35-kilometer mountain bike and running trail. It also features a multi-functional lake, hiking paths, and a Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary. To get to Nuvali, one can get off the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) at the Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton-Greenfield, Silangan and Canlubang exits. Nuvali is also accessible via public buses that ply to and from the estate from major centers like Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Balibago.

Dirt Weekend will feature four MTB races, each requiring a unique set of mountain biking skills, throughout a three-day period of non-stop festivities revolving around the popular cycling sport. The main event is the UCI Cross Country Marathon (XCM) World Series qualifying race which enables top finishers to move up to the 2016 Cross Country Marathon World Championship in France. The XCM course on Nuvali runs for 70 kilometers and is riddled with technical descents as well as rocky paths and obstacles, designed to mimic a mountain terrain.

 The UCI Cross Country Olympic (XCO) is similar to the XCM but shorter at 35 kilometers. The XCO is a “Registered Class 3” UCI race that lets elite riders earn UCI points. The Four Cross Race is a gravity or downhill event that features four riders racing at the same time through a challenging BMX-like trail of jumps, drops and obstacles, with the top finisher proceeding to the next round. The Dirt Weekend Cross Country Race is Nuvali’s signature cycling event that draws over 1,000 riders yearly to the estate in an exhilarating dash around its 35-kilometer dirt trail.

 “This year, we are expecting over 5,000 visitors to Nuvali for the Dirt Weekend, including 1,500 riders. We strive to make Dirt Weekend an enjoyable gathering place for competitive bikers and fun riders by staging challenging races that cater to all skill levels, as well as entertaining fringe activities such as a bike expo and food fair for all,” said Estacio.

In the weeks leading up to Dirt Weekend, bike enthusiasts can participate in special activities designed to build the momentum for the grand three-day event. On October 17 and 18, Ayala Malls Solenad in Nuvali will hold a bike expo at the Solenad Activity Park. The outdoor-themed premium shopping complex is one of Nuvali’s newest leisure attractions featuring new dining and shopping spots, bike lanes, spacious walkways, a fully-packed playground and pocket gardens.
On the same weekend, Nuvali will also hold a bike clinic designed to introduce newbies to the sport of mountain biking.

Over the years, Dirt Weekend has created massive ripples across the MTB community as a leading pioneer in staging world-class cycling events, a testament of its enthusiasm and support to the Philippine cycling scene. In 2012, Dirt Weekend summoned hundreds of riders around the country with the staging of the first Enduro Race in the Philippines. The following year, it created another round of excitement among dirt riders when Nuvali became the venue for the first UCI Philippine MTB National Championship and the first Philippine MTB Marathon National Championship, garnering over 1,000 participants in attendance.

“As we all know motor vehicles account for a substantial portion of greenhouse gas emission. If we are to reverse or mitigate the effects of climate change, we must find an alternative and more sustainable means of transportation. That’s why in Nuvali, when we plan the whole estate, we made sure biking is a priority. We have put together infrastructure that will allow such. We have dedicated bike lanes, we are starting with our bike share program and we have also established dedicated off road biking and running trails.” concluded Estacio.

Nuvali is a complete self-supporting eco-community that is home to 12,000 residential units, two business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, a leisure shopping mall, and two prestigious schools. A world-class health facility is set to rise on the estate grounds by the second quarter of 2016.

An OFW Sails to New Wealth Horizons

Christopher Cervantes was only twenty one years when he left his family to travel the world and work on an oil and chemical tanker ship. Later on after marrying and having kids with the woman of his dreams, he hoped to pay for the education of his children, and help his family live a comfortable life. He rose through the ship ranks, and soon became captain of the ship. As his salary began to increase, however, he noticed that the money he was sending home was not.


“I feel that OFWs, with most of us coming from a difficult financial background, aren’t used to handling large sums of cash. We’re overwhelmed by the sudden inflow of money,” Cervantes observed. “This is why we tend to buy the latest gadgets, go on  outrageous shopping sprees, and splurge on leisure and recreation as if there were no tomorrow,” he further mused.

Eventually, Cervantes realized he had to take a more long-term and responsible approach to his finances. He began to read finance books such as “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”, and started to talk to his crewmates about wealth management. In the midst of this newfound perspective, he arrived at one crucial realization: given the rising costs of education and living expenses, a high salary does not guarantee future security.

Despite all the studying Cervantes did on the ship, however, he still had no practical knowledge of how and where to begin investing. He was particularly interested in the stock market, but found it daunting. “At the time, I thought the stock market was only for wealthy businessmen in well-tailored suits. I was hesitant about investing my family’s money on a system I didn’t know much about,” he explained.

It seemed like divine intervention when Cervantes ran into a Philam Life financial advisor at a local fast food restaurant. The financial advisor then convinced the ship captain about the wisdom of life insurance and long-term financial planning, and soon Cervantes was passing on the same knowledge to his crewmates.

“I organized a regular group on the ship every Sunday,” Cervantes narrated. “My goal was to remind them of their original intentions for going abroad in the first place – to provide for their family. And I want to help them realize that the best way to do this is to think long-term, invest in stocks, equity funds, and life insurance plans to secure their family’s financial freedom,” he added. 

Cervantes took this dedication for financial education even further by becoming a Registered Financial Planner. He noticed that although the majority of OFWs plan to retire by the age of 45, a good number end up working overseas even after becoming senior citizens, mainly due to poor financial planning. Chris on the other hand was able to retire at the age of 39.
“It really is my passion to teach people financial literacy. I believe that it is something we should all have, and to eliminate the misconceptions that only the rich can invest and be wise about their money.”

Nowadays, Cervantes holds regular financial literacy programs at his office in Philam Life Cubao. He is also the author of “Financial Planning in the Fast Changing World,”  

“The Seed Money,” and the runner-up in Angat Pilipinas’s OFW Advocate of the Year award.
“My life would be very different if I were still on that boat,” said Cervantes. “Philam Life gave me such a big opportunity to turn my financial mind-set upside down, and it has changed my family’s life for the better.  I encourage all my clients to do the same: invest in stocks, bonds and life insurance plans now.” he concluded.

To find out more about Philam Life’s Balikbayani Program, contact a Philam Life Kabalikat Financial Advisor or call 528-2000 or visit www.philamlife.com