Converse x DC Comics launches Wonder Woman, Batman, Superman & All Justice League

I have been a Converse loyalist since my college days. I have around 12 pairs and 3 limited editions, and a Jack Purcell, a hands down  from my sister abroad. Yes, I am not a platform, heels or wedges kind of girl.  I have been living my life around those sneakers. With the things are going, I guess you'll see me toting around a white Jack Purcell as long as I live, despite my age, I have never given up on them. My fashion state nowadays is all about comfort, I guess I would forever be wearing my Chuck Taylor sneakers with anything, shorts, dress, pants, culottes and still feel and look cool at any given time. "Nasa nagdadala yan".Now, that the Converse Limited edition launches  The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star DC Comics pack. I am torn between a Wonder Woman limited edition and a Justice League sneakers.

The limited-edition collection features Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Justice League characters illustrated by renowned DC Comics artists Jim Lee, Jock (Mark Simpson), Andy Kubertand Kenneth Rocafort. This DC Comics collection marks Converse’s eighth collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, which first launched Fall 2010.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Wonder Woman The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Wonder Woman sneaker features amazing artwork from the Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment, Jim Lee. Two different images of Wonder Woman are included on both sides of the sneaker, Wonder woman logo is printed on the tongue and on the laces. Suggested Retail Price: Php 3,510 Sizing: 5-8 Ladies
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Batman

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Batman sneaker  showcases the intriguing artwork designed by British comic artist Jock. Featuring two bold illustrations of Batman on either side, the iconic Batman logo is printed on the tongue of the sneaker, along the inner lining and on the laces.  Suggested Retail Price: Php 3,510.00 Sizing : 7-11 Mens

Converse Chuck Taylor All Justice League

Featuring illustrations created by Andy Kubert, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Justice League sneaker illustrates the team of DC Comics Super Heroes on both sides of the sneaker. Compelling imagery is printed on the sneaker with the Justice League logo screened on the tongue and comes with both white and black laces that allow for customization. Suggested Retail Price:Php 3,510.00 Sizing : 7-11 Mens

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Superman

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Superman sneaker features artwork by Kenneth Rockfort  that highlights two different  images of Superman  on both sides of the sneakers . The iconic red and yellow S-Shield is printed on the tongue of the sneaker and includes a red lining with an allover printed logo. Suggested Retail Price: Php 3,510 Sizing : 7-11 Mens

Fall in love all over again for The Bridges of Madison County Musical

It was years ago when I had a chance to watch The  Bridges of Madison County,  a Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood starrer (the movie was shown 1995).  I remember crying for 2 consecutive hours from that unforgettable scene wherein Francesca Johnson beautifully acted by Meryl Streep, was forced to choose between Robert Kincaid (Clint Eastwood) and her family.   I wanted them to stay together, to give love a chance. Am I the only one who feel that way? But Francesca's love for her family won in the end. It was a 4-day love affair, but it was intense and fierce, you could feel the emotion between the two characters.

After the movie, I finally read the book  5 years ago and finished it in 3 hours.  The scene flashback before me, and I wanted to see the movie again, luckily, there is a musical adaptation that is coming on November 20 that will run until December 6, 2015.

Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group (ATEG) and Metrobank Card Corporation launches the Tony Award winning musical THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY with lead actors Joanna Ampil and MiG Ayesa last November 3. The presscon was held at Oakwood Premier, ADB Ortigas.

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is set to open on November 20 and run until December 6 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. Leading the cast as Francesca and Robert are two iconic performers of the international musical theatre stage, Joanna Ampil and MiG Ayesa.


Fresh from the success of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, which recently concluded the first leg of its Asian Tour, ATEG brings you THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, one of the most romantic stories ever written. Now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, based on the best-selling novel by Robert James Waller, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY tells the story of Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson and her life-changing, four-day whirlwind romance with traveling photographer Robert Kincaid. It’s an unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more.

This brand new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. The Daily News hails it as “one of Broadway’s best scores in the last decade.”

Joanna Ampil, who rose to stardom in London’s West End as Kim in Miss Saigon, Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar Eponine and Fantine in Les Miz and Christmas Eve in Avenue Q, says of her latest role, “It will be my first musical in Manila after a long hiatus. The last one was The Sound of Music in 2012. I'm hungry for a new challenge and this role of Francesca will certainly give me that challenge, stretch and creativity that I'm always craving for as an artist. Jason Robert Brown and I performed in London sometime ago way before he wrote Bridges and to be able to play a lead in one of his works will be a wonderful experience; because I know that he writes some amazing stuff. I look forward to sharing the stage with MiG Ayesa, also. But, the thing that appealed to me the most was the idea of working for ATLANTIS for the first time and being directed by Bobby Garcia.”



MiG Ayesa, who performed the role of Stacee Jaxx in ROCK OF AGES on Broadway and in Manila, says, “I am so thrilled to be returning to the Manila stage with this production of THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. The score written by Jason Robert Brown is so breathtakingly beautiful it has to be considered a modern classic, and well deserved of the Tony Awards it received. I cannot wait to show such a different side to me, as the last time Manila audiences saw me was as the crazed rocker ‘Stacee Jaxx’ in ROCK OF AGES. The chance to be working opposite such a world class performer such as Jo Ampil, as well as under the direction of Bobby Garcia, promises to be an experience I will never forget. This will be my second stage production with ATEG, and it has always been a labour of love in that camp. Any excuse to visit the Philippines is worth the work! I cannot think of a better way than to return with such a production as beautiful as this.”


Bobby Garcia, who directs the musical, says. “I am thrilled to have two of the finest musical theatre performers breathe vibrant life into these iconic characters. Creating this show with Joanna and MiG
has been an extremely rewarding creative experience and I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing these parts. Jason Robert Brown’s score for BRIDGES is one of the most glorious musical theatre scores in recent memory. What a joy to hear it everyday in rehearsals. It is an honor to be able to stage this show for Manila audiences”


Also in the cast are Carla Guevara-Laforteza in the dual role of Marian and Chiara, Nino Alejandro as Bud, Emeline Celis-Guinid as Marge, Jamie Wilson as Charile, Bibo Reyes as Michael and Mikkie Bradshaw as Caroline. Joining them in the ensemble are Steven Conde, Nel Gomez, Franz Imperial, Yanah Laurel, Abi Sulit and Teetin Villanueva.


THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY is directed by Bobby Garcia, Choreography by Cecile Martinez, Musical Direction by Ceejay Javier, Set Design by Faust Peneyra, Lighting Design by JonJon Villareal, Costume Design by Eric Pineda, Hair and Make Up Design by Johann dela Fuente and Vocal Direction by ManMan Angsico.


The unforgettable story about love, passion and choices that BRIDGE to a second chance is brought to you by ABS-CBN, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Delta Airlines, Oakwood Premier Joy~Nostalg Center Manila, Chrysler Philippines, Retro DCG-FM, Monster Radio RX 93.1, Crossover, Mellow 94.7 Sounds Good!, Portfolio Studios, Hit Productions Inc., Center of Aesthetic Studies, and Lynelle Hair Fashion.


Get your tickets now for what is destined to be the most romantic musical of the year! Tickets for THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY are available at Ticketworld at 891-9999.

#JaDine perfect fit for 7-Eleven, City Blends Coffee

It cannot be deny that #Jadine is the loveteam for reel to beat this season. The moment I posted pictures of them to my instagram account @jlougar, the likes increases from 1 to 500 for one picture alone in just 45 minutes. Their tweets and instagram selfies are trending from the minute they uploaded their pictures, either from On The Wings of Love scenes, #JaDine selfies or from some brand they're promoting.  Let alone for the 7-Eleven  City Blends Coffee exclusive presscon for these celebrity ambassadors. When they appeared up front, you could feel the love and positive vibes sending your way, instantly. May kilig factor, talaga.



Philippine Seven Corporation (PSC), country licensee of leading convenience store chain 7-Eleven, present James Reid and Nadine Lustre as the new faces of City Blends coffee.

With James and Nadine staying atop social media trends due to their undeniable charisma as well as the relatable kilig that they bring to fans of all ages, 7-Eleven has really found the honest and down-to-earth personalities that are the perfect fit for City Blends coffee.

Fan response to the selection of the two has been positive across the board, with Reiders and Naddicts alike sharing the teasers, memes, as well as lines from the TVC on social media causing #JaDineFor711 to trend on Twitter.

The overwhelming fan response has prompted 7-Eleven to release an exclusive never-before-seen footage from the TVC and print shoot plus the alternate endings that fans – what James could have said to Nadine. This is also 7-Eleven’s way to thank JaDine fans for the unexpected support, as well as for integrating the hugot lines in their social media posts. Apparently it’s hard to move on, especially when we’re talking about James Reid and Nadine Lustre. And that’s a good thing for #JaDineFor711.

Honest-to-goodness Coffee
With #JaDine as the new endorsers, City Blends gets its well-deserved turn in the spotlight. The coffee is made from 100% Arabica beans, with each cup made fresh as you order. The City Blends machine grinds the beans on the spot, giving you unparalleled freshness: the secret to quality coffee. Even the pricing is great, with City Blends starting at 20 pesos, honest!

To excite fans even further, 7-Eleven is releasing limited edition City Blends cups with photos of JaDine! The 8oz cup features Nadine, the 12oz cup features James, and the 16oz cup features the couple. The JaDine cups do not only have hugot quotes from the TVC, they are also interactive so customers can have fun writing their own honest hugot as well. The cups will be available in City Blends stores by November 4, 2015.

Aside from its brewed coffee, City Blends also offers other flavors such as French Vanilla, Mochaccino and Hershey's Dark Chocolate.

Try the new 7-Eleven City Blends coffee currently available in 565 7-Eleven stores nationwide.
7-Eleven will end the year with 712 City Blends stores! Watch out for more of #JaDineFor711!
Facebook: facebook.com/711philippines
Twitter: @711philippines
Instagram: @711ph

Reimagining the Filipino City through the lens of Environmental Planners

The Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP), the national professional organization of licensed environmental planners (EnP), will hold its 24th National Convention at the Asian Institute of Management Conference Center, Benavidez corner Trasierra Streets, Makati City on November 6, 2015.

Given the mandate to promote and ensure the professional development of national and local planners, and pursue related policy and advocacies on sustainable development, PIEP conducts an annual National Convention which is attended by its members, as well as other professionals and aspiring environmental planners.

Lara Togonon -De Castro, President, Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners

According to EnP Larisa Togonon-De Castro, PIEP President, “this year, PIEP is committed to engage delegates through an energizing and informative program of speakers. With the theme Reimagining the Filipino City, five relevant topics will be presented through panel sessions that bring together EnPs and experts in various fields, as well as advocates, policy makers and program implementers from the public and private sectors.”

The Filipino Identity session is an opportunity to reflect on characteristics of the city dweller, with focus on Filipino culture and heritage. It aims to examine the foundations that influence how Filipinos shape their city, and how we can build on—or challenge—them in the pursuit of inclusive, resilient, safe and sustainable communities. Among the speakers for this session are Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje Jr, Ateneo de Manila University Professor and PH NatCom for UNESCO’s Dr. Fernando Zialcita, and Tomeldan, Allia and Molina Planners or TAM’s EnP Michael Tomeldan.



In the panel session entitled (Re)defining Sustainable Development for Filipino Cities, UN Habitat’s Chris Rollo, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council or HUDCC’s Avellino Tolentino III and EnP Veronica Arcilla will share fresh approaches to sustainable development, recognizing global frameworks while advancing a distinct Filipino perspective to urban planning and development policies and practices.

A session is also dedicated for Mobility and the City to tackle access, transport, and mobility. Led by panelists Department of Transportation and Communications senior adviser, Mr. Robert Siy, UP School of Urban and Regional Planning’s former dean, Dr.Primitivo Cal, and Inclusive Mobility’s Julia Nebrija. EnPs will reflect on the current state of transport in the Philippines as an integral part of urban development, as well as opportunities and directions for the future.

The speakers of the Planning Tools for the Future: Data Democracy and Urban Planning session will discuss technologies, approaches, and best practices to equip planners with relevant tools that are critical in achieving sustainable development goals. Ms. Giann Karla Gaoiran will present the action plan of Open Data Philippines. Sudesh Mudaliar will share about the Flood Modeling tool of XP Solutions, and Mr. Sunil M K will discuss how Autodesk has been working on Mapping for Smart Cities around the world. Autodesk is PIEP’s co-presenter of the 2015 PIEP national convention.

Six students from Grades 10-11 of Singapore School of Manila won this year’s Young Mayor’s Competition. They bested several schools from around Asia with their proposals for the City of Manila. They will be opening the session on Alternative Urban Futures. The final session presents an array of alternative futures for the Filipino City, incorporating culture, innovation, technology and sustainability. Among the panelists for this session are: Environmental Planner and Architect Joel Luna of Ayala Land, EnP Architect Mark de Castro of EnPraxis-LUGAR, and BCDA President, Atty. Arnel Casanova. Dr. Mary Racelis of the Institute of Philippine Culture rounds up the full day of discussion.

PIEP Vice President and Convention Chairperson, Karima Patricia Palafox reveals that “during the National Convention, PIEP will offer the unique opportunity to connect licensed environmental planners who work in government, non-government, and private sectors, and to facilitate opportunities for partners through an interactive exhibition and a program of social events.”

Among the National Convention’s major output is the Call to Action which translates PIEP’s advocacies into a collective approach to sustainable development .

Finn spends his Halloween at Cartoon Network Intergalactic Halloween Party!

What better way to spend your Halloween than dressing up your kid to their favorite superhero or Cartoon Network character?  Halloween parties aren’t just events where you get dressed up though. Its about bonding with the kids and spending quality time with them. Its that time of the year for the trick or treating once again as Cartoon Network celebrates Intergalactic Halloween Party.


I had the best Halloween date with the love of my life, Finn at a recent Cartoon Network Intergalactic Halloween Party coinciding with Ben 10's birthday bash last October 31 at SM Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall. Since Finn is a fan of Adventure Time and Ben 10. I decided to surprised him with his favorite Cartoon Network characters.

The Halloween party would not be complete without the costume.  We stopped by at SM Megamall and looked for Adventure Time's Finn. But the SA told us right away that it was out of stock. So Finn opted for Spiderman, instead. I knew no one would stop him wearing Spidey, the first time he laid his eyes on the mask he told me "I want that mask on me".

Off we went to the party, the venue was filled with intergalactic entities along with our favorite Cartoon Network characters such as Finn and Jake of Adventure Time, Gumball & Darwin of The Amazing World of Gumball, Grizzly, Panda and Ice Bare of We Bare Bears, and many more.

Finn and I went around the venue and took on the spooktacularly fun games and challenges at the character-themed booths such as Jake's webb, wherein Finn crawled his way out to Jake's tangled arms and was awarded with candies! You could have seen the smile on his face when he told me "I did it"!

He had his face painted with his favorite Jake of  Adventure Time, and proceeded to other booths for fun, adventure and more candies to fill up his tote bag.

The birthday boy Ben 10 celebrated his birthday coincided with the Halloween party, along with his Cartoon Network buddies, wowed the crowd with a special dance number. After which, everyone joined in singing Ben 10 a “Happy Birthday” song.

While media guests and visitors  got the chance to ramp up their annual trick-or-treating with exclusive prizes fattening up their loot bags.

It was, indeed, a fantastically, spooktacular, intergalactic Halloween and birthday bash from the number one kids’ channel, Cartoon Network.

This event was presented  by Scooby Doo, Toy Kingdom, McDonald’s, Selecta Moo, Ceelin Chewables, Jack n’ Jill Chooey, UFC Color Crazee Catsup and Lipps Pop Stix. Media Partners: SKYCable, K-Zone and TotalGirl.

SMALL BITES, BIG LIKES FOR GOLDILOCKS’ POLVORON BITES

Sweets are a delightful companion to any activity. Whether it’s watching a movie, reading your favorite book, or just simply hanging out with friends, sweets are the perfect snack to give you an instant pick-me-up. While we are spoilt for choice with candies, nothing comes quite close to the inimitable goodness of polvoron. Of course, when Filipinos think of polvoron, they immediately associate it with Goldilocks.

Indeed, it is the country’s number one bakeshop that imprinted this creamy, sweet, and powdery treat in the hearts and stomachs of generations of Pinoys. Now that the original Goldilocks polvoron lovers are all grown up and have children of their own, they can pass on the experience to their own kids – albeit in a new and more convenient package via the new Goldilocks Polvoron Bites.

This new generation of polvoron may seem smaller than most of us remember, but what it lacks in size, it still makes up for in taste and convenience. These bite-sized pieces are easier to store and share with friends and loved ones. They also come in two flavors, namely the Signature (and best-loved) Classic polvoron and the new Choco-covered variant.

Grab the Polvoron Bites from your nearest Goldilocks branch. For more details, follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldiclocksPH; or visit the Goldilocks Facebook page, and at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph []

I survived the Pioneer Travel Buddy Challenge

"Buhay ka pa ah, pinatay na kita diba?"  Well sorry to disappoint you, dear friend, but it  turns out I was a lot tougher than I thought.

Okay, given that I've had more hospital visits than the regular Maria Clara, surviving an appendectomy cholecystectomy and tonsillectomy, physical challenges were still a different thing especially since my last serious activity was a 5K fun run a few months ago.

I never thought I could the endure the physical challenges that I have gone through at Kampo Trexo, Cavite last October 26.  I wasnt prepared and I thought my muscles would give up, given my age and lack of any semblance of physical training for the past few months .Unless you count the daily stair climbing at the North Avenue and the stretching and tugging inside the train, I guess the only strenuous activity I do regularly is banging away on the keyboard of my laptop.

But I guess my thirst for challenges and a Cherry Mobile Flare 4 far exceeded any of my fears. After travelling for 2 hours, 5 hour of physical challenges, I can proudly say that I survived the Pioneer Challenge and Our Blue Team won the physical challenge with Team Leader Rodel Flordeliz and team mates Cristelle Torres, Rey Belen and Sef Gutierrez.  

Flashback, 3 weeks ago,  I got an invite from one of my PR friends asking me if Im up for an adventure I said game! Not even asking what kind of adventure it would be. I felt I gained a lot of weight and looking and desperate for any way to shed off some pounds.

The reason for this adventure was to introduce Pioneer's Travel Buddy, I think this is perfect for people who loves to travel and search for adventure.

With team mate Cristelle Torres before the exhaustion and physical challenge

As we work at least eight hours a day and five days a week, most of us look forward to two things: travel and adventure. However, we often hold back as we worry about safety and risks. Now, get peace of mind with just one click, thanks to Pioneer’s InsureShop, which provides us with easy-to-access insurance coverages so we can live our life without worries.

Whether you’re camping in Anawangin, Zambales or food tripping in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Travel Buddy that is available on InsureShop will get you covered. For P100, Travel Buddy provides you accident insurance for 30 days regardless of how many trips you take.

Meanwhile, thrill seekers can now enjoy going on more daring activities with Travel Buddy Adventure. This P200 insurance product covers the expenses that may arise in case accidents happen while doing adventurous activities and hobbies such as spelunking, white-water rafting, and windsurfing. Here’s the complete list of activities covered by Travel Buddy Adventure:

Aside from safety, one other concern while you’re enjoying your adventure is your health. According to news reports, Dengue fever is considered one of the deadliest seasonal diseases that hit the Philippines every year. In fact, in 2014, the World Health Organization has recorded almost 60,000 Dengue cases in the country. While this figure may be lower compared to the 300,000 cases documented in 2012, this epidemic still persists to this day, as 92,000 Dengue cases were recorded from January to September of this year.

Pioneer has you covered against this disease with MediCash Dengue Insurance, which is also available on InsureShop for P350. This plan provides one-year coverage with P10,000 cash assistance upon diagnosis of Dengue for individuals from 1 to 70 years old.

Aside from being a trusted local insurance company in the Philippines, Pioneer is also one of the top five companies that offer non-life insurance coverage. Pioneer has been in the business for over half a century and has helped millions of Filipinos become financially prepared for the unexpected.

Find out more about InsureShop and its products at www.shop.pioneer.com.ph

Snowcaps launches celebrity ambassador Alden Richards

The #Aldenatics for the Aldubnation #Aldub must be very happy with what is happening to their Pambansang Prince Charming idol Alden Richards. It is Alden's most productive year to count together with his screen partner Maine Mendoza of Eat Bulaga's Kalye Serye fame.  The bedimpled actor recently partner with Snowcaps Glutathione as Snowcaps brand ambassador , he reveals that his skincare routine consists of taking Snowcaps as his antioxidant to keep his skin fair looking and glowing.

The launch was held at Plaza Ibarra on October 29 and graced by media and Snowcaps executives. He sang his chart topper "Wish I May" his hit single as of this writing. Alden started showbiz five years ago, it is with his screen partnership with Maine Mendoza for the Eat Bulaga's Kalye Serye segment that he becomes popular through Twitter.

2015 is indeed a big year for Alden Richards. With a string of TV shows, a new chart-topping single, and a swarm of product endorsements under his belt, one could really say that the Philippines’ Pambansang Bae is now the hottest male celebrity in the country today.

At the Winter Christmas-themed launch for oral glutathione brand Snowcaps, Alden’s most recent
product endorsement, the heartthrob wasn’t coy in sharing his struggle during his early years as an actor.

"It’s no secret the challenges I had to go through to get to this point. Maraming pagsubok early on in my career pero ngayon, napatunayan ko talaga na hard work pays off. I can definitely say na dumating na talaga ang moment ko,” quips Alden.

He has the Filipinos’ cult following of the ubiquitous Eat Bulaga Kalyeserye to thank for his massive success as an actor. His hit single "Wish I May” recently topped the iTunes PH Top Singles list during its pre-selling period and with over'two million followers in Twitter alone, there’s no denying that there’s no other way for this talented actor but up.

Alden continues to display humility and gratitude despite his overnight success. He shares that his past experiences helps him keep his feet on the ground and he has no problems showing it with, his tearful EB Kalye Serye stint.

"I just can’t help but be overwhelmed by the love and support I am getting. now from my network, the ALDENatics, and of course my friends in the industry. Thinking about these really makes me emotional kasi matagal-tagal ko din ’tong hinintay,” Alden said.

It’s no wonder why millions of Filipinos here and abroad take inspiration in Alden. Alden’s story is proof that wishes do come true. It’s his determination and success that made him the perfect embodiment of Snowcaps.

Snowcaps is the first oral glutathione in the Philippines and is among the leading skin whitening supplements in the market today. As a brand which in the past managed to gather and sustain a strong following through word of mouth, Snowcaps today rises to the occasion — and is ready to play alongside the bigwigs - by partnering with one of the hottest stars in Philippine showbiz today.

Snowcaps contains the premium, FDA-approved 500mg of L-Glutathione formulation, also known as the miracle enzyme, Alpha Lipoic Acid and Vitamin C for safe and effective whitening in as fast as six weeks. It also contains 50 percent more glutathione than more expensive brands.

Glutathione is also a compound naturally produced by the liver and is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants which inhibit the production of toxins and free radicals caused by stress and other external lifestyle factors - perfect for busy individuals like Alden who not only want to maintain luminous and fair skin but also a sound and healthy body.