Daniel Padilla & Marian Rivera Named Kids’ Favorite in Cartoon Network Study

Source: @therealmarian and @carlaford1121 Instagram accounts

Kids have voted Daniel Padilla and Marian Rivera as their Filipino celebrities in a recent Cartoon Network survey. Even when pitted against international celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Mr. Bean and Kobe Bryant, Padilla still comes out on top of the pile among boys, while Rivera came second only to Taylor Swift. Coco Martin and Sarah Geronimo were runners up.

Highlighting Cartoon Network’s appeal to those of all ages, both Padilla and Rivera are huge fans of Adventure Time, the animated series set in the Land of Ooo. Rivera has even admitted to trying on a costume of the key character Princess Bubblegum!

To congratulate both actors on their confirmed celebrity status, Cartoon Network presented them with pairs of limited edition Adventure Time Dr. Martens boots featuring Jake the Dog.

Source: @therealmarian and @carlaford1121 Instagram accounts

The Cartoon Network survey asked 500 Mega Manila-based parent-child pairs with kids aged ranging from four to 14 years old.

Catch your favorite Cartoon Network shows on SKYCable Channel 43, SKYCable HD Channel 178, Cignal Channel 35, Cignal HD Channel 110, Destiny Cable (Digital) Channel 43, Destiny Cable (Analog) Channel 51 and Cable Link Channel 26, Dream Satellite Channel 15.

Have a #CherryChristmas with your OFW loved ones this December!

Connecting families and helping bridge distances since 2009, Cherry Mobile has always put to heart the needs of the Filipino, especially OFWs. This season, through the #CherryChristmas promo, Cherry Mobile rewards the hard work and sacrifices of our unsung heroes – the OFWs.

This season can be the loneliest for OFWs spending the holidays away from their loved ones. That’s why Cherry Mobile wants to fulfill the deepest wishes of OFWs and reunite them with their loved ones for a truly #CherryChristmas!

The #CherryChristmas promo invites participants to share how their loved ones make their Christmas a merry one through a short video. Tell us your story and we’ll bring them home to you!

Deadline of submission of entries is on November 14, 2015.
There’s a few more days left so check out the mechanics on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/cherrymobile/?sk=app_208195102528120
or visit their website at http://www.cherrymobile.com.ph/cherry-christmas-ofw-campaign

Have a Cherry Christmas!

Make the Best Happen with BPI!

The life you've always wanted depends on you, it will not happen if you dont have goals to begin with. There are no more excuses, you should work your way towards your goal. For instance if you would love to travel, you'll set aside time and money  and prioritize travel above all.  But the number one thing that holds us back from doing the things that we wanted to do is the lack of budget.

For one thing now, make the best happen while you are young and prioritize what you want in life, be it health, parenting, shopping, dining and planning for the future. Since travel is in my top priority, I cut my expenses and buy what I only need for the moment, to save up  for my next trip. visit Makethebesthappen.ph as I did when I was invited at the recent event  of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) last October 27 at Enderrun Tent, BGC.

The launch of BPI’s institutional campaign revealed an animated video, a reminder that we can make anything we’d love to happen, happen.

And to guide us along the way, BPI also created a microsite. Makethebesthappen.ph addresses some of the areas in life where most individuals have goals. The articles offer practical tips on travel,
health, parenting, shopping, dining and planning for the future. A quick tour of the site shows several helpful reads such as listings of secret food stops outside Metro Manila, quirky Korean tours, inspiring workouts, some necessary life purchases, and how to teach kids to save money.

During the lunch hosted by the bank, media representatives were welcomed by Ma. Corazon S. Remo, BPI Senior Vice President and Head of Strategic and Corporate Planning Division. We had fun as we were sent booth hopping, earning prizes at every stop. These booths were meant to give the guests an idea on what life goal they could pursue.

We enjoyed some canapés and wine at the dining booth, played tourists at the travel booth, engaged in pseudo-retail therapy at the shopping booth, exercised a little bit at the health booth and did some art at the parenting booth.

At the future booth, we sat down with BPI’s investment counselors and shared our aspirations. The counselors listened and did some pencil pushing keeping in mind our concerns and perceived limitations. Together, we identified the barriers and discussed ways to break them down or move around them. We walked out of the meeting feeling empowered, believing that indeed, we can make the best happen.

In a statement, Cezar P. Consing, BPI President and CEO, said, “We strive to know and understand the individual circumstances and financial needs of our clients, then offer financial advice. Only then do we propose certain solutions that are suitable and customized for each and every client. BPI empowers Filipinos to make the best of their life happen by providing innovative and accessible financial solutions.”

“We’re here to make anything you’d love to happen, happen whether it’s for leisure, education, or broadening one’s horizons.”

Tricia Quiambao, Head of BPI’s Strategic Brand Management, said with BPI’s Make the Best Happen campaign, people come first. “We put a premium on understanding our clients and their needs, and as people become more and more aware of the world around them and the many possibilities and opportunities it offers, BPI enables them to accomplish those goals and aspirations better, faster and more efficiently,” she explained.

Nate Ruess the vocalist behind "Carry On" is here to rock Manila on January 19

I first heard  "Carry On" last year or was that 2 years ago after my resignation at the BPO.  This was the same song that I always re-listen to when I wash the clothes or when working on my blog. I decided this to be my carry on song when about giving up on something or that is beyond my comfort zone. I am not surprised that the Grammy Award winning vocalist who is responsible for his "We Are Young" and "Nothing Without Love" is going to visit the PH next year.

Grammy Award winning recording artist Nate Ruess is coming to Manila on January 19th for his much-awaited concert at the newly opened KIA Theatre at Araneta Center.

Ruess – who is of course known around the globe as the singer/songwriter of the indie pop super group FUN. that was responsible for the hits “We Are Young”, “Some Nights” and “Carry On” – is out with his solo album Grand Romantic featuring the hit song “Nothing Without Love”. Ruess says he’s always been a romantic, even if he’s also always been the cynical kind. Last summer, as he began writing and demoing tracks for his solo debut, his awareness of these dueling qualities was especially pronounced. Ruess was in the early days of a new relationship, with all of its anxiety and excitement.

A collaboration of some of the best producers and musicians in the industry namely Jeff Bhasker who has worked with Kanye West and Beyonce, Emile Haynie who produced for Lana Del Ray, and Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, Ruess’s Grand Romantic is an album that’s meant to make you experience music about issues like death, and dealing with the ugliest part of yourself or having to face really tough decisions instead of avoiding them. With this album, it’s about taking those dark themes and saying, ‘I want to enjoy and embrace life.’

As he tells it, “There’s always been some theatrical aspect to my music. And I would love to bury it, but I can’t. I’m not ready to embrace it 100%, but I’m ready to accept it.” He continues: “I feel like, as a human being, I’ve grown so much in the process of making this album, and this needed to happen,” he says. “I’ve never had a better time doing anything in my entire life.”

Catch Nate Ruess live as he brings all the inspiration and music of Grand Romantic to his Filipino fans. Tickets will be on-sale on Saturday, November 14th at TicketNet.com.ph or call 911-5555 or 374-9999. For more information, follow Wilbros Live (facebook.com/WilbrosLive and Twitter/Instragram @WilbrosLive).

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Araneta Center

I always remember Araneta Center during the Holidays, because of the giant christmas tree and the Christmas festivities that is happening around the city. It  reminds me of my childhood and the kids and the shopping that goes around in Cubao. Those who grew up around my time would probably remember the Manila C.O.D. too. That  was the highlight of my generation with the moving mannequins donning the Christmas tradition play. That was missed of course, but replaced by the giant christmas tree around the Gateway Araneta Center vicinity which is now anticipated during the Christmas season.

First installed 31 years ago by J. Amado Araneta, the dazzling structure is an iconic symbol of Christmas in the Philippines and its annual lighting ceremony signals the start of the holiday season.

Standing 100 feet tall at the Gateway Food Park, the Araneta Center Christmas Tree attracts shoppers and sightseers alike with its spectacular display of glowing bulbs and beautiful ornaments.

“It’s an annual tradition that shoppers and residents in the area look forward to because it signals the start of the season. It’s a colorful reminder of love, joy and hope that the season brings. For Araneta Center, we want to make it better than last year so we constantly challenge ourselves to make this annual tradition more joyous, festive and entertaining than the last,” says Jorge L. Araneta, president and CEO of the Araneta Group.

A bright and merry Christmas season comes to the metropolis as the giant Araneta Center Christmas Tree lights up and brings a touch of festive magic to the holidays.

The Christmas tree lighting event was graced by no other than Kapamilya stars headed by  Vice Ganda last November 6.  A dazzling fireworks display lighted up the sky to cap the festivity.


Celebrating the Christmas spirit of giving and sharing, the Araneta Center also hosted a gift-giving activity for the children of Child Haus, a temporary shelter for underprivileged parents and their children who are undergoing medical treatment in Manila.

Following the symbolic lighting of the iconic Araneta Center Christmas Tree will be tons of holiday-themed events at various venues inside the Araneta Center. The lineup includes the annual Belen Lighting at Farmers Market on November 12; Mall Christmas Tree Lighting at Gateway Mall on November 15, New Frontier Plaza on November 21 and Ali Mall on November 22; Christmas Caroling at the three malls starting on December 2; and the Santa Meet and Greet every weekend of December.

The Araneta Center will also host many fun-filled events on Christmastime, including Disney On Ice Magical Ice Festival at the Big Dome and the Parolan bazaar at the Farmers Market.

With plenty of Christmas and holiday offerings to enjoy, the Araneta Center is a must visit place to go with your loved ones this festive season!

For more information on its Christmas activities, log on to www.aranetacenter.net or follow the official Araneta Center Facebook

Get an advance christmas treat at Casino Filipino this November

Pagcor habitués will get an advance Christmas treat this November as Casino Filipino continues its promise to bring more entertainment to the public.

Catch the alluring Ivy Violan as she takes centerstage on November 11 at Casino Filipino Angeles and on November 14 at Casino Filipino Malate. A seasoned performer, see for yourself why Ivy remains one of the most respected artists in the music industry.

Actor Dante Ponce takes everyone to an enchanted evening of music on November 13 at Casino Filipino Olongapo. Dante is also a regular fixture on teleseryes and commercials.

Get ready to fall in love this November while watching the Philippines’s one and only bossa nova diva Sitti as she returns to Pagcor stage on November 19 at Mactan Satellite. Be inspired while listening to Sitti’s love tunes as she spreads love and happiness to her audience.

The multi-talented trio Misstres, who gained fame from Asia’s Got Talent, will liven the night on November 21 at Casino Filipino Tagaytay as they groove and sing with the right dose of fun and excitement.

The riotous tandem of Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola takes the spotlight at Casino Filipino Pavilion on November 25. The comic Wally and Jose promise a night of pure laughter that will surely knock the audience off their seats.

Sultry actress Rufa Mae Quinto performs ultra hot numbers on November 27 at Casino Filipino Cebu. Joining her onstage is Petite.

The country’s great impersonator Mr. Willie Nepomuceno will surely draw laughs and awe from the audience on November 28 at Mimosa Satellite.

For inquiries, call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. Check and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists #

Watch out how science has shaped our lives through "Breakthrough"

TV Series "Breakthrough"  highlights the most important and fascinating in Science today. Watch out how this series will change our lives in the immediate future and beyond.

Signaling a committed shift to premium programming, National Geographic Channel (NGC) will be airing the highly anticipated science series Breakthrough this November.  Breakthrough, a show that will bring to life the stories, people and technology behind the world’s most advanced scientific innovations that determine how our lives shall evolve, will be making its Philippine premiere, the first in Asia, on November 5 at 9:00 PM, with all six one-hour episodes showing on Thursdays on NGC.

Executive produced by Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Steve Michaels, Jonathan Koch and Mark Dowley, this groundbreaking series will highlight the most important and fascinating innovations that are currently making waves in the scientific community and are set to affect how we live our lives in the immediate future and beyond. Not only will Breakthrough outline the science behind these innovations, but it will also explore the courage, imagination, passion and self-sacrifice of the scientists who brought them to life. Their stories will be portrayed with compassion and yet instill a sense of wonder as each episode will be directed by a different Hollywood visionary including Ron Howard, Brett Ratner, Peter Berg, Angela Bassett, Akiva Goldsman, and Paul Giamatti.

Tackling diverse scientific realms ranging from brain science to cyborg technology, Breakthrough promises an exciting and thorough preview of the future, ably presented by Hollywood’s best talents. Howard undertakes human longevity and Giamatti expounds on innovations in technology, while Ratner explores the brain, Berg examines pandemics, and Bassett and Goldsman present on the necessary resources of water and energy, respectively.

Breakthrough is co-produced by NGC and GE, both long-time proponents of innovation, science and exploration. However, what makes their partnership for this project unique is that they not only financed the series but shared equally in its creative direction.

“Modern science and technology are the keys to addressing the challenges the world is facing today,” said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Channels. “By partnering with GE — as dedicated to science and innovation as we are — and by working with top-tier directors at the helm, Breakthrough will celebrate the curiosity, innovation and exploration of our world, and spotlight the individuals and institutions at the center of these groundbreaking achievements.”“GE’s involvement brings a certain poetic justice to this endeavor,” said producer Grazer. “Thomas Edison, GE’s founder, and Alexander Graham Bell, a founding member of the National Geographic Society, are two of our greatest inventors. Their breakthroughs laid the foundation for tremendous innovation and continue to inspire generations of scientists and engineers. That same spirit will, no doubt, be evident in every episode.”

NGC and GE have united to produce a series that will inspire and cultivate global interest in science and innovation, possibly spawning brilliant individuals who may one day become leading innovators in various scientific fields.Breakthrough is a remarkable television event that will leave its mark on young minds, especially in Asia, from which many of the world’s leading scientists have hailed.

“We take great pride in presenting Breakthrough to viewers in the Philippines as it is a celebration of the relentless efforts of the scientific community to better our lives and improve our environment,” said Jude Turcuato, Senior Vice President and General Manager of FOX International Channels Philippines, which carries NGC, said. “We hope that it helps viewers appreciate how science has shaped our existence and how it will continue to help us evolve into the future.”

Breakthrough premieres on NGC on November 5 at 9:00 PM, with succeeding episodes shown on Thursdays at the same time. The show’s premiere episode, a truly important milestone in Philippine television history, will also be simulcast on FOX, FOX Filipino Channel, Star Movies and Star World by FOX International Channels, which carries NGC in the country.

1 Million Clean Toilets Movement fight against diseases

I always have a sanitizer spray in my bag 24/7 with wet wipes. They are always a pair that I could count on wherever I am.   They are always in my stash. I could forget an umbrella but not my sanitizer or alcohol.  With the lack of clean toilets in our country, a disease could strike at any given time. A simple hygienic measures like handwashing can help you germ-free.

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), children around the world miss an estimated 443 million school days each year because of diseases caused by poor sanitation and hygiene practices, including using unsanitary toilets. Simply put, this number of sick days is equivalent to all grade school and high school classrooms in the Philippines being empty for one month. This sanitation-related concern hinders the children’s learning and significantly reduces their quality of life.




Illnesses due to poor toilet sanitation include diarrhoeal disease and parasitic worm infections which can lead to nutritional deficiencies, physical and mental stunting, and death. Every day, millions of children in rural communities and urban households nationwide are exposed to these health problems by using dirty toilets populated by disease-carrying germs.

According to Dr. Luisa Efren of the Philippine Public Health Association (PPHA), the simple act of proper toilet sanitation can help prevent the spread of these germs. However, children continue to be at risk from these deadly diseases because many households still use ordinary laundry bleach to clean their toilet bowls, which is not enough to kill all toilet germs.

“A toilet that looks clean to the naked eye may not necessarily be free from germs and bacteria. So, it is very important to properly sanitize all surfaces using a germ-kill expert with proven efficacy in eliminating bacteria, and not just any ordinary laundry bleach,” Dr. Efren warned.

For the past three years, Unilever Philippines through its germ-kill expert brand Domex, has been working with UNICEF and PPHA to champion the One Million Clean Toilets Movement. This advocacy program aims to educate Filipinos on proper toilet hygiene and the need for sanitized household toilets to keep their families safe against disease-causing germs.

On November 13, World Toilet Day, join the One Million Clean Toilets Movement in the fight against disease causing germs to save lives, one clean toilet at a time. To learn more about Domex and how you can stay safe from disease with a germ-free home, visit Domex Philippines on Facebook.

You can also help the 1 Million Clean Toilets Movement fight against disease by spreading awareness on the sanitation issue caused unsanitary toilets. Watch and share the “Sick Days” video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypMNHyUwQOQ) to help keep your family and friends germ-free.


REFERENCES:
 http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/wsh0404.pdf
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs330/en/
https://www.unilever.com/sustainable-living/the-sustainable-living-plan/improving-health-and-well-being/health-and-hygiene/toilets-of-tomorrow/

Create your own ASUS #ZenLooks and win a Zenfone 2 Deluxe

Make use of your own creative design and went home with a Zenfone 2 Deluxe.

 ASUS calls on the country's most skilled designers to create a new ZenFone 2 Case, with the chance of collaborating with the ASUS team to have your very own design manufactured

 ASUS today announced the launch of ZenLooks, a regional online design competition that invites all aspiring, creative designers and artists to test their skills and have a hand at  creating their own ultimate gadget accessory – a new case for the stylish ZenFone 2.

The ZenLooks competition, which runs from November 9 - December 6, is inspired by ASUS’ recent Incredible Catwalk collaboration with Filipina fashion icon Kim Jones, wherein ASUS and Kim created Southeast Asia’s ultimate fashion story across seven different countries. Kim modeled a selection of ZenFone 2 cases in the Incredible Catwalk campaign, including the case designed exclusively for ASUS by popular Italian beauty and fashion vlogger, and international YouTube personality, CutiePieMarzia.

“The ZenFone 2 is this season’s most versatile accessory and it looks right at home next to Kim in our Incredible Catwalk fashion story. And now, we are proudly launching our ZenLooks campaign, inviting aspiring accessory designers all over the Philippines to showcase their creativity, and design their very own ZenFone 2 case. The Philippines’ most talented accessory designers are set to join the ranks of global YouTube icon CutiePieMarzia who has already created her own ZenFone 2 case.” shares Jamie Zaldivar, Asus Philippines Marketing Manager.

Interested participants are encouraged to enter using the recently launched Incredible Catwalk fashion story as their inspiration, images and videos of which are already available at  http://www.facebook.com/ASUSph. Ultimately, each submitted ZenFone 2 case design should be inspired by the Philippines’ unique and unmatched heritage, aesthetic identity, diverse culture, striking landscape, and iconic elements.

How the ZenLooks design challenge works:
1.     Visit the ASUS Philippines Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ASUSph.

2.     Click on the ZenLooks app.

3.     Follow the steps to create your ZenFone 2 case design by uploading your own original photo that captures the Philippines’ iconic elements. Likewise, you may use the Incredible Catwalk image of Kim Jones in the Philippines as the inspiration for your own design.

4.     Submit and share your case design, and hashtag with #ZenLooks on your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to check out the other designs from the Philippines.


Your Chance to Win
From 9 November to the 6 December 2015, one (1) winner will be announced every week, totaling four winners at the end of the design challenge.

Weekly Prizes: Each weekly winner will take home their very own ZenFone 2 Deluxe (worth PHP 17,995.00) and the limited edition ZenFone 2 case designed by CutiePieMarzia.

Grand Prize: Out of the four weekly winners, a Grand Prize winner will be selected to collaborate with the design team at ASUS to have their winning case design manufactured.

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.