Award Winning films and characters lead 20th Century Fox's 2016 silver screen line up

20th Century Fox fills the silver screen this 2016 with Award-winning and , inspiring and adventure-packed films featuring larger-than-life stories and characters best seen on the big screen.

                Big hopes, big dreams and big heart are centric to the most unforgettable cartoon characters known in adventure family movies “Snoopy and Charlie Brown The Peanuts Movie,” “Alvin and the Chipmunks 4: The Road Chip,” “Kung Fu Panda 3” and “Ice Age 5: Collision Course.”

                One of the most successful animated franchises in the world returns with its biggest comedy adventure yet, “Kung Fu Panda 3.” When Po's long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet scores of hilarious new panda characters.  But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must do the impossible—learn to train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas!

                From Blue Sky Studios, directed by Mike Thurmeier, “Ice Age: Collision Course” brings us to the ever hilarious and loveable Scrat in his epic pursuit of the elusive acorn that catapults him into the universe where he accidentally sets off a series of cosmic events that transform and threaten the Ice Age World. To save themselves, Sid, Manny, Diego, and the rest of the herd must leave their home and embark on a quest full of comedy and adventure, traveling to exotic new lands and encountering a host of colorful new characters.

                This year’s Golden Globe winner for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor along with twelve (12) major nominations at the 88th Academy Awards,  “The Revenant” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy by Oscar winning director Alejandro Inarritu,  is an epic story inspired by true events of the legendary fur trapper Hugh Glass played by DiCaprio.   Driven by sheer will and his love for his Native American wife and son, he undertakes a 200-mile odyssey through the vast and untamed West on the trail of the man who betrayed him: John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy).  What begins as a relentless quest for revenge becomes a heroic saga against all odds towards home and redemption.

                Also this year’s formidable contender at the Oscars is “Brooklyn,” starring Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen and Domhnall Gleeson that tells the profoundly moving story of Eilis Lacey (Ronan), a young Irish immigrant navigating her way through 1950s Brooklyn. Lured by the promise of America, Eilis departs Ireland and the comfort of her mother’s home for the shores of New York City. The initial shackles of homesickness quickly diminish as a fresh romance sweeps Eilis into the intoxicating charm of love. But soon, her new vivacity is disrupted by her past, and she must choose between two countries, two men and the lives that exist within.

                2016’s Golden Globe winner for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical/Comedy) is Jennifer Lawrence in her role in “Joy,” a modern day telenovela based loosely on the life and rise of inventor and home shopping star Joy Mangano.  Directed by acclaimed David O. Russell, “Joy” also stars Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper and Edgar Ramirez that follows the wild path of a hard-working but half-broken family and the young girl who ultimately becomes its shining matriarch and leader in her own right.

 
                Based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, “Deadpool,” starring Ryan Reynolds tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson, who after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

                Following the critically acclaimed global smash hit “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” director Bryan Singer returns with “X-Men: Apocalypse” where Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel’s X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible.   As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.  “X-Men: Apocalypse” also stars Michael Fassbender, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Evan Peters, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alexandra Shipp, Josh Helman, Lana Condor, Ben Hardy.

                The fight for mankind is upon us in Roland Emmerich’s extremely awaited “Independence Day: Resurgence,” where the movie delivers a global catastrophe on an unimaginable scale.  Starring Liam Hemsworth and Jeff Goldblum, humans now use recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth, anticipating the invaders’ return, have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.

                A loveable underdog will emerge from the producers of the blockbuster action movie “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” the feel-good story of “Eddie The Eagle” is about Michael “Eddie” Edwards (Taron Egerton), a courageous yet unlikely British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself – even as his family and the entire nation initially counted him out.  Persistently trying to perfect his skill with the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach, portrayed by Hugh Jackman, Eddie eventually wins the hearts of sports fans round the globe when he performed a historic feat at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

                From television’s “The Walking Dead,” Sarah Wayne Callies stars in the chilling horror story “The Other Side of the Door.”  Grieving over the tragic loss of her son, a mother discovers a ritual that allows her to say goodbye to her dead child one last time. Mistakenly opening the veil between the world of the dead and the living, she must now protect her family against the evil that was once her beloved son.

                Zac Efron, Adam DeVine, Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza star in the hilarious buddy comedy “Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates” wherein brothers place an online ad to find dates for a wedding and the ad goes viral.



             
             

Philips partners with celebrity mom Pia Magalona for a week of kitchen wonders

 How many times have you ever wanted to treat your loved ones to a nice full-course meal, only to find that you're too tired and don't have enough time to prepare?

Time has become a luxury for the modern family, with busy schedules getting in the way of spending quality time together. Because the family’s fondest memories often take place around the dinner table, special attention has to be given to the quality of the food you serve. What better way to show your love than to cook everyone's favorite dishes, but with that distinctly healthy twist?

Believing in the power of home-cooked meals, Philips in partnership with celebrity mom Pia Magalona wants to show just how easy it is to come up with your own delectable wonders with a little pep and a few innovative solutions for the kitchen.

Delicious, healthy cooking in just minutes

With eight children, five of whom fully pursuing careers in the arts and show business, Pia sure knows a thing or two about keeping a family together. Her secret? Great meals and quality time spent with the family.

In her new series of cooking videos, Pia features a range of Philips’ kitchen appliances including the Airfryer, Power Juicer, Food Processor, and Electric Pressure Cooker to prepare a set of healthy and delicious meals, desserts, and drinks in mere minutes.

“Cooking doesn’t have to be tedious if you have the right partners in the kitchen. Philips’ products make it very fast and simple because they’re so easy to use,” Pia says.

According to Reah Ronsayro, Philips' Business Development Manager for kitchen appliance, all it takes is 30 to 45 minutes. "Including preparation, it only takes you that long to create a delicious meal for the family. It's also healthier. For example, the Airfryer uses up to 80 percent less fat than most cooking methods. The time you save could be time you spend doing more things together as a family."

"The kids do enjoy family time a lot. For us, it's non-negotiable,” says Pia. “It’s tricky getting all the kids to sit together for dinner with everyone busy, but with Philips, it doesn’t take as much effort as before. We’re now able to spend more time enjoying dinner than preparing meals, and that’s helping us grow closer as a family. That time matters.”

Airing dates are January 8, 11, 13, 15, 18 & 20. The series will feature six recipes from the Nancy Reyes-Lumen cookbook.

To learn more about Philips products, log on to www.philips.com.ph or check the Philips Home Living Philippines facebook fan page.

Pagcor ushers in 2016 with Celebrity Shows

Pagcor starts the year right with exciting celebrity shows in various Casino Filipino branches nationwide.

Allan K joins forces with Ate Gay as they unleash their comic power and make the crowds holler in their shows at Casino Filipino Mimosa (January 20) and Casino Filipino Talisay Cebu (January 23).

Randy Santiago will prove once more his undying charisma as he performs at Casino Filipino Crown Regency Cebu on January 29. Randy promises that casino habitués will have a great time with his engaging performances.  

Catch Marion Aunor and DJ Durano as they take centerstage on January 29 at Casino Filipino Malabon.

Get ready to laugh till you drop with K Brosas at Casino Filipino Davao on January 30.  There is never be a dull moment when you’re with K. Aside from being a good singer, she will make you wide awake with her side-splitting punch lines and hilarious antics.

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 #

British School Manila EYFS & KS1 Production presents "Christmas with the Aliens"

Last December 2015, The British School Manila was filled with Christmas cheer. They had a Christmas shop open all week for the children to buy their families and friends gifts for the holidays and the Main Hall was transformed into a festive theatre.

BSM began the celebrations on Thursday morning, 03 December 2015 with the EYFS and Key Stage 1 show ‘Christmas with the Aliens’ by Nikki Lewis. The traditional Christmas story is retold to some alien visitors who become stranded on earth and meet a group of schoolchildren rehearsing their Christmas play. This show was performed by Year 1 and 2 children after many weeks of rehearsals and lots of hard work. The children made the faculty and parents very proud with their fantastic acting and singing of great songs such as “Where am I?” and “A Star Kept Shining”.

The Nursery and Reception children were twinkling stars, dressed in spangly silver and gold. They entertained with their wonderful performances of the traditional Christmas Songs ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’, ‘Little Donkey’ and the ever popular ‘FelizNavidad’.

This was a spectacular way to begin the festivities at BSM culminating in the rapturous applause at the finale, of their ever supportive community. BSM’s youngest children in school not only sang beautifully and looked amazing in their costumes but also delivered their lines with confidence and panache, testament to the practice and hard work put in by the students guided by their teachers to get to this level of performance. The EYFS and KS1 production reminded us all what Christmas is all about: bringing everyone together regardless of our differences.

Repertory PH stages the murder mystery "The Game's Afoot"

The instant gratification that the Internet and social media provides has made the length for intrigue and questionable circumstances obsolete. Because of this, anything done in secrecy has a mystique that entices even the least curious cat.

The Philippine stage is in for a treat as Repertory Philippines is staging the murder mystery THE GAME’S AFOOT for the launch of its 79th season. Written in 2011 by Ken Ludwig, the play follows William Gillette, a Broadway star known for his masterful portrayal of Holmes. After a spectacular run of the play-within-the-play, he invites his castmates to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry… until someone turns up dead. Gillette must put on his detective hat and solve the mystery before the killer strikes again.

“THE GAME’S AFOOT is a great play to start 2016,” shares director Miguel Faustmann. “It’s a wicked comedy and whodunit. In this day and age where everything is served to us on social media and the Internet, it’s nice to not know things and be part of a journey to a truth.”

Curiously, William Gillette is a real-life Broadway actor who made a name for himself in the early part of the 20th century for portraying Holmes. He wrote the play Sherlock Holmes in collaboration with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of the famed detective. Gillette has portrayed Holmes in 1,300 performances spread over thirty years, and he used his royalties to create a castle along Connecticut River, which is also the setting of THE GAME’S AFOOT.

Ludwig was inspired to write the play while watching Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the longest-running play in history. Prior to THE GAME’S AFOOT, he has written six shows on Broadway and another six on the West End. Throughout his career, he has won three Tony Awards nominations, two Laurence Olivier awards, and two Helen Hayes awards.

THE GAME’S AFOOT premiered in Cleveland, Ohio in 2011 to great acclaim, with The Cleveland Plain praising the “twists that cause the audience to gasp.” Similarly, the Cleveland Examiner said, “From the intriguing opening mini play within a play to the surprise last scene a split second before final curtain, THE GAME’S AFOOT gives you everything you love about great live theatre.” In 2012, the play won Best Mystery Play at the Edgar Allan Poe Awards, an award-giving body hosted by the Mystery Writers of America.

Like a good mystery, part of THE GAME’S AFOOT’s fun is the interactive aspect of watching. Besides laughing at the comedy of the farce, audiences are engaged by trying to figure out who the killer is.

“The audience plays an active role in the play,” enthuses Faustmann. “Usually, guests just passively watch theater. Here, they participate by trying to figure out who the killer is. Is it Aggie Wheeler? Or Simon Bright? Or maybe it’s William Gillette himself. It’ll drive the audience crazy trying to guess who did it!”

“Mystery is something that’s missing in Philippine entertainment,” he adds. “Yes, there are subplots in movies and teleseryes but none that revolve around mystery. We need to bring back the glamour of intrigue. Mystery evokes wonder. There’s magic in mystery.”


THE GAME’S AFOOT will be staged from January 15 to February 7, 2016 at Onstage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Ticket prices ranges from P400 to P800. For more details regarding THE GAME’S AFOOT, call Repertory Philippines at 843-3570. Book tickets through TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit their website at www.ticketworld.com.ph.

#JaDine stories of fan love and joy surprises TFC's #OTWOLKapamilyaFansDay

“This is unscripted reality television.  And it shows what true love for a customer and fans is – they become our own extensions. We at TFC become them, they become us.  We become one.” – Ricky Resurreccion, ABS-CBN North America head of ad sales, events & trade marketing

“In my many interactions with the people of ABS-CBN, whether in the Philippines or overseas with the global employee force behind TFC, I always ask them this question about our customers: 

‘Minahal mo ba sila?’ (Did you truly love them?)”

On January 10, on the steps and inside the storied halls of Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC) put into action the words of former ABS-CBN Corporation President & CEO Charo Santos-Concio at the “On The Wings of Love Certified Kapamilya Fans Day”. The event was headlined by On The Wings of Love (OTWOL)teleserye’s breakthrough love team of James Reid and Nadine Lustre, known together as JaDine, joined by heartthrob co-star Paulo Avelino and the voice behind the show’s theme song, Philippine R&B Queen Kyla.

“Yes, thousands attended, but this is not about that,” explains Ricky Resurreccion, ABS-CBN North America head of ad sales, events and trade marketing. “It’s more about people driving for hours or flying from as far as San Diego, Las Vegas, Arizona, Texas, Wisconsin, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Canada, New Zealand and even Macau to show their love and come together as a fan community. Yes, they cheered and shrieked in glee at very high decibels, but this event is more than that. This is about fans sharing the spotlight with the stars on stage, blurring the lines between fan and celebrity, having a real voice in an authentic engagement that impacts both parties.”

“Anybody can do a flashy show, but very few can create meaningful encounters and memorable moments for both fans and stars,” Resurreccion emphasized. “This was what we in TFC had in mind when we offered this Fans Day because we truly believe that anyone who sows such deep commitment and emotional investment should reap the rewards of life-enhancing experiences.” 

The Magic and Meaning of #Blakedine
If there was one iconic moment at the #OTWOLFansDay that captured what Resurreccion explained, it was the surprise first face-to-face meeting between Lustre and an 5-year-old American boy named Blake from Chicago who was introduced to OTWOL by his Auntie Angel, a TFC subscriber and JaDine follower.

For several months, Auntie Angel captured Blake’s reactions and comments on watching OTWOL (with English subtitles on TFC) and his profession of love for Lustre, who he calls “Naddie”, posting these on the Instagram account, Jadinefied. Immediately, the show’s fans started following the account, Blake became a viral sensation and #Blakedine (a portmanteau of Blake and Nadine) was born.

Last Sunday, TFC, Lustre and Auntie Angel conspired benevolently to surprise Blake with an onstage meeting in person.  The result was captured in video and photos that exploded in real time on social media.

The happier consequence is that a budding friendship has developed between Lustre and her true-blue 5-year-old American fan.  The lasting impact is that TFC’s firm decision to put English subtitles in almost all of its programs proved effective in connecting to the non-Tagalog speaking Filipino American generations and non-Filipinos.  Filipino content has crossed over and broken the barrier of language differences.

A TFC Live Experience
Television is all about storytelling. When something magical happens on TV (that is, TV in whatever viewing platform like TFC), viewers want to be part of the story that they’ve seen and heard. Fans get invested because they receive so much emotionally by identifying with the stories and characters behind their favorite shows.

TFC extended the magic of OTWOL from TV to real life by creating an #OTWOLFansDay environment, ambience and schedule of activities.  The games were named after OTWOL characters, catchphrases, buzzwords and social media hashtags, like “Achieve Mo ‘Yan (Shoot The Ball)”, #JuiceColored Exclusive Picture with the Stars, Certified Otwolista Ka Ba?, Fan Time with Paulo and Kyla at the Charot Lang Olivar Family Jeepney and Golden Gate Photo Booths, respectively, Simon Says and Ikaw Na Leah Look-alike Contest.

TFC also utilized real time video teasers on the large screen so fans could see where the stars are prior to the main show: in the dressing room, at the press con area, at the photo op booths.  Every time these video updates are shown, fans scream in unbridled delight, excitement and anticipation.

When the main show started, Kyla raised the energy level even higher with her Beyonce medley and a goosebump-inducing rendition of the show’s theme song as she let the fans sing the soaring chorus part.  The dashing Avelino got many a heart throbbing when he serenaded the crowd and played Simon Says with a lucky lady from the audience.  Then #Blakedine happened, followed by the thrilling solos and love duets of Reid and Lustre, charming the audience with their relaxed but palpable chemistry on stage. The crowd was in stitches as they joined in the fun when Reid had to listen to the candidates personal pitches and select the winner of the Ikaw Na Leah Look-alike Contest.

More than this, the TFC Live Experience spread beyond the four corners of the prestigious auditorium.

“Believe it or not, fans who are strangers to each other offered their hotel rooms to fellow JaDine fans who didn’t have a place to sleep in prior to event day.  Fellow fans offered rides from and to the airports for those who flew in. Kyla’s husband, Rich Alvarez, had an impromptu mini reunion with some of his high school friends – all children of navy men and women coming from the Bay Area, Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Diego and Japan – who happened to be OTWOL fans and attended the Fans Day. This is a true live experience of the love that shines from this TFC show,” said Resurreccion.

The Seattle Times columnist Larry Stone, explaining fan psychology in an article, hit the nail on the head when he wrote that studies show precisely that “the sense of goodwill, bonding and shared purpose that comes with being a fan has a ripple effect that can benefit all aspects of living.”

In Stone’s interview with Murray State psychology behavior and fan behavior expert Daniel Wann, the latter explained: “If you are… fans, it’s pretty hard to feel lonely. It’s pretty hard to feel alienated…. People you’ve never seen before… are high-fiving you. There’s a sense of community and connectedness that comes with it.”

All these positive memories were captured by an attendee with account name mmmarielc in a quote from Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Edith Wharton:

“One of the great things about travel is you find out how many good, kind people there are.”

“She posted a shot with her, me and fellow OTWOL fans and expressed how she felt about the whole experience with that quote.  This is unscripted reality television.  And it shows what true love for a customer and fans is – they become our own extensions. We at TFC become them, they become us.  We become one,” concludes Resurreccion.

Converse launches Cons One Star Pro for Spring 2016

New Innovative Collection Reveals
New Style and Colorway Iconic Silhouette

The generation of skaters will have to look up to Converse Cons One Star Pro as a go-to skate shoe of the moment, created for the skaters that features Lunarlon sock liner, which has been adapted to withstand impacts.

A must have essential from Converse this Spring is the Converse Cons One Star Pro for the active guy that’s out with his crew, skating the streets all day and night.

Originating in 1974, the Converse Cons One Star Pro was reintroduced in Fall 2015 as an essential skate sneaker and features updated technology for heightened comfort and purpose. A Lunarlon sock liner, Cons traction rubber and a gusseted tongue make fit and function for skateboarding and daily wear a priority, while the simple, yet iconic star logo stays true to the classic design. The One Star Pro footwear collection for Spring 2016 introduces many new colorways of this classic silhouette.

The new Converse Cons One Star Pro is available at Converse retail stores starting this month for a suggested price of Php 4,950 (black) and Php 4,550 (camo).

Alaska encourages youth to participate in The Jr. NBA /Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016

The Jr. NBA /Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016 presented by Alaska will return to the Philippines for the ninth consecutive year from Jan. 23-April 24.  The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program is free and open to boys and girls between the ages of 10-14. It has more than 36,000 players and 2,700 coaches who have participated in the in the program since 2007. The Online Registration is now live at www.jrnba.asia/philippines -

Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, the league’s global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents.  During the 2015-16 season, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program will reach more than 6.5 million youth in 32 countries.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2016 presented by Alaska is comprised of four stages: skills clinics in schools and communities, Regional Selection Camps, a National Training Camp and an NBA experience trip.  The skills clinics will be held nationwide from January through April with stops in Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Metro Manila and Puerto Princesa, and first-time locations in Batangas, Catanduanes and Cavite.  Select players from these clinics will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in tryouts during the Regional Selection Camps, which will be held in Baguio (Feb. 20-21), Davao (Feb. 27-28), Cebu (March 5-6) and Metro Manila (April 9-10).  The top 50 boys and 24 girls from the Regional Selection Camps will advance to the National Training Camp in Manila April 22-24.

An NBA and WNBA player or legend will be in attendance at the National Training Camp to help train and inspire the finalists.  The program will culminate with the selection of 10 Jr. NBA and five Jr. WNBA All-Stars who will travel on an overseas NBA experience trip together with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Southeast Asia.  The 2015 Jr. NBA All-Stars traveled to China to watch the NBA Global Games in Shenzhen featuring the Charlotte Hornets and the L.A. Clippers.

“The Jr. NBA Philippines is the league’s longest-running youth basketball program outside the United States,” said NBA Philippines Managing Director Carlo Singson.  “The program continues to positively impact the lives of children, parents, and coaches, and reinforces the positive values that go beyond the four corners of the court.  Together with Alaska, we are committed to providing world-class basketball instruction to more communities to further our mission of encouraging an active lifestyle among Filipino youth.”

“These holistic programs train children to be confident, disciplined and hardworking because Alaska Milk Corporation aims to prepare them to be winners in life in the future,” said Alaska Marketing Director Blen Fernando.  “Moreover, this year’s program includes new locations such as Batangas, Catanduanes and Cavite to reach more children and coaches and discover unique talents across the country.”

In addition to the player camps and clinics, the search for the 2016 Jr. NBA Coach of the Year will begin on Jan. 22 in Manila, which will be led by Jr. NBA Head Coaches Craig Brown and Chris Sumner along with Alaska Power Camp Coach Jeff Cariaso.  Ten Jr. NBA and four Jr. WNBA coaches will be selected as finalists and trained at the National Training Camp.

Through the promotion of proper nutrition and an active lifestyle, Jr. NBA /Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska continues to be an effective platform in implementing Alaska Milk’s NUTRITION.ACTION.CHAMPION. program that helps address the issue of overweight and undernourished children in the Philippines.



CloudFone, Gatorade, and Globe Telecom serve as Official Partners of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA in the Philippines, while Spalding is a Supporting Partner.  ABS-CBN Sports + Action, Basketball TV and NBA Premium TV are the Official NBA Broadcasters of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA in the Philippines.

The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program is free and open to boys and girls ages 10-14.  Coaches and participants can now register online at www.jrnba.asia/philippines, where the program terms and conditions can be found.

Fans can also follow Jr. NBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines.  For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/philsnba) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nba_philippines).

To learn more about the Alaska Milk Corporation, visit www.alaskamilk.com and www.playph.com.

Its Adventure time party at Goldilocks!

The lovable duo of Cartoon Network's Adventure Time is now available at Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop. Your kids can have the Adventure Time gang customizable Adventure Time theme cakes to their party!

To a child, a birthday is a time when everything just goes from great to awesome. You get to have a party with your friends, play games—win some, lose some—and eat cake. It’s a full adventure compressed within a day!

No one else loves adventure more than Adventure Times’ mathematical duo, Finn and Jake. Add in a dash of Princess Bubblegum’s wit and LSP’s sass and you’ve got yourselves a party.

Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop, now has customizable Adventure Time theme cakes that let you invite Finn and the gang to your birthday bash.

Get ready to shout “Slamacow!” in delight when you taste the amazingly soft chiffon and fondant cake topped and draped with your favorite Adventure Time characters and scenes.

Pick up these algebraic cakes from any Goldilocks branches nationwide. For more information, you may also follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldiclocksPH, on the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph

Getting up close and personal with Vice Presidentiable Gringo Honasan

When I got the invitation to be part of the first group of bloggers to interview Senator Gringo Honasan, the first thing that came to my mind were memories of EDSA—the original one of course in ’86.

I was still a young girl back then but I vividly remember us joining the burial of Ninoy Aquino, and how my father excitedly cooked some food that we would later bring to Channel 4 to give to the soldiers. In a way, meeting with one of the pillars of EDSA revolution, one of the younger leaders back then, brought back the feeling of hope and optimism—that real change was going to happen.

Don’t get me wrong, ending the dictatorship did bring about change, but not just enough to steer us to the real progress everyone back then was probably expecting. I mean, we do enjoy our freedom and democracy, but there are still some pre-EDSA problems that I think continue to exist—even after 30 years.

Sen Gringo Honasan has been called a lot of names soldier, rebel, revolutionary, and coup plotter , in his lifetime and I guess one couldn’t be blamed for expecting him to be gruff, brusque and strict, just like most military men. But surprisingly he is the opposite when you meet him in person. The years may have toned him down, perhaps, but when he starts to speak about his favorite topic—GOD, COUNTRY AND FAMILY—you’ll quickly realize that the passion of that once young solider in full battle gear facing a dictatorship, has never wavered.

In his 17 years as a soldier, Honasan led his battalion against who he believed were the enemies of the people. Not in the war room but in the battlefields of Mindanao where he was injured, bruised and shot at day and night, but Sen. Honasan said that wasn’t the scary part. What scared him most during the gunfights was losing his men, seeing him die or get wounded.  “Seeing your men die was the hardest part of being a leader, because you failed them," he recalled

He would later realize that the bigger enemy however were not hiding in the mountains but in the offices of the military and the government, and that is why they decided to risk their lives in going up against the Marcos regime.

After EDSA, however, he again found himself fighting the government he helped established when they realized that things didn’t change and from being a HERO at EDSA he became a rebel, a destabilizer that suddenly no one wanted to be associated with.

Nine years after EDSA, he would continue his fight in a different battlefield—the political arena as he ran for Senator in 1995. He was the first independent candidate in Philippine history to have won a seat in the Senate.  He was re-elected in 2001 and again in 2007.

He has served the senate for the past 16 years and has filed hundreds of bills and resolutions focusing on the environment, social reforms, national security, good governance, education, youth and sports.

He is the author of the landmark legislation, the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and co-author of the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. He also shepherded the CARP Extension with Reforms or CARPER Law which  has recently ended and the Philippine Disaster Risk Management Act of 2009.

His other notable accomplishments also include a better Fire Code, improving the promotion system of the Philippine National Police, across-the-board increase for public sector employees and stiffer penalties for illegal and unlawful possession and manufacture of firearms and explosives.
Senator Honasan is currently the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agrarian Reform and its oversight committee. He likewise vice-chairs two other committees: Environment and Natural Resources and the committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs. He is a member of 22 major permanent committees and ten oversight committees.

He was looking forward to finally enjoying his retirement when his term ends in 2019, but as he told us it seemed fate still had other plans. He takes one last run for national office as the running mate of Vice President Jojo Binay. “In our younger days VP Binay and I often found ourselves on opposite sides and we would be hunting each other down, but I think a higher power has brought us together this time, as we attempt to bring one big change to the Filipino people one last time.”

We asked him why he chose Binay, someone who has often been accused of corruption. Sen Honasan admitted he was reluctant to accept at first but since he was part of the UNA and he was appointed by his party to be their vice presidential candidate, he accepted the challenge like a good soldier.

Under the platform of PATAS ANG LABAN kay GRINGO HONASAN , Sen Honasan, says he will prioritize, Peace and Order and Public Safety.  I then asked him how he planned to unite the government if he wins and he answered; “Uniting the government is an important issue. Even with bureaucracy which is about 5,000 strong, dagdag yan ng dagdag eh. Every administration may bitbit na mga political supporters na kailangan bigyan ng trabaho. Kasama yan siguro sa selection process, na yung magagaling kahit na galing sa kung kaninong administrasyon, kailang i-retain. Para wala ng learning process, wala ng breaking in. ang nangyayari, palaki ng palaki ang bureaucracy natin. Now, unite it with salary standardization. Actually, pinag-usapan yan ditto sa last salary standardization law na parang pwinera yung mga retired military, hindi nagiging automatic yung pag-akyat ng sahod nila. That’s one basis for uniting the bureaucracy  but more importantly, Lou, making it more professional. Yun naman yung hindi naman namana dun sa mga kumolonize nung British Commonwealth no? an efficient, honest bureaucracy. Tignan mo yung Singapore, meritocracy. Mataas ang sahod sa gobyerno pero pag nagkamali ka talagang sisante ka. So ganun dapat ang kailangan ipromote natin sa atin pero sabi ko nga, easier said than done. It has to be a process of building. Gagawin ito this administration, yung susunod itutuloy… no?at patuloy ng patuloy hanggang we reach some level of efficiency and productivity.

I also asked him what department he wants to lead if he becomes Vice President. “Well, sabi ko kay Vice President Binay, eto I have to tell this one. From my experience as a soldier and as a rebel, I would rather go up against all the rebel groups, the terrorist groups combined rather than go against drug lords. Pag drug lord kasi kayang ipapatay yung aso mo eh. Pati yung kasama mo sa bahay, yung driver mo. So mas gusto ko, Lou, na nasa background ako into serious policy planning. Meron tayong mga models niya, yung PAOCTF under President Erap pero mga nauna yung media eh, diba? Parang nabuhay sila sa press release, nauna yung kuwan, orderbility and visibility. Mas gusto ko yung tahimik lang, malalaman na lang ng publiko pag may resulta na para protektado yung opisina, protektado yung pamilya ko dahil pag may nangyari sa pamilya ko that’ll be a different story. I become another person. So, keep me away from that so I can work quietly but more effectively. That’s what I explained to the Vice President. I think he’s inclined to, maybe, look at me as a national security adviser, not even a Secretary of National Defense. Masyadong limited yun. Mas gusto ko yung may… lowkey, nasa background lang no into serious internal and external security planning.

Asked what he believes is his advantage compared to the other candidates, Sen. Honasan said his track record will speak for itself.  “I have served my country all of my life, 17 years as a soldier 7 years as a rebel.  In the senate. I have authored hundreds of bills that have become laws. I will put that on the table and see if they can match it… and ask them one question….a play of words actually, HONASAN ba sila nung EDSA?”

The Pearl White Lenovo VIBE Shot, Now Available in Retail Stores

The Pearl White Lenovo VIBE Shot, Now Available in Retail Stores
Just in time for the New Year, consumers can now purchase the Lenovo VIBE Shot in white variant

From uncompromising smartphone performance to great camera features, the latest update to Lenovo's VIBE Shot is the good news that its fans have been waiting for. Building on the success of its flagship smartphone product under the VIBE ON campaign, Lenovo today announced the availability the Lenovo VIBE Shot in pearl white.

The VIBE Shot is targeted for both shutterbugs and savvy socials who want a sleek and stylish design. With the VIBE Shot’s dedicated shutter button, users can instantly activate the camera function 6to take the perfect shot. This premium smartphone also has on-board infrared auto-focusing (AF) system that works twice as fast as a conventional autofocus* and tri-color LED flash – a world’s first for smartphones, that ensures more realistic skin tones. The VIBE Shot features a 16-megapixel rear camera with Auto mode and onscreen “point & shoot” guidance along with Pro mode that lets seasoned photographers adjust manual controls like aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings, enabling limitless compositions to unlock their creativity.

Aside from outstanding camera features, the VIBE Shot boasts of Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor – an octa-core chip engineered for multitasking. It is equipped with 3GB of RAM, 32GB of built-in storage, which is expandable up to 128GB through a microSD card. The VIBE Shot is also 4G / LTE capable for a smooth web browsing experience.

The Lenovo VIBE Shot is also available in two other color: carmine red, and graphite grey and can be purchased at all authorized Lenovo dealers nationwide for only Php 17,999.