RRHI urges the public to shop only from authorized Daiso Japan PH

         To avoid falling victim to false marketing, consumers are encouraged to shop only at any of the 47 authorized Daiso Japan stores in the Philippines, which carries authentic Daiso merchandise.

      There is only one Daiso Japan and this should not be confused with other establishments selling products labeled as “Daiso” even as Daiso Industries Co. signed an agreement with Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc  (RHHI) appointing the latter as its only authorized and exclusive retailer in the Philippines.

       It will be recalled that last year, the Supreme Court had already issued a final ruling preventing local firm Japan Home Center (JHC) from using the trademark Daiso after Daiso Industries Co., Ltd, which owns the trademark since 1977, filed a complaint with the Intellectual Property Office against JHC in 2009.

       On the last quarter of 2015, Daiso Industries Ltd. Japan Founder and President Hirotake Yano visited the Philippines and reaffirmed their strong partnership with RHHI that  was sealed as early as 2008.

        RRHI is  targeting to open a total of 60 Daiso Japan stores by the end of the year and have started with their aggressive expansion with the recent opening of Daiso Japan stores in Riverbanks, Marikina  and  in Subic, Zambales.   There are over 2,400 Daiso Japan stores  in 30 countries around the world.

       RRHI is urging the public not to be misled and to purchase only authentic items from Daiso Japan. This promotes a solid value-for money proposition for consumers, as there is a guarantee on the authenticity of the products.        

Edward Benosa celebrates birthday with "Most Requested" concert

On April 16, Romantic Pop Balladeer Edward Benosa marks an important milestone when he stages a birthday concert at the Teatrino in Greenhills.

The concert will be directed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril, with Marvin Querido as Musical Director. Edward’s special guests will be Morisette Amon and DJ Chacha of MOR 101.9.

Edward will perform a repertoire of mostly love songs, but will also showcase the other side of him when he takes on rock songs and musical genres he doesn’t usually perform. His director promises “a very intimate show” that will be a culmination and celebration of all the good things that have happened to Edward’s career in the past year.

Edward is nervous, but he’s ready to step into the spotlight. He knows it’s a big challenge, but he’s taking it on because he knows that if he succeeds in pulling it off, it will be another major step forward in his career and his bid to be known as a legitimate, full-fledged pop artist.

“Grabe ang pressure. Siyempre may pressure at kabado kasi first. First year ko in showbiz, tapos first concert. Pero pag natawid ko ito, ibang self-confidence ang makukuha ko dito.”

Edward’s manager, stage, TV and indie film actor Arnold Cruz Reyes, says they had been planning the show for some time, and that it was really part of their wish list for the Star Awards for Music 2015 Best New Artist. They spent several months planning and conceptualizing the show and fine-tuning the repertoire so they would have a show that they were sure the audience will enjoy.

Mamaril, who also directed the recent concerts of Matteo Guidicelli and Lani Misalucha, talks about their concept for the show.

“When we talked about the show, we wanted a follow through on Edward’s career. A lot of things have been happening to him for the last year and in that year, it has to have a culmination, which is this show. It’s all about what he can bring to the table in the industry. Teatrino is a venue where some of the best artists started and built their careers. So we want to place him in a venue kung saan siya symbolically pwede mag-start in the concert scene. We know he can pull it off.”

Mamaril believes that Edward is the complete package and thus, the time is ripe for him to have a solo concert.

“He is the artist na complete package. He has looks, can sing, can act. That’s rare. ‘Yun ang nakikita ko, that’s why we need this concert to happen. The success of Edward is the success of everyone.”

While preparing for the concert, they met people—both old and new supporters of Edward who were very excited about the show and couldn’t wait for it to happen.

Everyone behind the concert is confident all their hard work and preparation will come together on the show date—and they know Edward has what it takes to make it work.

And there are a lot of people who’ve been asking for Edward to have a show. Now is the right time, which explains why the concert is titled “Most Requested”.

“When we thought of the title, o sige, si Edward honestly di pa kilalang-kilala, but when you check social media, and listen to radio stations, ‘Ay siya pala ‘yon’. May gano’ng reaction.  Every time I introduce Edward, “Ah siya pala yung nasa parang pelikula na video’ or ‘Siya pala ‘yung kumanta ng ‘Di Man Lang Nagpaalam’. Kaya nasabi namin, ‘Sige na, gawin na natin ito.’”

Edward is also getting a lot of support from his recording company, Star Music, his sponsors (like Dannon Clothing), his supporters and his management.

The concert is brought to you by Dannon Clothing. In participation with Projects Unlimited Phil Inc., Spring Oil, Villa Victoria Inc.,JBC Food Corporation, and Multymedia Printers Inc. Special thanks to Fragrancia De Italia, Novu Hair, Cerchio Grill And Lounge, and Lancer's Hardware. Media partners are Mor 101.9 and Starstudio Magazine.

For inquiries, please call  Ranjo Isip at 0917-882-2773. You call also reach Edward thru: facebook.com/realedwardbenosa
Twitter: @realbenosa
Instagram: realbenosa

Look chic in the heat with this season's newest looks from UNIQLO 2016 Summer Collection

Nothing feels better than basking on the beach this summer and flaunt your cool summer outfit.  Stay cool and look hot with UNIQLO 2016 Spring/Summer Collection. Its time to upgrade your wardrobe once again as summer take its toll, from swingy shift styles to ethereal pastel numbers, from office to casual to beach wear.  UNIQLO brings you the best pastels, more patterns to choose from high quality materials and functionality,  making it a perfect pick for this season.

UNIQLO PH launches the 2016 Summer Collection  together with UNIQLO celebrity ambassadors Ms. Lea Salonga and BJ Pascual last March 17 at SM Mega Fashion Hall,  joined by UNIQLO PH Marketing Director, Georgette Barrera-Jalasco and UNIQLO PH General Manager, Geraldine Sia. 

UNIQLO apparels are wonderful, everything is comfortable to wear and they stay true to their sizes, like if you look for medium you'll get the correct size, adds UNIQLO ambassador Ms. Lea Salonga.

From Left: UNIQLO PH Marketing Director, Georgette Barrera-Jalasco, BJ Pascual, Lea Salonga, and UNIQLO PH General Manager, Geraldine Sia

UNIQLO mixes aesthetic quality and functionality by giving its consumers the best options for their summer wardrobe suitable for various scenes and occasions –from beach, work, sports, to shopping. UNIQLO takes its 2016 Summer Collection to a whole new level as it continuously innovate products which are perfect for the warm season.

“UNIQLO constantly develops products of high-quality by incorporating state-of-the-art functionality without compromising style,” says Geraldine Sia, UNIQLO Philippines General Manager. “We are thrilled to showcase the 2016 summer pieces which are fit for everyone’s summer daily needs.”

UNIQLO’s new summer pieces have also added more patterns and colors to fit the daily lifestyle of Filipinos. Truly, UNIQLO is the brand of choice this summer with distinct innovation and basic style sensibilities.

The scorching heat during summer makes almost everyone want to hit the beach. UNIQLO’s offerings are created to match the needs of anyone who wants to cool down while under the sun. Whether it is a Linen shirt made of 100% French linen, or a Polo shirt made with lightweight materials, UNIQLO collections can make your summer cool and breathable. To achieve that effortless laid-back look, roll up the sleeves and pair it with UNIQLO Short Pants.

The office shouldn’t restrain one from being in style this summer. Beat the heat and veer away from unsightly sweat marks with UNIQLO’s Polo shirt line that has a distinctive DRY technology that dries sweat quickly and suppresses odor. It is made with stretch material that gives the wearer extra comfort and more room to move, enabling them to keep up with their on-the-go lifestyles.


Keep that summer body fit and healthy despite the rising temperature. Stay active by wearing comfortable sportswear pieces such as UNIQLO’s AIRism products. AIRism fibers incorporate an anti-odor function to keep the wearer fresh even in the most humid conditions. Its design
provides greater stretch and ease of movement for particularly active people.


Avoid summer stress with uncomfortable clothes. UNIQLO allows one to be cool and relax on a weekend day out with its sleeveless Linen tops and 100% cotton shirts. Matched with equally comfortable jogger pants, one can freely run from one shopping mall to another.

For more updates, consumers may visit UNIQLO Philippines’ website at www.uniqlo.com/ph and social media accounts, Facebook (facebook.com/uniqlo.ph), Twitter (twitter.com/uniqloph) and Instagram (Instagram.com/uniqlophofficial).

. Style suggestion for weekend shopping

Style suggestion for active wear

Style suggestion for beach wear

Philam Foundation builds 65 classrooms after Typhoon Juan and Sendong

Year in and year out, the Philippines falls victim to natural disasters. By the time storms leave, communities are left behind destroyed, affecting the lives of many—especially children. Not only do their homes get ruined but their schools get devastated as well. In order to help the children return back to a state of normalcy, Philam Foundation heeded the call of the Department of Education to rebuild classrooms in disaster affected communities.

After Typhoon Juan and Sendong devastated the country in 2011, Philam Foundation committed to build sixty-five classrooms within five years. The first eight Philam Paaralan classrooms were built in Isabela, and six more in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City.

From left to right: AIA Regional Chief Executive Officer Gordon Watson, Dep Ed Undersecretary Mario Deriquito, BPI-Philam Chief Executive Officer and President Ariel Cantos, and Philam Foundation President Max Ventura


Philam Foundation President Max Ventura called the project timely, as back during Philam Life’s 65th year, the Foundation decided to focus on empowering the Filipino children through healthy education as their primary thrust. “Building in the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong, Pablo and Yolanda, or Typhoon Haiyan as it was internationally called, only highlighted what Philam Paaralan is all about: giving children a healthy education and building communities,” said Ventura.
With more than enough time before their deadline, Philam Foundation has already gone above and beyond the original commitment, successfully constructing eighty-five classrooms in the past three years.

Each Philam Paaralan is typhoon-resilient, and built with complete facilities: desks, tiled flooring, blackboards, electric fans, and lighting fixtures. As part of their vision to give each child a healthy education, each classroom is also fitted with Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) stations, to promote a healthy and clean lifestyle.

“We could not have accomplished this feat without our many project partners, the Department of Education, as well as the local governments where we built our classrooms,” said Ventura. “Thanks to these gracious organizations and people, we were able to not only build classrooms, but also hope,” he concluded.

According to Ventura, Philam Paaralan is more than the sum of its parts, more than the funds raised, and more than the number of classrooms built. “It is about the lives it has touched, the communities it has revived, and the children it has nurtured,” he said.

Even after achieving remarkable results, they have yet to show signs of slowing down. Philam Foundation commits that their 100th classroom will be completed by July of 2016. Considering that each classroom is able to hold about fifty students, a total of 5,000 children will immediately benefit from this project. Since future generations will also utilize the structures, the number of lives touched by these buildings becomes multiplied tenfold.

For more information on Philam Foundation, visit http://www.philamlife.com

AIA Leadership Centre Opens in Bangkok

AIA Group Limited (“AIA” or the “Company”), the largest pan-Asian life insurance group, today announced the opening of the AIA Leadership Centre (“ALC”) in Bangkok, Thailand. The new Centre will further enhance the capabilities of AIA’s senior executives and distribution leaders across the region.

Mark Tucker, Group Chief Executive and President of AIA and Apisak Tantivorawong, the Thai Minister of Finance, officiated at the Opening Ceremony. The launch coincided with the Official Opening of AIA Sathorn Tower, an award-winning and world-class new office tower owned and developed by AIA, and in which the ALC is located.

Tan KarHor will serve as Dean of the new Centre, leading a team of experienced faculty members who combine strong business acumen with a deep understanding of the financial services industry.

The ALC will also partner with a network of acclaimed institutions to co-develop customised programmes designed to deliver optimal value to participants. Partners include INSEAD, a leading business school and LIMRA, a worldwide research, learning and development organisation.

“This new Leadership Centre reflects our commitment to nurture talent from within, empowering our people to meet our customers’ vital protection and savings needs while also contributing to the communities in which we operate. The AIA Leadership Centre will provide a powerful means to enhance the quality, the effectiveness and the professionalism of our senior executives,” said Mark Tucker.

“We look forward to working with those who are trained here to deliver a valuable and important new learning experience on the subject of leadership. The ALC is a state-of-the-art learning facility defined by its use of the best available technology,” said Tan Kar Hor.

The curricula focus on leadership capabilities in three major areas:

1. Executive Leadership – programmes that accelerate effective and sustainable leadership as well as general management capabilities.

2. Distribution Leadership – programmes that develop the leadership skills required for AIA’s senior distribution leaders to produce consistently best-in-class results.

3. Technical Leadership – develops the capabilities of AIA core functions through promoting operational excellence and supporting AIA to remain best-in-class.

“The opening of our Leadership Centre comes in AIA’s sixth year as an independently listed company. We are immensely confident that AIA will continue to optimise the enormous opportunities the region offers us to provide protection and invest in societies, as we help people to live longer, healthier, better lives,” Mark Tucker said.

Meet TARA, the perfect protector

I remember losing my newly bought cellphone to a thief inside the mall 8 years ago. There was no struggle, it was fast. I never saw the thief.  I knew I lost my phone,  when I reached inside my messenger bag. My bag was forcibly opened. I had a phone tracker then, I located my mobile phone somewhere along Grace Park, Caloocan to Bagong Barrio. I even negotiated with the thief, texting using other phone, that I would pay him php3k and agreed to meet up with him, but it did not push through of course. He or she replied "no" and I cursed him/her to no end. And that was the end of it.

Now, there is this new mobile phone app that would protect your phone from thief. TARA (Theft Alarm and Recovery Application)  is the revolutionary mobile app and is the first telco-enabled kill switch  to combat mobile phone theft

Jun Lozada, CEO of Galileo Software Services.

The statistics are sobering. Mobile phones are the usual target of criminals who sometimes resort to violence in order to steal a commodity that is easy to resell 41 % of Filipinos have experienced phone theft*.  Every year, thousands of Filipinos lose this piece of personal property that not only costs money but also contains valuable information that includes phone numbers, photos, videos, access to emails, personal accounts and even credit card data.

"When a person is a victim of mobile phone theft, it leaves him or her feeling helpless. It can be a traumatic experience where the victim often feels as if he has been violated. There are also deaths that have been attributed to robbery attempts. Hold-up and 'snatching' incidents have been a commonplace scenario in our streets," explains Engr. Jun Lozada, the technology and communication expert who is the president and CEO of Galileo Software Services Inc.

"We need to feel safe whenever we go out. This is why we developed TARA (Theft Alarm and Recovery Application). It is like a seatbelt for your mobile phone. As our tagline says… No mobile phone/device should be worth a life, not even a scratch.”




And with most smartphone users using their phones to access almost all personal and professional data, now more than ever, the need to protect one’s self  is at its highest.  The subscription to TARA is a small price to pay for one’s peace of mind.

It also calls attention to the thief by screaming “magnanakaw! magnanakaw!” when it is activated.

Telco-enabled, works without Internet or cell phone load
TARA is a Filipino-developed revolutionary mobile app that aims to prevent mobile phone theft with its kill switch feature that makes it unusable by thieves and their resellers.  It is the first of its kind in the country/ possibly in Asia and the world. What makes TARA the perfect protector in the Philippine scenario is that it works even without wi-fi access, internet data, or cell phone load.  It is the first and only telco-enabled kill switch that protects the users, their phones and their phones contents in any situation. It also calls attention to the thief by screaming "magnanakaw! magnanakaw!" when it is activated.

The Back-up and Restore feature lets owners back-up their contacts which they can restore later on, even on a different phone. They can also upgrade this feature to back-up photos, videos and more files.
Soon with TARA, mobile phone owners can use the Red Button feature that they can engage in order to send out a notification to a prearranged contact number. It is the go-to SOS button designed to protect phone owners. Activate the Red Button to enable the floater (which works even when the phone is locked), and hold it for 3-4 seconds to send an SOS message, with a time stamp and location, to one’s emergency contact.

To avail of the TARA protection, android mobile phone users can download the app on Google Play and register their basic information. After a free-30 day subscription, they are given the option to renew their protection with affordable rates of P15 weekly, P50 monthly or P500 yearly.

"With the launch of the TARA app, we can offer a solution to the alarming cell phone theft situation in the country. TARA is the first of its kind level of security that enables the user to lock his phone entirely rendering it useless to a thief. It also provides the service of tracking its current location as well as wiping out and recovering its contents," Lozada says. "We Filipinos may feel helpless about other things such as the worsening traffic or the country's economic and political situation, but with the sense of security that even ordinary citizens can get from this app, they will not feel as helpless about the protection of something that is very personal for them."

To know more about TARA, you can visit the TARA website at www.tara.com.ph . For inquiries about the app you may call the TARA Hotline : LANDLINE - 656 – 8272.
SMART  -  0998 965 7419
SUN  -  0943 131 0544

Sen. Gringo Honasan prays for peaceful election

Servant Leadership Watercolor Painting by Martin Honasan

UNA Vice President Candidate Gringo Honasan prayed and wish on his birthday that Filipinos become enlightened as they prepare to vote in the May polls. "Give the electorate the wisdom to choose their leaders wisely, based on proven performance, the capacity for sacrifice and hard work, and the ability to make difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of our nation" writes Sen. Honasan.

Since election day is fast approaching Sen. Gringo Honasan offers this prayer to our country and fellowmen.  A prayer he wrote while he was at detention in Laguna before he was allowed to post bail in 2007 and ran for another Senate term.


An Election Day Prayer

"God Almighty, at this time in our nation's history, grant that the Filipino people and their candidates may transcend anger, hatred, personal motives and vindictiveness.

Give our electorate the wisdom to choose their leaders wisely, based on proven performance, the capacity for sacrifice and hard work, and the ability to make difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of our nation. Help our people to see beyond mere personalities devoid of platforms for governance. And teach our elected leaders to value the public trust and privilege that has been given them.

Allow the coming political exercise to revive and strengthen our weakened institutions through the restoration of the will of the majority and adherence to the rule of law and due process. This we implore for the future of our nation, and of our children. Amen"


- Senator Gregorio B. Honasan

Get an exclusive deals from PSBank at Lazada's 4th Year Anniversary!

In celebration of Lazada’s fourth year anniversary in the country, Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) will give exclusive deals for PSBank Debit and Prepaid MasterCard cardholders!

PSBank Debit and Prepaid MasterCard cardholders will enjoy an additional 10% discount on items that the online shopping site will put on sale from March 15 to 18, 2016. This is Lazada’s birthday treat for both first-time and long-time cardholders of PSBank and its supporters.

To avail of the promo, PSBank Debit and MasterCard cardholders simply have to log in or sign up for a Lazada account at www.lazada.com.ph/psbank. Cardholders should have a minimum purchase of PhP1,000 and use the voucher code PSBANK10 upon checkout at the Order Summary section to avail of the additional 10% discount from PSBank. The voucher code can only be used once for any product except for items marked “Voucher Not Applicable On This Item.”

"Kwento pa rin ang Hari" sa CineFilipino Film Festival 2016

Bigla ko namiss manood ng indie tagalog films, dati abang abang lang ako sa Cinemalaya para makapanood ng matitinong indie, hindi pa ko blogger nun. Ang saya lang  manood, matuwa at umuwing apektado dahil dun ko lang naiisip na matalino pa rin tayong mga Pilipino at kayang makipagsabayan kahit kanino. Minsan, nakikita ko din yung sarii ko sa bawat character na napapanood ko, tapos sasabihin ko na" tang!%$ ako yan ah, ganyan ba ko katanga"? sa katabi ko. Minsan mapapamura ka sa mga padivang character, minsan maiisip mo pagtapos ng pelikula na "ahhh kaya nya pala yun ginawa kase ganun eh", na minsan sa sobrang apektado mo di ka na makatulog lalu pa at horror. Takutan mode.

Mabubuhay ako ng walang mall, ng di kumakain ng 8 hours, pero hindi ng pagbabasa at panonood. Yung panonood lang ng sine ang nakakapagbigay sa ken ng ginhawa, nakakatakas ako sa mga kabwisitan ko sa buhay tapos nakakapagisip ako ng tama at mali. Gusto ko may kadiskusyunan, yung pagkatapos mong manood eh tipong paguusapan nyo ng matagal ng kasama mo yung napanood nyo hanggang sa pag awayan nyo na. Hahaha. Dahil sa sobrang ganda may sari sarili kayo perception, hatol sa mga pangyayari, character or galaw ng eksena.

Naalala ko yung huling tumatak na pelikulang pilipino sa kin is Heneral Luna pa, ang galing sobra ng akting ng buong cast, di mo namamalayan tapos na yung pelikula, tapos marami kang "kaya pala",  na babaero pala si Heneral Luna, na may pagka komedyante pala sya, at marami pa ring traidor at balimbing sa ting mga Pilipino.

Etong darating na Marso 16, magpaka pilipino naman tayo, bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga bagong aktor, scriptwriter at direktor ng Cine Filipino Fim Festival na ma-witness yung mga pelikula nila, malay natin magkarun tayo ng makabagong Lino Brocka, Ismael Bernal, Mike De Leon or Marilou Diaz Abaya sa panahon ngayon ng milenyal. Suportahan natin ang kapwa natin Pilipino, kumuha tayo ng mga hugot moment sa bawat pelikula ng CineFilipino, isakripisyo muna natin ang dalawang starbucks na latte para sa isang pelikula.

Eto ang lineup ng pelikulang papanoorin ko, Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian dahil gusto ko matakot at magpatakot, Buhay Habang Buhay, dahil gusto ko ule matakot at naiisip ko minsan anu bang pakiramdam pag patay na, Ang Taba ko Kase, yung pakiramdam ng maging mataba, although minsan naiisip ko mataba rin naman ako matanda pa hahaha bakit wlang Ang Tanda ko Kase, hahaha. 1st sem,  yung feeling na ayaw mo ng course na pinakukuha sayo yung pinipilit mo ang sarili mo mag aral dahil pinagaaral ka ng magulang mo, Sakaling Hindi Makarating, para sa mga taong ayaw mag move on, yung nakapag move on na, pero tanga pa din at hopia.

Yan palang ang mga pelikulang gusto ko panoorin, sana matapos ko silang lahat at isusulat ko ule sa inyo ang hatol ko. Tara, kitakitz sa March 16 to 22! Nasa Gateway ako nyan dahil sa Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian at Joem Bascon!

Celebrating movies that best represent the ever-evolving Filipino cinema, the CineFilipino Film Festival, organized and led by Unitel Productions, in partnership with the MVP Group of Companies, offers cineastes with more moving stories and a more diverse mix of genres. The festival begins with the screening of sociopolitical drama/thriller “Whistleblower”, starring Nora Aunor and directed by Adolf Alix Jr., on March 15, 6:00 pm at Newport Cinema 4, Resorts World Manila. The film festival will run from March 16 to 22 in select cinemas in the metro* while the awards night will be held on March 19 at Teatrino Greenhills.

With the theme “Kwento pa rin ang Hari”, the second installment features more categories including, Feature-Length, Documentaries, TV Series and Shorts under which finalists will showcase works in Short Features, Mobile and Online. CineFilipino Film Festival attendees can choose from nine Feature-Length films, five Documentaries, five TV Series and 17 films under the Shorts category – 11 Short Features, 5 Online Content and 1 Mobile Content.

“The essence of the story will always be at the core of CineFilipino, and with this year’s various categories, moviegoers are offered a more enriching experience,” said Madonna Tarrayo, CineFilipino Film Director and Unitel Productions President and Group COO.

In the Feature-Length category alone, moviegoers can surely experience a wide array of emotions and stories. In “1st Sem”, first-time film festival directors Dexter Hemedez and Allan Ibanez present an intensified love-hate relationship between a mother and son after the latter decides not to pursue college education in Manila. In Carla Baful’s “A Lotto Like Love”, moviegoers can expect a different kind of love story as two strangers are brought together in luck and love by a single winning lotto ticket.

Love in spite of weight issues takes center stage in Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Ang Taba Ko Kasi” while Alvin Yapan’s “Ang Tulay ng San Sebastian” explores the richness (and reality) of Filipino superstitions. Meanwhile, Paolo Herras’ “Buhay Habang buhay” takes on life after death and the importance of moving on and celebrating life despite seemingly bleak circumstances.

A lesbian woman’s dream of becoming a mother is the subject in Lemuel Lorca’s “Ned’s Project” while Dave Fabros’ “Straight to the Heart” is filled with uniquely Filipino humor and hugot lines as it explores a situation that has surely crossed the minds of many: what happens when a gay hairdresser slips into a coma and wakes up a straight guy?

Ice Idanan’s “Sakaling Hindi Makarating” takes the beauty of the Philippines and uses it as a dramatic backdrop for a poignant story of heartbreak and moving on. And lastly, moviegoers get the privilege of witnessing a touching story about a child with Down’s Syndrome whose dream is to become an artista in Randolph Longjas’ “Van Damme Stallone”.

Jury deliberations will take place on March 16, 17 and 18; winners will be recognized in CineFilipino’s Awards Night on March 19 at Teatrino Greenhills, which will be attended by the finalists, executives and the film festival’s sponsors and partners.

*Catch the CineFilipino Film Festival on March 16 to 22 in participating cinemas: Gateway Cineplex, Festival Cinemas, Eastwood Cinemas, Robinsons Galleria Movieworld, Robinsons Manila Movieworld, Robinsons Metro East Movieworld, Newport Cinemas in Resorts World, EDSA Shangri-La Cineplex and Greenhills Theater Mall Cinema.

CineFilipino Film Festival partners are Mediaquest, TV5, Cignal, Unitel, Optima Digital, Metro Pacific Tollways, PLDT Smart Foundation and Meralco. For further information, visit the official website, www.cinefilipino.com.

LBC supports KAYA Team Captain Aly Borromeo

Considered as one of the most important names in the history of Philippine football, Aly Borromeo talks about the peaks and valleys of his career, his injury and comeback, how perseverance transcends any setback, and why he stuck with football.

Aly Borromeo  was born on June 28, 1983, in San Francisco,
California. He moved to the
Philippines just over a week after he was
born. “I was five years old, and my mom
enrolled me at Tomas Lozano’s Makati
Football School [MFS]. I studied
gymnastics for a year before that,”
recalled Aly.

While MFS introduced the sport to Aly, he
grew up at KAYA, where he turned into
one of the finest players to don the
club’s colors. “There was no varsity team
in grade school, we just played in the
garden. I learned football at MFS; I was
there since I was five years old all the
way until high school. Then, I was part of
the varsity team of La Salle. I was
goalkeeper until I was 17 years old. I only started developing my skills on the field at that age.”
Aly recalls that his fondest football memory was the Gothia Cup in Denmark when he was 12 years
old, and they came in second place, an experience that he treasures to this day.

“In college, I was at DLSU [De La Salle University] for one year and CSB [College of Saint Benilde] for one semester, then I went to the States and studied at Skyline College in San Francisco for two years. I got scholarship offers from Division I schools but I chose to go back to the Philippines to pursue the national team.”

If there’s anything noticeable about Aly, it’s his athleticism and healthy lifestyle. Growing up,
gymnastics and football aside, he played every sport he came across. He interestedly tried each
one, and football ultimately won in the end. “Basketball helped with my footwork, tennis with my coordination, and golf with my patience. They helped me a lot,” explained Aly.


But why football? “Nothing compares to the feeling of playing a team sport like football, like when you score a goal. You worked so hard to achieve that goal. Every player has to work. The unity and
camaraderie it brings is different compared to other sports.”

Although Aly has been KAYA’s longtime  captain, being the captain of the Philippine national football team (Azkals) after the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup is the title
that resonated with the public. In December 2010, Aly led the Azkals to that monumental win. Their
achievement did not just put the country on the football map, but also gave the next generation of Filipino footballers a chance to pursue their dreams. For Aly, being a part of that determined team means so much: “I knew going into the tournament that we could actually compete against Vietnam and Singapore with that core team we had, but no one believed in us. And that made us work even harder! We were playing purely for passion and pride for the country, for each other, and for the sport. We knew we could build something for this country.” 

When the perseverance finally paid off, the feeling was priceless. Aly’s professional football career
launched itself after that historic 2010 finish. “It all fell into place after 2010. We were like
overnight stars, celebrities. We were like rock stars in one day! I realized this could be full-time,
something to achieve and make football bigger in the Philippines, which is why the UFL is here.”

Aly’s proudest moment on the field remains the win against Vietnam because “it changed the face
of Philippine football.” He believes that, while the current squad is fulfilling its potential, there are
some areas that need improvement. Aly hasn’t been called to rejoin the Azkals recently, however,
he says the door is always open. “If I get invited to, why not. But I’m not devastated about it
because I know Dooley selected the best players at the moment.”

KAYA FC is proudly supported by LBC.

Watch Captain Aly Borromeo in action at Kaya FC’s next 2016 AFC Cup Group F qualifying match
against Balestier Khalsa (SIN) on March 15 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are now available and are sold and handled by MaC2 Group Manila, which can be reached
by phone at 0917-5387589 or via e-mail at info@mac2groupmanila.com. Tickets will also be
available at the venue on match day.

Villa Del Conte's Ovicini: The Perfect Easter Egg Hunt Giveaway

Experience a one-of-a-kind Easter Egg Hunt with your loved ones as Villa Del Conte brings back the luscious Ovicini. You and your family will surely enjoy this perfect giveaway wrapped in a cute and colorful bunny pouch which comes in 6, 8 and 10 pieces per pouch at a special rate of P180, P240 and P290 respectively. Grab these sweet and lavish chocolates and visit Villa del Conte stores at SM Megamall, Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Resorts World, Alabang Town Center, and Robinsons Magnolia.


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