Eisenberg character "Lex Luthor infuses sinister humor in Batman v Superman

Academy Award-nominee for his portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in “The Social Network,” Jesse Eisenberg plays one of the most fascinating anti-heroes in cinema – Lex Luthor, in Warner Bros. Pictures' new action-adventure “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Eisenberg infuses the character with a very sinister humor, one that arises from an illogical obsession with Superman.

“Lex Luthor has always been one of the great DC villains. And one of the most epic stories in the canon was when Batman and Superman squared off against each other,” offers producer Charles Roven. “As we sought an expansion of the universe with this film, we felt that bringing these characters together was natural.”

To carry Lex Luthor into 2016, Oscar-winning screenwriter Chris Terrio (“Argo”) recalls asking himself, “What would a capitalist gone mad look like today?” Looking for real-world inspiration from many of the world’s largest high-tech corporations, he found an environment that “often cultivates eccentricity as a virtue and rewards outside-the-box innovation.”

Adding those qualities to a damaged psyche, he re-imagined Lex as “a younger, brilliant, post-modern villain aware of his own villainy who has chosen to use his wealth and power to bring down one whose own power appears limitless.”

“If you look at Lex in the comics, there’s a brilliant absurdity to his scenes,” Eisenberg offers. “He’s always trying to concoct these very complicated schemes to kill Superman; it’s funny in the way that he is so focused on this one thing. And even though he might appear pretty serious, to me he’s this clever person who uses word play and puns to talk circles around people, to condescend to them. Lex uses his cleverness to his advantage in a dark way.”

The filmmakers were really pleased with this new interpretation. “We wanted a character who conveyed exactly what a young, compelling, constantly innovating, genius entrepreneurial businessman is like,” says Roven. “Somewhat mercurial, always magnetic; someone you can’t take your eyes off. Jesse was perfect for this. His performance is truly mesmerizing. He surpassed all our expectations.”

Eisenberg enjoyed playing with Luthor’s fanatical nature. “Lex thinks of Superman as almost an existential paradox—he cannot be all good because he’s so powerful or all powerful if he’s all good,” he hypothesizes. “On the flip side, Lex wants to be the most powerful person, but for him that’s okay because he is a person, he’s earned it, whereas Superman is this horrible alien interloper who doesn’t even deserve to exist. Lex is so myopic that he views his own morality as the only correct belief system in the world, and anybody opposing him is immoral and needs to be kind of destroyed.”
A good deal of Lex’s bad traits may stem from his dad, which he alludes to in the film.

From director Zack Snyder comes “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” starring Oscar winner Ben Affleck (“Argo”) as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent in the characters’ first big-screen pairing.

Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.

Opening across the Philippines in IMAX, Dolby Cinema, 3D and 2D theaters on Black Saturday, March 26, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Get the limited edition Converse DC Comics Sneaker Collection: Batman or Superman

In time for the release of the movie, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice", no matter which side are you, Converse re-releases the 2014 All Star DC Comics sneaker collection, Batman and Superman, for the superheroes in you. Fighting crime never looked this good with these 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 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 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

Available in Converse brand stores and leading department stores nationwide! Visit www.converse.com.ph for other sneaker designs!

The Powerpuff Girls return to Cartoon Network on April 9!

Reimagined and ready for action, The Powerpuff Girls will return to Cartoon Network in an all-new series on Saturday, April 9, just days after its global premiere in the U.S.

On that day, six brand-new episodes of The Powerpuff Girls will be showcased starting at 10am, and 15 all-new episodes of Cartoon Network’s best loved shows – Regular Show, Adventure Time and We Bare Bears – will be shown on the same day from 8am.

In addition, every Turner channel in the Philippines (including Warner TV, Boomerang, Toonami, truTV and TCM) as well as partner channel TV5 will be broadcasting Powerpuff Girlscontent on the same morning. The series will also be supported via video and games on the Cartoon Network Watch and Play andCartoon Network Anything apps, and onCartoonNetworkAsia.com.

“The Powerpuff Girls will be simply everywhere! Whatever channel you turn to on April 9, and whatever screen you’re using, there will be Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles saving the day before bedtime! We’ve waited a long time to see these super-cute and super-fierce girls return to action, and the all-new series marks the homecoming for one of Cartoon Network’s best loved shows,” said Mark Eyers, Content Head of Cartoon Network in Asia Pacific.


All-new 'The Powerpuff Girls' To Debut in Asia Pacific on Cartoon Network from TurnerPRAsiaPac on Vimeo.

Superhero-sisters Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup are widely known as The Powerpuff Girls. Together,they protect the beautiful, bustling metropolis of Townsville and its citizens’sinister evildoers, intent on taking over. Juggling school, homework and a regular parade of villains is no easy task, but the girlsare more than up for the challenge. Armed with supercool superpowers and topnotch teamwork, The Powerpuff Girls, with the occasional assistance from Professor Utonium and the Mayor of Townsville, will soon prove to their hometown and the world that it is possible to save the world before bedtime.

One of Cartoon Network’s most enduring original series, the initial run of The Powerpuff Girls, created by Craig McCracken, premiered in 1996 and earned two Emmy® Awards along with five nominations and countless animation honors throughout its 78episodes. The series also spawned a feature film with Warner Bros. Pictures in 2002.

Don’t miss the return of the trio back-to-back with new episodes of Regular Show, Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, Clarence and many more, non-stop all day from 8am only on the number one kids’ channel Cartoon Network.Once the hysteria calms down, the full series of The Powerpuff Girls will kick in from Monday,May 2 at 5:45pm, as part of Laughternoons every weekday.

Cartoon Network is available 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.

Pinay transgender Bemz Benedito receives award by True Colors Fund

Filipina transgender Bemz Benedito was honored by True Colors Fund, an LGBT organization based in New York,  as one of four Global Transgender Heroes in celebration of International Women’s Day this March.

The award was given by the True Colors Fund, an LGBT organization based in New York. True Colors, is co-founded by international pop star Cyndi Lauper, “is working to end homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth by creating systemic change”

Benedito learned about the award when an article appeared on the True Colors website (https://truecolorsfund.org) announcing conferment of it on her and three other global transgender heroes: Lohana Berkins of Argentina (who passed away last February 5), Cecilia Chung of the US and Hong Kong, and Liesl Theron of South Africa.

The award’s primary criteria was how a certain individual challenged the status quo and as well as the ways and means of stereotypical boxes for the LGBT. Next to that, says Benedito, is how the awardee struggled to uplift the condition of her community to be recognized and respected.

The award made this year’s International Women’s Day more significant for her, says Benedito, “because I was affirmed as a woman and my small contribution for equality in my country was recognized”.

“Just like what I always say in my interviews, I am not the  best and there are others who are doing better than I do, but please be it remembered that there was a transgender woman who worked hard fearlessly in her little ways to represent the Filipino LGBT community as one sector fighting for equal rights."

The recognition, says Benedito, is a reminder to her that despite being elected into public office in 2010 and 2013, “the ray of light comes shining like it never was before, to continue with fight and to keep up with the challenges that cripples our dignity as human beings and citizens of our country.”

The award does not come with any monetary recognition, but according to the LGBT activist, it is more than enough for her and others working to advance the cause of LGBTs and keep them in the thick of the fight despite sometimes feeling that they are doing a thankless job and in the long run allowing even personal relationships and personal ambitions suffer.

“We owe it to the next generation that being LGBT must be kinder and dignified.”

In her own case, the award is encouragement to keep pursuing equal rights and recognition not just for other transgendered women, but for all members of the LGBT community.

“We (LGBTs) are only tolerated and our dream and our goal is to be accepted,” says Benedito. Because if we are indeed accepted, policies and laws must be present to protect and uplift us. Hindi na sana second-class citizens ang tingin sa amin at sana may kinatawan na rin sa Kongreso ang sektor ng mga Pilipinong LGBT. At higit sa lahat wala na sanang mambabatas at boxing superstar na hahamakin kami at tatawaging mas masahol pa sa hayop. We are not exaggerating our struggles, we are here giving a face and voice to the oppression that dehumanizes us every day of our lives while living the truth in our being.”

Their biggest goal is the basic right to self-determination. “Then there is our common fight with our lesbian, gay and bisexual brothers and sisters for the passage of the anti-discrimination bill that has languished in Congress for 18 years. Imagine a human rights bill, the only one for that matter, that will protect LGBT Filipinos ay nabubulok sa Kongreso habang naghihirap ang maraming LGBTs sa diskriminasyon at opresyon. In an egalitarian society that has passed the Magna Carta for Women, Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, Violence Against Women and Children, the LGBT community is ignored and discriminated.”

Benedito recalls what the struggle was like for her as a transgendered woman.

“It was difficult especially for me growing up in my province in Abra, which is laid-back, backward-thinking and conservative. While growing up, I would cry whenever I would see my naked body as a young child in the mirror because my anatomy was incongruent to what I thought and felt about myself. It took me a long time to realize that I am not a simple case of a girl trapped in a man's body. I found out about transgender people when I did my research during my college days. It was then that I found out that I am not an effeminate gay or thepa-girl nabakla but I am a transgendered woman. That is why, as in all journeys, the wrong has to be righted, the flaw corrected. In my mind, in my heart and in my soul, I am a woman, a Transpinay, the other Filipina.”

Finally, says Benedito, if there is a message that she, as a transgendered woman, would like to put out there, it would be this:  “Stereotypes are like cardboard cut-outs; they do not form the complete picture. Not even a fragment of who we are. Our genitalia should not be the basis of one's right to self-determination and gender identity. We should not be defined by our bodies nor our sexual orientation and gender identity defined our capabilities, skills and strengths.”

Experience Windows By The Bay at Hotel Jen

The ship's wheel was turned by the captain and an amazing view was discovered.

Windows By The Bay, your newest go-to lounge along the bay area, now open from 7:30 PM daily. Located at the 19th floor of Hotel Jen Manila.

Hotel Jen is a 5-minute walk from both the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Manila Bay, this cosmopolitan hotel in a tower block is 3 km from Rizal Park.

Contemporary rooms and suites offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, as well as desks, tea and coffeemakers, and safes. Upgraded rooms have bay views. Some rooms and suites offer executive lounge access; suites add sitting areas. Room service is available 24/7

There's a modern 24-hour restaurant, as well as a sushi eatery, an Internet cafe and a stylish lobby lounge. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, an exercise room and an executive lounge. Massage treatments are available.

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