Bonifacio High Street takes Summer on the Street

Bonifacio High Street (BHS), a kilometer-long dedication to lush greens, vibrant spaces, one-of-a-kind outdoor shopping & dining, and larger-than-life entertainment, brings you fresh inspirations & encounters this summertime with two exciting campaigns named SUMMER ON THE STREET and the ICONS OF THE WORLD mall-wide promotion running from April to June 2016.

Already a favorite lifestyle destination, BHS is also the perfect playground this summer as it celebrates different passions in all shapes and forms—be it Outdoor & Recreational Sports; Photography; Pets; Music & the Arts; Food, Travel & Culture; or even random “Geekery”—whoever you are, whatever it is that you love, you will surely find something just for you at Bonifacio High Street.

A Dog Day Afternoon
Its pet-friendly parks & walkways make Bonifacio High Street the best setting for you & your furry friends. In BHS, petting is not only allowed, it’s even celebrated!

On April 10, both pet owners & pets are in for a treat at Waggin’ Tails, happening in the BHS Park. In collaboration with All4PetsParty, enjoy free vet consultations, pet agility courses, pools & playpens, and take home loads of freebies! The fun continues with The Great Shih Tzu Walk at the Activity Center & 9th Avenue on May 7. Hosted by Royal Canin, it will be an attempt to break the Guinness world record for the biggest gathering of same breed dogs.

Tasteful Travels 
Thailand comes to Bonifacio High Street with the 1000 Smiles Thai Festival on April 15-17 at the Activity Center. Discover exciting Thai fare & savor delectable flavors as the Tourism Authority of Thailand dishes out amazing bites. You can even get a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to Bangkok!

The Great Outdoors
What is summer without revelling in the outdoors? Let the sunshine seep into your skin as you spend the weekend at the R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor Exchange) Outdoor Festival on April 16 to 17. Get your adrenaline pumping with this fun and engaging adventure. Stretching the entire length of BHS, enjoy active lifestyle challenges, outdoor movies, and unbeatable promos and freebies!

Art & Soul
Soak in even more inspiration with the Arts x Music x The Coffee Bean festivities on April 30! Be treated to an all-sensory experience with live music from the best talents of BGC Impromptu, bring home unique & creative trinkets from the BGC Art Mart, and hone brand new skills with the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s free creative movement workshops and improvisation classes. Did we mention there will be free coffee too?

Vote Mom!
The most important woman in our lives is in the forefront on May 8 with Bonifacio High Street’s mother’s day celebration. In partnership with Mommy Mundo, moms get to enjoy inspirational talks, on stage activities, and charming gifts and prizes!

Sneak Peak
Calling all sneakerheads for a weekend to remember on May 21 – 22 as Bonifacio High Street showcases your favorite kicks from your most loved shoe brands. Indulge in exclusive promos & discounts from popular brands such as Sole Academy, Adidas, Nike, and more, while enjoying fun game booths and live music from some of the best DJ’s!

Geek on Fleek
The Community of geeks will find another space to share their unique hobbies at the “United Geekdom” weekend on May 21-22. With activities such as Lightsaber Demos, Game of Throne (GOT) Quiz Nights, and a showcase of Lego, comic books, and other collector items, everyone will agree that geeks are the new cool!

Picture Perfect
Capping off the summer festivities is the CameraHaus Photo Festival on May 28-29. Not only for photographers and hobbyists, the festival will include special summer discounts and promos from various camera brands, photo contests and lectures and amazing giveaways!
Look out for the #BHSSummer food truck and exchange your Php1500 receipts from any Bonifacio High Street shop from April 9 to May 29 and get free ice cream from Mad Marks and other summer treats!

Shop & Fly
After the successful staging of the “mini” Eiffel Tower last Valentine’s, Bonifacio High Street brings the world to your feet with more larger-than-life installations inspired by the most iconic structures from all over the world: revel at the 20-ft tall Leaning Tower of Pisa, The Louvre, and the Merlion that will adorn key spaces in BHS beginning April 9.



In partnership with Globe Telecom & Emirates Airline, you can get a chance to win a FREE flight for two (2) to Singapore, Italy, and Paris plus free Globe Data Roaming for (5) days for a minimum spend of Php3000 (single or accumulated receipts) from any Bonifacio High Street shop or restaurant from April 9 to June 9, 2016.

With new and exciting roster of events, promos, and activities for everyone this summer, Bonifacio High Street is truly a vibrant space that feeds everyone’s passion to live, work, and play.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/BoniHighStreet or follow @bonifaciohighstreet on Instagram.

Century Tuna Superbods Nation 2016 Finals Night fires up the summer

The hottest, the grandest, and most sizzling event this summer season — a celebration like no other as Century Tuna Superbods marks 10 glorious years of sexy — hits the stage in the Century Tuna Superbods Nation 2016 Finals Night. Truly, it doesn’t get bolder than this as some of our country’s most popular celebrities and a bevy of fit and fab men and women — the 26 Superbods 2016 finalists — converge at the exclusive Palace Pool Club for the much-awaited announcement of the ultimate Superbods of 2016!

“That the Century Tuna Superbods search has reached its 10th year is but a reflection of our unwavering commitment towards promoting a lifestyle of health and fitness,” says Greg Banzon, General Manager, Century Pacific Foods, Inc. ”We are extremely proud of this milestone which we’re celebrating in major way. I can’t wait to see the Superbods finalists who I'm sure will put their best foot forward on this night as well as witness the grand reunion of Century Tuna celebrity endorsers.”

And what a reunion it will be! Joining Ultimate Superbods Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsey are some of the hottest celebrities who are also past and present Century Tuna endorsers, namely, Xian Lim, Jessy Mendiola, Elmo Magalona, Paolo Avelino, Gerald Anderson, Isabelle Daza, KC Concepcion, Aljur Abrenica, Phil Younghusband, and Solenn Heussaff who will walk the runway in what is sure to be an evening to remember!

And of course, taking center stage with these glamorous celebrities are the 2016 Superbods finalists — Olivia Medina, Carmela Fernandez, Ambra Gutierrez, Nancy Leonard, Chet Abella, Maria Martinez, Cassie Umali, Mirtle Gimenez, Kaara Tan, Carla Meneses, Anja Peter, Natalia Lalonde and Tanya Hyde, Jerome Tan, Ryan Sy, Kel Padilla, Erie Obsena, Jake Khan, Pio Luz, Tom Esconde, Cedric Roxas, Shawn Stansbury, Ali Khatibi, Clint Bondad, Andrew Aurellano and Ameen Sardouk — who have been working hard, raising their game as they prepare to prove themselves worthy of the Superbods 2016 title.

True to this year’s Superbods Nation theme, Century Tuna has made the competition bigger in scope as it inspired the entire nation to join the fitness revolution by downloading the Century Tuna Superbods app. This mobile app allowed consumers nationwide to vote online for their favorite candidates receive useful fitness tips while staying abreast of the latest Century Tuna Superbods Nation 2016 happenings and even win a ticket to the much-awaited finals night.

This year’s star-studded finals event is the perfect culminating activity to the journey that began with a series of nationwide go-sees early this year, followed by the announcement of the 26 finalists, and the fun Pre-Finals weekend. Truly a fitting celebration to mark the 10th anniversary of the biggest, sexiest and most-awaited health and fitness event in the country that began in the summer of 2006.

Dubbed as the Century Tuna Beachfest, the first Superbods competition was a two-day event held in the country’s most fabulous island of Boracay and brought together hot bodies, exciting  prizes, fun  games, and a glamorous beach party where  Jon Avila and Michelle Padua emerged as the country’s very first Superbods.


This was followed by the Century Tuna Superbods Beachfest 2007 where Ram Sagad and Patty Ortega reigned supreme; the Century Tuna Superbods Bods and Brain Challenge in 2009 with Van Victor Leano and Theresa Fenger emerging triumphant; the Century Tuna Superbods Run in 2010 where thousands gathered at the Bonifacio Global City for an adrenaline-pumping event;  A Salute to Sexy in 2012 where John Spainhour and Monika Sta. Maria marched in to victory, and the Century Tuna Superbods Super Challenge in 2014 with Mauro Lumba and Sarah Polverini as winners.

As this year’s finalists hold their breath for the announcement of Superbods 2016 title holders, Century Tuna further upped the ante with bigger prizes:  P100, 000 each for 2nd runners-up, P250,000 each for the 1st runners-up and P500,000 each for the grand prize winners.

Of course, a most impressive panel of judges has been put together to choose this year’s winners: Century Pacific Foods, Inc. General Manager Greg Banzon;  Miss Universe 1969, actress and Century Tuna endorser Gloria Diaz; fashion editor and stylist Liz Uy;  basketball superstar Jeron Teng; Mediaquest and TV 5 President & CEO Noel Lorrenzana; Intelligent Skincare Inc, a unit of the Belo Medical Group Managing Director Cristalle Belo-Henares; and PC&V Communications President and Chief Creative Officer Ariel Comia.

The country’s most glamorous stars; the hottest Superbods title holders and the healthiest, fittest and most glamorous men and women in the country vying for the  Superbods Nation 2016 title. Without question, the Century Tuna Superbods Nation 2016 Finals Night is this year’s most fantabulous summer event!

Bahay Safety , Buhay Safety

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, from 2010 to 2013, 30% of house fires are caused by faulty electrical wiring. The main causes of these fires range from exposed wiring, defective cords and wire, defective appliances, and even lightning strikes. Upon closer inspection, one can see that only one of these (the lightning) is considered as an “Act of God”, which means that preventing electrical fires is well within our control.

Recently, Schneider Electric Philippines, the global specialist in energy management and automation, launched the Bahay Safety, Buhay Safety Campaign, an advocacy to raise awareness about electrical safety at home. At the recent media launch held in Makati, Schneider Electric, along with safety advocates TxtFire Philippines Inc., showed how fires, and personal injury, can be prevented simply by following simple safety precautions and investing in the right electrical fittings.

“It takes very little electricity to cause harm,” said Mr. Jones Lim, Public Safety Director of TxtFire, who was the resource person on safety for the event. “But as with anything, as long as we know how to handle it, electricity can help power our lives with minimal risk.”

TxtFire is a group of volunteers, who initially offered immediate response to reported fires within their areas of jurisdiction. But now they are more proactive in their approach by going to different provinces to educate people how they can prevent fires.

Mr. Lim opened up with a primer on common electrical facts, its effects on the human body, the most common ways that we’re exposed to electrical damage or injury, and how to manage them. Most common of which is faulty electrical wiring, which can be prevented simply by ensuring that your homes wires, switches, plugs, and appliances, are well insulated and properly grounded.

After the primer from Mr. Lim. Schneider Electric’s own Erwin Creencia, Retail Sales Director, showed global statistics on electricity-related injuries and fatalities at home. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and housing, 4,000 people get serious electric shocks every year in France where 100 of those incidents are fatal. More data from an independent study from GRESEL, a French voluntary research group, revealed that 40% of the incidents happen to children under 9. In the US, a 2012 study from the University of Oklahoma stated that electrocutions are the 4th most common causes of industry fatalities. Over 3,600 suffer from disabling injuries and 600 people die every year from electrocution.

“Even in developed countries in Europe, a lot of homes are potentially electrically unsafe,” Creencia said. “But we can prevent the worst from happening.  We just need to know more about how we can better protect our home and of course our family,” he added.

Creencia further defined what “Safety at Home” really meant. For Schneider’s Bahay Safety, Buhay Safety campaign, Creencia focused on three key elements: 1) Safety for property, which starts with protection against overloads; 2) Safety for your family, which aims to protect your loved ones against electrocution and other electrical dangers; and 3) Safety for electrical appliances, which protects your expensive devices from malfunctions due to overvoltage.

Schneider Electric has always believed that starting with the correct equipment is a crucial investment to your home and your family.  For each of the three safety elements, Schneider Electric presents a solution for Bahay Safety, Buhay Safety.  First, the Residual Current Devices (RCD), which automatically turns off the current when it senses a short or electric shock, preventing further injury. They also presented miniature circuit breakers, which protects against short circuits and overloads from appliances, thus preventing fires. And lastly, surge protection devices, which protect from overvoltage cause by inconsistent power currents and lightning strikes, to save your expensive appliances from damage.

Schneider Electric’s solutions are compliant with the International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC standards.  Electrical installations in buildings that have the IEC 60364 standard include safety protection standards against electric shock, thermal effects, overcurrent, voltage disturbances and electromagnetic disturbances.

“By following a few simple safety protocols such as making sure your electrical wiring are not faulty and damaged, investing in the right equipment and ensuring their proper installation, the risks of electrical fire, damage, injury can be greatly reduced,” Creencia added. “With so much at stake—valuable property and even more so the lives of family members—no cost is too great when it comes to safety,” he concluded.

For more information on Schneider Electric Philippines products, please visit http://www.schneider-electric.com.ph

Alex Medina is so good even when he’s bad

Alex Medina is one of those actors who exudes a roguish charm that reminds me a lot like my showbiz crush Robin Padilla. although he has been a staple in the Indie scene for the past few years, I must admit that the first movie I saw him in was Heneral Luna. But despite his limited screen time in the movie, his scenes were among the ones that I remember most.

In Echorsis, however, Alex Medina gets most of the screen time as Karlo, the sweet talking gigolo who victimizes gay men into falling in love with him and filling his wallet.

Chris Cahilig and Alex Medina

Much like his father, respected character actor Pen Medina, Alex showcases his acting chops in every scene, I even noticed some of  those in the cinema beside me swooning just like his victims on screen.

And as he makes the 180 degree switch from gigolo to someone who is possessed by a vengeful gay spirit, Alex ably conveys to the viewers his internal struggle despite delivering some of the funniest lines in the movie.

Push yourself to the limit with AXN's Ultimate Thrill 2016!

This summer, AXN brings to the crowd an energy-packed set of activities that would bring pure excitement to the crowd.

AXN Ultimate Thrill 2016 will be held in Camp N Nuvali in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, on April 16, starting at 6 AM. 150 qualified teams of 2 members, 18years old and up, will have to register one to two hours before the event. Registration can be done onsite or online at http://nuvali.ph/events/AXN-UltimateThrill-2016 and also at Chris Sports branches.

This event presents the thrill-seekers with a variety of obstacles including log hurdles, wall climbing, rollercoaster zipline, and more! After the morning activities, only 20 teams with the shortest time to accomplish the challenges would move on to the final round. Finally, at the end of the event, only 5 brave and tough teams will go on to the next leg of the thrills in Boracay on the following week.

AXN Ultimate Thrill 2016 is co-presented by Smart and is sponsored by C2 Cool&Clean, Fisherman’s Friend, and Smirnoff Mule.

Experience the longest zipline at "Camp N" Nuvali

If you are a fan of outdoor adventure, you will surely love what Camp Nuvali N offers. It boasts of Adventure Tower which houses the longest rollercoaster zipline in Asia, which of course I tried  to simultaneously with the short zipline, I should say that the short zipline has the steepest slope ever. I have been ziplining since the last 3 years, I have tried it 5x already, so I conquered my fears altogether.  Camp Nuvali N has the longest zipline I have been through, and it was fun flying through the trees with its slope and fast speed. There are of course questions in your mind while reading this, and I would provide them for the curious and thrill seeker in you. There are 5 things to consider before ziplining.

1. Make sure you are physically up for the ride. You must be able to climb the stairs leading to the ziplines. There are ropes that you would be gripping on for your dear life, make use of your muscles you never knew you had.  Eat your meal before proceeding to the course and make sure to have a bottled water alongside your mini messenger bag. 

2. What should I wear? You should wear light and comfortable clothing that isnt too loose, the one that would never snug on your harness. Wear shoes that are close-toed, flipflops or sandals are definitely a no-no. Tie your hair up, so as to not get tangled in equipment. 

3. Is ziplining safe? At Camp Nuvali, safety is their top priority. They use the best equipment in outdoor sports imported from Germany.  Their harnesses and carabiners are made of extremely durable materials. Their staff is highly trained and would double check your harness before you climb the stairs. They make sure you understand safety procedures before you begin your ziplining tour and provides special helmets as well. 

4.  Can I bring my kids on a zipline tour?  If you're the kind of mom who wants to experience this with your kids, go but take extra precaution. If safety is your priority, then you and  hubby should leave the children at home. But if they are grown ups and would like to try this out, why not. 

5.  Know your limits. Most zip lines have a weight limit. Ask yourself if youre healthy enough to try.  If you're pregnant or if you have a heart condition, if you think the stress just might be too uncomfortable, if you are afraid of heights, take a pass. Try the aerial walk first or go biking. 

Within the heart of Nuvali lies “Camp N”, touted to be the eco-city’s premier outdoor  adventure and team-building facility that serves as an incubation for self-discovery through obstacles and challenges testing one’s physical limits, mental abilities, and even character and values. Located just south of Manila, Camp N is convenient for bonding among coworkers, families, and friends looking for active fun this summer season.

 “We designed Camp N in such a way that outdoor play and self-discovery are integrated seamlessly so people can enjoy bonding while being surrounded by nature. Camp N’s philosophy— expressed through providing people outdoor amenities where one can commune, learn, grow, and interact socially— jive perfectly with the sustainable philosophy of Nuvali being an eco-community,” said John Estacio, Nuvali general manager.

John Estacio, Nuvali general manager.

Camp N’s thrills-based and skills-based facilities include the Adventure Tower, which has the biggest roller coaster zipline in Asia, as well as free fall, wall climbing, and rappelling facilities. The Obstacle Course has three challenge levels from basic to advanced, encompassing a broad spectrum of skill levels. The Aerial Walk is a series of rope-based challenges set high in the air. The High and Low Rope Initiatives is a series of balancing platforms and tightropes set just a little above ground and requires the participation of small groups.

Right beside Camp N is Greens & Patches which serves as a tree nursery, a demo organic farm, as well as an art and meditation center for those seeking an introspective approach in self-development. Guided tours and programs will soon be offered here so guests can learn about nature’s processes and gifts.

Camp N’s lush and scenic trails include paths for trail running beginners and mountain biking for kids and adults.

“Camp N is for everyone and anyone who is not only looking for some outdoor adventure fun but also a place where they can recharge and connect with other people or even themselves, while being surrounded by nature,” said Estacio.

“The presence of Camp N provides the community a convenient outdoor adventure stop. For Nuvali’s existing communities, it’s a fun learning camp within the neighborhood where they can take their kids out to play and learn. As Camp N evolves further, there will be more activities that will develop their physical and creative skills all within the comfort of nature,” added Estacio.

On April 16, Camp N will be the venue for the first leg of the “AXN Ultimate Thrill 2016”, a multi-stage adventure race similar to The Amazing Race, also popularized by the AXN network. Adventurers will go through intense obstacle challenges in Camp N and the first 20 finishers will head to Boracay for the final round. Only 200 teams from Manila may join the AXN Ultimate Thrill 2016. Registration is through the AXN website.

To get to Nuvali, one can take any of the five South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) exits at Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton-Greenfield, Silangan, and Canlubang. Nuvali is also easily accessible via public vehicles from major centers like Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Balibago.

Nuvali is a 2,290-hectare mixed-use development of Ayala Land that straddles the cities of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna. It is a integrated self-supporting eco-city that is home to 12,000 residential units, two business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, two prestigious schools, and the 150-room Seda Hotel, which can provide accommodations for stay-cations and teambuilding activities.

 As a veritable stomping ground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Nuvali offers nature amenities such as its 35-kilometer mountain bike trail, a multi-functional lake, hiking paths, and a wildlife and bird sanctuary. Ayala Malls Solenad has over 400 shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it the primary go-to leisure destination for residents in Laguna, Tagaytay, Batangas, and Muntinlupa.

Meet the Superdudes live at Century City Mall

Meet  Pencil Pirate, Flutterby and Bubble Trouble! and Superdudes book author Stevie Nicholson together with your kids this summer! It would be fun meeting Superdudes live at Century Mall Mall Makati. Its your time to bond with the kids and join the fun at the workshop, its a date together with your kids!

Superdudes children’s book creator Stevie Nicholson holds a book signing, show and VIP workshop on April 16 at the Century City Mall Event Center 

It’s going to be a truly super summer for kids as Century City Mall hosts Superdudes, live at the mall’s fifth level Event Center on April 16!

Superdudes is a funny and quirky children's book created by Stevie Nicholson, a member of the well loved Australian children’s musical group Hi-5. The book, with illustrations by Nick Rudich, focuses on capturing the imagination of children in a playful and engaging way and is based on the philosophy that absolutely anyone and anything can be Super!

On April 16, enjoy the ultimate Superdudes experience with a Show and Workshop featuring Stevie Nicholson and the Superdudes in a fun-filled stage show! A ticket of Php1,500 admits 1 child and 1 adult,  and comes with a free Php1,500 worth of Century City Mall Gift Certificates!

So come along on an adventure and meet Stevie together with Pencil Pirate, Flutterby and Bubble Trouble! 

Tickets are available at www.ticketwonui. 1,501.95. The Concierge booth at the ground level of Century City Mall will also offer tickets starting April 4. For further inquzlries call the Century City Mall Concierge at 705-6200 lac. 111/112.

Hotel Jen Manila turns One! Celebrates With Other Hotel Jen Properties Around The Globe

Hotel Jen Manila celebrated its first year anniversary. With the theme of “We Are One”, the celebration became a simultaneous event as other Hotel Jen properties across South East Asia also partied for the brand’s immeasurable success and countless accomplishments in just a matter of one year.

Kids from Matytubig Day Care Center welcomed Hotel Jen Manila’s guests with their majorette performance

For Hotel Jen Manila, the celebration kicked-off with a majorette performance by the kids of Maytubig Day Care Center to figuratively and literally welcome our guests with a bang.  Moreover, this is to make them embrace the Fiesta feeling which happened to be the theme specifically assigned for the Manila property. 

Hotel Jen Manila’s Sales & Marketing Team are all smiles at the registration area

Pas Des Tous group performing the Tinikling, Philippine’s National Dance

Hotel Jen Manila’s General Manager, Ed Kollmer strikes a post with Corporate Partners 

Guests were directed at Hotel Jen Manila’s reception area on the Ground Floor Lobby where they also witnessed a cultural performance from Pas Des Tous, a group of high school students representing St. Paul College of Parañaque. The said group showcased the country’s National Dance which is Tinikling and two more ethnical dance traditions from the Philippines’ northern and southern regions. The performance was concluded to be colourful, inspiring and served as a reflection of how rich the Philippines is in terms of culture.

Philippine’s National Dishes, the Lechon is being prepared for the Fiesta. From Human Resources Department, Mr. Lawrence Cusipag serenaded Hotel Jen Manila guests


By 7:00 PM, guests were directed at Hotel Jen Manila’s poolside to feast and celebrate Hotel Jen’s first year anniversary. Just like any other fiesta in the country, there were games that took place which added excitement and joyful memories to Hotel Jen Manila’s distinguished guests, corporate and travel partners and friends from the media. The highlight of the feast was the Lechon, a roasted pig cooked over charcoal and at the same time the Philippine’s National Dish.

To compliment the savory Filipino dishes, local refreshments such as fresh buko juice, sago’t gulaman, melon juice and pandan juice were served and enjoyed by our guests. For the dessert, the all time favourite “sorbetes ice cream” gave delight to everyone.

The mood at the poolside became more relaxing when Hotel Jen Manila’s very own Mr. Lawrence Cusipag serenaded everybody with hit Filipino love songs from the past and present.

As part of its CSR initiative and its objective to give back to the community, Hotel Jen Manila also invited in their celebration the Shadow Rondalla, a group of blind men playing plectrum instruments. The said group shared to everybody their talents while they tune up some ethnical songs and proving to everybody that a disability won’t hinder you in expressing your talent.

As Hotel Jen Manila shares a toast with its guests, a live streaming is also happening to witness Hotel Jen Brisbane, Hotel Jen Upper East Beijing, Hotel Jen Shenyang, Hotel Jen Hong Kong, Hotel Jen Puteri Harbour, Hotel Jen Penang, Hotel Jen Male, Hotel Jen Orchard Gateway and Hotel Jen Tanglin celebrate their fabulous and one-of-a-kind celebration.

Hotel Jen Manila team poses with the anniversary cake and extend their outmost gratitude to the hotel’s loyal guests, corporate and travel partners and friends from the media.

The night was sealed with smiles on  guests and Hotel Jen Manila together with all the Hotel Jen properties in South East Asia, wish to thank everybody who have extended their support and loyalty to the brand.

"Ned's Project" won Best Picture in CineFilipino Film Festival

The second run of the biennial CineFilipino Film Festival, organized and led by Unitel Productions and in partnership with the MVP Group of Companies and PLDT Smart Foundation, was a resounding success. It surpassed expectations with extended screenings of the films in selected cinemas as well as extra screenings of Ice Idanan’s Sakaling Hindi Makarating.

“We definitely surpassed the previous CineFilipino Film Festival with more genres and more categories which reached a wider audience. Though at par with other film festivals, CineFilipino has clearly found its niche among the audience. Our diverse and audience-friendly films make us relatable to many people,” said Madonna Tarrayo, CineFilipino Festival Director and Unitel Productions President and Group COO.

Aside from winning Second Best Picture, Sakaling Hindi Makarating also won awards for Best Director (Ice Idanan), Best Actor (Pepe Herrera), Best Cinematography (Ice Idanan), Best Musical Score (Mon Espia), Best Sound (Raffy Magsaysay) and Best Editing (Hannah Espia).

The film festival’s original run concluded with the CineFilipino Film Festival Awards Night which saw Ned’s Project take the Best Picture award, followed by Sakaling Hindi Makarating and Star Na si Van Damme Stallone which won Second and Third Best Pictures, respectively.

Additional awards for Best  Picture Ned’s Project include: Best Actress (Angeli Bayani), Best Supporting Actress (Max Eigenmann), Best Cinematography (Tey Clamor), Best Screenplay (John Bedia) and Best Production Design.

Meanwhile, Third Best Picture Star Na si Van Damme Stallone bagged the following awards: Best Actress (Candy Pangilinan) and Best Supporting Actor (Isaac Aguirre).

Other winners at the second CineFilipino Film Festival include:

Best Documentary Film – Sina Dino at ang Kanilang Sikreto

Best Short Film – Kung ang Ulan ay Gawa sa Tsokolate
Second Best Short Film – Not Applicable
Third Best Short Film – Chicboy

Best TV Series Pilot – Junakis
Second Best TV Series Pilot – Midlife
Third Best TV Series Pilot – Agham Inc.

Best Online Content (All Categories):
Dayuhan sa Perlas by Rainier Brizuela
Hila Ko si Noy by Dexter Paul De Jesus
How Fast by Vic Ryan Julius Ong
Iba’t Ibang Klase ng Pasahero ng Jeep by Raymundo Baguilat
Swerte by Red Aquino

Best Mobile Video – Kahon by Carlos Dala I

As a testament to the success of the film festival, a separate run will be held at the UP Theater in UP Diliman from April 18 to 23. This is spearheaded by Cineastes, the film organization of the UP College of Communication Arts.

In addition, CineFilipino is also being tapped by interested groups for special screenings as well as theatrical and international film festival runs.

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