Catch Echorsis in your favorite theatre, now on its second week run!

BLACK COMEDY film “Echorsis: Sabunutan Between Good And Evil” was given a second week run in key Metro Manila after it fought hard from being pulled out in cinemas.

The critically acclaimed horror-comedy film starring John Lapus, Kean Cipriano, and Alex Medina, are still screening in Market! Market!, Festival Mall, Robinsons Galleria, SM North Edsa, SM Manila, and SM Megamall to date. It’s producer Chris Cahilig of Insight 360 hopes that more cinemas will open its door to the film since it’s the only Filipino movie screening this week.

“Cinema attendance, including big-budgeted Hollywood flicks, was bad last week perhaps due to the record-high heat. Many still want to watch Echorsis in the big screen that’s why I am happy that at least six theaters are still exhibiting it. I just hope that others will follow their example,” Cahilig said.

Echorsis, directed by Lemuel Lorca who recently bagged the Best Picture trophy for “Ned’s Project” in CineFilipino, and penned by Palanca-winner Jerry Gracio, pleased critics.

Clickthecity’s in-house film critic Philbert Dy described Echorsis as a “subversive little gem” and hailed it for its bold depiction of the LGBTQ community. He believed that Echorsis is the “spiritual successor” of the sleeper hit “Zombadings.”

“(Echorsis) emerges as a subversive little gem; brave enough to say things that aren’t often touched by our cinema, and it does it while being pretty funny. That’s certainly worth something,” Dy wrote.

Meanwhile, Oggs Crus of Rappler praised Echorsis for doing what it sets out to do which is to entertain while “deliberate forwarding a pervasive agenda.

Various online and print reviews and netizens praised Lapus, Cirpriano, and Medina for their sterling performances as the closeted Kristoff, the confused priest Father Nick and the sweet-tongue gigolo Carlo. Echorsis was likewise noticed for its unpredictable and sensitive screenplay by Gracio and breathtaking cinematography by Sasha Palomares.

“I hope that more people, particularly the lovers of Philippine cinema, to come out and watch Echorsis despite the summer heat. It’s truly worth their time, effort, and money,” Cipriano appealed.

Completing the ensemble cast of “Echorsis” are Alessandra de Rossi, Chokoleit, Kiray Celis, Mich Liggayu, Ruby Ruiz, Negi Negra, Bekimon, Nico Antonio, Francine Garcia, Odette Khan, and 1:43’s Yuki Sakamoto, Anjo Resurreccion, Gold Aquino, and Yheen Valero.

“Echorsis” is supported by BellaVita Land Corp. and McJim Classic Leather.

Beat the summer heat with Baskin-Robbins Luscious Pomegranate Swirl

Luscious Pomegranate Swirl rocks Baskin-Robbins’ Flavor of the Month.

Beat the summer heat and cool off with Baskin-Robbins’ luscious April flavor of the month – Pomegranate Swirl. The world’s most beloved ice cream brand has deliciously combined unique pomegranate ice cream and classic vanilla ice cream, swirled with a sweet and tart pomegranate ribbon.

Indulge in this frozen delight and treat your palate to a happy burst of flavours, creating a summer experience like no other. You can enjoy Baskin-Robbins Pomegranate Swirl in a cone, cup or as a milkshake.

Experience this refreshing, limited edition flavor in April at Baskin-Robbins outlets located at the Central Square and SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City; Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta 5 in Makati; Fairview Terraces and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City; SM Southmall in Las Pinas; Solenad in Sta Rosa, Laguna; and the newly opened branch in Uptown Place Mall in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

For more information, log on to www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their accounts: facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph, Twitter, and Instagram @baskinrobbinsph.

Duterte leads as of 7-Election Cupdates

Roughly three weeks before the Philippine National Election, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte still leads the 7-Election fun and informal presidential poll garnering 58% of cup sales from the last week of March to April 18. This unscientific and unofficial poll relies solely on cup sales to determine the ranking of the candidates.

Not satisfied with the result? Now’s the perfect time to voice out your choice and support your bet in a fun way! Just head over to any 7-Eleven store and choose the GULP® cup featuring your presidential candidate. Whether you've already made up your mind for Jejomar Binay, Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe or Mar Roxas, or are still undecided, you can let your choice be heard.

With just a few weeks before the elections and the recent turn of events, results will most probably vary. Check out the official 7-Election website (http://www.7-election.com.ph/) for the Daily Cupdates,live results per area and a gallery featuring social media posts with #7Election hashtag. For more information, follow 7 Eleven Philippines on Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/7Eleven/) and Twitter(https://twitter.com/711philippines).

Devant holds special block screening of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”

It was indeed a clash for supremacy between two of the world’s greatest super heroes, a monumental collision to gain the trust and confidence of the people of the world as to who will be their ultimate savior.

But the night belonged to guests of Devant, makers of the most technologically advanced and smart TVs in the country today, for the special block screening of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” last Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at the posh Greenbelt 3 Cinema 5 in Makati City.

Devant’s corporate partners, bloggers and other VIPs all showed up in an exciting evening to be among the first to watch the thrilling and most anticipated movie event of the year, where Batman and Superman clash in an epic collision for supremacy and power.

And that’s not all as premium loot bags and exciting raffles prizes were given away by Devant for lucky moviegoers prior to the screening, much to their delight.

Devant also reminded their guests that the “Battle for Supremacy” promo is still ongoing. For every purchase of Devant’s big-screen TVs like the 65-inch UHD200 Ultra HD TV, the 55 and 50-inch UHV200 Ultra HD TVs, the 58 and 50-inch DTV700 Smart TVs, customers can enjoy quality home entertainment by pairing them with equally impressive home entertainment accessories, all offered at special add-on prices.

Enjoy clear and distinct audio of your favorite movies, concerts or sporting events with the DV-5270 Devant 5.1 Channel multimedia speaker (270W), DV-280 Devant 2.1 Channel multimedia speaker (80W), and DV-5160 Devant 5.1 Channel multimedia speaker (160W).

Amaze yourself, friends and family with the AD-448 Android Dongle or MPC-01 Mini PC accessories, while watching movies or TV series marathons and listen to every word, note or shrill through Devant’s incredibly sounding SB-110 Devant 2.2 Channel Soundbar System (110W) and SBS-200 Devant2.1 Channel Soundbar System (200W).

And the good news is these incredible Devant TVs come with built-in Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting–Terrestrial (ISDB-T) receivers, the Japanese standard for digital TV and radio broadcast. ISDB-T is the digital broadcast platform approved by the Philippine government through the National Telecommunications Commission as it makes the big switch to digital broadcasting and communications.

This makes Devant the first TV brand in the country whose built-in ISDB-T receivers are ready to receive 1080p resolution digital broadcast signals minus a set-top box, cable or satellite connection.

Other benefits of the ISDB-T receivers include the Channel Variation Track feature, where each TV channel’s frequency band can be divided into 13 segments resulting to new multiple channels, and this standard, together with Devant’s LED technology, guarantees superb audio system for clearer, cleaner sound levels. The Reception Clarity Plus feature assures strong resistance against poor reception conditions, the Electronic Program Guide provides consumers with regularly updated broadcast schedules of broadcast stations running on ISDB-T, and Devant TVs also allow ISDB-T recording to record high-resolution digital feed through an external drive.

The “Battle for Supremacy” promo of Devant runs until May 15, 2016. “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” is now playing in all cinemas nationwide in 2D, 3D and IMAX.

For more information about Devant home entertainment products, visit www.devanttv.com.

Kenny Rogers "Final World Tour" in Manila this August!

The long wait is over. Grammy Award-winning superstar Kenny Rogers is finally performing in Manila on August 11, 2016  at the Smart Araneta Coliseum presented by Ovation Productions.
Kenny Rogers has enjoyed great success during his storied career of nearly six decades, which will be celebrated during Rogers’ final world tour: The Gambler’s Last Deal.

The enduring Country Music Hall of Fame member and pop superstar has endeared music lovers around the globe with his amazing songs, heartfelt performances, distinctive voice, gift for storytelling and universal appeal. Rogers has played to millions of fans around the world, performing songs from his catalog of 24 Number One hits including “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” “Coward of the County,” “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” “Lady,” “Islands in the Stream,” “She Believes In Me,” “We’ve Got Tonight,” “Daytime Friends,” “Through The Years,” “You Decorated My Life,” and “Buy Me A Rose.” His other hits include Someone Who Cares, You and I, Love Song, Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer, among others.

Incredibly, Rogers has charted a record within each of the last seven decades (’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, 2000’s, 2010’s). He has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, making him one of the Top Ten Best Selling Male Solo Artists of All Time, according to the RIAA. Rogers has won many awards for his music and charity work, including three GRAMMY Awards, 19 American Music Awards, 11 People’s Choice Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards and six Country Music Association Awards, including the CMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and in 2015, Rogers was awarded the CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award.

(“Kenny Rogers Final World In Manila” is presented by Ovation Productions. Tickets available at regular ticketnet outlets and online at www.ticketnet.com.ph starting Tuesday, April 19. For more  info, call  532-8883)

Four tips for a healthier you from Electrolux

Whether you’re aiming for a beach-ready bod or simply want to shed a few pounds, summer is a great time to start a healthier diet. To help you get started, Electrolux has put together a few simple tips on healthier food substitutes and ways to prepare food that will help pave the way for that slimmer silhouette.

Microwave your veggies

Did you know that cooking veggies in your microwave is a great way to preserve its nutrients?

Any cooking method utilizing heat and water tends to destroy the nutrients that make vegetables so good for us -for example, powerhouse vegetable spinach loses about 77% of its folate when boiled on the stove, but retains nearly all of it when cooked in a microwave.

This is because microwave ovens cook by vibrating water molecules within food, thus producing heat. It does not change the chemical composition of food in any way. As an added bonus, fresh vegetables, with their high water content can be cooked more quickly than other foods in a microwave oven.

Microwave ovens like the Electrolux EMS2348X comes with auto-cooking features that optimizes the time required to cook varying amounts of vegetables with just a few easy turns of the control knob.

To cook vegetables in your microwave oven, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and add a small amount of water depending on the vegetables being cooked. Cover the dish with a safe plastic wrap and poke several holes or leave a corner open to allow the steam to vent.


Add spice to your meals with chili

Chili peppers are not just beneficial for health, but also for your waistline. Thanks to an antioxidant called capsaicin, chillies and other spices have been found to diminish appetite and accelerate your metabolism, helping your body burn fat at higher rate.

Electrolux EOB5450AAX Inspiro Built-In Oven

Electrolux EOT38DXA Tabletop Convection Oven

Capsaicin also increases fat oxidation, which pushes the body to use more fat as fuel. For optimal weight loss, consume in tandem with a low fat diet and try baking or grilling dishes in ovens like the Electrolux EOB5450AAX Inspiro Built-In Oven or the Electrolux EOT38DXA Tabletop Convection Oven.

Puree your way to a healthier you

Purees can be a low calorie, low fat replacement in certain foods like soups, salad dressings and deserts.

Creamy soups are a much-loved comfort food, both for its creamy taste and texture. For a low-fact alternative, pureeing the soup with cooked potatoes or tofu will give it that thick texture. Tofu can also be used as a substitute for sour cream in salads.

Meanwhile fruit purees shine in baking and desserts. One quarter cup of pureed apples and pears will replace one egg in a cake recipe. They not only add moisture but a fruity flavour to the cake. If the pureed fruit makes the cake denser than you would like, add half to one teaspoon of baking powder to get a lighter result.

Electrolux EBR 5050 Powermix Silent Blender

Creating a puree is easy – all you need is a powerful blender like the Electrolux EBR 5050 Powermix Silent Blender, which even comes with a fruit filter to easily remove pulp and seeds.

Top up your salad the healthy way

A tablespoon of mayonnaise contains about 100 calories while olive oil has 120. Cheeses like feta and parmesan can add 20 to 50 calories to the total. If you are having salads with bacon or crispy (in other words, fried) chicken, that ratchet up the calorie and fat count. Top if off with dressings like Thousand Island and your salad can weigh in at over 600 calories.

To help make your salads healthier, choose toppings that provide protein instead of fat like tuna, chickpeas and eggs. If you want meat toppings, go for a healthier cooking method, like sautéing, braising or grilling.

For more tips on home care and healthy living, please visit electrolux.com.ph or our Facebook page at facebook.com/Electrolux.

Sony Channel hosts Summer Escape in Boracay

Fun-filled summer activities await the participants in this event happening on April 22 at The Sand Bar Station 1 in Boracay starting at 1PM, to be hosted by Jaz Reyes. In the evening, the mood is set with special performances by Clara Benin, RJ Jimenez, and Up Dharma Down.

To participate in this event, guests need to register by liking Sony Channel's Facebook page. After which, they’ll be given an ‘event passport’ which they could use to participate in different activity booths, and enjoy the evening performances as well.

Guests can also make memorable beach moments with henna tattoos, hair braids, massages, nail art, bead buffet, printstagram, giant beerpong, and more! Plus, Sony Channel will be giving away exciting freebies for its summer loving guests.

Sony Channel’s Summer Escape 2016 is brought to you by Western Union in partnership with 2go Express, 2go Travel, Tanduay Select, DeborrahLippman, Palmers, OPI, Style Aromatheraphy, Havaianas, Piknik, BoracayCrossfit, Megstreetwear.ph and Meg.

Sony Channel is seen on SKYCable Channel 35, Cignal Digital TV Channel 60, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cable Link Channel 39.

Experience Virtual Reality with Lenovo Vibe K4 Note and Vibe X3

It was also about the same time last year that I saw the first Lenovo phone that really got my attention. The company was launching the Lenovo A7000, the world's first phone to feature Dolby Atmos, and to showcase the theater experience we were treated to a 4D screening of the Avengers Movie. That night I was the lucky one to win the phone.

Now that Captain America: Civil War  is just a few days away, Lenovo once again launched its new generation of smartphones that was made for those who love watching movies. But this time, they take the experience several notches higher with the introduction of TheaterMax.

Lenovo unveiled the Vibe Note 4 and Vibe X3 at a media event held at the SM North Edsa Cyberzone Event Area last week. The two new phones promise unparalleled entertainment as you can now watch and play your favorite movies and games via a Virtual Reality headset.


And guess what…I was again the lucky one who won the Vibe X3 and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Enjoying multimedia on a smartphone has never been this exciting. Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) today unveils TheaterMax, the promise of an immersive experience powered by Lenovo Virtual Reality (VR) technology. It is touted to convert any multimedia content to become VR-enabled, giving users a cinematic experience when viewed through a VR headset. Lenovo proudly introduces the world’s first smartphones with TheaterMax, the Lenovo VIBE X3 and VIBE K4 Note.

“With over fifty percent of digital content being consumed on mobile devices at this age and time, smartphones continue to be users’ primary personal entertainment device. Lenovo expects that the numbers will continue to expand in the future; therefore, the demand for newer, more sophisticated functionalities will likewise increase. The Lenovo TheaterMax, powered by Lenovo Virtual Reality, sets us apart with our commitment to design cutting-edge smartphones that meets the needs of consumers at a friendly price point,” said Dino Romano, Country Manager, Lenovo Smartphones Philippines.

The launch of the new Lenovo smartphones is another testament of Lenovo’s commitment to growing the smartphone business in the Philippine market. According to IDC, smartphone penetration in the Philippines is seen to rise to about 70 percent by 2018.

Romano added, “Our smartphone business is a key growth engine to achieve PC Plus leadership. And with our protect and attack strategy, Lenovo is well-positioned to drive sustainable growth for the smartphone business in the Philippines.”

TheaterMax allows users to do so much more than just viewing on a smartphone screen, through three key experiential pillars – exploring, watching and interacting.

Exploring: Whether coming home after a busy day or spending quality time with friends, there is always a new and refreshing experience waiting to be discovered. Experience videos and games come to life when users don a pair of VR glasses and soak in the vibrant visuals and rich surround sound.

Watching: Users can also choose to catch their favorite movies once more without the crowd with TheaterMax’s widescreen cinematics of vivid colors and immersive sound quality in the palm of the hand. Take time out from that hectic schedule and spend much needed quality time with the Lenovo VIBE X3 or VIBE K4 Note.

Interacting: Coupled with endless choices of games and applications, turn the Lenovo VIBE X3 or VIBE K4 Note into a gaming console with TheaterMax boasting smooth graphics, lifelike surround sound, and responsive 3D gameplay. Smartphones are already a hit with the young (and young at hearts) for their intuitiveness and user-friendliness, now users can look forward to even more exciting features.

VIBE X3: Entertainment and Performance Built for a Lasting Experience

Incorporating the world’s first large chambered front stereo speakers for a louder output and improved bass performance, the VIBE X3 boasts an all-new Dolby ATMOS® lifelike audio experience over speakers for the first time. Engineered with Lenovo Sound featuring the industry’s highest performance 32-bit mobile audio DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) with unprecedented dynamic range to play any audio format, the VIBE X3 ensures ultralow distortion and supreme audio clarity, redefining personal entertainment experiences on smartphones.

The VIBE X3 also comes with an advanced sound input and recording capabilities, for those aspiring to produce their own digital content. Lenovo’s configured 3-mic system and state-of-the-art Wolfson® audio codec effectively filters out ambient noise and greatly enhances sound quality, while its 21MP PDAF rear camera with 4K Ultra HD video recording capabilities and 8MP front camera ensures crisp quality videos and images.

The VIBE X3 also features a vibrant 5.5” Full HD display with a 178o wide viewing angle, a high contrast level of 1500:1 and 16M colors with Lenovo Screen color optimization to further enhance visual experience through a slew of dynamic colors and stunning details showcased on a high resolution screen.

To ensure an undisrupted entertainment experience, the VIBE X3’s core structure is strengthened to last. With a combination of a 3600mAh battery that allows users to watch a movie or three in full HD, top of the line 64-bit Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 808 hexa-core processor with 3GB of RAM, the VIBE X3 is built to deliver an exceptional performance making multi-tasking a breeze. Internal storage of 32GB, expandable up to 160GB is also available to ensure easy access to a huge archive of music, movies and games, while staying connected with super-fast LTE speeds.

VIBE K4 Note: Undisrupted Multimedia Experience

Featuring a vibrant 5.5” Full HD display with a 178o wide viewing angle and 1080p clarity, together with color optimization and high-contrast technologies to further enhance the quality of the visuals, the Lenovo VIBE K4 Note delivers an uncompromised entertainment experience for streaming and watching video.

The Lenovo VIBE K4 Note also comes with advanced sound input and recording capabilities for those aspiring to produce their own digital content. Lenovo’s configured 3-mic system and state-of-the-art Wolfson® audio codec effectively filter out ambient noise and greatly enhance sound quality during recording. Its twin front ported stereo speakers enabled by Dolby Atmos® minimize noise and voice distortion when playing voice clips and songs, automatically fine-tuning any audio experience for listeners. Combined with a 13MP PDAF rear camera and a 5MP fixed-focused selfie camera, these features make VIBE K4 Note ideal for creative content producers.

The VIBE K4 Note is also built to perform. A 3300mAh embedded battery, 64-bit MediaTek® MT6753 octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM combine to deliver exceptional performance, promising users undisrupted gaming, multimedia, and social experiences on even the longest days.
Internal storage of 16GB, expandable up to 144GB also helps users maintain easy access to a huge archive of music, movies and games, while staying securely connected with super-fast LTE speeds and security features including fingerprint and NFC sensors.

The Lenovo VIBE X3 will be available on the second week of April at all authorized Lenovo dealers nationwide. Pricing for the model starts at Php22, 099 and is bundled with a free VR headset, screen protector, and back cover. The VIBE X3 is available in Pearl White.

The Lenovo VIBE K4 Note is now available at all authorized Lenovo dealers nationwide. Pricing for the model starts at Php10, 699 and is bundled with a free VR headset, screen protector, and back cover. Colors available include Matte White and Matte Black.

Both smartphone models will also be upgradeable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Get ready to pick a side #TeamCap or #TeamIronMan

I must admit, I am not much of a comic fan, but every time there’s a new superhero movie coming out, I cant help but become just as excited as those fan girls who cant wait to see the movie.  Blame it on Robert Downey, and Chris Evans, or those deep blue eyes of Chris Hemsworth, that just makes you want to scream “Hit me baby one more time” when he’s holding his hammer.

Patrons who make a stand by choosing #SMTeamCap or #SMTeamIronMan online can win a 3-day, 2-night stay in Singapore and a chance to see Captain America himself and the other stars in Singapore!

And if you are not the lucky winner you could still have your pictures taken with Captain America and even Iron Man--- or at least their life-sized statues!

SM Cinema celebrates Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” with life-size figurines, fun activity booths, at the The Block Activity Center SM North Edsa

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” will be the first film to use the new IMAX/Arri 2D Camera that will add “incredible scale to it,” according to co-director Joe Russo.

The IMAX/Arri 2D Camera is designed to complement the high-resolution capture technologies that achieve the highest level of digital image. IMAX has been very selective as to who utilizes its cameras, limiting it to Zack Snyder (“Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice”), Brad Bird (“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”), Christopher Nolan (“Interstellar”), and J.J. Abrams (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”). The newest addition, the IMAX/Arri 2D Camera has been christened by the latest installment of the Captain America franchise.

Nicole Deato, AVP for Cinema & Exhibition and Digital Media, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. and Anna Driz, Head of Marketing, Disney Media + Philippines invites you to make a stand at the Captain America: Civil War exhibit at SM City North EDSA.

Naturally, the film is best projected onto screens in IMAX theatres, which widen the view of the scene making sure no perspective is cut off frame. “When you’re working on a Marvel film, there’s a sense of showmanship that goes along with the movies, and no exhibitor exploits that better than IMAX,” says Russo.

This summer, choose the extraordinary and make a stand by watching with the best. Choose IMAX. Visit the interactive “Captain America: Civil War” booth at SM City North EDSA from April 13 onwards to win premium items. Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” will be out in all IMAX theatres and SM Cinema theatres beginning April 27. Complement your movie-watching with freshly popped popcorn and movie collectibles found at SM Cinema’s snack brand, Snack Time. For more information, visit www.smcinema.com, or like and follow SM Cinema on facebook (/SMCinema), @SM_Cinema on Twitter and Instagram.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Marisa Tomei, Tom Holland, Frank Grillo and Martin Freeman, with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl.

Anthony & Joe Russo are directing with Kevin Feige, p.g.a. producing. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The screenplay is by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Get ready to pick a side and join the nonstop action playing out on two fronts when Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in theaters on Wednesday, April 27th.

British School Manila introduces Flying Trapeze as an After School Activity

“As I walked up the 25 steps of the ladder for the first time, I could feel my legs begin to shake. Fear took over. I approached the top of the platform and pulled myself up. I grabbed hold of the bar. In the background, I could hear the words, “ready, 3, 2, 1” and something within me forced me to jump off. For the first time in my life, I actually felt like I was flying through the air, weightless and free. This was the day I fell in love with the sport of Trapezing.” (Izzy Moon)

For the past 11 weeks, a group of girls from British School Manila’s Year 5 and 6 have been taking part in an After School Activity in Bonifacio. Flying Trapeze Philippines (FTP) is the first and only full-size Flying Trapeze rig in the Philippines and one of only a few in all of Asia. Located in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, FTP is an excellent alternative form of exercise which tones your upper body and core muscles within a fun and challenging environment. FTP has given these girls, in particular, the opportunity to try out a relatively new sport which, whilst being lots of fun, is also very physically demanding.

‘With help from our fantastic local Filipino coaches, we have all been able to develop so many different skills whilst being 30 feet in the air - scary,’ said one of our performers. Trapeze relies heavily on understanding the timings of your swing so that you are able to be caught in mid-air at the right opportunity. After only a few training sessions, they were being caught by another Trapeze artist whilst flying through the air!

Last Friday, the BSM team got together with children from International School Manila (ISM) for the first Philippines Inter-School Trapeze Show. It was an incredible opportunity to show off all of their new skills to an audience - who of course were wowed!  Although they admitted to feeling under pressure, the students were outstanding and performed with great enthusiasm. Our children’s performance was followed by an awe-inspiring demonstration from the FTP instructors showing everybody the unbelievable skills they could develop with practice and dedication. FTP’s mantra which is used when encouraging the children, at this early age, is one which truly helps to inspire: "Those who don't jump will never fly." Very close to one of our mantras, “if it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you”.  At BSM we hope to motivate each child to aim higher and floating through the air on a flying trapeze certainly made this happen.