Graduation Gift Guide from Moto and Lenovo

To the style-savvy whose OOTD has always been on point every single school day, the Moto M would be the best gift this graduation. Moto M fuses power and metallic glory with its blazing-fast Helio P15 Octa-core processor 2.2 GHz and up to 4GB of RAM, elegant fine metal design and a gorgeous 5.5” Full HD display. The Moto M retails at P14,999.

The Lenovo A6600 Plus offers an A+ mobile experience for that goal-getter. This feature-packed smartphone delivers amazing performance and awesome pictures, at an affordable price point. It is a multimedia powerhouse that delivers entertainment and multitasking on-the-go. The Lenovo A6600 Plus retails at P5,999.

Lenovo A6600 Plus 

 Music and movies are few of the escapes people tend to turn to whenever stress or boredom looms in. Feed that hunger for an endless entertainment with the Lenovo K6 Note. It has a massive 4,000mAh battery, blazing fast processor speeds and a more immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos, which complements its 5.5-inch full-HD IPS display. The Lenovo K6 Note retails at P11,999.

Lenovo K6 Note. 

Smart Giga Movies special screening of "Ghost in the Shell"

Following the successful screenings of the blockbuster hit "Logan" Smart Giga Movies rolls the red carpet anew for Smart subscribers with the block screening of “Ghost in the Shell.”

“This event is exclusive to our valued postpaid subscribers. Like what we said when we did the ‘Logan’ advance screening a couple of weeks back, this is not a one-time event. Our subscribers will be treated to the biggest movie releases throughout the year,” said Patrick Tang, Head of Smart/Sun Postpaid.

Smart Giga Movies’ “Ghost in the Shell” screening happens March 29, 7 pm at the Cinema Four of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati. Based on the Japanese manga of the same name, the science fiction stars Scarlett Johansson as The Major, a cyborg counter-cyberterrorist tasked to thwart criminals and hackers.



 To win tickets to Smart’s special screening of Ghost in the Shell, log on to your FB accounts and go to Smart’s FB page where users will have to count and spot how many times the invisible Major appeared in a lengthened Facebook GIF. There will be a beginning and an end supers to indicate the start and end of the GIF.

Smart Postpaid subscribers who will guess the number correctly in the comments section with the hashtag #SmartGigaMovies will get a chance to win tickets.

Its the Start of Something Big for SM Little Stars 2017

Before Esang (Elesa Marie de Torres)  made those chairs turned at The Voice Season 2 she already had a lot of practice wowing crowds when she joined SM Little Stars 4 years ago.   Belter “Esang” De Torres placed 3rd runner up at SM Little Stars 2013 and look at the young achiever is doing today!

 Just like Esang did, let your kids flaunt their talent and be the next SM Little Stars 2017. If they can sing, dance or act and have that X factor in them. Its about time to bring your kids for audition at any SM branches near you.

Prizes worth over 9 million awaits the lucky young achiever of SM Little Stars 2017. Trips for 2 to US and China, College scholarships, 2 Brand New Chevrolet Sail 1 for each of the Grand Winners and Php200,000 worth of cash and gc's.

SM Supermalls recently launched SM Little Stars 2017 at SM The Block on March 22. Past winners from SM Little Stars headed by Lei Andre Navarro, Chun Sa Jung and Johan Josef Yalong  graced the launch together with celebrity judges Ms. Regine Tolentino, Princess Velasco, Andi Manzano, Zeus Collins, Director Mac Alejandre, and Jonas Gaffud and SM Supermalls VP for Advertising Grace Magno. 

The following are the requirements to be eligible to join the #SMLittleStars2017:


CONTEST MECHANICS

1. Every individual boy or girl whose age is between four (4) to seven (7) years old during the date of the Preliminary Screening schedule, photogenic / telegenic, cute & charming with pleasing personality, and talented, is eligible to join and be qualified to win the SM Little Stars competition.

2. The following are not eligible to join the SM Little Stars competition or be qualified to win in SM Little Stars competition:

 a. Winners or placers from other similar contests within the duration of the previous calendar year until the current calendar year, of any company/sponsor and its affiliates with the same line of business or industry or in conflict with the business or industry of SM Supermalls and SM Affiliates.

b. Boys and girls who have been contracted in any form or of whatever nature by a TV network, talent management agency, or movie outfit whose appearance or
performance will be aired or shown during the Preliminary Screening, Regional
Finals, Grand Finals and on the date of the airing of SM Little Stars 2017 TV Special.

c. Boys and girls who have any commercial arrangement with any talent or advertising outfit or of similar kind whose appearance or performance will be aired or shown during the Preliminary Screening, Regional Finals, Grand Finals and on the date of the airing of SM Little Stars 2017 TV Special.

Any contestant found to be in violation in the eligibility or qualification to join and win in the SM Little Stars and/or any of the rules above, shall immediately be disqualified from the contest at any stage, and/or shall have forfeited his/her prizes and title. Decision on eligibility, disqualification and violation of this rule shall be final.

3. The application forms will be available at the Mall Administration Office (Marketing Department) at any SM mall branches. It can also be downloaded from the SM Little Stars official website (www.smlittlestars.com.ph)

4. To join the contest, the following must be submitted to the Mall Administration Office (preregistration) or to the official event organizer during the Preliminary 
Screening schedule:
a. Application Form – completely filled-up and signed by the parent/s (exercising
parental authority) of the contestant

b. Original & photocopy of the contestant’s birth certificate (original copy will be returned after proper verification of the photocopy)

c. Two (2) copies of 4R size photo of the contestant taken with light make-up only: one (1) close up shot and one (1) whole body shot

5. Schedule of submission of the application form and requirements will be as follows:

a. Pre-registration will start on March 18, 2017, 10am to 6pm. Deadline of submission will vary depending on the contestant’s preferred schedule and/or venue of the Preliminary Screenings:

PRELIMINARY SCREENINGS MALLS SCHEDULE OF PREREGISTRATION

April 1
 SM North Edsa, SM Masinag, SM San Lazaro March 18 – March 31 |
10am-6pm

April 2
SM Novaliches, SM San Mateo, SM Bicutan,
SM Cauayan, SM Baliwag, SM Bacoor,
SM Santa Rosa, SM Iloilo

March 18 – April 1 |
10am-6pm

April 8
SM Fairview, SM Taytay, SM Sta. Mesa,
SM BF Parañaque, SM Clark, SM Sangandaan,
SM Muntinlupa

March 18 – April 7 |
10am-6pm

April 9
SMDC Light Mall, SM Taytay, SM Manila, SM
Las Piñas, SM Sucat, SM Baguio,
SM Valenzuela, SM Dasmariñas, SM Cebu,
SM Bacolod, SM Davao

March 18 – April 8 |

10am-6p

AUDITION STARTS ON APRIL 1, 2017 AT PARTICIPATING SM MALLS.

For more information please visit https://www.smsupermalls.com/smlittlestars/assets/SMLittleStars2017Mechanics.pdf

TravelBook.ph celebrates 4th year anniversary with 50% discount on hotel stays

Now that summer is here, everyone is heading to their favorite local destination in the country. Be it Boracay, Bohol, Batangas, Cebu, Palawan, Davao, or Baguio. The one that concern travelers is the budget and where to stay for a vacation. There is one local online travel agent that I relied upon when I have to book for a hotel stay.

TravelBook.ph online travel agent does not require one to have a credit card for a room booking. How convenient is that for those who doesnt own a credit card. All you need to do is search for a city hotel and schedule your dates and pay in a hotel upon arrival. There is no better time to see the best places in the Philippines than this summer. Plan your summer vacation with TravelBook.ph now.

TravelBook.ph, the country’s biggest local online travel agent celebrates 4 years with the launch of their two exciting promos to satisfy every traveler’s needs. The launch was attended by Travel Book Ph Inc., CEO Mr, Hiroyuki Murai and executives.

Travel Book Ph Inc., CEO Mr, Hiroyuki Murai 

TravelBook.ph presents the ongoing Super Summer Sale that features great offerings of more than 50% off and special stays worth only P100 on select hotels and resorts. One can avail of the massive discounts by booking through the TravelBook.ph website or the mobile app.

They are also launching the Konnichi-WOW monthly raffle where guests, who have made online bookings from March 11 to May 31, 2017, will get a chance to win a trip to Japan for two with full accommodations and pocket money. A winner will be drawn every month until May thus increasing one’s chances of going on another holiday for free!

TravelBook.ph will also be releasing their self-titled magazine, a free publication that will feature the country’s most scenic travel spots, local secrets and tips. In addition to these offerings, the company is committed to providing excellent service and operations to make travelling accessible, inclusive and affordable for all.

TravelBook.ph started in 2010 as an online catalog for local accommodations before it grew into an online hotel booking service in 2013. In its first few months, the company has been averaging 185,000 unique visitors monthly and with a peak of 290,000. Today, almost 3,000 local hotels and resorts are listed on their website, providing more opportunities for Filipino wanderers to travel around the country and support local tourism.

How do you beat the hot days and long weekends of summer? Go to the TravelBook.ph website at www.travelbook.ph or download the mobile app on iOS and Android platforms and make all your dream destinations come true.

Philam Life partners with AC Energy to finance energy related projects

In photo (from left to right) are Philam Life Head of Fixed Income and Corporate Finance J. Vincent R. Daffon, Philam Life CIO Arleen May S. Guevara, AC Energy President and CEO Eric T. Francia, and AC Energy CFO Maria Corazon G. Dizon.




Philam Life, the country’s premier life insurance company, recently signed an agreement with AC Energy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ayala Corporation (AC), for a Php1.0 Billion long-term loan to partially finance the energy development company’s power and energy-related projects. Throughout its almost 70-year history, Philam Life has actively supported nation-building efforts by providing financing to key industries involved in major infrastructure projects like the Cavite Coastal Road and the first Skyway Project, among others.

AC Energy reached over 1000 MW in attributable capacity across its thermal and renewable energy platforms.  The company is now positioned to double its attributable generation capacity to 2000 MW by 2020.

HOOQ brings you Aldub's "Destined to be Yours"

HOOQ, Asia’s largest Subscription Video-on-Demand (SVOD) service, recently announced its acquisition of the exclusive SVOD rights to the catch-up episodes of Aldub’s first-ever teleserye,Destined to Be Yours, in the Philippines.

“With this new partnership, AlDub fans in the Philippines can stream the latest episode of Destined to be Yours 24 hours after its telecast on GMA Channel 7, plus they can also catch up on all the previous episodes they missed,”says Jane Cruz Walker, Country Manager of HOOQ.  

“Since we announced the highly anticipated first primetime TV series of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, the entire #AlDub nation created such a buzz online that Destined to be Yours was definitely destined to be a hit even before it aired its first episode,” says Judd Gallares,President & COO of GMA New Media, Inc. “

Destined to Be Yours is currently the most talked about primetime show on Philippine television since it aired its premiere episode last February 27, 2017. In fact, the pilot episode garnered 22.5% ratings on AGB Nielsen NUTAM which is 2.9% higher than its rival program. The hashtag for the pilot episode, #DestinedToBeYoursWorldPremiere, also dominated worldwide Twitter trends – garnering 4.4 million tweets from February 26, 6:00 pm to February 28, 6:00 am.

Destined to Be Yours quickly captivated viewers with the enthralling romance story between Benjie Rosales (Alden Richards) and Sinag Obispo (Maine Mendoza) which is set in a charming and picturesque town where anything, especially destiny, is a possibility.

Sinag is a DJ in a community radio station in her hometown of Pelangi. The paradise-like town of Pelangi was formerly a well-developed municipality due to its flourishing mining industry but many people were forced to leave the town after mining firms closed down. Sinag stayed behind because of her love for her hometown and her intention to preserve the traditions and culture of Pelangi through the community radio station that she inherited from her late grandfather.

Meanwhile, Benjie had just graduated from his university and had high hopes of starting his career as an architect. Benjie applies for Rosales Development, one of the largest real-estate development firms in the country. Amanda (Lotlot De Leon), who had to raise Benjie on her own after her husband died from an accident, was against this at first but later allowed it after a change of heart.



Benjie’s grandfather, Vicente Rosales (Tommy Abuel), is a real-estate tycoon and is the owner of Rosales Development. He had alienated Benjie and Amanda for many years following the tragic death of Benjie’s father, Gabriel. In order to make up for lost time, Benjie’s grandmother, Helen (Boots Anson-Roa), convinces Vicente to interview and offer Benjie a position in the company.

As Benjie accepts the job, he gets assigned to a project at Pelangi. There he meets Sinag and their lives become intertwined as they fall in love with each other.

Joining Alden and Maine is a cast of talented actors led by Boots Anson-Roa, Lotlot De Leon, Gardo Versoza, Tommy Abuel, Ronnie Henares, Ina Feleo, Sheena Halili, Dominic Roco, Juancho Trivino, RJ Padilla, Koreen Medina and Janice de Belen who recently returned to GMA for this project.

Besides having thousands of Holywood or US movies and TV series, HOOQ is now the prime destination for Filipino entertainment on demand with the largest library of local movies amongst any video-on-demand service in the country.

“Destined To Be Yours”is the latest addition to the ever growing library of local content available on HOOQ.

HOOQ subscribers can now enjoy over 1,200 Filipino movies spanning almost five decades of film making, and over 4,000 hours of local television leaving other video-in-demand services way behind in terms of Filipino content.

Fans of local TV series can also watch catch up episodes of the latest GMA 7 shows including Meant To Be,  Ika-6 naUtos and more in the coming months.

HOOQ has over 10,000 movies and TV shows available for streaming or download. Globe At Home customers can get up to 6 months access to HOOQ with plans P1,299 and up, while Globe mobile customers can also get up to 6 months trial on selected prepaid and postpaid plans.   You may also visit www.hooq.tv to sign up for a 7-day free trial.

Manila Fashion Festival 2017 kicks off with a Veejay Floresca, Jaz Cerezo and Cheetah Rivera creation

Manila Fashion Festival, produced and staged by Art Personas, comes back this summer and showcases what’s coming up on Philippine fashion trends in a 4-day fashion event on March 21-24, 2017 at The Marquee in Edsa Shangri-La Manila.

I have witnessed the first fashion event on March 21 showcasing creations of today's emerging fashion designers such as Pablo Cabahug, Azucar, Cheetah Rivera, Jaz Cerezo, Veejay Floresca

My personal favorites among the 5 are the ones designed by Cheetah, Jaz and Veejay.

"Psyche" by Jaz Cerezo

Mua Ai by Cheetah Rivera

St. Tropez by Azucar

Dark Romanticism by Pablo Cabahug

Enchanted by Veejay Floresca

Once again, expect this season to showcase collections that are set to blaze the Philippine fashion scene with creativity and craftsmanship that will define what’s next in fashion. Witness impressive talent and vision from a roster of pioneer, emerging, and even new breed fashion designers and brands, translated into stellar, impeccable fashion pieces. The runway is also set for the make-up looks of the models by the artistry of MAC Cosmetics and trendy hair styles by the Folded & Hung Famous Salon.

With this world-class fashion event full of creative minds, the future of Philippine fashion is sure to move forward to a bigger platform. Pushing this forward, innovative brands such as Philips will provide PerfectCare Iron for the designers’ creations. The catwalk will also get more lively as you witness a parade of prints and patterns inspired by the designers’ limitless imagination made possible by EPSON’s digital textile printing technology.

Putting into the spotlight young, fresh talents, MFF will stage the comeback of SoFA Design Institute graduation show. Expect it to be another exciting showcase of fresh pieces by new breed talents that will surely set their names in the fashion industry.

AirAsia and MFF are also on the lookout for young aspiring designers in the country to further develop potentials and discover new talents. Two winners will showcase their designs and represent our country for the AirAsia Runway Ready Designer Search 2017 happening at the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2017 this August. On-ground registration will be open for the hopefuls at the MFF.

At the end of the shows each day, afterparty celebrations will happen with overflowing drinks to be provided only by Grey Goose. To cap off the event, Folded and Hung will end the show, featuring its Spring/Summer 2017 collection, and will host a summer-themed finale party full of drinks and fashion.

Create your own Epic Experiences with Visa

Visa cardholders can now create their own unforgettable experiences as the global payments firm launches Epic Experiences by Visa, an ever-expanding universe of exclusive privileges for Visa cardholders.

In its fourth year, Visa’s homegrown privilege platform is broadening its offerings beyond dining to cater to the different interests of cardholders. Over 80 dining, retail and travel partners nationwide have been added to the list of partner merchants this year. Simply present your Visa card at partner establishments to experience Visa’s signature VIP treatment and exclusive offers. Through this program, Visa gives its members the power to tailor-make their own lifestyle experiences: you can try out the most popular restaurants, keep up with the latest trends, and travel to exclusive vacation spots around the country.

“Our vision isto give our cardholders an opportunity to curate their unforgettable life moments through Epic Experiences. Our wide range of partnerships and offers will enable our members to enjoy exclusive privileges that can build on their interests and enhance their lives,” says Stuart Tomlinson, Visa Country Manager for the Philippines and Guam. 

Partner establishments and offers

All Visa Credit, Debit, Prepaid and Commercial cards issued locally and abroad are eligible to enjoy the unique perks of Epic Experiences by Visa. Use your Visa card at any of the partner establishments to avail of exclusive promos. Offers are available from March 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018. Terms and conditions apply.


For more information, please visit www.visa.com.ph

Landers Superstore to open in Pasig and Muntinlupa

Inspired by the increase in spending power of Filipinos and the year on year growth in retail, Landers Superstore, the country’s fastest growing membership shopping establishment, recently announced its plans to expand to the southern and eastern part of Metro Manila.

Backed by thorough research and the success of the first two superstores, Landers Superstore is poised to take advantage of the rapid developments in Pasig and Muntinlupa Cities.

Two Landers Superstore outlets will be opened in these areas, as confirmed by Atty. Lowell Yu, chairman of Southeast Asia Retail Inc., which recently formalized an agreement with Megaworld Corporation, the developer behind ArcoVia City along C5 in Pasig and Alabang West in Muntinlupa City. The expansion, he explained, will provide residents from these two townships and from neighboring areas with an exclusive one-stop shop where they can find a complete array of their everyday lifestyle needs.

“The retail industry has been growing exponentially, propelled by the steady increase in the spending power of Filipinos specifically towards household consumption expenditures. These factors, plus the strategic locations where we are setting up, made us decide to expand our investment in this category,” added Yu. In the second quarter of 2016, the company launched the first Landers Superstore in Balintawak, Quezon City, followed by another three-hectare store in Paco, Manila. 

Given the overwhelming response from the first two Landers Superstores, Yu is optimistic that the new superstores will have a positive reception. “It’s all about giving our members better value for their money.  As members, they have access to products and brands that are not available elsewhere in a setting that lets them shop minus the stress, the long lines, and tight grocery area. Many of our members bring the entire family to our store because the spacious layout makes shopping really convenient and enjoyable. This way, we also promote family bonding.”

With an average of 10,000 square meter vast space per outlet, Landers Superstore takes pride in having well-lit and spacious aisles packed with an assortment of goods, including a wide range of imported products coming from as far as the US, Canada, and Australia and high-quality local and exclusive brands.

From food and other grocery items to  furniture, appliances, and even hardware products,  Landers Superstore houses a range of treasure finds including Badia Spices, Mercer’s Wine Ice Cream, Double Rainbow—which is the best Gourmet Ice cream in San Francisco—Luvo (easy-to-cook health food), Every Man Jack, and President’s Choice products, to mention a few.

Landers Superstore is also the first membership superstore in the Philippines to have a cozy coffee shop, Doppio; a comfortable diner, Landers Central; and a delectable bakery, Dough & Co. The superstore also provides a lavish dining area where members can enjoy a delicious New York Pizza, chicken, hotdogs, bagels, fancy cakes, and pastries while taking a break from shopping.



Waiting husbands and kids can also get their own pampering in Landers’ very own barbershop (Talas Manileño in Landers Balintawak and Federal Barbers in Landers Otis). Plus, exclusively for members, Landers Superstore also offers year-long gasoline discounts from its very own gasoline station, Caltex.

For more information, visit Landers Superstore at 1240 EDSA Balintawak, Apolonio Samson, Quezon City or Landers Superstore - Otis at 1890 Paz Guazon St., Paco, Manila. You can also check them out at http://landers.ph/.

Citi PH introduces Digital Banking

 Do you know that you can apply for a credit card and get approved online?

Citi Philippines latest digital innovation comes in the form of online credit card application and approval program, a first in the Philippines.

David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products

You dont need to visit the bank and the malls anymore just to fill up those application forms.  You can do it at the comfort of your room. It saves time and energy. Just visit Citi PH website to fill up some forms.

David Stoughton, Director for Credit Payment Products graced the launch of Citi PH  Credit card application online on March 16 at Discovery Primea. He told the media that clients can expect to get credit approval online, after they complete the simplified application form and submit digitized copies of required documents.

If you apply online, you also get a digitized reward as soon as you complete an application.

Apply now until April 30, complete an application online and receive an electronic voucher, wherein you can redeem for an Auntie Anne’s pretzel and iced tea. Upon approval, clients who are getting their first Citi credit card and make a purchase of P20,000 or more within 60 days are also eligible to get a Fitbit Charge 2 fitness wristband.

The country’s leading foreign bank continues its aggressive bid to be the number one digital bank in the country with the launch of new digital partnerships, products and services.

“We were one of the first banks to launch an online presence and also one of the pioneers in attracting customers through our website,” recalled Stoughton.  “At that time, we were only capturing the information online when they apply, but the processing still takes place offline including the credit review.  With this latest service, we are excited to break new ground for the industry and deliver another innovation for the Filipino consumer.”

Apply online and get a digitized reward too!
With the digitized application and approval process, a client will know in minutes if he or she is qualified for a Citi credit card.  “This is a game changer as we continue to look at our products and services, and accelerate digitization to deliver remarkable client experiences,” said Stoughton.

Citi also digitized its rewards – clients who prefer to submit applications through promotion booths in shopping centers or travel exhibits because of attractive turn-in gifts will be pleased to discover they won’t be missing out just because they will do it online.

Groundbreaking partnerships with leading digital retailers

Citi also recently unveiled another strategic digital partnership, this time with Amazon.  The Philippines will come next after Thailand where credit card holders can now use their Rewards Points to pay for purchases at Amazon.com.

On average, Citi announced a new digital innovation or partnership fortnightly in the last 12 months across Asia.  During 2016, Citi announced strategic partnerships in leading digital ecosystems across the region. Some of these included Alipay and WeChat in China and Line in Thailand and Taiwan. The bank also formed digital credit card partnerships with the likes of Airbnb and Uber in various countries. The bank’s social media followers in Asia grew from 3million to over 10million during 2016.

In the Philippines, its regional digital partners include: Booky, an offline restaurant finder; Zennya, the world’s first spa on-demand app; Lazada, the leading online shopping mall in the country; and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading ride-hailing platform, to name a few.

In the country, Citi’s ongoing promotions with leading travel sites including Asiatravel (grab 12% off on hotel bookings until June 30, 2017); Agoda (get 10% off on hotel accommodations year-long); Expedia (enjoy 8% off until October 2017); and Airbnb (on first stay, get P1,800 off until November 15, 2017).

Beyond travel, expect to also enjoy exclusive discounts when shopping online with Citi credit cards.
• 15% off at POBox.ph (until March 31, 2017) and Shipping Cart (for air and shipping fees until July 31)
• 12% off at Zalora year long
• 10% off at Galleon.ph until July 31
• Island Rose extends 10% off year long



Banking on a Digital Future

“Our Consumer Bank business in Asia draws some 20 million visits to our online properties every month and between 90 to 95% of all transactions already happens outside a branch,” Stoughton.  He added that regional figures show one out of every four new credit card accounts acquired comes from digital sources and over 50% of clients are actively using digital banking channels, up from 30% three years ago. 

Over the past five years, traffic in Citi branches across Asia has declined 50% as digital transactions grew over 100%. While digital banking is not completely replacing the branch experience, the nature of branch interactions is changing, and Citi’s strategy is now aimed at a combination of bricks and clicks.

“In our drive to digital, we have also become the credit card brand that online and mobile retailers prefer. This initiative presents a bright outlook in a country which greatly embraces the growth of online shopping and lifestyle,” added Stoughton.

Over the last year, Citi launched the newly-refreshed Citi Mobile App in Asia featuring easy-to-use functionality and interfaces such as Snapshot and Touch ID which has seen over 2m million downloads to-date. The bank also was the first to launch Voice Biometrics across the region which has since received more than 700,000 sign-ups from customers with over 1m clients consenting.

“We are focused on becoming the world’s leading digital bank, and we will continue to leverage on our global network for strategic partnerships even as we develop and deliver digital products and services,” said Stoughton.

Aiko Melendez plays villain in "Wildflower"

Aiko Melendez plays a meanie in Wildflower, her latest television outing. But did you know that Aiko prays before and after facing the camera?

Aiko who is a mother of two beautiful kids, Andrei and Marthena says, she snaps out of her character the moment the director shouts "cut."

“I am Christian, so I always pray, ‘Lord, role lang po ito.  Make me effective without sacrificing my real being and attitude,” she says.

Aiko prays that her character, the politically powerful Emilia Ardiente-Torillo, who doesn’t mind committing bloody murder to protect the family reputation, stays on the set.

She also knows that Maja Salvador’s (the lead female protagonist/antagonist Lily Cruz) fans are cursing her on Twitter.  “As the villain, I’m expecting the worst,” she laughs. And she loves getting meaner by the day.

Aiko knows her character inside out.  What she discovered about Emilia moved her to pity. Emilia according to Aiko is a victim of circumstances, a woman pushed to the wall because of things beyond her control.

“I understand where her attitude is coming from,” Aiko says.

Aiko is all praises for her co-actors. "I love my Wildflower team." She admires how Maja attacks her role and her dedication to her job.

“Working with her makes me so excited.  She’s the best in her generation.  Maja delivers, and her acting nuances are great!” gushes Aiko.

Wildflower airs right after Minute to Win It on ABS CBN.