Pizza Hut opens all-new SM Mall of Asia Flagship Store

Pizza Hut PH recently unveils its flagship store at SM Mall of Asia with a new concept of dining on August 15. The momentous event is graced by Pizza Hut top executives, celebrity ambassador Bb. Pilipinas Universe Rachel Peters, and media at SM MOA.

We feasted over their bestsellers Hawaiian pizza (my all time favorite) chicken, spaghetti with meatballs and their yummy yema and Chocnut desserts and a lot more during the launch. The new flagship store sports a homey vibe to the dining experience. The whole place is instagram worthy plus their delicious affordable food offerings.

In the Philippines, Pizza Hut started in 1984. It is now the country’s most popular pizza chain serving Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, as well as Visayas and Mindanao with its Dine-In Restaurants, Delivery Units, and Express Counters. At Pizza Hut, pizza lovers are guaranteed not only of the best-tasting pizza, pasta, and chicken wings but of excellent, customer-oriented service and that feeling of being in your own happy place with friends and family. How can competition ever hope to top that?

Right from the start, Pizza Hut has always been known for its penchant for keeping up with the times. For its newly renovated store at SM Mall of Asia, the famed pizza chain is doing away with the rather formal dining experience of yore and switching to an all-new concept of fast casual dining that is easy to access and avail of. “What we are offering in our new flagship store at SM Mall of Asia is a more immediate and less tedious dining concept,” says Lorent Adrias, Chief Marketing Officer of Philippine Pizza Inc.

“The move to renovate and make the store in SM Mall of Asia bigger, better, and a venue to experience the total pizza experience is also made possible by Pizza Hut’s strong partnership with SM Prime Holdings, Inc, SM’s mall subsidiary,” adds Adrias.

One day in 1958, two enterprising college students, Frank and Dan Carney, borrowed $600 from their mother and opened a small pizza restaurant in their hometown in Wichita, Kansas. Who would have thought that that meager amount would result into great success?

From its modest beginnings in 1958, Pizza Hut has grown to become the world’s largest pizza chain with more than 15, 600 restaurants in 90 countries making it the most popular pizza brand in the world.

*Thanks to OrangeMagazine.PH for Ms.Rachel Peters photo.

The Awesome Sensession with Kenny Rogers Roasters couple ambassadors Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico

How would you like your chicken? Mine is buttered with lots of garlic in it. I always find time to visit a carinderia near the hospital I worked before just to have a taste of this specialty. Im wishing that someday, Kenny Rogers Roasters will offer this to the public. I am glad they did!

Kenny Rogers Roasters recently launched their new Garlic Butter Roast to the media through The Awesome Sensession on August 14 at Kenny Rogers Matalino St.  QC. The event was attended by its newest ambassadors power couple Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico. We tried the new chicken via blindfold. It truly smell and tastes delicious like the way I wanted it to be.

They started off hot on digital with a steamy Solenn delectably eating a leg of roasted chicken, which caused a frenzy of views and shares online. A few days later this was followed by a hilarious material of Nico teaching his wife "how to be a true endorser". Nico himself was the one who came up with the classic line “The chicken and you is one”.

These were eventually revealed as teasers for the Kenny Rogers Roasters’ brand-new offering, the Garlic Butter Roast.

Sexy and funny has always been their trademark as a couple. From their pranks, to banters, photoshoots and interviews, there is no doubt that they excite everyone with their antics. This is what inspired Kenny Rogers Roasters to launch the Garlic Butter Roast through an exciting experience called The Awesome Sensession.

The Awesome Sensession was held in Kenny Rogers Matalino Branch where guests were taken on a food journey by hearing, smelling and tasting Garlic Butter Roast. All throughout the program, guests were guided by a voice that was reminiscent of Solenn’s French accent, the language of love and romance.

Media guests were treated to a different sensorial experience which commenced with guests blindfolding themselves to lose their sense of sight and heighten their other senses. This was followed by sizzling sounds and the mouthwatering aroma of garlic and butter, exciting their palate before that delectable first bite of the Garlic Butter Roast.

Finally, Solenn and Nico appeared once the blindfolds were removed as a surprise to the guests. As the photo op and media Q&A happened, guests were then served the delicious chicken complemented by some of Kenny’s well-loved sidings.

“We wanted to take everyone through the sensory experience that our Garlic Butter Roast can bring. The home-style goodness of garlic and butter can transform any dish into a tempting and savory meal. That’s why we created an awesome journey to savor this aromatic roasted chicken bit by bit,” said Leonardo M. Berba, General Manager of Kenny Rogers Roasters Philippines.

Kenny Rogers Roasters is a popular rotisserie chicken restaurant in the Philippines. Since 1995, it has been serving its famous menu from its signature roasted chicken, muffins and side dishes. Until today, it continues to expand its offerings by creating deliciously healthy choices. That’s what keeps Kenny’s deliciously awesome!


For more information about the event, check out #sosychick and #GBR on Instagram or go to facebook.com/KennyRogersPH. You can also check out their website kennys.com.ph.

4-MINUTE FRESH FOOTAGE FROM “IT” TO PLAY IN FRONT OF “ANNABELLE: CREATION”

Warner Bros. Philippines has just confirmed that an exclusive four-minute footage from the upcoming horror thriller IT has been attached to play before Annabelle: Creation when the latter opens in cinemas across the country on Wednesday, August 23.

The fresh footage will only be seen in theaters and won't be officially released online.

Audiences of Annabelle: Creation are likewise advised to stay in their seats after the end-credits.

New Line Cinema's Annabelle: Creation has David F. Sandberg (Lights Out) helming the follow up to 2014’s hugely successful Annabelle, which scared up nearly $257 million at the worldwide box office during its run in theaters. The new film is once again being produced by Peter Safran and James Wan, who also partnered so effectively on The Conjuring movies.

In Annabelle: Creation, several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.

The film stars Stephanie Sigman (Spectre), Talitha Bateman (The 5th Wave), Lulu Wilson (Ouija: Origin of Evil), Philippa Coulthard (After the Dark), Grace Fulton (Badland), Lou Lou Safran (The Choice), Samara Lee (The Last Witch Hunter), Tayler Buck in her feature film debut, with Anthony LaPaglia (TV’s Without a Trace) and Miranda Otto (Showtime’s Homeland, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy).

Meanwhile, New Line Cinema's IT is based on the hugely popular Stephen King novel of the same name, and will open in Philippine cinemas September 7, 2017.

When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of young kids are faced with their biggest fears when they square off against an evil clown named Pennywise, whose history of murder and violence dates back for centuries.

Directed by Andrés Muschietti (Mama), IT stars Bill Skarsgård (Allegiant) as the story’s central villain, Pennywise. An ensemble of young actors also star in the film, including Jaeden Lieberher (Midnight Special), Jeremy Ray Taylor (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip), Sophia Lillis (37), Finn Wolfhard (Netflix’s Stranger Things), Wyatt Oleff (Guardians of the Galaxy), Chosen Jacobs (upcoming Cops and Robbers), Jack Dylan Grazer (Tales of Halloween) and Nicholas Hamilton (Captain Fantastic).

Get to know the creative artists behind The IdeaFirst Company

I seldom watch tagalog movies. But when I do,  I take to consideration good acting, storyline, the actors involved and the director.  I googled reviews about the movie that I am going to watch.  If movie reviews would cost me sleepless nights then that is the sign that I would see it per se. With the high cost of living nowadays, it is but hard to scoop up php280 to php300 for a movie fee alone.

The 2 tagalog movies that I have watched this year that is worth my time and money are Die Beautiful and Kita Kita because of the reviews online and word of mouth. I confessed these are exceptionally good films helmed by the award winning director Jun Lana and  Director Sigrid Andrea Bernardo.

I am just glad that Direk Jun Lana and Producer-Director Perci Intalan formed The IdeaFirst Company and gathered the best storytellers/directors and actors under the new company.

The IdeaFirst Company recently launched their creative artists on August 15 at Hive Hotel, QC. The launch was attended by actors Cedric Juan, Adrianna So and Christian Bables and Millenial Directors headed by Sigrid Bernardo, Prime Cruz, Miko Livelo, Ivan Andrew Payawal, and Dominic Lim. 

It’s a brave new world for Philippine entertainment.  With independent films becoming mainstream blockbusters and digital shows becoming talk-of-the-town hit programs, audiences are now clamoring for fresh and innovative content.

One Philippine company that’s poised to meet this challenge is The IdeaFirst Company of award-winning writer-director Jun Robles Lana and award-winning producer-director Perci Intalan.

“ Artists are now the stars of Philippine showbiz,” says Direk Perci.  “People are now buying tickets if they see that a film has a good story   made by good storytellers performed by a good cast of actors and    actresses.  This is the new winning formula: good story + good cast.  That’s why when we formed The IdeaFirst Company the vision was to put artistry at the core of our business.”

Direk Jun recalls how the company started. “We knew we needed fresh talent – both onscreen and off-screen.  Coincidentally, at that time I gave a free screenwriting workshop called the Cine Panulat Screenwriting Lab.  From this, we invited some writers to join in our productions – first as brainstormers, then as writers, then some apprenticed as assistant directors and later became directors themselves.  Soon they were creating and even producing their own films and they get invited to local and international festivals.”

“Audiences are looking for something new,” Direk Perci adds.  “Even in Hollywood, you can see that fresh talent is key.  There are big productions that are being helmed by relatively new directors top-billed by relatively new actors.   As Jun was looking for promising creative artists, we were also watching out for exciting new performing artists.  And finally, both off and onscreen, we found the group that can best represent not just our company but this new era of Philippine entertainment.”

Indeed, The IdeaFirst Company has put together an impressive roster.   Among its creative artists is Prime Cruz (Best Director at the QCinema International Film Festival for his film Ang Manananggal sa Unit 23B) Miko Livelo (writer-director of acclaimed comedies Tanods, Blue Bustamante and I Love You To Death), Ivan Andrew Payawal (writer-director of I America, which competed at the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival), Dominic Lim (writer-director whose debut feature The Write Moment was selected for the 2017 QCinema International Film Festival) and Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo (writer-director of the award-winning Ang Huling Cha-Cha ni Anita and the highest-grossing Filipino independent film Kita Kita).

In the roster of performing artists of The IdeaFirst Company is Christian Bables, the breakout star of the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival who now has Urian and MMFF Best Supporting Actor awards to his name and is one of the busiest young actors in town -- filming four movies and landing lead roles in both MMK and Magpakailanman.   Another proud addition to the IdeaFirst roster is MMFF Best Supporting Actor nominee, film and theater actor Cedrick Juan, who previously appeared in films TV shows like On The Wings of Love and plays one of the leads in the 2017 QCinema entry, The Ashes and Ghosts of Tayug 1931.  And completing the select group is young actress Adrianna So (formerly known as Malak So) who Direk Jun describes as “an exciting and unique performer who has a look, a sense of grace and a certain mystique about her that I haven’t seen in showbiz for a long time.”

With these creative and performing artists, The IdeaFirst Company is able to not only produce innovative content, it can now also act as the management company for these artists when they are engaged in projects with other production outfits, film studios and television networks.  “We believe that the key to growth is collaboration,” says Direk Perci. “Collaboration happens on multiple levels at The IdeaFirst Company.  It happens internally among the content creators.  It happens between the storytellers and our performers.  It happens externally between our team and the teams of other companies that we do projects with like Regal, Viva, Quantum and Star Cinema.”



“It’s an exciting time for all artists working in our industry, because there is an audience that’s now pushing us to do more and to do better,” adds Direk Jun.  “So both as producers and as managers, we want everyone in our team to constantly challenge themselves.  And with the roster we have, I am already quite excited for what’s coming.  It looks like we are indeed entering a new golden age of Philippine entertainment.” 

Construction sector is starting to express unease over DAO 17-02 implementation

DTI order to bloat cement prices, put construction industry in jeopardy

With its imposition of a burdensome requirements on pure importers of cement , the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is in a collision course with President Rodrigo Duterte, who vowed to reduce bureaucratic red tape to ease the process of doing business in the country.

Making matters worse, the DTI imposition will jeopardize the massive infrastructure projects under the Duterte administration's Build, Build, Build program through high construction cost by bringing prices of cement to stratospheric heights.

The President made the vow in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, 2016 and repeated it in his second SONA on Monday, July 24, 2017.

"A year ago, I also warned government officials and employees that I will never tolerate corruption in my administration, not even a whiff of it. Let the dismissal of several high-ranking officials — whom I myself appointed — serve as a warning to all that I will never back down on my commitment to cleanse this government," Duterte said in his second SONA to the applause of the audience.

Duterte is aware that corruption is still happening.

"Since we launched this hotline (8888), we have received numerous complaints from the public on government… slow government processing and clearance, of changing procedures and requirements, centralized issuance of clearances and permits in Metro Manila, and discourteous government employees, among others," Duterte said in his second SONA.

Also, speaking before an investment forum in Davao City recently, he said: “I would like to destroy government itself.... If I had my way, I would  reinvent (it). We can have less powers but more efficient organization...If there’s an ideal setup that we can follow, I’d be glad to put in place something of a bureaucratic authority that would move by itself automatically...”

The President also bared plans to summon officials facing complaints from the public. If proven they have committed irregularities, Duterte said, he would ask them to resign or else he would fire them. He said he was ready to give them another chance but they have to “kneel down” before the public and vow to improve their service.

 

In an earlier speech, Duterte had said: "The fight (against corruption) will be relentless and it will be sustained... I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department or agency shall be accepted as sufficient for all...(They should) refrain from changing and bending rules, government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation... Changing the rules when the game is ongoing is wrong.”

But according to industry sources, those in the DTI have turned a deaf ear to the President's resolve to cut red tape in government as they have issued  an order that imposes an additional burden on small cement importers. This, it is feared, could only lead to the emergence of a cartel composed of giant cement manufacturers-importers who reportedly want to bring back cement prices to the P300 per bag level in 2015 from its present price of about P197 per bag.

While requesting anonymity, industry sources have welcomed the filing of a graft and corruption complaint against a DTI undersecretary before the Office of the Ombudsman for the official’s role in having the DTI’s Bureau of Philippines Standards issue Department Administrative Order (DAO) 17-02/05. At the same time, the source said that a separate case is being prepared against another  DTI official for approving the highly controversial order without going through proper public consultation. He also claims that the rush to cure the flawed order is being kept under wraps by the DTI.

The controversial DAO requires importers to secure an  Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) on top of the 'PS' or Philippine Standard mark for imported cement. The DAO, however, exempts from the ICC requirement the big cement manufacturers operating integrated cement plants in the country but also importing cement. 

Several reasons have been cited why the DAO 17-02 and subsequent DAOs should be suspended or totally revoked.

"The DTI order creates an environment which could threaten the stability of the cement prices in the market as the DAO 17-02/05 is a surefire formula for prices to spike uncontrollably and for supply to be manipulated,” said a source in the construction sector.

The source pointed out that in 2014, the cement price was around P300; when importers entered the picture, the price immediately fell to around P217; currently, the price hovers at around P197. 

This, the insider said, "offers solid proof that open competition augurs well for the public."

“If  DAO 17-02/05 was intended to protect the public by ensuring the quality of the imported cement, the industry group wondered why  both manufacturers-importers and small  importers get their cement from the same plant abroad:  So how could there be any difference in quality?” he asked.

“At the same time, if quality is the issue as announced by the DTI official recently in defending the order, why are the big manufacturers-importers trying to negotiate with cement plants abroad so they can exclusively sell cement in the Philippine market, thus removing  the pure importers from the equation?” he added.

The  DTI order could actually set back the implementation of the Build, Build, Build infrastructure development program of the Duterte administration as cement supply from local manufacturers may not be sufficient to meet the expected big demand for the commodity, the industry source said.

The insider lamented that the DTI "wittingly or unwittingly strengthens the stranglehold by a few giant cement manufacturers-importers that have been acting as a de facto cartel to dictate cement  prices in the domestic market."

Prior to the implementation of DAO 17-02, the release of covered imported cement was allowed by mere presentation of the PS mark.  An ICC was not required, whether the cement importer operated or did not operate an integrated cement plant in the country.

The DTI order, the source added,  is "arbitrary and capricious as this was issued without any proper public consultation." 

Moreover, the insider said that if this DAO is implemented, "the highly ambitious P9 trillion Build, Build, Build infrastructure program will be the first to feel the impact with skyrocketing cement prices and manipulated supply. At the same time, the public is expected to bear the brunt of such protectionist move."

As this develops, the construction sector is starting  to express unease over the order as such move will surely escalate prices and will throw their signed contracts in disarray.

Cebuana Lhuillier‟s disaster resilience campaign launches Cebuana Alerto and RAPIDO

Have you ever thought on what to do when disaster strikes? Have you prepared for it?  Have you developed a disaster plan with your family? Cebuana Lhuillier recently discussed measures and educate the public about the role of microinsurance in disaster preparedness.

When Cebuana Lhuillier stages its first  disaster resilience forum last year. It was a huge success that they once again gathered stakeholders to push for disaster preparedness among Filipinos this year. The event was held on August 9 at Makati Shangrila Rizal Ballroom A&B. It was attended by the nation‟s biggest names in disaster management, risk reduction, and post-disaster rehabilitation and the media. With its theme: ‘2017 READY Disaster Resilience Forum – All Sectors In: Making Everyone Disaster-Resilient’.

In partnership with the Insurance Commission, the Climate Change Commission, and GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), the event was organized to serve as a platform to discuss measures on disaster resiliency for MSMEs, the agriculture sector, and high-risk communities. It is also a venue to educate the public about the role of microinsurance in disaster preparedness. The convenors and partners of this year‟s forum see microinsurance as a vital preparedness tool, which helps protect Filipinos from the harsh effects brought by calamities.

“In the past twenty years, the number of natural calamities and disasters that ravaged our country has affected the lives of millions and impacted 80% of the local economy. To live with the effects of these natural disasters has become the new normal to many Filipinos. We, at Cebuana Lhuillier, together with our partners, the Insurance Commission, the Climate Change Commission and GIZ, believe that now, more than ever, is the best time to work together to formulate strategies that will help us inform, empower, and protect millions of Filipinos against the continuous onslaught of natural disasters,” Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier shares.

Citing the importance of disaster preparedness, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Solutions Vice President and Group Head Jonathan Batangan emphasized the broader objective of the forum. “For the second year of the DR Forum, our goal is to reach out to the most vulnerable sectors of society. As a business with a mission towards social change, we go beyond shaping a nation that is not only financially-included, but also financially-protected. By providing them with the proper knowledge and understanding on the risks posed by natural disasters and the ever-changing climate; and by highlighting the important role of microinsurance in mitigating risks, we are on track in building disaster-resilient communities,” he said.

Divided in three parts, the event featured a range of speakers from public and private institutions known to have deep involvement in disaster risk reduction and management. Kicking off the panel sessions were DTI Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya of the Regional Operations Group, Mr. Adel A. Tamano, Vice-President for Public Affairs and Communications of Coca- Cola Philippines, and Ms. Sandra Montano, Founder of Community Health Education Emergency Rescue Services (CHEERS) for ‘Business Unusual: Disaster Resilience for Micro Enterprises’.


Leading the second discussion, ‘A Ready Culture in Agriculture: Disaster Resilience for Farmers and Fisherfolks’, were Mr. Jimmy R. Loro, Senior Advisor of GIZ-RFPI Asia, Mr. Jose Luis Fernandez, Philippine Representative at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, and Mr. Norman R. Cajucom, Senior Vice President of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation at the Department of Agriculture. For the third and final panel session, Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr., Undersecretary at the Department of Science and Technology and OIC at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs), and Mr. Ramon J. Santiago, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Adviser to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Head of the Metro Manila Crisis Monitoring and Management Center, discussed the topic ‘Inclusive Preparedness: Disaster Resilience in High-Risk Communities’.


Besides the session speakers, the forum also featured Insurance Commissioner Atty. Dennis B. Funa and Climate Change Commissioner Frances Veronica R. Victorio as keynote speakers, while Mr. Michael Rellosa, Chairman of the ASEAN Insurance Council (AIC) Education Committee and Founding Trustee of the Microinsurance Agents Association of the Philippines, and Ms. Cathy Yap-Yang, anchor and managing editor at the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), served as moderators.

This year‟s event sustains Cebuana Lhuillier‟s disaster resilience advocacy, which was launched in January 2016. The forum held last year was followed by a series of road shows in key cities Baguio, Cebu, and Davao to cascade insights and learnings. Midway through 2016, Cebuana Lhuillier introduced a new product called the Alagang Cebuana Plus (ACP) Gold. The introduction of the ACP Gold coincided with the launch of another project called „National Pilipino Protektado Day‟ (NPPD), which provided free microinsurance coverage to one million Filipinos across the country.

Other initiatives rolled out under Cebuana Lhuillier‟s disaster resilience campaign include the launch of Cebuana Alerto, an Android app that provides real-time disaster-related information, the formation of the Microinsurance Agents Association of the Philippines (MIAAP), an organization founded to promote the interest and welfare of microinsurance agents nationwide, and the introduction of Claims Rapid Action in a Disaster-Stricken Area Operation (RAPIDO), an initiative that enables (CLIS) to immediately process and settle claims right at the site where a disaster had just occurred.

Air Asia supports the 2017 SEA Games #DaretoDream sports initiative

Air Asia supports 2017 SEA Games by launching its region-wide #DaretoDream sports initiative on August 11 at Draft Pub Greenbelt Makati. The launch was attended by Volleyball player and TV personality Michele Gumabao and bloggers.

#DaretoDream sports initiative, aims to motivate and inspire athletes to discover their own potential and make their athletic aspirations a reality.

The campaign is launching just in time for the Southeast Asian Games, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from August 19 to 31.

As the official airline partner of the 2017 SEA Games, AirAsia Philippines has also created an inspiring web video series telling the stories of our very own SEA Games athletes, who are all aiming to bring home glory for the country this August.

Volleyball player Alyssa Valdez

Chronicling the journeys of renowned Volleyball player Alyssa Valdez, Swimmer Jessie Lacuna, and Long Jump athlete Marestella Torres-Sunang, the #DaretoDream videos share both the challenges and joys that come with being an athlete, and is sure to encourage young, aspiring local talents who want to go into sports.

Long Jump athlete Marestella Torres-Sunang

Swimmer Jessie Lacuna

“The #DaretoDream initiative is part of AirAsia’s continued commitment to grow the local sports scene. Through the web video series, we are sharing the hard work and passion that drives our athletes. We also want to gather support for them from every Filipino – we want everyone to watch them compete and cheer for them during this year’s SEA Games,” said Philippines AirAsia Brand Manager David Viray.

As part of the campaign, AirAsia Philippines will be posting video updates of the 2017 SEA Games on its Facebook page, which will be hosted by Volleyball player and TV personality Michele Gumabao.

The four videos will contain the game highlights and team standings of the Philippine delegates. The first video will focus on the Opening Ceremony of the 29th SEA Games. The second and third will feature the winning athletes and teams from different countries, and the last will recap the highlights and winning moments of our Filipino athletes.

To learn more about AirAsia’s #DaretoDream campaign, visit the AirAsia Philippines Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AirAsiaPH.

Devant partners with Marco Polo and Craig Lines for the exclusive screening of "The Owner"

Devant advocates to create moments with its 7:30PM TV Get Together (G2G) campaign which encourages everyone to spend time with their friends and family by bonding over their favorite shows.

In line with this, Devant partners with Marco Polo Ortigas and Craig Lines for an exclusive screening of the film “The Owner” on August 8, Tuesday.

“The Owner” is a film that follows the journey of a lost backpack around the world. The international feature film showcases the many mysteries of the bag’s travels, while showing the intersecting lives of the fascinating characters it got in touch with throughout the story. “The Owner” is a true masterpiece with a story that spans five continents collaborated on by a whopping number of 25 filmmakers.

The movie is a perfect example of a work of art that gives TV-watching a deeper meaning. It encourages people to think and consider, and it also gives everyone the chance to be open to things that could enrich their lives and mindsets through their TV experience.

This is why Devant has made it their promise to deliver a richer entertainment experience through their advanced TV technology. The role of the television in the lives of people are more punctuated than ever, and the brand aims to use technology to keep in step with the many changes in the consumption of this form of media with the hopes of making it friendlier and more positioned towards creating memorable experiences between people.

According to TV audience measurement provider Kantar Media, 96.6 percent of Filipinos tune in to their televisions daily in 2016. While digital media and improving internet access has made it easier and more accessible for audiences to stream shows online, the survey says that we spend longer durations--particularly 3.7 hours in average--watching our favorite programs.

True enough, TV watching is considered more than just a lifestyle for most of us; it is a form of tradition. Whether enjoyed on our own or with our family and friends, this particular type of bonding moment is something that is deeply ingrained in our culture. There are, of course, the staple telenovelas that we all love, but shifting times have also made room for foreign series accessed through video on demand programs like Netflix, iFlix, and HOOQ, and K-Dramas which have revolutionized the way millennials watch TV, despite their generation being more hooked with social media.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/devant.tv/

Acer celebrated “Acer Day” in the Philippines in a giant ball pit

It was truly a fun day when Acer transformed Glorietta Activity Center to a giant ball pit on August 7, where guests and a kid at heart like me played and tried all the game stations.

Acer celebrates "Acer Day" in keeping with the global look and theme “Be cool everyday”, the venue was transformed into a giant ball pit for a full day, where mall guests may play freely in any of the stations. The Glorietta Activity Center also served as the backdrop for various energetic performances by Basti Artadi and Kjwan, and lively sets from famed DJs Euric and Nina.

“Acer Day was conceptualized to continually refresh and breathe new life into the brand, as well as to boost the public’s awareness and knowledge about Acer products,” shares Sue Ong-Lim, Sales and Marketing Director of Acer Philippines. “This year’s celebration is the first of many to come, and consumers can trust that it will only get better from here.”

Acer Day is the world’s leading computer brand’s first transnational and largest annual brand day event, which kicked off in 14 countries, including China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and Vietnam. Andrew Hou, President of Pan Asia Pacific Region, shares that Acer Day’s grand opening date was specifically chosen for a special purpose, in that “eight-three ” (Aug. 3) sounds like “Acer”. Following this run, every August 3rd in the future will be Acer’s brand day, where fresh brand activities and events will be introduced to consumers.

The theme of this year’s Acer Day is “Be cool everyday”, inspired by and centered on Acer’s AeroBladeTM 3D fan. The AeroBladeTM technology enables the use of the world’s thinnest metal fan blade, providing advanced aerodynamics and airflow performance to keep the system at a low temperature.

The “Acer Day” event website officially kicked off on July 21st and will stay live until October 3″. Consumers can log in with social media accounts to participate in a total of 11 daily challenges, including memory puzzles, friend sharing games, and other fun challenges, to earn “Cool Points”. These Cool Points may then be exchanged for raffle tickets. Prizes include five (5) Acer Swift 7, one (1) Acer Spin 1, and three (3) Predator Helios 300, which will be drawn on October 11.



More treats and exclusive deals will also be available for purchases made during Acer Day check out the event website at www.acer-day.com. ph and the Acer Philippines Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/AcerPH for more information.

SEAOIL offers a "Lifetime free gas! Oh My Gas!" Promo to lucky motorists

What kind of car do you drive? The next question is how much do you pay for gas each month? My partner drives the latest Montero sport which runs on diesel. We were spending around php2000-3000 a month for the fuel.  It depends on our everyday route though. We were gassing up to only one gas station, but when we heard that SEAOIL is having a promo for a lifetime of free gas. We were already excited and wanted to join the lifetime free gas promo.

SEAOIL, the country’s largest independent fuel player, has launched the first raffle promo of its kind in the Philippines that will be giving four lucky motorists their lifetime supply of SEAOIL fuels.

“We have always stood by the quality and performance of SEAOIL fuels and this is our way of thanking our loyal customers, whom we call SEAOIL Believers, for the trust they have placed in us,” said SEAOIL CEO Glenn Yu.

Winners of the “Lifetime Free Gas, Oh My Gas!” promo, which will run from August 14 to November 14, 2017 will be announced during three monthly raffle draws on September 15, October 16, and November 28. They will get P5,000 worth of SEAOIL gift certificates per month during their actual lifespan.

Aside from the four main prizes of lifetime SEAOIL fuels, there will be a total of 30 winners of P10,000 pesos worth of SEAOIL gift cards, as well as over 30,000 instant prizes including P10, P20, P100, and P500 discounts on SEAOIL fuels and P100 on SEAOIL Lubricants through “peel-off” cards.

To get a raffle entry which includes an instant prize card, a customer must submit receipts totaling P500 worth of Extreme 97, Extreme 95, Extreme U, Extreme Diesel fuels and/or SEAOIL Lubricants to any SEAOIL station nationwide.

“Lifetime Free Gas, Oh My Gas!” promo follows through on the company’s recent product quality campaign which highlights SEAOIL fuel’s top three qualities.

Firstly, SEAOIL’s base fuels are imported from advanced refineries in Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, ensuring world-class quality. 

Secondly, SEAOIL fuels are monitored and tested at least three times daily at the retail stations for consistency. 

Thirdly, SEAOIL fuels are the only ones in the Philippines that are powered with STP additives, known for superior engine clean-up and keep-clean properties resulting in improved performance.

“This is definitely an exciting time for us as we gear and pump up all of our 400 stations for this,” said Yu. “SEAOIL Believers all over the country will have a chance to be part of this nationwide celebration.”

Earlier in the year, the company launched its biggest station to date, the two-hectare SEAOIL-CityMall SCTEX mega station, a P600-million collaboration between SEAOIL and CityMall Commercial Centers Inc. Located near the Concepcion Exit in Tarlac, the SEAOIL mega station is midway between Baguio and Manila, making it the perfect stopover for travelers from northern Luzon provinces.

Throughout the years, SEAOIL has pioneered innovative products such as alternative fuels like bioethanol gasoline and biodiesel as well as services and programs including its award-winning franchise package as part of its commitment to excellence and service to the Filipino people.

Meet the boys of 26Hundred B.C.

The ASIAN ARTISTS AGENCY, INC. (AAAI) has discovered five  golden voices in Baguio City. The all-male quintet which calls itself 26HUNDREDB.C is now part of the growing roster of talents of the artist management company.

26HUNDREDB.C will be launched in a concert at the Forest Lodge, Camp John Hay in Baguio City on August 11, Friday and at the SM City Baguio Event Center on August 12, Saturday. Both concerts will have as guest another Asian Artists Agency talent, the duo Miko and Gabriel. Also featured in the launch is singer/comedienne Jenny Gabriel, a Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist.

26HUNDREDB.C members were discovered during auditions conducted by Boy Abunda, 

president and CEO of AAAI. The group is composed of Karl Russel Rillorta, Arian Anglo, Robert Co, John Carlo Opulencia and Janriel Abance. They all come from Baguio City and were schoolmates at the University of Baguio.

The group revealed they were clueless and unaware that a new world was opening right before their eyes when they passed the auditions. They were hand-picked by Boy Abunda from the number of hopeful young men and women who braved the rain and skipped school to join the auditions.

“The presence of Tito Boy was too much to handle, nakakalula,” quipped John Carlo who sings OPM. "We were scared to death. Halos di kami makapagsalita. Tito Boy is an overwhelming presence," said Janriel.

When asked what’s behind the name 26HundredB.C., Janriel explained, "Naming the group was a big challenge.

Everyone offered a suggestion. But only one name really stuck in everyone’s mind. 26Hundred is the zip code of Baguio City and we are proud of our place." B.C was added because everybody comes from Baguio City.

Janriel, an indie music lover also added “our name is very clever, it’s easy to remember and it is our identity.”

As a young vocal group, the hardest struggle was the differences in their personalities. “We didn’t know each other,” said Robert,  a jazz and theater music lover.

Arian, who is fond of pop-rock music, alternative and OPM admitted that they have diverse musical influences.

Karl Russel who likes jazz and R&B, pointed out that despite their  personality differences and music genre variances, they gel and connect with each other perfectly.

Their contrasting and diverse musical backgrounds serve as the group's musical base.

For inquiries call  email info@asianartistsagency.com or call tel: (02) 405 4423 or (02) 855 4765. Visit and follow 26HUNDREDB.C on FB