Sarah Wright Olsen pairs up with Tom Cruise in "American Made"

A natural talent with undeniable beauty and poise, Sarah Wright Olsen is one of Hollywood’s most dynamic actresses in film and television.

After starring in the hit comedies The House Bunny, opposite Anna Faris and Emma Stone; and Walk of Shame opposite Elizabeth Banks, Wright Olsen now pairs up with Tom Cruise in Universal Pictures’ American Made (in Philippine cinemas September 13).

American Made is based on the outrageous (and real) exploits of Barry Seal (Cruise), a hustler and pilot unexpectedly recruited by the CIA to run one of the biggest covert operations in U.S. History. Much to the surprise of his wife, Lucy (Wright Olsen), the charming entrepreneur has gone from a well-respected TWA pilot to a key figure in one of the greatest scandals in modern times. Little could they grasp that what started out as transporting contraband would lead to Barry’s help in building an army and funding a war.

Director Dough Liman is known for his strong female characters, offering: “In my films, they tend to be stronger than the male ones.” Wanting to challenge himself, he begins the story with a character who initially could be easily dismissed as a stock one. Over the course of the trials and tribulations of the Seal marriage, you see just what Lucy is made of, and how far she’ll go to protect her family.

When he met Wright Olsen, he was instantly impressed by her spirit, background and talent. “I thought, ‘This is just the Southern attitude I want in the movie and for this character,’” recalls Liman. “Sarah was playing against the biggest movie star in the world, and even from the place where I wanted her character to start, she brought the kind of strength I needed and holds the screen; it’s just incredible.”

The Seals’ marriage is passionate, but practical. When the family’s income skyrockets, the practical Lucy is immediately suspicious of what Barry’s been up to, and tells him it needs to stop.

Wright Olsen shares a bit about her approach to roles that truly speak to her: “When I am passionate about a script, I get so excited to share the love and joy that I feel for the character. It was fascinating to hear Doug and Tom’s take on what they saw for Lucy, and where the story was going. Barry is deeply in love with Lucy, and she is the heartbeat of their relationship.” She pauses. “She kept the family together through good times and bad.”

This leads Wright Olsen into one of her favorite scenes, just after the Seals suddenly move in the middle of the night from Louisiana to Arkansas. “Lucy is standing in this empty house, confused and frustrated. She lays into Barry about the simple things she wants: a stove, a refrigerator, beds for the children. In that moment you see she’s not asking for diamonds, gold or a luxurious life. She wants the things she needs to provide for her kids; it’s a very important moment for their relationship.”

American Made is distributed by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.

Get a chance to take home an awesome rrrrrride with 7-Eleven

Want to zoom past the busy metro traffic? Don't worry! Because with the latest 7-Eleven promo, you can say goodbye to the hassles of your everyday commute!

Win a brand-new motorcycle or even some serious cash just by buying a drink from the 7-Eleven fridge! With the newest 7-Eleven promo, Awesome Rrrrrride!, you now have a chance to be one of 56 winners of a Yamaha Mio i125s or one of the 5 lucky people to win 100,000 pesos worth of cash.

Earn an e-raffle entry when you scan your CLiQQ card/app every time you buy a P50 single receipt worth of any drink in the 7-Eleven fridge! Wines, liquors, and City Blends (12oz.) are also included in the promo. Make sure to register your CLiQQ card/app to be eligible to join!

Buying Booster items will also earn you one (1) e-raffle entry. For the list of booster items, visit: goo.gl/7qEhJb.

The raffle draws will be held every two weeks starting August 2 until September 20. For every raffle draw, 14 winners of Yamaha Mio i125s and 1 winner of P100,000 cash will be named. Winners will be announced and posted in the 7-Eleven Philippines Website and Facebook page.

Register and use your CLiQQ Card/App to join, and get a chance to take home an awesome rrrrrride.

Reach for your dreams via Anne Curtis' Dream Machine

Anne Curtis recently launched her dream project the "Dream Machine" on August 21 at Vanilla Cupcake Cafe, QC.   With the aim to empower the dreamers to live out their dreams. The launch was hosted by her celebrity sister Jasmine Curtis Smith and attended by RUNRIO founder and noted runner Rio de la Cruz for her Dream machine's first project Color Run.

There are three categories of dreams that Dream Machine will be supporting:

Youth, Education and Empowerment.

“I have always been a dreamer. In my 20 years in showbiz, I have worked hard to reach for my dreams. I am blessed to have already achieved most of my dreams and it’s now my turn to be a blessing to others through the Dream Machine platform,” Anne said.

Anne, who has been doing charity works quietly for many years, decided to put up the Dream Machine after hearing stories of dream shaming.

“It is sad when people set dreams in their hearts only to be dream-shamed by people either because of their color, their status in life, their current skills. It gets worse when it is their own family or their loved ones who shoot down their dreams. The Dream Machine platform hopes to encourage dreamers to continue chasing their dreams and we will do our best to help them,” she adds.

Anne revealed that she also was a victim of dream shaming when people called her out for holding the Annebisyosa concert, saying she did not have the right chops to sing, much less do a concert.

“To sing before a huge audience was my dream. And I worked hard to make it happen. It was not something that I did just for myself, but the Annebisyosa concert was also my way of encouraging people to always fight for their dreams in the face of those that say you can’t do it,” Anne recalled.

Through Dream Machine, Anne hopes to connect with dreamers and learn more about their dreams through the Dream Machine website.

“Before the school year started, we were approached by the General Roxas Elementary School in Quezon City for support in their school renovation. Dream Machine was very happy to help and we are hoping that the renovation will inspire the students to study better,” Anne shared.

To officially kickstart the platform, Dream Machine is hosting the Color Run to empower the dreams of disabled children under the auspices of UNICEF. Anne has been a UNICEF ambassador for 2 years already.

“Proceeds of the Dream Machine Color Run will all go to the children with disabilities being taken care of by UNICEF. These children are dreamers, too, and you’ll be surprised that some of their dreams are not really for themselves but for their families,” Anne said.

Dream Machine will also roll out the red carpet for the dream weddings of three couples on the first quarter of next year. Couples are invited to share their love stories with Anne through the Dream Machine website.  Three couples will be chosen and will be provided their own dream weddings by the Dream Machine.

“The Dream Machine wants to put a stop to dream shaming and instead would like to inspire and encourage more people to dream big.  The Dream Machine wants to connect with the dreamers, the dream chasers. The platform serves as the dream-weaver, and will try to find ways to finally turn dream chasers into dream catchers,” Anne explained.

Anne said she’ll be happy to welcome other people who would want to be part of the Dream Machine as dream-givers as much as she would love to hear the stories of the dreamers.

“At the end of the day, what Dream Machine hopes to achieve is to be able to inspire the dreamers, help them achieve their dreams and hopefully be able to start a dream revolution where there’ll be a lot of dream-givers to help the dreamers. The world will be a much happier place when that happens,” Anne said.

Dreamers may start sending in their dreams via the Dream Machine website http://www.dreammachine.ph/.

Jack ‘n Jill Calbee will invade the three-day Asia Pop Comicon 2017 together with Alodia Gosiengfiao

The biggest international pop culture convention in Asia, Asia Pop Comicon 2017, will kick off on August 25 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. And to make things more exciting, Jack ‘n Jill Calbee will invade the three-day convention with its line-up of activities.

At the registration area, Comicon visitors will be given stamp cards which they must complete to get a pack of its best-selling chips, Jack ‘n Jill Calbee Honey Butter.

Visitors can also check out the Jack ‘n Jill Calbee booth where they can get a chance to meet and greet its ambassador, cosplayer Alodia Gosiengfiao. They can also catch the brand’s cuddly potato mascot, Jaga.

The booth also offers fun and innovative games such as the Honey Pot of Potato Gold and Bee Hive Game.

On the second day of the convention, participants will get to feel like real wrestlers as Jack ‘n Jill Calbee hosts “Battle of the Honey Bees,” the BEE-ggest event at the Asia Pop Comicon 2017. Sumo Hour will pit contestants as they try to knock over or push each other out of the ring in three tries. Winners from each fight will get Jack ‘n Jill Calbee gift packs and shirts.

With Jack ‘n Jill Calbee, guests can surely expect a fun-filled and exciting three-day Comicon convention.

Catch more exciting surprises from the #PotatoPros by following @JacknJillCalbee in Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! See you at the #APCC2017!

“NIGHT OF NOSTALGIA AND GREAT MUSIC, GUARANTEED IN RUSELL THOMPKINS, JR.AND THE NEW STYLISTICS ONE NIGHT ONLY CONCERT!”

Audiences are definitely in for a musical treat like no other as Grand Leisure Corporation  bring Russel Thompkins Jr. and the New Stylistics, in a one-night only concert this 7th of September, 8pm at the world class Theatre at Solaire.

Thompkins, together with Raymond Johnson and Jonathan Buckson, the singing trio is committed and dedicated to the mission of providing quality representation of the group’s original recordings.

Expect endearing and fresh takes to the iconic hit songs and the unmatched showmanship and stage wonder that the trio brings.

Be ready to be enthralled, and yes, even a little teary eyed even as their vocal harmonies and emotional commitment enliven their most popular hits, such as “Betcha By Golly Wow,” “You’ll Never Get To Heaven If You Break My Heart,” “Stop, Look, Listen, ‘We Can Make It Happen,” “Miracle” and others.

Ably supported by their piano man and musical director, Kenny Thompson, 2017 marks the 14th year of the talented threesome. They will and shall continue with their tradition of delivering quality performances to their dedicated and supportive fans.

Russel Thompkins and the New Stylistics hold dear in their hearts in Manila that is why they are bringing in a night of nostalgia and great music.

Partnering with Grand Leisure Corporation n this concert are Steve O Neal Productions and Solaire Resort and Casino.

For tickets, please call TicketWorld at (02) 891 9999.

Beko PH encourages Filipinos to become wise energy users

The call to conserve water and energy has never been more imperative than today. With the effects of global warming and climate change now more pronounced than ever before, there is a need to be mindful of the way we spend our resources. This not only extends to the way we use our water resources but also the way we consume electricity.


As part of Beko’s green initiatives, Beko Philippines encourages Filipinos to become wise energy users by contemplating on their laundry routine. Beko understands that doing the laundry also requires a significant amount of electricity.According to the Department of Energy (DOE), the household sector is the second major user of electricity. In fact, laundry accounts 29 percent of other household electricity usage based on the latest available Household Energy Consumption Survey (HECS) by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“Beko believes that we must take into account how much energy is consumed even on our laundry. As we envision a greener laundry routine, the company has been initiating outstanding contributions toward the protection of the environment through energy efficiency and innovating eco-friendly washing machines,” said Dyeun Zapanta, Beko Philippines Sales and Marketing Head.

Beko suggests that households follow regular laundry days and avoid running the washing machine for only a few pieces of items.

Beko Philippines underlines that by taking steps to reduce energy consumption, one could contribute to a cleaner and greener world. For instance, investing on energy-efficient washers and dryers significantly cuts your electric bills.

Recently, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) tested the energy efficiency of certain Beko washing machines in line with its Orange Tags campaign. The Meralco Orange Tags are easy-to-understand labels that indicate estimated energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and estimated cost per hour to inform consumers on how much electricity a household product consumes.

Meralco tested some Beko’s washing machines in three trials. Items tested ranged from front loaders, top loaders and dryers in different sizes and capacities. The said survey revealed that the washing machines are all energy efficient. The results of the test are as follows:

Beko Top Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine

Meralco estimated that the average cost per wash of Beko’s three top-loads amounts to only a peso per hour of washing cycle.

Specifically, for a 7-kg capacity washing machine, every wash amounts to only PhP0.96 per hour of washing with 0.09 energy consumption and 94 watts for power usage.

Meanwhile, for 9-kg capacity top load, Meralco calculated that the cost per wash cycle amounts to PhP1.14 for almost an hour of washing with 0.11 energy consumption and 97 watts. On the other hand, for 12kg top load, they assessed that the cost per wash amounts to PhP1.37 again for almost an hour with 0.13 energy consumption and 109 watts.

Beko Frontload Fully Automatic Washing Machine

For a 7-kg and 9-kg capacity, the estimated cost per wash both costs 9 pesos per almost four hours of washing with 0.88 and 0.84 energy consumption, respectively.

On the other hand, for 10.5-kg frontload, they measured that every wash costs 15 pesos for a full load, full cycle with duration of nearly four hours with 1.47 energy consumption and 380 watts for power usage.

Beko Dryers 

For Beko’s 7-kg dryer, the estimated cost per drying cycle amounts to six pesos per half an hour with 0.63 energy consumption and 1,217 watts.

“Our products are meant to not only improve how people live but also improve how we impact our environment. “Choosing an energy efficient washing machine can do more for the environment and at the same time, reduce the cost of their water and electricity bills. That is why we are bringing the efficiency of our washing machines as the Official Partner of the Everyday to help Filipino consumer save energy,” added Zapanta.

Beko Ph on its second year

Beko Philippines continues to innovate products that can make a difference in the lives of Filipinos. With their strong emphasis and commitment toward raising awareness on energy consumption and innovating energy-efficient washing machines, they encourage Filipinos to take part towards preserving their environment by taking into consideration their energy consumption.

Strengthening its local presence as it approaches its third year in the Philippines, leading European home appliance brand Beko further penetrates the Filipino market. Since 2015, Beko Philippines already doubled its distribution in the country. The company has also tripled its sales through its enhanced and domineering product line that continuously meets the need of the Filipino market.

To know more about Beko and Beko Philippines, like the Beko Philippines fan page (@BekoPH) or visit their website at www.beko.ph

BE YOUR OWN STAY-AT-HOME CHEF: KING SUE RECIPES FOR THE RAINY DAYS

It’s raining, it’s pouring. Staying at home can actually be fun and exciting. And  come to think of it, this will be an opportune time to catch up on the things you’ve long wanted to do and spend happy moments with the family.

Remember, when it’s raining outside, staying “inside” is the best option. Yes, it’s time to be a stay-at-home chef!  With a little help from the Internet and KING SUE products, you can whip up some treats for you and your family.

Let’s your stormy weather story begin with a soothing and steamy hot Ham Tortilla Soup which the whole family can enjoy.  Drain a can of black beans and stew some tomatoes and bell pepper, mix a cup of your store-bought salsa (mild, medium or hot, according to your spiciness preference). Let boil then add King Sue diced ham, grated cheese, favorite herbs and crushed tortilla chips. Curl up and watch your favorite TV series or finish that book you’ve been putting off reading.

Make simple snacks like the Asparagus Roll-ups. Got that leftover crispy King Sue bacon from this morning? Flatten some leftover a slice of bread, then arrange some cheese slices, a stir-fried asparagus stalk, and the bacon. Roll, fry in butter and top of with grated parmesan cheese.

Cheer yourself up, feed your sugar craving with some pancakes with pancake mix and bits of King Sue Sliced Ham and Cold Cuts. Flip and toss in a skillet then arrange in a platter with maple syrup and fruit slices. The salty-sweet flavor combination will melt in your mouth, giving you enough feel-good feeling  during the wet season. Thanks to King Sue!


Call 881-0530 364-5430, 376-6441 and +639199889642 for inquiries and orders. Check out FB IG Twitter @kingsueham or email sales@kingsue.com. Hashtags: #kingsueham #kingsue #ilovekingsue #cookingathome #philippines.  Also check out  www.kingsue.com for more information about their meat products. 

Never compromise style and comfort with Bata

Back in the day , I remember owning a pair of  Bata sneakers during the late 80s. My uncle gave it to me as pasalubong from the US. It was the most comfortable and basic sneakers that I had during those times. I used it during my college years alternating with some of my favorites. Yes, I am your tita who loves wearing sneakers.  I cant contain my excitement when I learned that Bata shoes is now in the Philippines. I guess I have to save up to add some to my ever growing sneakers collection.

Bata PH recently launches Bata (the No.1 European footwear) shoe store inside SM Makati on August 10. The event was attended by Bata Top executives and celebrity influencers.

There are many trendy styles and designs to choose from Bata. From ladies (pumps, heels, platforms)  to mens (outdoor)shoes.

They also have slides, mules and slip-ons which are the norm nowadays. The price ranges from php1500 to php6000 and up.  They also have bags, wallets, fashion accessories and kids footwear (Bubblegummers) as well.

With an unwavering commitment to comfort, the Bata Innovation Lab is always on the lookout for relevant innovation, so we’re excited about the integration of Insolia Heels into Bata footwear.

Founded by podiatrist and biomechanics expert Dr. Howard Dananberg, HBN Shoe LLC develops and manufactures the Insolia family of products, including Insolia Heels. This component, when integrated into women’s shoes with heels of 45mm and more, shifts weight off the forefoot to reduce pressure by 30%.

And there’s more good news for high-heel wearers: Insolia Heels also reduces oxygen demand while walking by 25% and increases wear time by a factor of three.

A benefit to the woman on the go, Insolia Heels are built into heeled footwear to improve biomechanics, comfort, gait, weight distribution, balance, posture, and stability.

Bata Philippines is at 3L SM Megamall Bldg B, 2L SM Makati, 1L SM City Bacoor, and SM Department Store.

Follow Bata Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube: @BataPhilippines.

#BataPH #ComfortableWithIt

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.