"Locally" catches the fancy of Asean delegates at Asean summit

How would you introduce yourself to the world? The answer is short, but sweet: By keeping it cool, classy, and… juicy?

Locally catches the fancy of Asean delegates and the foreign press not only because of its creative packaging but more so because of its natural ingredients and refreshing sweet-sour flavors.


Yes, a cool, classy, and juicy introduction did actually happen when world leaders convened in Manila for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit. And tropical Philippines being the host country, one of the more heartwarming welcome gestures for the distinguished delegates was being served indigenous local fruit juices as refreshments.

Locally by NutriAsia, the first quirky Filipino juice line made with uniquely indigenous local fruits, enthusiastically gave summit participants—that included heads of state and journalists from different parts of the globe—a taste of the homegrown goodness of local fruits cultivated in Philippine soil: Tamarind My Bell (tamarind), Pomelong & Lasting Love (pomelo), Save the Best for Siniguelast (siniguelas), Calamansi’z the Day (calamansi), Guyabano-Body But You (guyabano), Mangosteenie Minie Mo (mangosteen), and You’ve Dalandan It Again (dalandan).

Gretchen King, group product manager-specialty F&B at NutriAsia, revealed that Locally Blended Juice Drinks—which come in cool eco-friendly bottles or recyclable cans with bright-colored and informative labels—caught the fancy of Asean delegates and the foreign press not only because of its creative packaging but more so because of its natural ingredients and refreshing sweet-sour flavors that are proudly Filipino.

“There was no more fitting venue to promote something that’s uniquely and ‘Locally’ Filipino than a gathering of friends and allies from different parts of the world,” King said. “We are not just marketing a brand; we are also putting Filipino culture and identity in the front row of the global stage and showcasing the fruits of Filipino hard work and innovation.”

Locally provides a thirst-quenching and healthy refreshment to members of the international media covering the Asean summit in Manila.



King likewise pointed out that participating in and covering various meetings during the week-long summit must have been tedious. “For this reason, we happily provided our friends from the association and the media with natural and healthy thirst-quenchers that best evoke Filipino hospitality.

“We wanted their brief stay in our sunny country to be sweet and flavorful, with more than a little help from a quirky juice drink that is truly Filipino in every drop—and we would like to believe that we were able to do that.” 

Locally elicited an overwhelmingly positive feedback from Asean summit participants and members of the international press, encouraging the brand to expand its target market and set its eyes on going global.

The week-long summit, which coincided with the regional bloc’s 50th founding anniversary, gathered top officials of Asean member-states, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia, as well as delegates from its dialogue partners like the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Japan, the European Union, South Korea, India, New Zealand, and Russia.

Local fruits squeezed to produce Locally Blended Juice Drinks are sourced from different parts of the country, namely: tamarind from Batangas, Pangasinan, and Bulacan; calamansi from Isabela, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija; dalandan from Laguna and Mindoro; guyabano from Cebu and Misamis Occidental; pomelo from Davao; and siniguelas from the Negros provinces.

Aside from its Blended Juice Drinks, Locally also offers the first Eco-Certified and purely organic coconut water in the Philippines, Merci Buco, which also comes in buco pandan and buco lychee variants.

Locally is the first quirky Filipino juice line that uses homegrown fruits that suit the unique and fun characters of Filipinos. Locally products are available in 7-Eleven stores, PureGold, Robinsons, Rustan’s, and WalterMart supermarkets nationwide.

For inquiries and more information, visit the official Locally Facebook and Instagram pages at www.facebook.com/LocallyPH and www.instagram.com/locally_ph or email locallyph@gmail.com.

THE PROMISE OF A BETTER YOU ACROSS ALL SKINCARE NEEDS

Diana Stalder Face, Body, Skincare Center (dS) goes beyond the promise of delivering beautiful skin! It now offers a total beauty and wellness package with its products and services at an affordable price. For 21 years, dS has been providing the highest standard of skincare treatments, quality products and excellent services.

Start With The Basic
The first step in prepping for make up application is taking care of your skin. With dS, they could come up with a skincare system uniquely tailored for you. To start with the basic, dS offers Facial Supreme, a 15-step signature facial treatment that cleanses, tones, firms and nourishes the face, resulting to a clear, healthier, radiant and younger-looking skin.

Clients with low pain tolerance do not have to worry because they also offer Painless Facial which uses desincrustation technique for a minimal discomfort, as it helps control oil production of the skin.

                                                                  Stalder Dermatologist Dr Faye Ang-Angco, MD

Diana co, MD
You could also relax with their Casmara Algae Peel-off Mask from Spain! These are formulated with seaweed extracts that provide a powerful hydrating effect, along with diverse active ingredients which are different on every mask. It has different kinds that meet the needs of every skin type:

REAFFIRMING MASK to absorb oil and other skin impurities leaving your skin detoxified and moisturized;

GREEN MASK for red or dry skin giving a soothing effect and making your skin revitalized;

VITAMIN VEGETABLE MASK, a Vitamin C-rich mask for any skin type and age to have fairer skin;

SENSITIVE MASK for sensitive and coupe rose skin;

NOVANEW MASK for dehydrated skin;

GREEN TEA MASK to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin;

RGNERIN MASK for delicate, post-exfoliation treatment and aged skin;

GOJI MASK for all ages and dehydrated skin

C40 Bi-PHASE SOYA MASK for any skin types, perfectly suitable for mature skin; and

GOLD MASK which has 24 karat gold dust

Better, Safer, Fairer

A study of Global Industry Analysts (2013) stated that skin lightening has been a trend in Asia Pacific. Thus, dS offer a shock treatment in which after just one session, you could already see a visible result which is called the Casmara Nacar Whitening Facial. It is a clarifying and lightening facial treatment for any skin type and age and it is suitable for illuminating and unifying skin color.

They also have Diamond Peel, a microdermabrasion or a non-invasive exfoliating procedure that refreshes and renews the skin for a new vibrant glow. Furthermore, if you want to improve the texture of the skin revealing a regenerated skin that is smoother, lighter, softer and less-wrinkled, you may avail the Ultimate Power Peel which is a combination of diamond peel and glycolic acid (natural skin exfoliant).

Certainly, you would not want to neglect your body skin. Thus, Diana Stalder also offers Intense Body Bleaching for a convenient, non-evasive to achieve a body that is fairer and younger looking; Milk and Coffee Scrub body treatment for a smooth, glowing and tightened skin, as well as cellulite improvement; and Skin Yoga, a combination of body scrub and bleaching, for an even-colored, glowing and healthy-looking skin. There are also procedures that are strictly done by doctors, like the Absolute Power Peel which uses trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to achieve medium depth peel; and Glycolic Peel which uses glycolic acid to help improve fine wrinkles, areas of dryness,and uneven pigmentation.


No to Zit and Dirt

Say NO to zit and dirt with Diana Stalder’s anti-acne services. They have the Acne Cure Facial, for normal, moderate and severe, that gently clears your face of blackheads, whiteheads and pimples thus providing you an acne-free and a healthier skin.

You could also avail Pimple Injection to immediately reduce the inflammation of large acne lesions. If you have back acne, you don’t have to worry because they also offer Back Acne Cleansing.

For a premium offer, they have the Casmara Shinestop Facial Treatment (with REAFFIRMING MASK to absorb oil and other skin impurities leaving your skin detoxified and moisturized) is an specific dermopurifying treatment that eliminates excessive oil production. It also optimizes the moisture of the skin thus leaving your skin in a matte finish.

Medical procedures (done by doctors) are also available with specialized Pimple Treatment, Acne Surgery, Acne Peel and Skinvigoration, one of the best-selling medical procedures which involves the use of an Auto Microneedle Therapy System that stimulates collagen formation, reduces the appearance of scarring, restores elasticity and reduces pigmentation and hyperpigmentation.

Be Forever Young
Reminisce no more with your youthful days as you can always live with a younger-looking skin! Diana Stalder offers various anti-aging treatments for pre-aging to aged skin.

Dermalift Treatment is the best seller anti-aging treatment which is a revolutionary, non-surgical technique that utilizes micro-current to stimulate the production of the skin’s natural collagen and elastin. The skin will be lifted and toned along the jawline and cheekbones, expression lines will be smoother, large pores are reduced, and lines around the mouth are less evident.

Visible improvement on skin texture and brightness are noticeable on single treatment.

They also have the Casmara premium line of anti-aging treatments like the Casmara Anti-Oxidant Facial with strong antioxidant effect from Goji extract; the Casmara Botox Alternative Facial which is a regenerating treatment; the Casmara Lift And Firm Facial for dry, tired skin and generally for skin in need of repair, requiring an energy boost; the Casmara Skin Sensations (with Gold Mask) that provides all skin essentials for the proper functioning of the skin such as water, minerals, vitamins and many other; and lastly, the Casmara Stem Cell Facial which is a very powerful treatment that contains the newest active ingredients following the latest scientific technology regarding skin rejuvenation.

Furthermore, you can also ask for Doctor’s procedure which includes:
Botox which involves injection of prescription medicine into the facial muscles to treat facial lines or wrinkles;

Syringoma Removal to selectively destroy and thermally injure syringomas on the surface of the skin;

Micro Botox that injects diluted prescription medicine into your face to reduce oil production, pores tightening and skin tightening for a radiant and glowing face;

Dermal Fillers which involves injection of Hyaluronic Acid to immediately improves wrinkles, folds and other skin depressions. It also helps plumping up or restoring volume of target areas such as lips and eyebags


Body Beauty
Don’t neglect your body shape as Diana Stalder provides body services such as Meso Sculpt body contouring treatment that eliminates and stop the development of new fatty cells; Lipo Sculpt non-invasive ultrasound procedure that is used to eliminate your body fat while redefining your figure. It can target your abdomen, arms and thighs; Slim Line which is an electronic muscle stimulation machine that helps your body slim down, tones and firms muscle and reduces cellulites; Laser Hair Removal that penetrates the hair roots to disable the growth of unwanted hair; and, Aqua Detox which is an effective alternative medicine treatment to re-balance, re-energize and detoxify the body.

It Goes With A Regimen

For a more effective skincare routine, Diana Stalder has a variety of product kits, as follows:

WHITENING KIT, effectively designed to whiten and rejuvenate the skin, it contains a mild agent that cleanses and moisturizes the skin;

ANTI-ACNE KIT, specially designed for oily and acne-prone skin, it has a natural antibacterial agent that heals and dries up pimples fast;

ANTI-AGING KIT, specially formulated to reduce the signs of aging, it keeps the skin hydrated to maintain its suppleness and delay wrinkle formation;

MELASMA KIT, specially formulated to reduce dark spots and eliminate skin pigmentation and blemishes;

BODY BLEACHING KIT, effectively designed to lighten the skin tone of the body, it has a mild peeling effect, removes blemishes, rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin; and,

UNDERARM BLEACHING KIT, specially formulated to lighten the skin tone of the underarms, it has a mild peeling effect which effectively whitens the skin.
With Diana Stalder Face, Body, Skincare Center, clients are encouraged to be better everyday whatever circumstances they may have, as they live with “The Promise of a Better You” across all skincare needs.

Smart's RoamFree app lets you connect to your favorite travel services without data roaming charges.

If you've been following my blog for the past couple of years you probably know that one of the most trying times of my life was when I left my family to work in Abu Dhabi.

I remember the time I spent in Iran was one of the most difficult and depressing part of that journey. One time  I got lost inside a mall and because I dont have mobile data nor wifi to try and contact my roommates I felt scared. and if you've ever been to Iran or any Middle Eastern Country which isnt an open city, you 'd know what I mean.. Only a few people could speak or understand english it was a good thing that I found a kabayan who was able to help me find my way back to our hotel.

Getting lost in a foreign country without mobile data isnt only scary but dangerous especially if you are a woman, but thanks to the new app from Smart, called RoamFree, you can access the most popular apps for the country even without mobile data for FREE! that's right, now you can get  an UBER or book a hotel or AIRBNB room and even check reviews from TripAdvisor through the Roam Free app.


The app was launched last week at the Marco Polo Hotel with no less than Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach as its celebrity ambassador.

Smart recently launched RoamFree app together with Smart celebrity ambassador Ms. Universe  Pia Wurtzbach. Now, traveling abroad is easy peasy and more convenient with RoamFree,

Enjoy free access to 21 apps including Uber, Google Maps, and Booking in 26 destinations

Smart’s groundbreaking app that lets you connect to your favorite travel services without data roaming charges.

Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Global Corp. President and CEO

Designed as a one-stop portal, RoamFree gives you free instant access to up to 21 partner apps at your destination, even if you haven’t subscribed to a roaming data package.

With RoamFree, relevant travel information and services are right at your fingertips: you can easily check in your flights, reserve and confirm hotel accommodations, book rides, sign up for local tours, and check out top food spots, among many others, for a hassle-free getaway.

The app is now available for use in 26 destinations, including the United States, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and United Kingdom. It is also accessible for free in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Albania, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Malta, Portugal, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates.

One-stop travel portal without data charges

To use the portal, simply download the RoamFree app on Google Play Store if you are an Android user, or iTunes if you have an iOS device. Once abroad, just turn on your mobile data and open the RoamFree app to access your accounts on various partner sites and services – without worrying about data charges.

Through the app, you can sign in to your account and book rides on Uber, reserve your accommodations through AirBNB, Agoda, or Booking; and navigate your way around the city using Google Maps. You can also check in your flights ahead of time on PassnFly; get valuable local tips on Musement; pore over recommendations from fellow travelers on TripAdvisor and Triip; or get together with locals who share your passions via Meetup.com.

You can also book tours on Klook and Tiqets; order food or reserve a table in top restaurants via Foodpanda, OpenTable, and TheFork; and snag deals on Groupon, KeyFlow, and Viator. You also have practical travel apps at your fingertips, such as Google Translate, XE Currency Converter, and ATM Finder.

Smart World for hassle-free getaways

“Staying online while traveling abroad makes for a hassle-free travel experience, but unfortunately, many travelers still choose to go offline out of fear of racking up enormous data roaming charges.  The RoamFree app addresses this by allowing you to freely connect to relevant content and services that make for a travel experience like never before,” said Kat Luna-Abelarde, PLDT Global Corp. President and CEO.

“Working with key players in the digital travel space, we are able to deliver sponsored data to cater to the growing number of overseas travelers, and reinforce our thrust to connect Filipinos wherever they are. In the same way that we are expanding and improving our nationwide network, we are continuously enhancing our global services to give our subscribers  the best mobile experience  - whether they are in the Philippines or abroad,” said Eric R. Alberto, Chief Revenue Officer of PLDT and Smart.

Track your online activities abroad

Among Smart World’s innovative solutions is the Data Roam Manager, a one-stop portal that lets you buy data roaming packs, and keep track of your data usage while on the go.  Accessible to all Smart Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers traveling in over 130 countries, the  Data Roaming Manager pops up when you open your mobile browser, such as Google Chrome or Safari, after turning on your mobile data and data roaming.

The Data Roaming Manager lets you monitor your active subscription, so you never have to worry about going over your set data package and racking up unwanted charges. It gives you specific details, such as your running data volume consumption, as well as the start and expiration of your subscription, so you can take full control of your roaming experience.

Smart’s biggest data roaming pack

Smart World has also introduced GigaRoam, its biggest data roaming pack, providing 1GB data valid for 7 days for only Php999.

GigaRoam lets you enjoy all your online activities as you travel, whether its video streaming, downloading, surfing, or updating your social media accounts.

To give travelers utmost flexibility, the RoamFree App and the Data Roaming Manager also allow users to register to data roaming packs perfect for their needs – whether its GigaRoam, Surf Abroad or Chat Abroad.

Surf Abroad lets you enjoy 24-hour data roaming for a flat-rate of Php550 per day, while Chat Abroad, lets you stay connected to chat apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, Line, WeChat, and Viber for only Php150 per day.


To know more about the Smart’s RoamFree app, Data Roaming Manager, and the data roaming packs perfect for your needs, visit smart.com.ph/world and follow Smart’s official account on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SmartCommunications), Twitter and Instagram (@LiveSmart).

Faster internet at SM Supermalls with Globe partnership

SM Supermalls, in partnership with Globe Telecom Inc., boosts free internet services in selected SM malls nationwide starting November this year. With speedy and reliable internet connection, more shoppers and mall goers will be able to access everything they need online to make their mall-going experiences enjoyable, seamless, and convenient.

Being #AlwaysConnectedAtSM, customers can check out movie schedules, tune in to their social media accounts, book a ride and get first dibs on the latest dining spots and fashion finds that SM malls have in store for them. Mall goers only need to connect to @SMFreeWiFi via their mobile device, tablet, or laptop to enjoy one hour of free internet service.

To make the fun last longer, SM’s GoWiFi Auto will also be available for customers to experience up to 100Mbps of high-speed internet connection with affordable promo packages starting at P15/day. All they need to do is open their device’s WiFi settings, connect to @GoWiFi_Auto hotspot, and follow the easy step-by-step instructions on the pop-up screen.

Being two of the most loved brands, SM Supermalls and Globe have teamed up to provide mall goers access to high-speed internet services, and together, bringing new and extraordinary experiences in SM malls across the country.

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM’s official social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM’s Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts, upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.

Hydrated, young-looking skin is now just a face mask away with Dermairis

Now, you can unmask the new you.

Dermairis officially launched in the Philippines last November at a private venue in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Video Link: https://www.facebook.com/dermairisph/videos/1765283573765525/

Among the first to experience the breakthrough skincare product were top print and online lifestyle media, who were treated to a night of luxurious pampering by JW Healthcare Philippines (JWHP), the local sales subsidiary of JW Group, a leading pharmaceutical company in Korea.

JWHP General Manager Ms. Glenda Arceno (3rd from left) Dr. Crystal Roxas (middle) and Dermairis face Mica Tuballa with special guests at the launch event.


Glenda Arceno, JWHP’s General Manager, welcomed media guests and partners with a brief introduction of JWHP and JW Group.

According to Arceno, JW has presence in more than 45 countries. Its headquarters is located in the Gangnam area of Seoul, South Korea. The holding company controls several business groups, manufacturing facilities, and research centers, one of which is JW CreaGene, the developer of Dermairis.

Offering direct sales and marketing of JW products, JWHP has been in the country since August 2013. Dermairis, which follows a line of successful medical products such as pharmaceuticals, IV infusions, and antibiotics, marks JWHP’s expansion into the cosmeceutical space--and more innovative products are set to come.

“JW Group’s founding spirit is anchored in our respect for life. This is what motivates us in dealing with our patients and in dealing with our customers,” Arceno said.

Arceno’s declaration echoes the earlier statement of Jinam Oh, Finance Head of JWHP: “JW Group, with its founding principle of Respect of Life, strives to supply high-quality healthcare and cosmeceutical products to patients and consumers globally.”

This commitment to beauty backed by science was evident at the launch party, where JWHP invited the glamorous dermatologist Dr. Crystal Roxas to talk about the importance of skincare.

“The skin is the largest organ of the body and it is the organ that is exposed to the external world,” Dr. Roxas said. “The skin reflects the general mental and physical well-being. It’s a sacrificial organ because when you’re stressed, the first sign is seen on your skin.”

She recommended the basic routine of regular cleansing, exfoliation, toning, moisturizing, and protection, and taught the audience how to perform each step properly.

After a string of exciting games and prizes, it was time to unveil the much-awaited 4-in-1 face mask as the room decked in pink and blue decor erupted in revelry. Soon after the confetti had dropped, the Dermairis Mask promotional video was also shown for the first time.

Following the live music care of event host DJ Ana Ramsey of MOR 101.9, guests were treated to dinner, drinks, and a relaxing massage, the perfect way to cap a night of beauty and pampering.


Dermairis Mask
 
Dermairis Facial Mask comes in pink and blue variants.

                Porcelein-skinned Mica Tuballa is the face of Dermairis

Two variants of the Dermairis Mask were launched. The Dermairis Blue consists of air pockets that contain nutrients, while the Dermairis Pink uses soft microfiber that is finer than a hair strand.


  The Dermairis Mask stands out from other face masks because it offers four skin benefits--moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, elasticity, and whitening--by using 10 main ingredients, including JW’s two proprietary technologies.

The patented JW-EGF (CTP-EGF) penetrates the skin 5x faster than other EGF, making the Dermairis Mask more efficient than the rest. Meanwhile, AMF is not destroyed by time and blocks moisture evaporation for 120 hours. It therefore works more effectively than NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) found in other face masks, which reduces skin moisture retention.

The other eight main ingredients are hyaluronic acid, ceramide, adenosine, acetyl tetrapeptide, astaxanthin, snail secretion filtrate, botanical extracts, and niacinamide.

The Dermairis Blue has a suggested retail price of P70, while the Dermairis Pink is offered at an SRP of P150. The masks are available at leading beauty and wellness counters, drugstores, and skin clinics nationwide.

Top 5 reasons you should consider signing up with Smart for your iPhone X this Christmas

If you like binge watching on Netflix like I do, and would like to watch it on the new iPhone X, now is the best time to head over to your nearest Smart Store and grab that dream gadget everyone wants for Christmas.

After all, you deserve the best gift this christmas, with all the hard work,  struggles and office challenges you face every single day--at least you have the best smartphone in the world as your ally right?

The hype is real. X truly marks the spot for the latest iPhone craze. Here in the Philippines, iPhone X will be available starting December 1, from Smart. Now you can binge-watch shows from iflix, iWantTV, Netflix and stream all your entertainment content using the best iPhone to date.

Smart has started accepting pre-orders since Nov. 24 for the iPhone X at the Smart Online Store and at all Smart Stores nationwide, offering the device at only Php3,199 per month for 24 months.

With Php3,199 per month, this includes your monthly device amortization of Php1,700 and Plan 1499, which includes 9GB data, unlimited texts to all networks, 60 minutes of  calls to all networks, and free access to the app of your choice every month, plus 1 month Gadget Shield.  

To check Smart’s iPhone X offers, head to smart.com.ph/iPhoneX. With its feature-packed plans for the iPhone X, Smart is your best bet when it comes to finally getting iPhone’s premium 10th anniversary phone.

Here are top reasons you should consider signing up with Smart for your iPhone X this Christmas:

1.       Enjoy lower monthly cash-out at Php3,199 per month, charged to your monthly bill. Smart makes it easier for you to own the iPhone X at only Php 3,199 per month, inclusive of data, calls and text services.

Moreover, you can have your monthly device fee charged to your monthly bill at the get-go for greater convenience. As such, you don’t need to worry about coughing up a huge initial cash-out payment, or produce select credit cards.

2.       Get a better value plan with Php3,499 per month. Want to get more bang for your buck? With Php3,499 per month, Smart gives you a much lower total device cost as well as bigger data volume. Broken down, Smart’s Php3,499 per month offer includes your monthly device amortization of Php1,400 and Plan 1999, which comes with which includes 12 GB data, unlimited texts to all networks, 70 minutes of  calls to all networks, and free access to the app of your choice every month, plus 1 month Gadget Shield.

3.       Connect to the country’s fastest LTE. Smart lets you optimize the iPhone X by delivering the country’s fastest LTE connection, according to the latest study of independent tech firm OpenSignal.

4.       Enjoy up to 15 percent discount on select iPhone X accessories at Power Mac. Signing up with Smart gives you up to 15 percent discount on select official iPhone X accessories, such as cases and screen protectors, at Power Mac Center. You can avail of this offer if you order from Smart from November 24 until December 31, 2017. And you can redeem your discount until March 1, 2018.

5.       Get a FREE Belkin Wireless Charger for all approved pre-orders at the Smart Online Store or at select Smart Stores.

Sign up now at store.smart.com.ph and be among the first to get the iPhone X from Smart! 

KELLY CLARKSON, MARIAH CAREY BASK IN THE LIGHT OF “THE STAR”

Pop divas Kelly Clarkson and Mariah Carey make their marks this Holiday season in Sony Pictures Animation's The Star, a family film about the events leading up to the very first Christmas.

Clarkson provides the voice of one of the stable animals, Leah the Horse, while Carey composes and sings the film's title track.

In The Star, a small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day Bo finds the courage to break free and ends up befriending newlyweds Joseph and Mary. Mary’s kindness soon sets Bo on the adventure of his dreams. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo follows the Star and become unlikely heroes in the greatest story ever told – the first Christmas.

Residents of the most famous stable in history who haven’t been able to sleep for nine months – ever since that star appeared in the sky. But Leah the Horse thinks the beauty of the spotlight is worth missing some sleep.

Grammy Award winner Clarkson, who plays Leah, says that playing a character suffering from a lack of sleep was maybe not a huge stretch. “I have four children, so I’m sleep deprived,” she kids. “Also, it was cool to be able to play a horse – I own a horse, because my daughter is an equestrian. It felt like the right time to play a Southern Belle who hadn’t had sleep in nine months.”

For Clarkson, it was gratifying to play a character in a story about faith. “For me personally, it’s so important – without faith, it would be a very lonely life,” she says. “I have to have faith in something bigger, the majestic world around us. And that’s what all of these characters are looking for – they’re all looking to be part of something greater than themselves.”

Meanwhile, Grammy winner Mariah Carey wrote and performs the title track for The Star’s soundtrack.

“The song was inspired by the beautiful way in which the story of Christmas is told in the film,” says Carey. “I thought about the star of Bethlehem while writing this song, but also about following your heart, following your dreams.”

“I’ve loved Christmas since I was a kid,” Carey continues, “even when we didn’t have any money and my mother would wrap fruit for a Christmas gift. It wasn’t about the gift – I just loved the spirit of Christmas.”

“When Mariah Carey walks in a room, you know ‘a star’ has arrived,” says composer Marc Shaiman. “But when it came time to co-write our song for The Star, she became only a great songwriter intent on getting her love of Christmas into the words and music. And when our song was complete, she proceeded to sing a thrilling vocal, filled with that passion. It was my honor to be able to share and help illuminate her joy.”

In Philippine cinemas December 6, The Star is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

KATY PERRY WITNESS: THE TOUR COMES TO ASIA ON APRIL 2, 2018

Tickets Go On Sale 11 December, 12 Noon 

In the wake of the North American tour’s stellar reviews and added concerts, Katy Perry announces the Asia leg of WITNESS: The Tour. Produced by AEG Presents and Ovation Productions, Katy Perry will visit Manila on 02 April 2018 at the Mall Of Asia Arena.

Besides Manila, WITNESS: The Tour Asia leg also includes Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta. This announcement follows the addition of a South American leg in March, Mexico, UK and European legs kicking off in May of 2018, and an Australian/New Zealand leg commencing in July of 2018.

Tickets for the 02 April 2018 show go on sale 12 noon of 11 December 2017  via KatyPerry.com.

Ticket prices are P19,540/ 16,370/ 13,200/ 6,870/ 2,640. See itinerary via www.smtickets.com.  

The North American leg, which began in September, has received rave reviews.

“Eye-popping” – USA Today
“Ms. Perry was as confident and adept onstage as she’s ever been” –The New York Times 
“Enormous, colorful sets with eye-popping props, strong vocals that kept her at the front of top-40 live performers, and a presence now more refined than radicalized” – Los Angeles Times
“Fast-paced and fun” – Boston Globe
“Katy Perry’s Witness Tour Looks Are Out of This World” – InStyle 
 “Colorful, sparkling spectacle” – Billboard
“As concert productions go, Perry’s is the definition of top-notch and an Instagram dream: a highly choreographed, sensory overloaded assault that sparkles, swings, struts, and even flies.” – Variety


With Witness, Katy finds liberation, in the changes in her own life and in the world around her, delivering songs that inspire both thought and movement. The singles released thus far – the Platinum-certified “Chained to the Rhythm” featuring Skip Marley, and the singles, “Bon Appétit” featuring Migos and “Swish Swish” featuring Nicki Minaj – hint at the breadth of the musical and thematic elements found on Witness.

WITNESS: the Tour is an imaginative trip from outer-space to inner-space, from the planets to the bottom of our oceans, and a musical journey through Katy Perry’s biggest milestones and mega-hits right up to her latest album. The dramatically original staging means that there isn’t a bad seat in the house, when Katy brings out her band and dancers, along with all the bells and whistles.

WITNESS: The Tour is Katy’s first run since the sold-out, 151-date Prismatic World Tour, which concluded in 2015 and was hailed by Rolling Stone as "a show to damage retinas and blow minds." Sponsors include KATY PERRY PARFUMS.

Katy made her Capitol Records debut with 2008’s One of the Boys after signing to the label in 2007. She cemented her status as a global superstar with the follow-up album, Teenage Dream (2010). PRISM, her 2013 album, debuted at No. 1 on iTunes in 100 countries and has sold more than 12.5 million adjusted albums worldwide. With the singles “Roar,” “Firework” and “Dark Horse” each surpassing the 10 million threshold including song sales and streams, Katy is the first female artist to earn three RIAA Digital Single Diamond Awards. In her 10 years with Capitol, she has racked up a cumulative 18+ billion streams alongside worldwide sales of more than 40+ million adjusted albums and 125+ million tracks. She is the most-followed person globally on Twitter, and the first to surpass 100 million followers.


For additional information on Katy Perry, contact:
Ambrosia Healy, Capitol Music Group / Ambrosia.Healy@umusic.com
Kristen Kanopka, Capitol Music Group / Kristen.Kanopka@umusic.com

For AEG Presents and information on the tour, contact:
Fran Curtis / FCurtis@rogersandcowan.com
Cara Hutchison / CHutchison@rogersandcowan.com

For Ovation Productions and more info on Manila show
+632 532-8883 / enquiry@ovation.ph

or visit:
http://katyperry.com
http://twitter.com/katyperry
http://facebook.com/katyperry
http://instagram.com/katyperry
http://youtube.com/katyperry
http://www.vevo.com/artist/katy-perry

Going to Japan? Daisofy your trip with these travel must-haves

The snowy peak of Mt. Fuji, the busy streets of Tokyo, and the breathtaking temples and shrines of Kyoto are just some of the amazing sights you’ll see in Japan. This is why it comes as no surprise that many Filipinos are itching to pack their bags and pay a visit to the Land of the Rising Sun.

For those planning on taking that much-awaited Japan trip, start your expedition right by packing travel essentials from Daiso Japan. The store is your instant Japanese fix with products ranging from cute bento containers to innovative gadget accessories. 

In the travel show Japan Japan 47 (Juan Big Travel), 3-minute #DaisofyYourLife segments feature quirky and interesting travel essentials from Daiso Japan that make for an easy way of travelling around the 47 prefectures of the beautiful country.

Travel must-haves include a cute bright green passport set that can help organize passports and other important documents to get any traveller through airline gates in a breeze.

There are patterned cosmetic bags or organizers and refillable containers that can also store toiletries like toothbrushes, soaps, shampoos and tissues for a hassle-free trip.

Another travel staple is the monopod that can help capture the most Instagram-worthy selfies while standing in the middle of the stunning Arashayima Bamboo Grove at Kyoto, the iconic Shibuya Crossing at Tokyo, or other scenic destinations.

After a long day of taking photos, walking around and wandering off to colorful new destinations like the Geisha district in Gion or Harujuku shopping district, it’s best to get some rest and unwind. Daiso Japan helps make hotel stays more comfy and relaxing with foldable slippers that come with their own plastic case for easy carrying.

Check out your nearest Daiso Japan branch and grab some of these cool finds. Follow the store on Facebook @DaisoJapanPH to see how you can Daiso-fy your trips.