What inspires the Pharmaton Life Chargers

The Pharmaton Life Chargers

Someone from Pharmaton asked me , the moment I signed up the media list. What inspires me. My answer was the lifestyle that I am living in. I dont smoke and drink.  I am not 100% healthy as I may say, but Im working on it.  My laboratory workups are normal to start with. My blood pressure is in the borderline. My passion for eating healthy (fruits, juicingvegetables and fish) lead me to have a better life. I should say that Im taking my vitamin supplements too,  to balance everything that my body needed.  I am now including Pharmaton to my supplements.

Pharmaton recently launched  the Life Chargers to the media last August 18, 2014 at the Bahia Room,  Hotel Intercontinental Manila The event was hosted by Gelli Victor. She was joined by ambassadors, Hindy Weber Tantoco, Anthony Suntay, Maxie Abad, Michelle Ressa Aventajado and Chef Rob Pengson. These life chargers are people who live a life of inspiration, passion and commitment. They inspire me to try harder and not give up,  to have that energy to live each day and create a positive change.


Multivitamins + Minerals + Deanol + Ginseng Extract (Pharmaton) recognizes people who are inspired by their passion to create a positive change in the country and wishes to support them and promote their undertaking.

Hindy Weber Tantoco, the fashion icon that she is and a mother of four is a Pharmaton Life Charger. She owns the Holy Carabao Farms and is living a holistic way of life.  I love that she is into organic food and farming. It shows in her skin the glow and she is not aging a bit. Through her involvement in organic food and farming, others can feel better inward because of the food they eat. She advised to not wait for someone to get sick, know our food, because food is life.  She is taking Pharmaton for 6 months now.

Maxie Abad is another Life Charger, who started playing football at the age of 6. Sports teaches him the ways of life. He is a lawyer, a triathlete, a former player of the Philippine National Football Team and founder of Manila Soccer Academy. Maxie is inspired whenever he sees the kids of MSA having fun on the field. The words “Passion for football” are sewn in the jerseys of MSA coaches. Maxie coined these words to inspire the kids when they train. He believes that when one is inspired, passion will come and everyday one can find something that ignites it.

Michelle Ressa Aventajado is a blogger, contributing writer, yoga teacher and an advocate for special children. Her 4th child is suffering from Down Syndrome. She has been a strong supporter for the well-being of children with special needs, as she has one herself. She works with organizations, such as Best Buddies, that promote the inclusion of special kids through one-to-one friendships. Her children and her husband are her greatest inspiration.  Her daughter empowers her to stand up for what is right in this world and to gently point out what is wrong. Her blog is called Momma ‘N Manila and documents her journey and adventures. She becomes a lot less judgmental. She advised that always be sensitive to someone's feelings and be aware of your language when dealing with others. She advised on how to get enough sleep, eat well and take supplements. She is attending yoga classes.

Chef Rob Pengson is a popular chef  and TV personality. He studied Culinary Arts in San Francisco. He admits that he did not excel in academics back when he was studying. His passion is the love for cooking. He presently owns and is the Head Chef of the award-winning restaurant, The Goose Station in Bonifacio Global City. He recently started the Epicurean Lab, the culinary science department of Global Culinary & Hospitality Academy in order to promote modern gastronomy to the local restaurant industry.  He hopes that when young chefs see his passion, learn of his failures and successes, they too will get inspired no matter what life throws at them.

Rounding off the Life Chargers is Anthony Suntay. He is a sportscaster, journalist, radio host and events host. He is a familiar TV sports personality, often seen and heard in major sporting events. Most notably, Anthony is the first Filipino International Sportscaster. His passion and determination for his craft allowed him to break through barriers and penetrate an industry dominated by English and Australian sportscasters in the region. For Anthony, no one inspires him more than his children. They are what drives him to work hard and push forward. Next to this, Anthony is inspired by the athletes who has compassion to their craft. His advice is you have to love the sport and get a good command of the language, passion and skill.

 The Life Chargers acknowledged the boost in energy that they get from Pharmaton, giving them the lasting energy to live out their passions and stay committed to their visions. They likewise expressed their appreciation with Pharmaton for giving recognition to their work and their desire for positive change.

WATCH OUT FOR MARVEL'S “ANT-MAN”

Marvel Studios began principal photography today in San Francisco, California, on its newest Super Hero franchise Marvel's "Ant-Man." The film brings one of Marvel comics' original founding members of The Avengers into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The production also shoots on location in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as the base for the film's production.

Set for release in the United States on July 17, 2015, the film is directed by Peyton Reed ("Bring it On," "The Break-Up") and stars Paul Rudd ("I Love You Man," "Role Models") as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, and Michael Douglas ("Behind The Candelabra," "Wall Street") as his mentor Dr. Hank Pym and Evangeline Lilly ("The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," "Lost") as Hope Van Dyne, daughter of Hank Pym.

The film also includes outstanding additional cast including Corey Stoll ("House of Cards," "The Bourne Legacy"), Bobby Cannavale ("Danny Collins," "Annie," "HBO's "The Long Play"), Michael Pena ("End of Watch," "American Hustle"), Abby Ryder Fortson ("Togetherness"), Judy Greer ("13 Going on 30," "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"), David Dastmalchian ("The Dark Knight," "Prisoners"), Wood Harris ("Remember the Titans," "The Wire"), John Slattery ("Mad Men," Marvel's "Iron Man 2") and Gregg Turkington ("The Comedy," "On Cinema") and multi-hyphenate T.I. ("American Gangster," "Takers").

Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1962, Marvel's "Ant-Man" continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel's "Iron Man," "The Incredible Hulk," "Iron Man 2," "Thor," "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Marvel's The Avengers," "Iron Man 3," "Thor: The Dark World," "Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Guardians of the Galaxy" and the upcoming Marvel's "Avengers: Age of Ultron."

Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Marvel's "Ant-Man" is produced by Marvel Studios' president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D'Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.
Director Peyton Reed's creative team also includes Oscar-winning cinematographer Russell Carpenter ("Titanic," "21"), production designer Sheppard Frankel ("Identity Thief," "Horrible Bosses") costume designer Sammy Sheldon Differ ("X-Men: First Class," "Kick Ass"), visual effects supervisor Jake Morrison (Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World," "The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers"), stunt coordinator Jeff Habberstad (Marvel's "Iron Man 3," "X-Men: Days of Future Past") and six-time Oscar- nominee, special effects supervisor Dan Sudik ("Captain America: The Winter Soldier," "Marvel's The Avengers"). The editors include Dan Lebental, ACE (Marvel's "Thor: The Dark World," Marvel's "Iron Man") and Colby Parker Jr. ("Lone Survivor," "Hancock").

Marvel Studios’ upcoming release schedule includes Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015, Marvel’s “Captain America 3” on May 6, 2016, and Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2,” on July 28, 2017.

Huawei Honor 3X and 3C now on sale

Honor 3X Honor 3C

Honor 3X

Honor 3C

Huawei introduces a duo of Android-powered phablets under the Honor brand line. The first is a 5.5" real octacore, the Honor 3X (a.k.a. Ascend G750), while the other is a 5" smartphone, the Honor 3C. Both feature dual-SIM connectivity.

Huawei Honor 3X leaves you gasping with its elegant looks, sleek design and future proof technological features. Equipped with a large 5.5” HD IPS display with a screen resolution of 1280X720, this smartphone will set new standards in visual technology.

What makes the Honor 3X an extreme smartphone is the Real Octa Core 1.7 GHz processor that takes your multitasking experience to a new high. In combination with the 2 GB RAM and 8GB ROM of the phone, this processor adds wings to the performance of the phone.

The dual SIM Honor 3X features a 13MP BSI Camera with LED from Sony with Blue filter glass. The phone also sports a 5MP front facing camera with features such as auto facial beauty and lighting providing a 360 degree panorama shot.

It supports multi connectivity options like WiFi 802.11b/g/n, BT 4.0., Hotspot, Micro USB 2.0 (HiSpeed), WiFi Direct and multiple sensors.

Like Honor 3X, the Honor 3C falls in the phablet category with a 5-inch 720 x 1280 high-definition LTPS (low temperature poly-silicon) display. It runs on a 1.3 GHz quad-core MediaTek processor with a Mall 400 GPU and 2 GB of RAM.

The dual-SIM Honor 3C runs on Android Jelly Bean with a layer of Huawei's Emotion UI on top. It features an 8-megapixel rear camera with blue glass filters, image photography and an image smart engine, as well as a 5-megapixel front-facing snapper with an auto facial enhancement feature.

On the connectivity front, the Honor 3C includes 3G, Wi-Fi, Micro-USB, GPS, and Bluetooth. The smartphone packs a 2300mAh battery, measures 71.4x139.5x9.2mm and weighs 140 grams.

The Honor 3X is priced at PhP15,990, while PhP9,890 for Honor 3C.

Known mostly for its Ascend smartphones around the world, Huawei is transforming its Honor handset brand into an independent smartphone brand that targets young mobile Internet users.

"The Honor brand will focus on providing high-quality devices for mobile Internet, and its target consumer is the young generation," said Charles Wu, country manager of Huawei's consumer business group.

Expected to reach mobile Internet users aged between 18 and 30, the Honor brand will not only produce smartphones, but also product tablet computers, set-top boxes and smart televisions in the future.

Key Specifications: 

Huawei Honor 3X 
SIM: Dual Sim, Dual Standby
Display Size: 5.5” HD
Operating System: Android 4.2 + Emotion UI
CPU: 1.7 GHz Real Octa Core
Resolution: 720P (1280x720) IPS Touch Screen.
Colors: 16 M colors .
Memory: RAM: 2 GB + ROM: 8 GB via 32 GB
Camera: 13 MP rear AF BSI Camera with Blue Wave Filter Glass + 5 MP Front Camera with Auto Face Enhancement feature
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0 + Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct support + DLNA
Battery: 3000 mAh Long Lasting Battery

Huawei Honor 3C 
SIM: Dual Sim, Dual Standby
Display Size: 5” HD
CPU: 1.3 GHz Quad Core processor.
Memory: RAM: 2 GB + ROM: 8 GB + 32 GB via microSD
Operating System: Android 4.1
Camera: 8 MP (rear) AF BSI Camera 1080p HD Video Recording & Playback + 5 MP Front Camera with Auto Face Enhancement feature
Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, WiFi: Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n with Wi-Fi Direct support, DLNA
Battery: 2300 mAh Battery, 30% Power Saving Patented Technology

Look healthy and lovely with Sangobion and Shu Uemura

 Go Love Life with Sangobion.

I have been taking multivitamins for my skin, hair and body for almost 9 years now. I never leave the house without those, as I dont want to feel sluggish for the day. My life depends on the vitamins and supplements that my body is taking.   I just discovered recently that with the job, my age and the diet that I am in, I need to take Iron supplement and not just Iron but organic iron sulfate to let me last the day and to sleep soundly. Our body needs at least 8 hours of quality sleep, and needed the right amount of nutrients and protein to keep us healthy, but since Im not eating meat, I lack  protein and iron, that is why Im switching to Sangobion iron Sulfate to keep the balance.

 Sangobion recently celebrated their Sangobion's Go Love Life campaign at the Crowne Plaza last August 16, 2014.   This was their second installment from May of this year. the campaign reminds women to make their health and well-being a priority so that they can go with their lives healthy and beautiful as well.

The execs from Sangobion

Sangobion partners with Shu Uemura the japanese makeup and skincare in making filipina women beautiful and well pampered. Shu Uemura has been my personal high end beauty staple for such a long time now, I am loyal to their cleansing oil and the curl lash which is my holy grail for almost a decade.

A Shu Uemura booth was situated inside the event to help women achieve the beauty that they deserved, complete with liquid foundation, brushes, eye pencils and make up assistants to teach them on how to put the right shade of foundation, how to draw an inside lid liner, to always put a sunblock with the right spf to keep the age at bay, how to achieve a cat-eye liner, and many more.


Forty lucky ladies had their hair and make-up done by expert stylists, and also got to take home gifts from Shu Uemura. It was a fun afternoon of beauty and pampering. While Sangobion helped them stay healthy on the inside,  Blo Blow Dry Bar also  helped the lovely ladies look as good as they feel.

Shu Uemura Make Up Artist Patrick Alcober

The Blo Blow Dry Bar booth

On social media, Sangobion challenged women to make a pledge to change for the better. Through an online promo, many women submitted their own pledges.

Unlike other iron supplements, Sangobion has Ferrous Gluconate, an organic iron, which is absorbed better by the body to help fight the signs of iron deficiency such as paleness, fatigue, dizziness, and lack of focus and concentration. Each capsule is chocolate-scented that leaves no iron after-taste.  Sangobion also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Copper, and Manganese to build healthy red blood cells and immune system. It also contains sorbitol which acts as an anti-constipation agent that generally occurs in iron supplementation.  Taking Sangobion everyday can help you boost your iron, so that you can look and be at your best.


Join Sangobion’s next Go Love Life promo and get a chance to win a shopping spree! For moreinformation, visit www.facebook.com/SangobionGoLoveLife

Where science becomes fun at the Exploreum

SM Lifestyle Entertainment presents the new EXPLOREUM!

Back in high school my favorite subject is science,  I was fascinated with the process of experimentation, test tubes with dark colored water, how a certain thing will work with the help of sun, water or electricity. I was in awe everytime I discovered something, that I became experimental with the things that I encountered in my daily existence.  I learned to drive at the age of 16, touched a live wire at the age of 14 (by accident),  fixed an old electric fan and learned to change the flourescent bulb my way. I guess our lives revolve around curiosity that relates to science.

Last August 15, 2014 SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc launches the new Exploreum at SM Moa, and I was among the lucky ones who get to see how science becomes fun and exciting at the same time. The museum offers 118 child-friendly all-new interactive exhibits and over 100 interesting nuggets of information situated in eight major interactive galleries namely the Natural World, Human Adventure, Zoom, Connect, Cyberville, Space Camp, the Living Earth, and Science Park.

Science On a Sphere (SOS)

This is what will greet you the moment you enter the Exploreum,  “Science on a Sphere” or SOS, is a six-foot digital globe developed by the US government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as an educational tool to help illustrate Earth science.  Exploreum houses the first and only SOS in the country.

The Planetarium

Second stop:  The Planetarium, I remember there was an old planetarium at Rizal Park, this is by far the coldest, biggest ONLY full dome theatre with a 158 seater that has 180-degree digital screen and advanced audio-visual system. The planetarium offers various shows, and soon will showcase three-dimensional visuals in its theatre.

The NidoFortified Science Area

Trip down memory lane, exhibit area houses this vintage television, which reminds me of the same model we had back in the elementary days. There is no remote control then, kids. This vintage radio reminds me of my grandfather who used to listen to  AM news.

Trivia: Radio waves travel so much faster than sound waves that a broadcast voice can be heard sooner 18,000 km away than in the back of the room in which it originated.

A trivia says that the average car has 30,000 parts. This is located at the Zoom area ground floor, find out how transportation shaped our lives.

Bicycle Powered Bulb

This plasma ball is located at the Discovery Room 2nd floor. You will get to experiment everything by yourself.

Science is fun and that’s what we want our guests to experience at The Exploreum. ” said Nicole Deato, Assistant Vice President for the Educational and Leisure Centers of SMLEI.

 EXPLOREUM will be holding bi-monthly experiments to be facilitated by credible members of the academe from its partner schools as well as a traveling exhibit in select SM Supermalls across the country.

The Exploreum also launched its Junior Science Club, an exclusive membership that gives unlimited access to the EXPLOREUM and to various activities such as experiments and other edutainment sessions.

Field trips will never be the same again, as students will never get bored with EXPLOREUM.

Here are the ongoing admission rates:

Gallery Only Php 250
Planetarium Only Php 150
Quarterly Exhibit Php 100
Weekly Experiments Php 300
Children’s Gallery Php 250/3Hrs
Junior Science Club Php 1,000
Extra Planetarium Show Php 100

Gallery + (1) One Planetarium Show Php 350
Gallery + (1) One Planetarium Show + Weekly Experiment Php 500
Gallery + Experiment Php 400
(1) One Planetarium + Experiment Php 350

Canon PH President and CEO Lim Kok Hin wants to establish relationship

I have been using a point and shoot Canon camera since 2009. I should say Canon produced crisp, clear pictures to begin with, I still have the point and shoot camera, and up to this day, its still working like new, even if high end camera models were introduced, with the likes of DSLRs and powershots. If I will be given a chance to buy a new camera, I know it will be the reliable Canon again, the love of the brand has been passed from my parents to us children. Canon always makes it a point to delight its customers for years.


Canon Marketing Philippines Inc. (CMPI) introduces Lim Kok Hin as the company’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) last August 14, 2014 to a selected group of bloggers at Mango Tree Bistro at BGC. Canon Philippines new president Lim Kok Hin, wants to make sure that when you do plan to make your next purchase, it would still be a Canon.

According to Lim, he wants to give Canon customers more than just a box. He wants them to fully experience the product, so as to strengthen their relationship with Canon. Canon wants a relationship that goes around and beyond the box. "Going around the box,” means customers get to enjoy and fully utilize every part of the product. If they purchased a camera, they would get to appreciate its flash, lens, and accessories. "Going beyond the box," however, means that Lim wants more activities from Canon for customers to further enjoy their products. Photo marathons and other activities are perfect examples of how customers can go beyond the box.


As for printers, the wide variety of information the internet provides has heightened the need for hard copies. Likewise, Canon now offers photo printers that can make prints last up to a hundred years—makes preserving memories more efficient.


According to Lim, he wants to give Canon customers more than just a box. He wants them to fully experience the product, so as to strengthen their relationship with Canon. Canon wants a relationship that goes around and beyond the box. "Going around the box,” means customers get to enjoy and fully utilize every part of the product. If they purchased a camera, they would get to appreciate its flash, lens, and accessories. "Going beyond the box," however, means that Lim wants more activities from Canon for customers to further enjoy their products. Photo marathons and other activities such as Image Bridge* are perfect examples of how customers can go beyond the box.

"Selling cameras are simple, but going beyond that is a different story," said Lim. "Canon is a company who wants to help you understand photography to actually learning about capturing the right photos. Likewise, we offer you good printers that allow you print that one of a kind shot."

Whether it’s printing or photography, Canon is sure to offer a complete product line up that would further delight you more.

“THE MAZE RUNNER” PICKS UP SPEED AS SEPTEMBER 17 NEARS!

Watch and Meet the Gladers Video

                “The Maze Runner” is set to turn things in a dizzying blur as the teenage captives in a virtual prison known as The Glade run for a chance to save their lives.   Headed by “Teen Wolf’s” heartthrob Dylan O’Brien along with a group of talented young actors including Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter, Aml Ameen, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Ki Hong Lee and Blake Cooper,  “The Maze Runner” is directed by Wes Ball based on James Dashner’s hugely successful (trilogy) tome.

                At this year's Comic Con, the cast attests that the movie will be shocked on how the book’s famous baddies known as the Grievers, were depicted. Director Ball further stressed that the audience will definitely be in for a pretty terrifying ride.

Published in October 2009, “The Maze Runner” became a New York Times Best Seller and captured the imaginations of readers around the world, who described it as a combination of “Lord of the Flies,” “ The Hunger Games,” and the legendary television series “Lost.”  Dashner understands those comparisons, especially to Lord of the Flies, but notes that THE MAZE RUNNER is at its heart a very different story.  “I don’t think characters would react they way they do in Lord of the Flies,” he explains.  “I think they’d be more civilized, orderly, and determined to survive and escape.  THE MAZE RUNNER is an adventure story that’s also about hope and the potential of the human spirit.”

             
The book caught the attention of producers Ellen Goldsmith-Vein and Lee Stollman from the management/production company The Gotham Group.  “We see a lot of young adult novels,” Stollman explains. “And you always look for something that has a big world creation with characters that are identifiable and something we haven’t seen before,” which is what they found in Dashner’s book.

                Leading man Dylan agrees, "That’s something that might separate this, I think, being like one of those YA movies that are coming out. I so genuinely don’t think it’s like that. It totally exists in its own right and like he said, it could easily be taken as a kid’s movie just objectively, but there is a real sense- there’s this gravitas to it It’s really, really mature in that aspect of performances and just the story."

                Reflecting on the story’s appeal, Dashner notes that much of it stems from the “constant state of not being able to predict what’s going to happen next.  I wanted my readers, and now the moviegoing audience, to feel like Thomas when they enter the Glade.”



                “The Maze Runner” opens September 17 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Meet the Gladers video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFvok6gBAdM&list=PLcZs6n5iZPx8CHV6UBIQaEHvK4Uru0CqW

Breeze ActivBleach treats all moms in 1Laba Day on August 28!

Breeze ActivBleach is treating mommies across the country to a day off from their laundry chores with the simultaneous nationwide event 1Laba Day happening on August 28.

Moms in barangays throughout Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao are invited to head to 1Laba Day venues and let Breeze’s revolutionary ActivBleach take care of their stained clothes while they take part in exciting activities Breeze has in store for them to celebrate every mother’s hard work and love for her family.

With 1 Laba Day, Breeze aims to wash 1 million stains using Breeze ActivBleach, which removes even the toughest of stains in just one wash. Participating moms can enjoy their ultimate laundry day-off as Breeze treats them to various entertainment activities, while the Breeze Laba Ladies and Laba Machines, sponsored by campaign partners Electrolux, White Westinghouse, Whirpool and LG, will take care of washing their clothes.

Simultaneous 1Laba Day events will happen in Metro Manila (Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Pasay), North Luzon (Tarlac, Pangasinan), South Luzon (Laguna, Cavite), Visayas (Cebu), and Mindanao (Davao). In Quezon City, the 1Laba Day event will be headlined by celebrity moms.

Breeze with ActivBleach is the first and only detergent brand with 4-enzyme technology to remove more types of stains with less effort and time. It even has a unique active system for better foam profile and quicker lather, plus percarbonate TAED bleach that takes out bleachable stains without harming the environment.

Be a part of the Breeze 1 Laba Day event and see for yourself how Breeze with ActivBleach removes 1 million stains in just one wash. Like the official Breeze Facebook page (@BreezePhilippines) and join the online promos to get the chance to win washing machines from partner brands. Consumers can also get free Breeze gift packs for every purchase of an Electrolux, Whirlpool and LG washing machine.

MEET SHISHIO, RUTHLESS VILLAIN IN “RUROUNI KENSHIN: KYOTO INFERNO”

A powerhouse cast of famous Japanese actors is assembled by director Keishi Otomo for the epic action thriller “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno,” the first of two sequels to the 2013 blockbuster “Rurouni Kenshin.”

Appearing for the first time opposite the hero Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh) as the crazed Makoto Shishio is the popular character actor Tatsuya Fujiwara. Performing in hot, heavy, stifling bandages that even make it hard for him to hear, he becomes the personification of pure evil. And Fijiwara gives justice to the role with a powerful, terrifying performance.

Originally a Choshu clan samurai known as ‘the shadow assassin’, Shishio fought alongside Kenshin against the Shogun’s Shinsengumi police. Viewed as Kenshin’s successor, he was known to few people. He and Kenshin never met.

Fighting, as was Kenshin, at the battle of Toba-Fushimi that sealed the overthrow of the Shogunate, Shishio was then betrayed by his own side and his body set on fire, the new government wishing to conceal certain assassinations he had committed. Miraculously, however, he survived, and has assembled a private army of mercenaries from within the Kyoto underworld with a view to overthrowing the new government and ruling the land himself. The burns he suffered destroyed his ability to perspire, and his body radiates a tremendous heat. He lives by the law of the jungle, and in his vast ambition he will stop at nothing to achieve his ends.

“This was the first time I’d worked with Director Otomo, and Shishio was a special kind of character so I had some worries, but both the director and Satoh were very welcoming,” Tatsuya Fujiwara says. “Shishio is a character the filmmakers built up with visuals and everything else over a long time. The action team also worked hard with me, so I felt really under pressure to respond to that. The director and Satoh and I talked about how to embellish the last battle between Shishio and Kenshin in great detail until we all agreed on how it would happen. And even though a lot of that was hard to put into words, it came together when we filmed it, and I think everyone was happy with the results. It’s a big thing for me that I’ve been involved with a truly world-class level movie, one that only comes along every decade or so.”

Born May 15, 1982 in Saitama Prefecture, Tatsuya Fujiwara made his stage debut in London, England in director Yukio Ninagawa’s 1997 production of “Shintoku-Maru,” and much of his career has been spent on the stage. With Battle Royale he shared a Best Newcomer Award of the Japanese Academy and won a Best New Actor Blue Ribbon Award, and was widely praised for his portrayal of Soji Okita in the 2004 NHK Sunday night historical drama series “Shinsengumi!” A powerful performance in director Takashi Miike’s 2013 Cannes International Film Festival Entry “Shield of Straw” established him in the top ranks of Japan’s younger character actors. In October of 2014 he will appear in a stage production of “Julius Caesar.”

Other film roles include the two “Death Note” films (06), the “Kaiji: Ultimate Gambler” series (09, 11), “Parade,” “The Incite Mill” (both 10), “I’m Flash!” (12), “The Chart of Love,” “One Third,” and “Monsterz” (all 2014).

Based on the Kyoto arc of the popular manga series written & illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the “Rurouni Kenshin” sequels follow the story of Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh), a legendary swordsman in the wars accompanying the turbulent fall of Japan's Shogunate in the 19th century. Once feared as 'Battosai the Killer', he has adopted a peaceful life since the arrival of the 'new age'.
But Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara), the 'Shadow Killer' and successor to Kenshin's position as the deadly assassin, has since then been scheming in the Kyoto underworld, raising an army of disaffected former samurais with the aim of overthrowing the new regime.

Agreeing to a request by the new government to defeat Shishio, Kenshin leaves his beloved ones in Tokyo and sets out for Kyoto. He and Shishio are a match in skill and in wits, but their aims are opposite. Can Kenshin preserve the nation without breaking his vow that he will kill no more...?
The films also star Emi Takei (Kaoru Kamiya), Munetaka Aoki (Sanosuke Sagara), Kaito Oyagi (Yahiko Myojin), Yu Aoi (Megumi Takani), Yosuke Eguchi (Hajime Saito), Min Tanaka (Nenji Kashiwazaki), Tao Tsuchiya (Misao Makimachi), Ryunosuke Kamiki (Soujiro Seta), Maryjun Takahashi (Yumi Komagata) and Tatsuya Fujiwara (Makoto Shishio).

The first sequel, “Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno” will open across the Philippines on Aug. 20, 2014, to be followed by “Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends” on Sept. 24, 2014. Both films are distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

SMART launches LTE-Advanced 5G to the Phils

Two years after it pioneered the deployment of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G technology in the country, wireless services leader Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) announced that 5G wireless technology LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), is now running in the Philippines’ largest and strongest network.

Smart switched on LTE-A at the Smart Jump Center in Mandaluyong City recently, setting the next phase of mobile communication technology beyond 4G LTE standards.

LTE-A, referred to as ‘5G’ by reports on leading global mobile operators AT&T and T-Mobile, delivers data from between 100 megabits per second (mbps) to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps), or ten times faster than 3G services and more than twice as fast as 4G services.

By firing up LTE-A technology on its network, Smart joins only a handful of carriers around the world with an LTE-A network, along with leading mobile operators in South Korea, United States, Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong.

“Even as our 3G and 4G networks continue to be unrivaled, Smart becomes the first operator to leap into the future and put the Philippines at par with the world’s most advanced countries in terms of mobile communications technology,” said Orlando B. Vea, founder and Chief Wireless Advisor of Smart.

With LTE-A, a 10MB file takes less than a second to download, YouTube videos no longer have to buffer, and video calls are almost lag-free. But beyond speed, LTE-A’s main feature is also its capability to allocate more network resources to users when the need arises. Smart started testing LTE-A across the country in August last year, delivering results of more than 100Mbps in Makati City, in Boracay, and in Davao City during the Kadayawan festival.

Internet for all

Ramon Isberto, Public Affairs head for Smart and its parent company the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), said that the recent development is part of the company’s multi-pronged approach in addressing the various needs for internet and data services in the market.

“The PLDT Group’s strategy has always been to create solutions that address the varying needs of all segments of our customers, to bring fixed, wireless and mobile broadband services where they really matter. They may be delivered at different speeds and volumes, using a variety of technologies, and meant to respond to a wide range of needs of the market – but all of it is aimed at bringing the benefits of the internet to every Filipino,” explained Isberto.

This strategy meant deploying a combination of Fiber-to-the-Home, Next Generation Network, Time-Division Duplex LTE, Frequency-Division Duplex LTE and vDSL to bring internet to every Filipino home, and 3G, 4G, and 5G or LTE-A for mobile subscribers, according to Isberto.

“We are able to deliver all these high-bandwidth services and applications on the strength of our transmission backbone network, which is the most extensive and most resilient in the country. Aside from allowing us to commit to speed, our unmatched network resources give us the edge in terms of efficiency and reliability,” added Isberto.

Smart’s nationwide coverage is backed by PLDT’s fiber optic cable connection which has now reached nearly 90,000 kilometers, or more than four times than competition. To further strengthen this domestic fiber optic network (DFON), PLDT also set up third legs in its fiber loops in key areas nationwide, the latest of which is the Bohol DFON project that provided redundant links between the Visayas and Mindanao.

Watch Pinocchio comes alive with music and magic on August 16 until December 14

Who will ever forget Pinocchio?  Everyone adores the story of the wooden puppet, what better way then is to bring the story of Pinocchio in theater, together with your kids, relieve the story of wooden puppet whose nose grew when he told a lie. Prepare to be enchant with PINOCCHIO and the rest of the cast.

In celebration of its 22 years of producing well-loved musicals for children of all ages, Repertory Philippines Theater for Young Audiences proudly announces the staging of PINOCCHIO.

This August, Repertory Philippines will take the old and young alike on a journey of this wooden puppet who wanted nothing more than to be a real boy. The play, set in old Italy, comes alive with music, colorful costumes, a little bit of magic, and a vibrant array of characters that travel alongside our beloved Pinocchio as he seeks to make his dream a reality.

Just as our Pinocchio was accompanied by such unique characters, years of experience back up the wide-eyed dreams of the young actors playing the title role. Supporting these young ones is a battalion of veteran and up-and-coming talents, whose theater experiences cover a vast selection of productions.

GEPETTO 
With every wooden puppet, there is a maker. And for every boy, there is a father. That is what Gepetto is to Pinocchio. The kind and generous old man is brought to life by Nic Campos and Oliver Usison. Nic (who also alternates as Antonio) has been a part of many Repertory Philippines’ productions including Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, and Seussical. He has also acted his share of Shakespeare in the plays Much Ado About (Claudio/Don Pedro) and Twelfth Night (Malvolio).

On the other hand, Oliver Usison made his Repertory Philippines debut in Jesus Christ Superstar!, and has since appeared in Seussical, Fiddler on the Roof, Once on This Island, Miong, Love’s Labor’s Lost, among many others. He is also an instructor of the Rep Summer Workshop.

ANGELINA 
Angelina is a housekeeper and cook for the old Gepetto. Ever so caring and pleasant, this kind woman will be played by Ring Antonio, Naths Everett, and Goldie Soon. Ring Antonio began her theater career with Repertory Philippines’ The Wiz. Following this, she has appeared in many other productions, the most recent of which was Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

When it comes to theater veterans, Naths Everett is definitely one fine-tuned artist. She has been in the theater scene for over twenty years, wearing the hats of performer, choreographer, and teacher. Some of her productions include August Osage County, Do You Hear the People Sing?, Jekyll and Hyde, and Jesus Christ Superstar!


Finally round up the Angelinas is Goldie Soon, whose theater experience goes way back to her college years in the University of the Philippines where she pursued her degree in Theatre Arts. She has since starred in productions such has Oedipus Rex and Ang Inspektor General for Dulaang UP. Her more recents involvements have been The Joy Luck Club, Alice in Wonderland, and Red Turnip’s Cock.

THE BLUE FAIRY 
What is a fairy tale without a little magic? She fulfills the wish for Pinocchio to become a real boy, and she guides him as he continues with his journey. If the old man Gepetto is his father figure, the Blue Fairy is almost like a mother to our boy Pinocchio. Playing the Blue Fairy are three talented and experienced actresses: Cara Barredo, Liesl Batucan, and Christine Flores.

Cara (who also plays Gino) began her theater career at a very young age, starring as Tiny Tim in Repertory Philippines' Scrooge. Cara was also lauded for her performance as Beth in Little Women, and this earned her the Gawad Buhay Award for Best Female Featured Actress. Liesl Batucan is a performer with many facets to her. She a two-time Aliw Award winner for Best Actress and a PhilStage Gawad Buhay Awardee for Best Female Featured Performance in a Musical. Liesl has been in many local productions (The Little Shop of Horrors, The Wizard of Oz, Romeo and Juliet) and has also performed Off-Broadway at the La Mama Theatre in New York City.

Finally, the last Blue Fairy is Christine Flores. She found herself in Children’s Theater and participated in productions such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Beauty and the Beast. She currently runs the Bel canto Studio, where she imparts her love for theater and music to aspiring students.

ANTONIO 
Antonio is the good-natured narrator of our tale. Guiding us through Pinocchio’s story as Antonio are Arnel Carrion and James Stacey. Arnel Carrion has a long list of productions under his belt. He has been part of the casts of Shakespeare in Hollywood, Much Ado About Nothing, The Secret Garden, The Boor and the Proposal -- just to name a few. James Stacey, on the other hand, attended university in the United Kingdom but has since made a career for himself in Manila. His theater credits include Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Grease.

THE COACHMAN 
The villain of our tale lured children into the sinister Land of Toys. His panache is in the toss of his cape. Bringing to life this sinister creature are none other than Bituin Escalante (who also alternates as Angelina), Raul Montesa, and Onyl Torres.


Bituin Escalante is no stranger to the world of theater, with her career spanning almost twenty years. Her most recent foray on the big stage was Resorts World Manila’s Priscilla Queen of the Desert. She is a member of the Philippine Theater Actors Guild. Raul Montesa has been in the original casts of Miss Saigon in Germany, Manila, and Singapore. His lastest production was as Jafar in Atlantis’ Aladdin. Finally, rounding off our villains is Onyl Torres. He began his theater career early – with the Dulaang Sibol in high school. He is a two-time Gawad Buhay Best Music Director Nominee for Jeckyll and Hyde and The Producers.

CANDLEWICK
Candlewick is one of the most unruly in Pinocchio’s bunch – he is a smart-aleck dweller of the streets. Bringing Candlewick’s fast attitude to life are Daniel Delgado, Antonio Lane, Jay Pangilinan, and Chris George Shulze.

At the young age of seventeen, Daniel Delgado participated in a handful of productions. He is also a member of Alliance, a dance crew that represents the country in international hip hop competitions. On the other hand, Antonio Lane has been in the theater scene since he was six years old. His most recent appearance on stage was for the Virgin Labfest 10, where he was part of a stage reading for Lagalag.

Jay Pangilinan teaches theater workshops for Trumpets Playhouse and Repertory Philippines. His theater credits include plays such as Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Seussical, and most recently, The Bluebird of Happiness. Finally, rounding off our Candlewicks is Chris George Shulze (who also plays the roel of Signore Volpone). He has been under the tutelage of the like of Michael Williams, Menchu Yulo, and Jaime del Mundo. At present, he is part of the international production of The Boston: The Kitchen Musical.

GINO 
Gino is Candlewick’s faithful sidekick. Playing Hino are Steven Conde and Thea Gloria. Steven has appeared in productions such as Snapshots and Portraits, Rivalry, Alice in Wonderland, and The Producers. Thea Gloria, on the other hand, started her acting career under the watchful eye of Anna Valdes-Lim. She has been a part of productions such as August Osage County.

SIGNORE VOLPONE 
The fox in this play – wise, and somehow wise enough to pass himself off as a singing teacher. This curious character is enfleshed on the stage by Jef Flores. He made his theater debut in Camp Rock the Musical and has also appeared in Cinderella and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

SIGNORE GATTO 
The cat of the play – who plays sidekick to Signore Volpone. Playing the cat are Kendrick Ibasco, Steven Hotchkiss, and Chino Veguillas. Kendrick began his theater career in his church ministry, and since then it has extended towards productions such as Rivalry and The Wizard of Oz. Steven Hotchkiss has graced the stage as Friedrich in The Sound of Music. He is now a trainer and conductor for the CAAP Chorale. Finally, Chino Veguillas began is foray in theater in his school’s production of South Pacific. This has since led him to other productions such as Once on This Island, Once Upon a Mattress, and The Little Mermaid.

Rounding off this brilliant cast of performers are ballet dancers Jeff Comeros, Joni Galeste, Erica Jacinto, Jacqui Jacinto, Mark Joseph Pineda, and acrobats Tristan Cheng, Clark Francis dela Riva, and Chill Ocampo.

With such a bounty of talent and passion, it is a sure thing that our boy Pinocchio is one his way for a journey that is magical and truly unforgettable.



Ms. Joy Virata, artistic director of Repertory Philippines Theater  for  Young Audiences will direct PINOCCHIO. This marks the third time that  Repertory Philippines is staging the musical, the first two being in 1996 and 2004.

This new and fresh production of PINOCCHIO is going to be a real treat for the entire family with masks, music and merriment. It will be alive and bursting with energy. The children in the audience will be spellbound with its visually stunning and colorful set design and costumes, the lively choreography, and the witty songs and dialogue of Colodi’s comic characters.


PINOCCHIO is set to open on August 16, 2014 at the Onstage Theater, 2/F, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas cor. Legazpi St., Makati City. The show runs until December 14, 2014.


For details of show, please call tel. nos. 843-3570 and 451-1474 or email shows@repertoryphilippines.com or log on to www.repertoryphilippines.com.

Connect to Repertory Philippines online through the following social media networks:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/repertoryphilippines
Twitter: www.twitter.com/repphils
Instagram: www.instagram.com/repphils
YouTube: www.youtube.com/repphils

Tickets are also available through Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph

PINOCCHIO is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 USA. Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684

See you at the theater !!!!