Anne Hathaway is back as a fashion mogul in "The Intern"

It has been a long time since an Anne Hathaway movie, I will always love Anne who plays Andrea Sachs in The Devil Wears Prada because of her fashion taste,  now comes "The Intern" stars with no less than Robert De Niro.

Anne Hathaway stars opposite De Niro as Jules Ostin, the founder of an e-commerce site, About the Fit, in Warner Bros. Pictures' new drama comedy “The Intern.”

In the film directed Nancy Meyers (“It's Complicated,” “The Holiday”), seventy-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site that's growing at hyper speed. When owner and founder Jules agreed to have senior interns join the company, however, she assumed that meant seniors in college.

“Jules isn’t so great with older people,” Meyers acknowledges. “She has a bit of a bumpy relationship with her mom, so she feels she might not be the best candidate to be assigned a senior intern.”
Hathaway adds, “She resists initially because she knows the speed at which her business and her life run, and she imagines somebody older might slow her down. But the senior intern program may be just what she needs.

“Jules is a type A; she very much has the ‘lean in’ mentality,” the actress continues. “She’s incredibly smart and another thing I really like about her is she’s got an amazing heart. The reason her company is doing so well is not just because she’s so brilliant, but also because everything she does is from a genuine place of passion and vision…and that’s also a reflection of Nancy,” she smiles.

Meyers says Hathaway’s work ethic is not far removed from her character’s. “Annie has tremendous substance. She has great drive and energy on screen and is one of those rare actresses who can do it all. She’s funny when we need her to be, and so vulnerable and truthful in the more dramatic moments. She’s also not straight down the middle, she’s got a quirkiness to her, which I love.”

What begins as resistance on Jules’s part soon gives way to respect and appreciation. Hathaway attests, “In a company full of young techies with maybe not so many people skills, Ben is the person who inspires us to look up from our computers and really engage. Jules is the product of a generation that makes snap decisions: click on it, tweet it, post it, trash it; so I think she puts a lot of pressure on herself. Ben shows up and he just listens to her. He doesn’t judge, he just accepts her and brings a level of calm. She knows she’s not easy and he thinks that’s great about her. All the things that she’s afraid other people find off-putting, he sees as indicators of someone of value. He may have wanted to be needed but it turns out she needed him too.”

De Niro offers, “Jules is very ambitious and smart and has been fortunate to fill a niche with this business that she’s created. I think anytime you start something, you have to treat it with a lot of love and attention; you really have to invest yourself in it. Jules does. She is very hands-on. She extends herself and puts caring into every detail to make sure that it’s all done right.”
“The friendship that gradually forms between Ben and Jules is what kept me writing,” states Meyers. “It’s their personal connection that drives this story.”



The director also observes that De Niro and Hathaway’s chemistry established a powerful dynamic between their characters. “It’s this magical thing that happens if you’re lucky,” says Meyers. “It can’t be forced, it just happens. There’s just something special between Ben and Jules, and also Bob and Annie. And I believe it’s very palpable on screen.”

“I was so fortunate to have had Bob by my side,” Hathaway declares. “He is such a terrific guy and, it goes without saying, was wonderful as Ben. He makes these razor sharp turns in a scene and you feel chills go through your soul because that power is so strong and so focused and you’re right next to it. But he’s so modest and so laid back and easy going, you forget for a moment that he’s one of the greatest actors who have ever lived.”

Opening across the Philippines on Thursday, September 24, “The Intern” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

The pride of Eastern Samar Jose Joy Chicano wins the Project Runway PH Season 4

Jose Joy Chicano from Eastern Samar won the coveted Project Runway PH Season 4 last September 20, besting over Ms. Celine Borromeo from Cebu and Jared Servano from Koronadal.  I remember  Jose Joy Chicano's japanese -inspired wrap dress, the crowd's favorite  from the Project Runway Season 4 launch last May 27 at the Green Sun, Makati. My link here and pics
http://lemongreenteaph.blogspot.com/2015/05/who-will-be-next-filipino-runway-pride.html

The 3 Project Runway PH Season 4 finalists were presented to the media last September 16 at Le Jardin French Restaurant, BGC Taguig. The mini presscon were attended by guests judge Ms. Tweety De Leon-Gonzales, Rajo Laurel, Jojie Lloren, Laureen Uy, Robbie Carmona and other fashion celebrities.

The winning designer and the winning model of Project Runway Philippines Season 4 receive spreads in Mega Magazine,  P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Aivee Institute and P100,000 worth of gift certificates from The Face Shop. The winning designer will receive P250,000 to help him start his own line as well as P250,000 from Brother International. The winning designer will also get a chance to showcase his or her collection in the Manila Fashion Festival this October.



 Project Runway Philippines’ top three designers presented their final collections last September 20 on ETC

Ms. Celine Borromeo's creation

Twenty-two year old Celine Borromeo from Cebu City has caught the judges’ eye with her wearable and feminine designs, specially tailored to flatter any body type. Having won three challenges, she has been a top contender from the beginning of the show.

Twenty-one year old Joy Chicano from Eastern Samar has made a name for himself as an avant-garde designer with a strong Japanese-inspired aesthetic. His unique point of view has made him a favorite among the judges, who commend his ability to stay true to himself and his vision.

Forty-four year old Jared Servano from Koronadal has brought local culture to the runway with contemporary designs that reflect the traditions of his hometown. His dedication to showcasing local artistry and his ability to transform them into modern silhouettes has earned him praise from the judges.

Judging the final runway are supermodel and fashion icon Tweetie De-Leon Gonzalez, A-list designer Rajo Laurel, and fashion and beauty expert Apples Aberin. Joining them as special guest judge is internationally renowned Filipino designer Josie Natori.

As founder and CEO of Natori Company, Josie Natori seamlessly molds eastern and western influences into her line of sensuous and elegant lingerie. To date, she regularly shows on New York Fashion Week and has collaborated with Target to launch its first limited-edition lingerie and loungewear collection.

She is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and of the Committee of 200. She also sits on the boards of the Asian Cultural Council, the Orchestra of St Luke's, the Staute of Liberty – Ellis Foundation, Women in Need, and the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines. She has received the prestigious Lakandula Award and has been awarded the Fashion Group International's prestigious Humanitarian Award.

Catch the finale of Project Runway Philippines Season 4 on September 20, Sunday at 7 pm with a replay at 10 pm. ETC is available on Sky Cable 16, Destiny Cable 16, Cable Link 34, Cignal 9, Destiny Analog 28 and UHF 21. ETC can also be streamed anytime, anywhere on your smartphone, tablet, and laptop for free via www.blink-now.com.

Kaminabe and Tobanyaki dishes are the best at Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant

My love for Japanese food started way back from the time I craved for maki, ramen and sushi. I always associate Japanese food with colors and tastes, the look of sashimi is good as it looks. The ramen is one comfort food that I cant leave without I always enjoy it anytime of the day, perfect with gyoza.

I have been passing by the Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant last July, one week after their opening, I told my partner that the next time we have an "event" at the SM Megafashion hall, we will set aside time to eat at Rosanjin Restaurant, and 2 months after that, our prayers were answered, we received an invite to dine at Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant.

Australian Rib Steak

Just as when you fall in love with their tobanyaki and kaminabe. Rosanjin's interior is minimalist and perfect with the right amount of lighting, I just fell in love with their cute red umbrellas hanging in the ceiling the traditional Japanese way.

Rosanjin offers their specialty Australian Rib Steak meal, cooked using "toban" Tobanyaki. It was laid out and cooked on our table. I was fascinated by this way of cooking using the earthenware "Toban"  it transmitted heat easily with ultra red-lay effect that retains the juiciness and flavor of the food without burning. The cooking time is around 5 to 7 minutes, if you want your rib steak well done, you have to add another minute or more of heating. It was juicy and delicious, cooked just the way I wanted.

It is safe enough to raise the heat to 375 degrees for about 30 minutes to get the toban properly heated without any problem.

There are many menus to be cooked the "Tobanyaki" way such as the Chicken Cheeseyaki, Pork Belly Spicy Misoyaki, Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken Misoyaki and the Meat Platter. 

Australian Rib Steak and Salmon Butteryaki

What intrigued me is the "Kaminabe" way of cooking using japanese paper as a pot. Just the same as Tobanyaki, the food was cooked and laid in our table. The japanese paper theyre using is made of Mulberry tree, paperbush from genpi tree. The paper doesnt burn because ‘Kami-nabe’ are pots made of strong ‘washi’ (Japanese paper) with an extremely dense texture. ‘Washi’ was invented during the Edo period (1600-1868) and is used in many traditional arts such as origami, ukiyo-e and sumi-e. It is highly durable against water and heat.

Shrimp Kaminabe

Seafood Kaminabe

Sukiyaki

The food cooked the "Kaminabe" way is delicious not to mention healthy because the paper absorb the grease or oil from the food.  Using the paper pot for cooking is truly the Japanese ingenious technique that distinctly recognized as theirs.  The paper pot is also used to skim off any lye in the soup which the food produces. It also helps remove the bitter taste or alkaline flavour in the soup.

The taste of the food is good and healthy as well, the Kaminabe cuisine is good for those on a diet or love paper pot dishes. I would love to come back and try their other specialties as well.

It is truly worth the dining experience at Rosanjin Japanese Restaurant, next time you'll visit them, please share your experience as well.

Oppo Ambassador Ms. Sarah Geronimo graced the R7 series launch

Oppo R7 lite and R7 plus was recently launched last Sept 15 at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, TV Host, Actress and Oppo Ambassador Ms.Sarah Geronimo graced the event and entertained the media.

The OPPO R7 Series will be available in all retail and OPPO stores nationwide with the R7 Lite at 13,990.00 PHP and the R7 Plus at 21,990.000 PHP. It will also be available through Lazada, the country’s biggest online store.

Just a month after the release of the Mirror 5, OPPO Philippines continues to bring more in the table with the launch of the R7 Series. The R7 Series ensures its users with the best the global electronics company has to offer and comes in two variations, the 5”-screened R7 Lite and the more powerful 6”-screened R7 Plus.

It features a touch-type fingerprint sensor on its back that can store up to five fingerprints that corresponds to various commands, such as screen unlock and software encryption.

In terms of battery life, it holds 2,320 mAh which means long battery life for R7 Lite.

The R7 series is made for the selfie addicts, The R7 Plus’ camera is equipped with a laser autofocus system that focuses precisely on a subject in under 0.3 seconds. As you prepare to snap a photograph, the laser will intuitively scan the scene or subject and find the perfect focal point, which enables users to capture fast moving objects and sceneries. The main camera is coupled with an OPPO-first RGBW sensor which adds a white pixel to the usual RGB layout to substantially enhance photos under low-light conditions with a 32% higher light sensitivity and 78% noise reduction, delivering a more powerful performance in indoor low-light and dark conditions.

Big in size; big in performance

The OPPO R7 Plus offers a plethora of unique features that enhances the mobile experience of its users. The unit employs a magnesium-aluminum unibody design. Inside is 3GB of RAM and the Qualcomm MSM8939 1.5Ghz processor, which promises robust performance with minimal power use. The R7 Plus is backed by a 4100mAH inbuilt lithium-polymer battery and is supported by OPPO’s VOOC Flash Charge, ensuring longevity with regards to its battery life.


R7 Plus Specs:

Operating System: ColorOS 2.1, based on Android 5.1
Processor: Qualcom 615, Octa-core 1.5 GHz
RAM: 3GB
Storage: 32 GB (Expandable up 128 GB)
Battery: 4100mAh Li-polymer
SIM Card: 2 Nano-SIM Card
Screen Size/Pixel: 6.0", Arc Edge Screen FHD (1920x1080)
Rear Camera: 13 MP
Front Camera: 8 MP
Key Selling Points: Full metal unibody design, ColorOS 2.1, Pure Image 2.0+, VOOC Flash Charge

SRP: 21,990.00 PHP

Sophistication and reliability

With its sophisticated full metal body, the OPPO R7 Lite is for users who are looking for a simple, yet powerful phone. With 2GB of RAM and the Qualcomm 615 Octa-Core 1.3Ghz, the device runs smoothly on OPPO’s latest OS, the ColorOS 2.1 (based on Android 5.1). The R7 Lite’s Security Center ensures stable performance with its data monitoring and memory clean up.

Taking high-quality photos is a breeze with its 13MP Schneider-verified rear camera with PDAF auto focus system, capable of taking 50MP-quality photos with its Ultra-HD mode. Like its older brother, the R7 Plus, the R7 Lite is also equipped with the flash shot technology which enables crisp and clear images of fast moving objects.  Selfies look natural and vibrant with its 8MP front camera and beautify options.

R7 Lite Specs:

Operating System: ColorOS 2.1, based on Android 5.1
Processor: Qualcom 615, Octa-core 1.3 GHz
RAM: 2GB
Storage: 16 GB (Expandable up 128 GB)
Battery: 2320mAh Li-polymer
SIM Card: Micro-SIM Card and Nano-SIM Card
Screen Size/Pixel: 5.0", HD (720x1280)
Rear Camera: 13 MP
Front Camera: 8 MP
Key Selling Points: Full metal unibody design, ColorOS 2.1, Pure Image 2.0+

SRP: 13,990.00 PHP

Unicef Celebrity Ambassador Ms. Anne Curtis to run for "Heroes for Children Run" on Oct 25

Prepare to run and join UNICEF Celebrity Ambassador Ms. Anne Curtis for "Heroes for Children Run" for the ’1,000 Days‘ campaign which focus on much needed health and nutrition support in the critical first thousand days of the life of a child: from conception through pregnancy, to childbirth, and through to the child’s second year and beyond,” proceeds from the run will go directly to this campaign.

 UNICEF Country Representative Lotta Sylwander with the new UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis launches  the ’Heroes for Children Run’ for the benefit of children most in need, especially in their first 1,000 days of life last Sept 17 at The Discovery Suites, Pasig.

UNICEF Celebrity Ambassador Ms. Anne Curtis has been training and running twice a week at the Ayala Triangle and is preparing for the 21K run, hopefully she told the press that she would finish the 21K in an hour and a half or lesser than that. Celebrities Solenn Heussaff and Belle Daza will join Ms. Anne Curtis on October 25 at the SM MOA grounds.

The run is the first major fundraising initiative by Anne Curtis since UNICEF appointed her as Celebrity Advocate last March. "I am very much invested in health and fitness. I thought a benefit run that demonstrates health and wellness is a great way to raise resources to support children to have the best start in life! Proceeds from the run will help fund UNICEF’s ’1,000 Days of Life’ campaign," said Curtis.

UNICEF and partners launched the ’1,000 Days’ campaign through a series of legislative advocacy forums with the House of Representatives and the Senate last July. The central theme is, ’Ensuring the Right Start to Life through Optimal Maternal and Child Nutrition: Building a Stronger Nation’. 

"In the Philippines, at least 3.4 million Filipino children are stunted. Undernutrition accounts for over half of the 95 daily under-five child deaths. The ’1,000 Days‘ campaign will focus on much needed health and nutrition support in the critical first thousand days of the life of a child: from conception through pregnancy, to childbirth, and through to the child’s second year and beyond,” said UNICEF Country Representative Lotta Sylwander.

"UNICEF greatly appreciates Anne’s initiative to raise funds to support the critical needs of young children's health and well-being. She is personally leading this event and has mobilised her own networks and resources to make it happen.” Added Sylwander, "I accompanied Anne on her first field visit with us. She is committed not only to learn, but also to contribute in changing the lives of the Filipino children for the better. Her popularity and large fan base is an asset in drawing due attention to the needs of Filipino children.”

The run will feature a 500-metre dash for kids (age 12 and below); 5k, 10K, and 21K.

Online registration for the Heroes for Children Run is open at www.takbo.phzheroesforchildren until 11 October 2015. In-store registration will run from 23 September to 21 October 2015 at the following Chris Sports outlets:

SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM City BF Paranaque, Glorietta, and Market! Market!

Organised through running partners Leadpack and Takbo.ph, the Heroes for Children Run is presented through the support of SM Mall of Asia, PSBank, Double Dragon Properties Corporation, Enervon, SM Accessories, Belo Essentials, Cherry Mobile, Jack ’n Jill, Toy Kingdom, SM Cares, Philippine Star, Nyxsys Philippines Inc., Chris Sports and Discovery Suites.

To know more about the run and UNICEF’s programmes, visit www.unicef.ph or call 758-1000 (Mondays to Friday, 9:00 am. to 6:00 pm).

J&T Plasticware: Ang Pambansang Plastic continues to be the consumers choice for 25 years

Back in the day, when choosing a kitchen countertop, cabinet or a shoe rack means a faded laminate wood or a built-in cabinet.  The built-ins are eating most of the space in the house. There are no color choices, styles, patterns and textures to choose from. Now, with a wide variety of plasticwares in the market, the plastic storage cabinets and drawers are the most in-demand plastics everyone has been buying because of the sleek space saving design are maximizing the indoor storage capability of your home. You can store anything in it like clothes,  tools, books, shoes and many more.

The country’s leading plastic manufacturing company Superbrands J&T Plasticware, marks a major milestone this year as it celebrates its 25th year of providing elegant and quality plasticware products integral to the daily life of its consumers.

Established in 1990, J&T started its business with an array of various plastic consumer items like hangers, clips, baskets, trash cans, food containers, plates, and other useful household products for the Filipino family.  Today, J&T has established a comprehensive product line that include a variety of kitchen and bedroom organizers like chest drawers, cabinets, kitchen organizers, functional boxes, plus monobloc chairs and tables, among others.

True to its icon of “Pambansang Plasticware,” J&T is committed to its mission of developing high quality yet affordable plasticware products that cater to the needs of consumers. It continuously improves and innovates its product line-up year in and year out for total customer satisfaction.  This dedication has not gone unnoticed, thanks to the awards and recognitions the company has received from various consumer groups. One of it is from the prestigous Superbrands, the international independent authority and arbiter on branding.

On its 25th anniversary, J&T Plasticware continues to be relentless in its pursuit to be the best plasticware manufacturing company in the Philippines and build a leading brand that will be the consumers’ top choice for quality, convenient and affordable plasticware products

First Applebee’s Grill & Bar soon to open at BGC this September

I first had a taste of what seems to be the best juiciest huge plate of steak with delicious sides and unlimited salad bar  at Applebees, UAE at Mushriff Mall 2 years ago. My sister and friends convinced me to try their steaks as I am not into steak or meat, to just get the first dibs of what Applebees steaks/ribs taste like abroad with a halal country.   I remember ordering the steak platter with portobello mushroom stuffed with creamy artichoke, their medium rare steak was the softest, tastiest and  juiciest dinner that I had with an extra order of their house salad ( fresh salad greens, bacon pieces, shredded cheese, croutons, cucumbers, tomatoes and caesar for dressing.)

Imagine my excitement when I learned that Applebees will be coming here in the PH soon and it would mean long lines along BGC  just like what happened to the IHOP opening.

In lieu with that, I got an invite to Applebees Grill & Bar  Media soft opening last Sept.10 at BGC last week.  All the food memories from UAE flashed before me. I realized, we are not third country anymore, with all the international restaurants coming in like IHOP, CPK , Dean and Deluca and many others.

We were first offered the Cowboy Burger, the western burger topped with crispy onion strings, melted white cheddar cheese and smoked bacon served on a toasted brioche bun with honey BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles is soo delicious and filling, the burger is good for sharing, at least for me. The burger is thick and juicy I would want to order an extra rice, seriously.

Next is the juicy Pork Ribs marinated in Applebee's special house blended, grilled to perfection served with corn on the cob, french fries and cole slaw with a choice of honey BBQ sauce, smoky chipotle, spicy sweet Asian chili and Korean BBQ sauce. Yum!

Applebees Grill & Bar is soon to open last week of September at W Global Center, Ground floor 30th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The Applebees Grill & Bar at BGC has the same interior as the one in UAE, with warmer earth tones of brown, wood furnitures like tables and chairs are fixed to get the cozy feel of home. “There’s always a reason to celebrate”, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or just simply finding your car keys—reflected in every aspect of the guest experience, from design and décor to promotion to menu innovation to service and hospitality.

The very first Applebee’s restaurant opened in 1980 in Decatur, Georgia, in the United States under the name “T.J. Applebee’s Edibles & Elixirs.” The brand gained popularity and eventually, six years later, the first franchised restaurant was opened in Kansas City under the name “Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.” Applebee’s then entered a period of rapid and steady growth around the 1990s, opening its 100th restaurant in 1989 and it’s 250th by the end of 1992. By 1996, the chain had 819 restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Germany and the Netherlands. Currently, there are more the 2,000 Applebee’s restaurants in 49 states, 16 countries, and two U.S. territories – Applebee’s is 100% franchised.

Boneless chicken bites

Pork Ribs

Quesadilla Burger

Cowbow Burger

Three-cheese chicken cavatappi

Churros and smores

Wonton Taco

Pot Stickers

Shakes

Blue Ribbon Brownie

Aside from specializing in celebrations, Applebee’s delivers guests the best in American Grill and Bar food, including ribs, steaks, burgers, a variety of unique and delicious appetizers, and mouthwatering desserts. The brand is also known for its selection of creative beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

Applebees Bahama Mama

The Appblebees Bahama Mama is is a flavored rum-based liqueur made with natural coconut extract, malibu rum, house rum, banana liqueur, grenadine, pineapple juice and orange juice.

Apple Sangria

The Apple Sangria is a cabernet sauvignon with red apple, grenadine, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice topped with lemon-lime soda, it is best to partner with their pork ribs.

Applebee’s Grill & Bar, the quintessential American restaurant since it first opened in 1980 outside Atlanta, Georgia and which has since grown to be the largest casual dining brand in the world, is opening its first location in the Philippines, it was announced today by Daniel del Olmo, President of International, DineEquity, Inc.

The new Applebee’s, which represents another step forward in the international growth strategy of parent company DineEquity, Inc., is located at the Ground Floor of the W Global Center, 30th Street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

It also represents an expansion of the DineEquity relationship with its franchise partner for its other leading brand, IHOP restaurants, Global Restaurant Concepts. Global Restaurant Concepts currently operates seven IHOP restaurants in the Philippines.

The opening of Applebee’s Grill & Bar, will bring the brand’s 35 years of experience serving the best in ribs, steaks, burgers, appetizers and a range of drink choices to guests in the Philippines, and is the first of three Applebee’s locations expected to open in the Philippines over the next several years.

The new Applebee’s restaurant will embody Applebee’s new 360 degree brand evolution.

“We are delighted to bring the classic American grill and bar experience to guests in the Philippines, which has long been a goal for all of us at DineEquity,” said del Olmo. “Our largest ever consumer research study identified the Philippines as a market with great growth opportunity for Applebee’s.”

“But key to our plan was to find a franchise partner who would bring the same level of commitment, quality and guest satisfaction that we experienced with our IHOP franchise partner Archie Rodriguez and Global Restaurant Concepts, who, in their first year of operations, won our IHOP International Franchisee of the Year Award,” del Olmo continued. “Once they expressed interest in bringing Applebee’s to the market, we knew we had found the perfect partner and the perfect opportunity.”

“We are happy with the partnership we have with DineEquity as we are aligned in many ways with our vision and mission of providing a memorable dining experience. The rest of the team and I are excited to celebrate everything with our guests at Applebee’s as we serve classic American grill and bar flavors. As with the success of IHOP, we are sure Filipinos will love the whole concept of Applebee’s – from its menu, service, and overall ambiance - with their friends and family,” says Archie Rodriguez, President and CEO of Global Restaurant Concepts.

“Global Restaurant Concepts has grown IHOP in the Philippines rapidly over the past few years, and their work has caused local guests to truly love the brand,” del Olmo added. “I believe we will see very similar results with the Applebee’s brand from our committed and experienced partner.”