Manila, 30 January 2010 – In celebration of the launch of Season 6 of the hit reality dance competition “So you think you can dance,” Fitness First brings rhythm back to the dance studio by offering specialized dance classes with moves and tracks inspired by the show in time for International Fitness Week.
For a limited time only, Fitness First’s “Danz with AXN” class offers participants high-energy cardio classes that focus on the athleticism of dance, mixing varied dance styles of hip-hop, belly-dancing, Latin, and retro that energizes participants with pumped-up action which puts the fun into shedding the pounds.
Fitness First’s Group Exercise classes are a fun, enjoyable way to workout. We offer the widest array of classes to suit all kinds of personalities and choice of preferences: Variety of classes from Cardio vascular workout include dance-based, martial arts-based, athletic-based and cycling classes to muscle-toning. Flow Yoga, Pilates, Tai-chi and other mind and body classes are also offered.
“By offering ‘Danz with AXN,’ we continue to bring fitness innovation to our members by giving them the opportunity to tap into their inner dancers while staying fit,” said Mark Ellis, Country Manager, Fitness First Philippines. “Fitness First always tries to go beyond the traditional work-out programs and such efforts are simply part of our commitment to find creative and fun ways to help people stay fit.”
The “Danz! with AXN” classes are offered in six of the Fitness First clubs starting from January 30 to February 7. All participants of the dance classes will be eligible to win an AXN iPod Touch in a lucky draw. To participate, pre-registration is compulsory at any of the participating clubs.
For more information log on to www.fitnessfirst.com.ph
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Be A Modess Angel
Right after Ondoy & Pepeng, thousands of volunteers from all walks of life gathered together to aid and assist those in need. Women were first to respond. Evacuation centers, packing centers and soup kitchens quickly filled with women who were armed and ready to help in every which way they can. It was their love, care and kindness that inspired more people to come out and help too.
But despite this initial outpour of concern, 57,000 families are still living in evacuation centers scattered all throughout Luzon. More than 30,000 of the displaced are women. Christmas and New Year have come and gone, and life in the evacuation centers have worsened. Their health and well-being have suffered tremendously, having poor and limited access to water, shelter, health care and clothing.
Inspired by that first wave of women volunteers, Modess is taking up the challenge for continued care for our displaced sisters in need. 30,000 comfort kits – much needed packets of feminine care - will be distributed across the 220 evacuation centers still in operation.
Modess has set up a Facebook group where female volunteers can sign up for a comfort kit to be given in their name. Every sign up means one more comfort kit donated.
With only its first month in operation, the Modess Angels group page has already reached more than 30,000 Angels, and will continue to grow in the next days. The Facebook group has also become a hub for more information on the evacuation centers, a support system for women volunteers and an all-around community of of sisterhood, sharing, fun and love. After all, the need for female empowerment & volunteering never ends. The Modess Angels are women who make a difference, not only during these troubled times, but with her self, her family and her community as well.
It doesn’t take an army to rebuild a nation. It takes Angels.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Biker Heroes Pedal Against Cervical Cancer
And with every drop of sweat, the bikers who will participate at this year’s “The Tour of Hope” – the Philippines’ largest anti-cervical cancer biking tour spanning Manila to the Cordilleras – shall become heroes in their own right. As they push the pedal further, the participants will come closer to rescuing more Filipinas from the deathly grip of this preventable female disease.
Faced with the threat of the fatal female disease which kills 12 Filipinas on a daily basis, “The Tour of Hope” was set up in 2008 by different individuals in their commitment to spread cervical cancer awareness in the Philippines. And for three years in the running, the cycling tour has been able to raise more than half a million in funds through sponsorships and pledges.
A project of Bravehearts, a multi-sectoral coalition led by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) and the Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF) which is dedicated to raising awareness on cervical cancer prevention, in cooperation with the Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program, Rockwell Powerplant Mall, and global pharmaceuticals company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), in strategic partnership with Team David’s Salon, the cycling tour has managed to attract people from all walks of life. These include personalities such as socialite and columnist Tessa Prieto-Valdes, senator Pia Cayetano, and sports polymath Jeena Lopez, who have joined last years’ biking tour which spanned provinces within Southern Luzon.
“This year, we’re targeting to conduct talks at Clark Field, Tarlac, Dagupan, La Union, Dagupan and SM Baguio,” says Team David’s Salon biker Joyett Jopson. “We plan to reach out as much possible people and let them know how to prevent cervical cancer – which is through a healthy lifestyle, early screening, and effective cervical cancer vaccination.”
To stop the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the cause of cervical cancer – from infecting women, an effective and relevant cervical cancer vaccine is necessary. GlaxoSmithKline’s cervical cancer vaccine provides significant protection for women against the two most common cancer-causing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types (HPV types 16 and 18) for at least seven years, the longest duration of protection reported to date. Modelling studies also reveal that it may provide protection for 20 - 50 years, without demonstrating the need for a booster shot or a 4th dose even after more than 7 years of vaccination.
Effective against types 16 and 18, which are responsible for over 70 percent of cervical cancer cases in Asia Pacific, GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine has also shown cervical cancer protection from 12 other cancer-causing HPV types which include HPV strain 45 – another strain which prevalently causes cervical cancer among Filipinas. Designed to last for both young and mature women, females from 10 years old onwards can be vaccinated using GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine.
“Considering the burden of cervical cancer here in the country, we support the Tour of Hope’s advocacy in spreading awareness about this fatal female disease,” says Dr. Carrie Purugganan, GSK Medical Affairs Manager. “And we want Filipinas to know that there is a cervical cancer vaccine that shows the most promise in defending them from cervical cancer.”
The road may be rough and arduous, but with the inspiration that more and more Filipinas will live free from the disease, pedaling to the end is a priceless victory.
To know more about cervical cancer, visit www.Xoutcervicalcancer.com.ph. ###
Friday, January 29, 2010
Special tribute to Michael Jackson on the 52nd GRAMMY live on Starworld
This very special GRAMMY Moment will feature the never-before-seen 3-D mini-movie for "Earth Song" that was created by Jackson as the centerpiece of his much anticipated "This Is It" tour but was never seen by the public prior to this GRAMMY performance.
The 3-D film was created to support the performance of "Earth Song," an original composition and a No. 1 hit for Jackson. The song has a strong theme about the future of the planet, and Jackson saw it as a unique opportunity to deliver a message to millions of people who would have seen him on tour.
"It was one of the most important portions of the concert tour to Michael and when Michael saw the film for the first time at his last rehearsal, there were tears in his eyes," said Ken Ehrlich, GRAMMY co-executive producer and long-time Jackson associate, who was also at the rehearsal that night.
"This very special GRAMMY Moment will feature some of our most respected GRAMMY recipients, all of whom have a great love for Michael," added Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy. "This segment promises to be an emotional highlight of this year's show, and is sure to join the unique list of amazing performances for which the GRAMMY Awards have become renowned."
This special segment also represents another GRAMMY technical breakthrough in that it will be the first time a major awards show broadcasts in 3-D. The GRAMMY Awards also were the first awards show to broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound (2003).
This GRAMMY tribute to Michael Jackson joins previously announced performances by nominees Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, the Dave Matthews Band, Green Day, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Maxwell, P!nk, Taylor Swift, and the Zac Brown Band.
Presenters include actress Kristen Bell, pop/R&B singer Justin Bieber, actor Jeff Bridges, pop singer and actress Miley Cyrus, actor Josh Duhamel, pop sensation the Jonas Brothers, nine-time GRAMMY winner Norah Jones, pop singer/songwriter Ke$ha, two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J, GRAMMY winner and three-time Latin GRAMMY® winner Ricky Martin, 10-time GRAMMY and three-time Latin GRAMMY winner Carlos Santana, and nine-time GRAMMY winner Ringo Starr. The music industry's premier event will take place on Sunday, Jan. 31 (Monday, February 1 in Manila), at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in on Star World live with a primetime encore at 8 p.m. – 12 midnight on the same day.
All five Album Of The Year nominees are set to perform on Music's Biggest Night®: Beyoncé, the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, the Dave Matthews Band, and Taylor Swift.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Tour of Hope” Continues to Push the Pedal against Cervical Cancer
When it comes to the fight against cervical cancer, people are hitting the road to defeat this disease.
With “The Tour of Hope”, a cycling tour event which aims to spread cervical cancer awareness, individuals from different walks of life are rallying to stop the spread of one of the leading women killers here in the country. And with sufficient awareness, surveillance, advocacy and prevention, twelve Filipinas today, tomorrow, and the days to come will be spared from the fatal grip of this female disease.
About Cervical Cancer
- Cervical cancer is the second most common female cancer worldwide, with half a million new cases and 250,000 deaths reported each year. Over 80% of cases occur in developing countries including the Philippines.
- Up to 80% of women will have HPV in their lifetime, the virus that causes cervical cancer.
- More than half of the women with cervical cancer will die within 5 years after diagnosis.
- Everyday, 12 Filipina die of cervical cancer. It’s ranked as the second most common female cancer afflicting Filipino women.
- Early Cervical Cancer produces no signs or symptoms.
- The Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, is the cause of cervical cancer.
Preventing Cervical Cancer thru Vaccination
- GlaxoSmithKline’s cervical cancer vaccine provides significant protection for women against the two most common cancer-causing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types (HPV types 16 and 18) for at least seven, the longest duration of protection reported to date. Modeling studies also demonstrate that it may provide protection for 20-50 years.
- The GSK cervical cancer vaccine has not demonstrated the need for a booster shot or a 4th dose even after more than 7 years of vaccination. Together, HPV types 16 and 18, together, are responsible for over 70 percent of cervical cancer cases in Asia Pacific.
- GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine has also shown efficacy against 12 other cancer-causing HPV types beyond HPV 16 and 18, which includes HPV strain 45 – another strain which prevalently causes cervical cancer among Filipinas.
- Designed to last for both young and mature women, females from 10 years old onwards can be vaccinated using GSK’s cervical cancer vaccine.
Bravehearts
- A non-government organization, Bravehearts is dedicated to raise awareness on cervical cancer prevention. Bravehearts is currently supported by a growing number of women, including prominent personalities such as Sen. Loren Legarda, Rina Jimenez David, Ellen Tordesillas, Atty.Gaby Concepcion, Tessa Prieto David, Abbygale Arenas de Leon and Suzi Entrata.
The Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF) for the Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program
- Founded in 2001, the CIF is a non-stock, non-profit organization based in Manila, Philippines which supports the Cancer Institute (CI) of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and its accredited cancer management network institutions with clinical, research, advocacy and financial assistance for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
- This commitment springs from the Foundation’s view that the promotion of health and welfare is a responsibility not of just one but all: that the government, individuals or groups, given a vehicle like the foundation, they will generously share their time, efforts and resources with their fellowmen who are ill but have little means to get well.
- The Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program is one of its major programs which is in collaboration with numerous health organizations, both in the government and private sectors, and other concerned local and international groups all working together to eradicate cervical cancer in the country. The CECAP provides a comprehensive approach in combating this disease, through advocating proper education about healthy lifestyle, providing quality cervical cancer services such as counseling, screening linked to treatment and vaccination and through research.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
IPAD is here
All of the built-in apps on iPad were designed from the ground up to take advantage of the large Multi-Touch screen. And they work in any orientation. So you can do things with these apps that you can’t do on any other device.
Safari
The large Multi-Touch screen on iPad lets you see web pages as they were meant to be seen — one page at a time. With vibrant color and sharp text. So whether you’re looking at a page in portrait or landscape, you can see everything at a size that’s actually readable. And with iPad, navigating the web has never been easier or more intuitive. Because you use the most natural pointing device there is: your finger. Scroll through a page just by flicking your finger up or down on the screen. Or pinch to zoom in or out on a photo. There’s also a thumbnail view that shows all your open pages in a grid, to let you quickly move from one page to the next.
Photos
With its crisp, vibrant display and unique software features, iPad is an extraordinary way to enjoy and share your photos. For example, the Photos app displays the photos in an album as though they were in a stack. Just tap the stack, and the whole album opens up. From there, you can flip through your pictures, zoom in or out, or watch a slideshow. You can even use your iPad as a beautiful digital photo frame while it’s is docked or charging. And there are lots of ways to import photos: You can sync them from your computer, download them from an email, or import them directly from your camera using the optional Camera Connection Kit.- Star Trek is available on iTunes.
Video
The large, high-resolution screen makes iPad perfect for watching any kind of video: from HD movies and TV shows to podcasts and music videos. Switch between widescreen and full screen with a double-tap. Because iPad is essentially one big screen, with no distracting keypad or buttons, you feel completely immersed in whatever you’re watching.
YouTube
The YouTube app organizes videos so they’re easy to see and navigate. To watch one, just tap it. When you’re watching in landscape, the video automatically plays in full screen. And with its high-resolution display, iPad makes the latest HD YouTube videos look positively amazing.
iPod
With the iPod app, all your music is literally at your fingertips. Browse by album, song, artist, or genre with a simple flick. To play a song, just tap it. iPad even displays album art at full size. Listen to your music with the powerful built-in speaker or with wired or Bluetooth wireless headphones.
iTunes
A tap of the iTunes store icon lets you browse and buy music, TV shows, and podcasts — or buy and rent movies — wirelessly, right from your iPad. Choose from thousands of movies and TV shows (in both standard and high definition), along with thousands of podcasts and millions of songs. Preview songs before you buy them. Or just sync iPad with the content you already have in your iTunes library on your Mac or PC.
App Store
iPad runs almost 140,000 apps from the App Store. Everything from games to business apps and more. And new apps designed specially for iPad are highlighted, so you can easily find the ones that take full advantage of its features. Just tap the App Store icon on the screen to browse, buy, and download apps wirelessly, right to the iPad.
iBooks
The iBooks app is a great new way to read and buy books.* Download the free app from the App Store and buy everything from classics to best sellers from the built-in iBookstore. Once you’ve bought a book, it’s displayed on your Bookshelf. Just tap it to start reading. The high-resolution, LED-backlit screen displays everything in sharp, rich color, so it’s easy to read, even in low light.
Maps
Finding your way is a completely new experience on iPad. Tap to view maps from above with high-resolution satellite imagery, up close with street view, or with topography in a new terrain view — all using Google Services. Search for a nearby restaurant or landmark, then get directions from your current location.
Notes
With its expansive display and large, onscreen keyboard, iPad makes jotting down notes easy. In landscape view, you see not only a note-taking page but a list of all your notes. iPad even circles the current note in red, so you can see where you are at a glance.
Calendar
iPad makes it easy to stay on schedule by displaying day, week, month, or list views of your calendar. You can see an overview of a whole month or the details of a single day. iPad even shows multiple calendars at once, so you can manage work and family schedules at the same time.
Contacts
The Contacts app on iPad makes finding names, numbers, and other important information quicker and easier than ever before. A new view lets you see both your complete contacts list and a single contact simultaneously. Need directions? Tap an address inside a contact and iPad automatically opens Maps.
Home Screen
The Home Screen gives you one-tap access to everything on iPad. You can customize your Home Screen by adding your favorite apps and websites or using your own photos as the background. And you can move apps around to arrange them in any order you want.
Spotlight Search
Spotlight Search allows you to search across iPad and all of its built-in apps, including Mail, Contacts, Calendar, iPod, and Notes. It even searches apps you’ve downloaded from the App Store. So no matter what you’re looking for, it’s never more than a few taps away.Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tour of Hope
The Tour of Hope (TTOH) is a non-profit initiative of a group of like-minded people of various backgrounds to set-up bicycle tours in order to increase awareness and raise funds for health prevention and education projects benefiting resource limited communities. The event is a joint project of CIF/CECAP, Bravehearts, GlaxoSmithKline Philippines, and in strategic partnership with Team David’s Salon, the Philippine’s first all-women multi-sport team, dedicated in promoting sports and at the same time sharing a passion for health and wellness.
During 2009, The Tour of Hope’s “Dare to be Bold” highlighted the three X’s in cervical cancer advocacy – eXposing the truth about cervical cancer, eXceeding one’s limit in support of this worthy cause and eXclaiming every woman’s right to life. Last May 24 – 28, 2009 more than 50 bikers dared to ride 500 kilometers to raise awareness for cervical cancer prevention, taking the Southern Luzon route from Muntinlupa City all the way to scenic Camarines Sur.
The bikers raised more than half a million pesos thru pledges and sponsorships and all proceeds of the event will be donated to CIF/CECAP for cervical cancer screening services in low resource settings. Eight lectures were conducted in each stop of the tour and more than 1,000 women were informed about cervical cancer and how this disease can be prevented through healthy living, regular screening and vaccination. Meanwhile, an initial number of 50 municipal health workers have been vaccinated using the funds raised from the event.
For 2010, The Tour of Hope’s theme is “The Tour of Hope 360: Fighting Cervical Cancer in Full Circle”. On March 20-24, 2010, hundreds of people from different walks of life will travel in a 500-kilometer cycling tour from Manila to Baguio inspired by the same goal.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Stir is finally HERE
STIR.ph kicks off the year in full blast as it treats media and friends to a spanking party, themed Pink Carpet STIR Awards to celebrate its first year anniversary in the trade. The stirring Awards are given to artists and personalities who indeed created a stir in the last year. Awardees are: Christian Bautista - Stirring Artist of the Decade, Dr. Victoria Belo - Stirring Producer of the Year, Ryan Agoncillo - Stirring Host of the Year, Karylle - Stirring Star of the Year, and Juicy! - Stirring Showbiz Talk Show of the Year.
Having a print version is STIR.ph’s another reason to celebrate! Young publishing company October Eighty Publications, Inc. teamed up with Yehey! to make the weekly magazine possible. The first two issues of the mag are free and will be distributed in MRT and LRT stations, coffee shops, salons and TV stations.
STIR.ph website and magazine are prepared for publication by editors Edgar Cruz and Maryo Labad, respectively.
About STIR.ph
STIR.ph (Showbiz Talk + Intriguing Reports) is a local Philippine entertainment gossip site that dishes out off-the-grill showbiz reports, star sightings, blind items, and user-generated contents such as candid celebrity photos and videos.Powered by the top Filipino online portal Yehey!, STIR.ph prides its speed in delivering entertainment tidbits to its readers online. STIR reveals local entertainment news as they unfold.
KANKAN RAMOS HEINZ NGO
Channels Manager Media Director
kankan@teamyehey.com hngo@octobereighty.com
Saturday, January 23, 2010
British Council Opens Study Opportunities For Filipinos
Do you want to study and learn more about Economics in the Cambridge University which help you dabble into politics or foreign service perhaps? Here’s your chance to explore your options, your chance at a great for a study opportunity in the United Kingdom. The
British Council nown opens its doors to higher education in the UK through Education UK. I was invited to witness the new look of of the British Council Go! Campaign, held at Murphy’s Irish Pub in Makati, which highlights Education UK’s message of
“Your Future on Track” and provides interested Filipinos a venue to explore educational possibilities in the United Kingdom.
They have (3) key activities which will be held in support of British Council’s Education UK, namely: an Alumni Counselling Session, Funding Options Seminar, and the Education UK Exhibition. All events are aimed to arm interested people with the necessary information they would need from gathering information on UK schools to application and visa preparation.
The first of a series of Education UK events is the Alumni Counselling Session taking place at the Makati Shangri-la on January 29, 2010. The Alumni Education
Exhibition will showcase alumni from the top universities in the UK, including Oxford University and Cambridge University. Each alumnus will talk about the schools they attended and their experiences as students to give interested parties a chance to glean insider information about what life in the United Kingdom is truly like.
Next and one of the most interesting event to attend is the Funding Options Seminar on February 19, 2010 at Top Shelf, Fully Booked in Bonifacio High Street. The Seminar slated to cover financial possibilities and scholarships for interested students.
The culmination of the Education UK Campaign is the Education UK Exhibition on March 5-6, 2010. Taking place at the ballroom of the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, representatives from UK universities will be in attendance to speak directly to students about the schools they represent and specific courses available.
“We believe that the United Kingdom has a lot of opportunities to offer in terms of education and overall personal growth,” said Amanda Burrell, Country Director
of British Council Philippines. “The location of the United Kingdom on Europe’s map offers students a unique opportunity to both travel and learn. The three events we have mapped out for 2010 are designed to address the queries of interested students as well as provide them an easy way to explore higher education abroad.”
log on to www.britishcouncil.org.ph for more information
Friday, January 22, 2010
Beauty by SM
Yesterday, January 22, 2010 was the official launch of Beauty By SM where a Beauty Trade Show throughout the day, and a culminating Fashion Show and Live Photo Shoot in the evening was held. It was like a fashion and beauty buffet all day. The event was dubbed “Beauty Expert Behind the Scenes.”
Guests of Honor to grace the event included Ms. Tessie Sy-Coson of SM Group of Companies, Mr. Martin So, CEO for Health and Beauty Asia – AS Watson, and Mr. Robert McDonald, Global CEO of Procter & Gamble. Joining them on stage for the ceremonial opening were Olay’s Angel Aquino and Daphne Osena-Paez.
After the opening ceremonies, hosts Tim Yap and Karen Pamintuan took guests through a Beauty Trade Show which showcased the key elements that make Beauty by SM a haven in Manila’s beauty industry.
The SM Department Store at Makati first opened in 1975, was rebuilt and reopened in 2004. The beauty hall has just been recently renovated and is launched on January 22, 2010.
The Beauty Hall, named Beauty by SM, at 1390 sq meters is the largest amongst the 36 currently operating throughout the Philippines. It is the largest beauty hall in the Philippines and probably amongst the biggest in the world. 6 more are planned to open in 2010.
The new store's contemporary interior was designed jointly by a highly acclaimed New York based architectural group, Point Design and the SM Group. It exudes a relaxed and informal ambience, making it conducive to shopping.
The black tiles in the center aisle create an illusion of a ramp leading to the feature wall at the back part of the store. Large graphics identify the product categories, making it easier for the shopper to navigate through the display counters and gondolas. The lighting, which shines through the column lanterns and interesting chandelier, is relaxed.
"With the opening of our new flagship store in Makati, we are all the more dedicated to bringing beauty to our customers through an exciting new shopping experience," says Victoria Encarnacion, Director for Marketing. "That is why we have created a whole new look and incorporated a more spacious design to our beauty section."
The more relaxed and informal environment carried out in the design is also the philosophy of the merchandise display. New products ensure wider, more informed choices for customers. Very organized and properly labeled gondolas create less clutter. Clear signage’s guide customers to find the products with more ease.
For customer convenience, Beauty by SM is also a well-zoned store, with its exciting mix of cosmetic brands in the center. Surrounding it are sections for personal care (bath and body), facial care, skin care, essentials, dental care, hair care and fragrances.
An interesting element is the introduction of the largest Men's Zone in the country, which has a complete line of personal care products designed for men's needs.
It is a haven for beauty where one can find the latest beauty products, try out the exciting new innovations, and speak to experts they can trust. Beauty by SM also has the widest range of products available in the market, including exclusive products, as well as premium and mainstream brands consistent with SM's "we've got it all" image.
Carrying more than 7000 unique products, customers will find a wonderful mix of favorite brands and new products. There are 72 fragrance brands, 36 cosmetic brands, 52 skincare brands, and over 16 exclusive brands, among them are Tri-Aktiline, Clinelle, Colorescience, 4U2, Ardell, Kiss, Beauty Credits, lanti.
New skin care brands like Tri-aktiline and Clinelle join Pond's L'Oreal, and Olay to make Beauty by SM a haven for skin care. All time favorites from Watsons Own Label and Exclusives make a mélange of great choices for hair, body, and skin care products. Counters are full of the latest cosmetics from Revlon, Lola, and Covergirl, while fragrances from Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Givenchy, Hugo Boss, and Lacoste are the latest in their lineup.
Shoppers can try the store's latest beauty products in numerous makeover stations, as well as innovative animations. To help them pick the best products suited for them, beauty consultants are there to give their expert advice.
"We have listened to our customers and addressed their needs reflective of their beauty aspirations. Together with our partners, we will continue to roll-out the new format throughout the existing chain."
Experience the best of beauty at the all new, all improved beauty section at the SM Department Store in Makati.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
SYNOPSIS OF RENT
In response to a call for help, Mark sets out for the lot where Maureen is performing a protest against Benny's eviction of the homeless from a nearby lot. He urges Roger to come along but he refuses. As Mark reports, Roger has not left the apartment in six months. He is still reeling from the suicide of his girlfriend, who slashed her wrists upon learning that she had AIDS. Roger tries to write a song but the only melody he finds is "Musetta's Waltz" from Puccini's La Bohème (ONE SONG GLORY).
ACT I
MARK, a filmmaker and the show's narrator, is spending a cold Christmas Eve in the Lower East Side industrial loft he shares with his roommate Roger, a musician. They receive several phone calls (TUNE UP/VOICE MAIL #1). The first is from Mark's mother consoling him over the loss of his girlfriend Maureen, a performance artist, to JoAnne, a Harvard Law School graduate. The second is from their friend Tom Collins who is detained by muggers. The last is from their landlord Benny demanding the rent. The power blows and so do Roger and Mark's tops (RENT).
Outside, Collins is reeling from the mugging. He is comforted by Angel, a street musician, who offers him a helping hand (YOU OKAY HONEY?). Both HIV+, Angel and Collins head out for a night on the town and a life support meeting.
In response to a call for help, Mark sets out for the lot where Maureen is performing a protest against Benny's eviction of the homeless from a nearby lot. He urges Roger to come along but he refuses. As Mark reports, Roger has not left the apartment in six months. He is still reeling from the suicide of his girlfriend, who slashed her wrists upon learning that she had AIDS. Roger tries to write a song but the only melody he finds is "Musetta's Waltz" from Puccini's La Bohème (ONE SONG GLORY).
Mimi, an S&M dancer who lives below Mark and Roger, knocks with a request: LIGHT MY CANDLE. The attraction between she and Roger is immediate, but Roger shies away and shows her the door. Mimi knocks again. She has lost her stash. Roger helps her look and Mimi eventually finds it- in Roger's back pocket.
As Joanne wrangles with the sound equipment for Maureen's performance, her parents leave her VOICE MAIL #2, pleading with her to come to her mother's confirmation hearings in Washington. Collins arrives at the loft with a bag full of goodies. This includes Angel, transvested into Angel Dumott Shunard and gloriously arrayed in his Christmas finest- wig, glitter, and platform pumps. In TODAY 4 U, Angel explains how he earned $1,000: a wealthy woman hired him to play the drums until her neighbor's yappy Akita barked itself to death.
Benny enters with a proposal (YOU'LL SEE): if Mark and Roger stop Maureen's protest, he will forgo the rent. He entices them with plans for Cyber Arts, a state-of-the-art, multimedia studio that will realize all of their dreams. Unsuccessful, Benny leaves. Mark, Collins and Angel try to coax Roger into coming to the life support meeting with them but he refuses.
Mark finally reaches the lot where Maureen will perform her protest. He encounters Joanne, still struggling with the sound equipment and the many demands Maureen makes upon her. Mark offers help. Though they dreaded meeting, they have a lot in common (TANGO: MAUREEN). Once he finishes, Mark joins Angel and Collins at the LIFE SUPPORT meeting.
In her apartment, Mimi dresses and appeals to an imaginary Roger to take her OUT TONIGHT. She barges into his apartment and continues her appeal to Roger himself but after a passionate kiss he vehemently rejects her. They fight, her words blending with the affirmation of the support group that emphasizes the importance of living the moment (ANOTHER DAY). A young man from the support group asks quietly "Will I lose my dignity/Will someone care?" (WILL I?). His thoughts and fears are echoed by each member of the community. The thoughts are Roger's too, and he decides to go outside.
After the meeting, Mark, Angel and Collins roam the lot and rescue a homeless woman from the taunts and nightsticks of the neighborhood cops (ON THE STREET). Discouraged by life in New York, the three dream of opening up a restaurant in SANTA FE. Alone at last, Angel and Collins finally express their love for each other (I'LL COVER YOU). Joanne, meanwhile has her hands full juggling work, parents, and the ever-demanding Maureen...all over the phone(WE'RE OKAY).
The scene changes to St. Mark's Place where vendors hawk their wares to the bohemians of the East Village (CHRISTMAS BELLS). Angel buys a new coat for Collins. Mark finds Roger who spots Mimi looking for drugs. Roger apologizes and asks her to dinner. Just as the snow begins to fall, Maureen finally appears on her motorcycle to perform her protest, OVER THE MOON.
Following the protest, all convene at the Life Café, including Benny who announces that Bohemia is dead. Thus ensues a makeshift mock-wake that quickly segues into a celebration of LA VIE BOHEME. During the song, Benny confronts Mimi and threatens to reveal their past affair to Roger. Beepers go off to remind the revelers to take their AZT. Roger and Mimi each discover that the other is HIV+. Frightened, excited, they vow to be together (I SHOULD TELL YOU).
Joanne has been sent back to the lot by Maureen several times to check on the equipment. She finally rebels, telling Maureen that their relationship is over and announcing a riot in the lot: Benny has padlocked the building and called the cops but the homeless are standing their ground. And mooing. The artists rejoice, the riot continues, and Roger and Mimi share a small, lovely kiss.
ACT II
The second act begins with the company posing the question, "How do you measure a year in the life?" (SEASONS OF LOVE). It is one week later, New Year's Eve, and Mark, Roger, Mimi, Maureen, Joanne, Angel and Collins are having a breaking-back-into-the-building party (HAPPY NEW YEAR). Once inside, Mark listens to one more phone message from his mother in Scarsdale as well as one from Alexi Darling, a tabloid TV producer salivating over his footage of the riot (VOICE MAIL #3). Benny crashes the party, angering Roger and alienating Roger from Mimi. Dejected, Mimi wanders outside and into the welcoming arms of her drug dealer.
Mark fastforwards to Valentine's Day. Roger and Mimi are still together. Angel and Collins could be anywhere. Maureen and Joanne are still rehearsing another show, but it is not going well (TAKE ME OR LEAVE ME).
The company reprises SEASONS OF LOVE and time marches forward again, to spring. Roger and Mimi have a fight and Roger walks out. Alone, Mimi reflects on what life would be like without Roger (WITHOUT YOU). At the same time, Collins nurses a sick Angel; Maureen and Joanne reconcile; as do Mimi and Roger.
At the end of the summer, Alexi is still courting Mark for her TV show (VOICE MAIL #4). Roger and Mimi, unsatisfied by love's complications, break up, as do Maureen and Joanne Angel dies (CONTACT). At a memorial service, his friends remember his spirit. Collins remembers his love (I'LL COVER YOU: REPRISE).
Outside the church, Mark phones Alexi to accept the job. Mark ponders how life has changed since last year as he recalls the joys of that one night last Christmas (HALLOWEEN). As the mourners leave the church, Mimi confirms that Roger has sold his guitar and is leaving town. Roger confirms that Mimi is now with Benny. A fight erupts among Roger, Mimi, Maureen, Benny, and Joanne Collins interrupts them with the sorrowful reality that the family is breaking up. Joanne and Maureen reunite. Mimi and Benny leave.
Mark tries to convince Roger to stay in New York and face his pain and the fact that Mimi is very sick. Roger attacks Mark, accusing him of hiding from his feelings. Mimi enters, having overheard the entire angry exchange, and bids Roger farewell (GOODBYE, LOVE). Roger leaves town. Mimi turns to Mark for help. Benny offers one helping hand to Mimi and extends the other to Collins to help him pay Angel's funeral expenses. Mimi refuses the help and flees. Collins accepts and he and Benny go out for a drink.
Mark considers the events and faces the last year, as does Roger, who is on his way to Santa Fe. Roger begins to discover his own song and Mark turns down the television job to finish his own film (WHAT YOU OWN).
Roger's mom, Mark's mom, Mimi's mom, and JoAnne's father all wonder where their children are (VOICE MAIL #5). Back at the loft, Mark tells us again it's Christmas and he now has a rough version of his film, which he's going to show tonight. Roger has returned, has written his song, but cannot find Mimi. Collins enters with money he has gotten from an ATM rewired to give money to anyone with a special code. The password? Angel.
Maureen and Joanne suddenly arrive holding Mimi, whom they found collapsed and near death in the park. Roger begs her not to die and sings for her the song it has taken him all year to write, YOUR EYES. Mimi dies as Roger wails her name over a blast of Puccini's music. Suddenly Mimi awakens, it seems that a guardian Angel was watching over her.
The company joins in a reprise of the affirmation that love is all and that there is "no day but today" (FINALE).
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
RENT: THE CHARACTERS
• Mark Cohen, a struggling documentary filmmaker, the narrator of the show. He is Roger and Collins's roommate until Collins moves out; he is also Maureen's ex-boyfriend.
• Roger Davis, a once successful, but now, struggling musician. He hopes to write one last meaningful song in his lifetime. He is Mark’s roommate.
• Tom Collins, a computer genius and a teacher; vagabond anarchist. He was formerly a roommate of Roger and Mark.
• Benjamin "Benny" Coffin III, Landlord of Mark, Roger and Mimi's apartment building and ex-roommate of Mark, Collins, Roger, and Maureen. Now married to Alison Grey of the Westport Greys and is considered a yuppie sell-out by his ex-roommates.
• Joanne Jefferson, an Ivy League-educated public interest lawyer. Joanne has very important parents (one is undergoing confirmation to be a judge, the other is a political figure).
• Angel Dumott Schunard, a drag queen, street percussionist.
• Mimi Márquez, Roger’s love interest. She lives downstairs from Mark and Roger.
• Maureen Johnson, a performance artist; Mark's ex-girlfriend, and Joanne's current girlfriend.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
ROBBIE GUEVARA DIRECTS ‘RENT’ SET TO OPEN FEB. 5
9 Works Theatrical’s new production RENT is set to open 2010’s local musical theatre scene on February 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo Theatre, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
RENT is set in New York City's gritty East Village, and this revolutionary rock musical is an imaginative retelling of the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme. This unforgettable and timeless story of a group of starving artists, who, despite poverty and illness, learn to fall in love and find their voices, brings a universal message of hope for everyone.
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT with Book, Music and Lyrics by the late Jonathan Larson, has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates.
Robbie Guevara takes off from his acting job to direct this musical.
According to Robbie, “To bring this musical to Manila was both a challenge and a risk. But notwithstanding the many processes involved in acquiring rights from New York down to the nitty gritty of the entire production timetable, the audition processes and up to the workshop sessions, RENT will definitely make its mark to the young theatre audiences today who were still too young to watch it 10 years ago.”
Prior to the rehearsals, director Robbie Guevara also held workshops for his actors. The sessions were held at the Philippine Opera Company’s rehearsal hall, serendipitously called La Boheme. The Rockwell Dance Studio located at Rockwell Club, Makati City, played generous host to the company’s two-month long rehearsal process.
Robbie made use of various theatre exercises that helped the cast formulate their own thoughts and decisions about their characters. The exercises also included activities that made sure the cast was working as a unified ensemble.
Also included in the workshop were sessions on choreography and voice.
Choreographer Charles Thompson emphasized on the body movement in order to effectively reflect not only the lyrics of each song, but the melodies that the composer wrote to convey the true feelings and thoughts of each character. He started by giving the cast dance classes, which gave them a uniform sense of body movement, then proceeded on to the specific choreographies per number, in constant consultation with the Director.
Vocal coach Onyl Torres studied the voice qualities of each member of the cast and ran them through ‘warm up’ techniques. Power and strength are two key elements needed to sustain the vocal requirements of the musical. In teaching the songs, he further refined the notes by emphasizing their nuances in detail.
The cast of RENT includes Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis, a songwriter who is HIV positive; Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, an independent filmmaker and Roger's roommate and Nicole Asensio as Mimi Márquez, an exotic dancer with HIV.
The cast also features OJ Mariano as Tom Collins, a gay philosophy professor and anarchist with AIDS; Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen Johnson, a bisexual performance artist; Noel Rayos as Benjamin 'Benny' Coffin III, the local landlord and a former room mate of Roger, Mark, Collins, and Maureen; Job Bautista as Angel Dumott Schunard, a gay drag queen percussionist with AIDS; Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, a lawyer, who is Maureen's partner; and Cara Barredo, as Mimi Marquez (at certain performances).
Ensemble members include Ring Antonio, Peachy Atilano, Johann Dela Fuente, Harold Cruz, Gary Junsay, Raul Montesa, Anna Santamaria and Mark Tayag.
The RENT production team is composed of Executive Producer Santi Santamaria, Director Robbie Guevara, Production Manager Weng Lopez, Musical Director Ceejay Javier, Vocal Coach Onyl Torres, Vocal Consultant Lionel Guico, Scenographer Mio Infante, Lighting Designer Martin Esteva, Sound Engineer Rards Corpuz, Sound Designer Chuck Ledesma, PR / Publicity Director Toots O. Tolentino, PR Manager Jonjon Martin, Marketing Manager Shelyn Tayanes, and Stage Manager Jojo Amboy. Cast Photography by Jojit Lorenzo and Production Photography by Sundee Guevara.
RENT is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) 421 West 54th Street, New York, New York 10019 Tel.: (212) 541-4684 • www.mtishows.com
Show dates are February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00PM
Saturdays at 3:30PM & Sundays at 4:30PM
Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza
Ayala Corner Sen. Gil Puyat Avenues, Makati City 1200
For tickets:
Call 9 Works Theatrical at 557.58.60 or visit www.9workstheatrical.com or call TicketWorld at 891.9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.
Monday, January 18, 2010
‘ RENT ’ OPENS THE MUSICAL THEATRE SCENE ON FEB. 5
9 Works Theatrical’s new production RENT shall open this year’s local musical theatre scene on February 5 at the Carlos P. Romulo auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City.
RENT is set in New York City's gritty East Village, and this revolutionary rock musical is an imaginative retelling of the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme. This unforgettable and timeless story of a group of starving artists, who, despite poverty and illness, learn to fall in love and find their voices, brings a universal message of hope for everyone.
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, RENT with Book, Music and Lyrics by the late Jonathan Larson, has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates. Robbie Guevara directs RENT .
The cast includes Gian Magdangal as Roger Davis, a songwriter who is HIV positive; Fredison Lo as Mark Cohen, an independent filmmaker and Roger's roommate and Nicole Asensio as Mimi Márquez, an exotic dancer with HIV.
The cast also features OJ Mariano as Tom Collins, a gay philosophy professor and anarchist with AIDS; Carla Guevara-Laforteza as Maureen Johnson, a bisexual performance artist; Noel Rayos as Benjamin 'Benny' Coffin III, the local landlord and a former room mate of Roger, Mark, Collins, and Maureen; Job Bautista as Angel Dumott Schunard, a gay drag queen percussionist with AIDS; Jenny Villegas as Joanne Jefferson, a lawyer, who is Maureen's partner; and Cara Barredo, as Mimi Marquez (at certain performances).
Ensemble members include Ring Antonio, Peachy Atilano, Johann Dela Fuente, Harold Cruz, Gary Junsay, Raul Montesa, Anna Santamaria and Mark Tayag.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Pampers launches Baby Yoga routine to boost Baby Development
We were invited to attend a Pamper's event and I was so excited. I think I was more excited than Adee .To be totally honest I've always wanted to take Adee to Gymboree. I found it to be wonderfully colorful, varied, child focused, safe and clean. There are slides, stairs, balls, ramps, bubbles, monkey bars.
From what I found out the classes are leveled and each week the gym’s set-up supports new developmentally appropriate skills. What really makes the child class interesting are the teachers. To be a Gymboree teacher there has to be something special about the teachers. There are some people that are just meant to be around children! The mood, music and feel of the class is so positive and enjoyable. Thank you Gymboree for making Adee's week so much fun.
Parents discovered a new way to bond and help their baby get a healthy start in life through a fun and hip new exercise routine unveiled at the Pampers Yoga Stretchyise press launch.
Participants were treated to a first-hand demonstration of these simple exercises that encourage baby movement and active play, which is essential for babies at this stage of their development. The first two years of life is when a child’s brain is growing fastest and before a child can speak, movement is the most important way for them to explore and learn about their social and physical environment and develop new skills.
“The Active Baby Stage is really a period for developmental achievement and intellectual growth. It’s a time of intense exploration of the environment as children attempt to find out how things work,” said MCNAP President Estelita Galutira.
This is further confirmed by the U.S. National Association of Sports and Physical Education who states that “current research confirms that the physical activity of infants and young children is an important component of early brain development and learning. Positive early movement experiences increase the infant’s chances of achieving full developmental potential throughout life.”
And one way to encourage movement is through the new Pampers Yoga Stretchycise. The series of exercises was inspired by baby yoga, which offers quality physical stimulation including flowing postures, holding, movement, touch, voice and deep relaxation.
“Baby Yoga is a great way to encourage active play which is important because at this stage, the pre-schoolers and below, their way of learning is to play. The Pampers Yoga Stretchycise helps encourage your baby’s development by maximizing body movement.” said baby yoga instructor, Maritoni Tordesillas.
Through the high quality attention they receive, yoga helps babies learn to interact with others and play actively, either with their parents or with other children in the classroom like environment. Physical benefits for the baby include helping his neural development, motor skills and balance aiding in digestion and giving him enough activity to sleep more deeply.
Free to play all day with new Pampers Active Baby with Elastic Sides.
Crawling, tumbling, walking… when your baby hits 9 - 18 months, it seems he’s always in motion. You see, that’s how he learns all about the world – by exploring and investigating everything around him. But with all that bending and turning, research shows that baby’s tummy can actually stretch up to 5 cm! That’s why he needs a diaper that not only fits just right but can stretch and move with him - like Pampers Active Baby. It has elastic sides that expand and contract, following baby’s body shape. Combine that with absorbency that lasts up to 12 hours and you have a diaper that gives baby the comfortable fit he needs to play and learn all day! Now available at supermarkets nationwide.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Our Second Honeymoon
As a married couple I feel like we need to make it a priority to take a honeymoon this year or so. Sometimes it can be a long romantic weekend or a trip to Myrtle Beach Resort.
But If we're to take a trip to go to Myrtle Beach Resorts I really think that we need to have some ground rules.
- Leave the kids behind-- Yes we will be leaving the kids behind so that we can really have fun and enjoy our Second Honeymon.
- Plan the vacation together. Expressing your expectations is crucial to making the trip a memorable one.If I pick the location he has to take care of our Myrtle Beach Accomodations
- I want to make the renewal of vows a part o your second honeymoon; many resorts can help you arrange the complete details.
- I also want to make sure that we make the most of our Myrtle Beach Accomodations.
- Note to self don't over-schedule our time. Keep it relaxing and feel free to do what you want when and where you want to do it.
- We will not use the honeymoon to solve problems in our relationship -- or expect the time away to erase problems.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
The new Shoppesville opens the year with a more elegant look
The newly refurbished Shoppesville at Greenhills Shopping Center starts the year by offering customers excellent affordable shopping experience with the three C’s of a perfect shopping destination — cleanliness, comfort and convenience. It now boasts of higher ceilings, new lighting made more conducive to shopping, wider corridors (shown above) and escalators, bright and modern flooring, and rest rooms with pay lounges, giving this shopping haven a more elegant look that is at par with high-end malls.
According to Lanie Bukuhan, Greenhills Shopping Center Leasing Manager, “The new look and better amenities at Shoppesville are meant to make the mall more conducive and comfortable to our shoppers. A better Shoppesville is our way of thanking people for their patronage throughout the years.”
Despite the improvements in the mall’s interiors and facilities, Shoppesville has maintained favorite boutiques that have made the mall a household name. It also has new stores that are geared to further delight smart shoppers.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Say Cheese
Though dental care does not seem to be an important medical issue yet it may cost you considerable sums of money, if some dental problem gets started with you. Thus, with the passage of time, dental care is getting more and more attention of common people as a significant medical matter for which they should adopt pre-cautionary measures. In the previous few decades, Dental Plans has been introduced by the insurance companies to liberate people from the worries of expenses incurred on dental treatment. Mostly the insurance companies offer dental plans against very affordable premium rates. But the right time to buy dental insurance is, when you have not found with any dental problem yet. If it is already begun, dental insurance would be difficult to get or it will be available against high premium rates. Dental Insurance covers generally the expenses incurred on preventive dental care. It includes routine checkups and tests. Dental Insurance necessitates such cares and this also makes you habitual of caring your teeth and gums. If you have bought a comprehensive dental insurance plan, it will also include the medical treatment as well, if you suffer some dental problem. Usually such dental insurance plans remain out of reach of the common people and they buy only limited dental insurance policies.
However, there are some insurance companies, known as the cheap dental insurance companies due to their comparatively lower premium rates for their prospective customers with a number of fringed advantages. It is appropriate to study online dental insurance quotes instead of making hasty decision of buying dental insurance. A number of philanthropist organizations also offer their help in suggesting you guidelines for your dental insurance.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Being Safe on Facebook
Facebook is what you would typically call a 'social networking site'. There are hundreds of these social network sites onlime with Facebook being the most popular one.
These sites offer users a way to 'connect' to family members and friends without having to send emails to everyone. They offer photo and video sharing, although there is a size limit to the photos.
You post even the most mundane everyday happenings on your 'wall' and you can keep up with what's going on for your family or friends without contacting them directly
However, there are some dangers using social network sites. The dangers don't seem obvious, but as with as with everything else on the Internet, the crooks are looking for a way to cash in.
Because it seems so friendly and chatty; people tend to forget that nothing is safe from prying eyes on the Internet. The cyber thieves are just waiting for some bit of personal information that can lead to identity theft. Telling your Facebook members you are going on a trip may be just letting a thief know that your home is unattended and they can rob you at their convenience.
If you are a Facebook member check your profile to make sure you are not giving away personal information that could help a cyber crook steal your identity.
This profile is pretty much empty.
My friends and family know all this stuff and strangers don’t need to know it! And for goodness sake; just pass on the ‘Share your profile’!
If you decide to join Facebook or another social network, be careful! One of the very first screens screens you will see when signing up is this one:
Click ‘Skip this step’!
Why? Because if you allow the social network (this is a screenshot for Facebook) access to your address book, everyone in your address book will be sent an invitation to join you on Facebook! This includes anyone you do business with like your bank and maybe your boss! (And who knows may have access to your account once you give them permission to access the account. An unscrupulous employee might decide to send out some very bad emails from your email account.)
You can send out invitations to the folks you want to join you on your social network. Just click ‘Friends and then click ‘Invite friends’ and you get the screen pictured below.
I have some family members on my Facebook that I have not seen or heard from in ages. It is nice to be able to keep up with what’s going on in their lives. These sites do have a good side; just be careful and send sensitive information to folks in another secure way.
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