Author Archives: Press Release

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Bruce Willis and Batista star in “Marauders”

Iconic action star Bruce Willis of “Die Hard” franchise and former World Heavyweight champion  Dave Bautista (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) star in the frenetic heist film “Marauders” about an untraceable group of elite bank robbers chased by a suicidal FBI Agent who uncovers a deeper purpose behind the robbery-homicides.

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FBI Special Agent Jonathan Montgomery (Christopher Meloni) is on the trail of an untraceable group of elite bank robbers who give the stolen loot to charity. As he delves further into the investigation, the lawman discovers a deeper purpose behind the robbery-homicides and a trail of secrets protected by the bank’s owner (Bruce Willis). Featured alongside Meloni and Willis in the high octane, smoldering thriller are Dave Bautista, Adrian Grenier, Johnathon Schaech, and Lydia Hull.

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In “Marauders,” Willis is once again in the midst of a heist where everybody is a suspect. His role as a bank manager, Jeffrey Hubert, has just guided an aging woman to the Hubert National exit when a shotgun chambers and he’s blown through the inside glass door. Four Kevlar clad bank robbers: Tornado, Hurricane, Thunder, and Squall, rush inside and rough up security and customers. Thunder draws a pistol on a teller and activates a creepy order from his smart watch: open the draw, do not hit the alarm or your manager will die. Tornado staunches the manager’s wound and drags him toward the safe; a key-code is entered revealing three million in cash. While Squall bags the cash, Hurricane places a high-tech device on the floor and a cold audio repeats with crystal clarity over restrained sobs that any attempt to leave or call police will activate the sleek explosive. The well-honed team makes their exit, discretely concealing weapons. Eyeballing a security camera, Squall drags the manager toward the entrance, raises his shotgun, and blows off the man’s head. Job finished.

Bruce Willis portrays Jeffrey Hubert, president and owner of Hubert National Bank, and the target of repeated heists. An air of entitlement and authority, he goes ballistic when the local newspaper smells a scandal beyond simple robbery. “There’s a lot of power struggle and I think the power of money and control is one of the major themes. Hubert is trying to take from the rest of us. And of course there’s tension between the FBI and the on the ground cops, the detectives trying to take control of this investigation and who gets to make the decisions,” Grenier reveals.

“Marauders” opens July 13 in cinemas from OctoArts Films International.

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The Normal Heart Beats at the PETA Theater Center

QUEZON CITY, Philippines –  This June, the PETA Theater Center partners with The Necessary Theatre to present an award-winning play that has captured the hearts of its audiences – Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart.

A largely autobiographical piece by playwright and activist Larry Kramer, The Normal Heart follows the story of Ned Weeks, a passionate writer in New York in the early 1980s, as he rallies for recognition and cure of an epidemic that was plaguing his community. The play was first staged off Broadway back in 1985 and opened in Broadway in 2011 receiving numerous Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Play.

The Normal Heart Poster

The Normal Heart debuted in Manila last year with limited runs in Makati City and has stirred the consciousness of those who have seen it. It is a call to arms, chronicling a man’s personal crusade for justice amidst resistance, intolerance and ignorance on the part of government, family and friends. Under the direction of topnotch theater artist Bart Guingona, the Filipino staging is no less relevant and powerful now as it was when it was first performed in New York’s Public Theatre in 1985. The cast is composed of Bart Guingona as Ned Weeks, Richard Cunanan as Ben Weeks, Topper Fabregas as Felix Turner and TJ Trinidad as Bruce Niles. They will be joined by Roselyn Perez, Red Concepcion, Nor Domingo and Jef Flores.

The Normal Heart presents a very timely issue that is too often mired in numbers, facts and statistics. Stripped of pomp and sincere to its core message, this straight play not only captures but also pierces the heart of the audience.

Amidst the raves from both theatergoers and non-theatergoers, two sentiments stood out. The first is that The Normal Heart was an artful awakening to the issue HIV/AIDS. Second was that a re-run of the show is not only awaited, but needed.

In line with the PETA tradition of staging plays that do not only entertain but also educate and promote awareness, the PETA Theater Center partners with The Necessary Theatre to bring to its stage, The

Normal Heart, an award-winning play that has captured the hearts of its audiences during its Asian Premiere in Makati last July 2015.

The Normal Heart will run at The PETA Theater Center located at No. 5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City on June 3 (8pm), June 4 (3pm, 8pm) and June 5 (3pm and 8pm). Ticket prices are P1,200 for VIP, P1,000 for orchestra center and balcony center, P800 for orchestra sides and P500 for balcony sides. For ticket reservations, log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph or call the PETA Theater Center office at (0927) 391 7379 or (725) 6244 loc. 23.

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Tupperware Brands Philippines, Inc. Launches Loyalty Rewards Program

One of the world’s most beloved household brands, Tupperware Brands, has just given its loyal dealers and consumers another reason to smile. Tupperware Brands Philippines, Inc. gives back to the community on its 50th anniversary with a loyalty rewards program that offers Tupperware, Baby Care and Beauty products in exchange for accrued points.

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For years, Tupperware Brands has always appreciated its dealers’ repeat business in the Philippines. Trusted and loved for the last 50 years, the company has become a household name by building a strong foundation on relationships and family. The Filipinos’ tightly knit community has enabled Tupperware Brands to grow significantly since its inception in the Philippines.

A rewards program is the perfect opportunity for the multi-category direct-selling company to serve its valued dealers and provide a more rewarding experience.  To celebrate the half-century of Filipino traditions and excellence, Tupperware Brands decided to launch a program that reflects its gratitude to all its dealers who have shown dedication to its products. The Tupperware Brands 50th Anniversary Loyalty Rewards website is the ideal avenue to manage the rewards program.

By simply signing up at the Loyalty Rewards website using a valid email address, both new and existing dealers can earn points and receive free Tupperware Brands products as rewards.

To join the Tupperware Brands community and be a part of the loyalty program, sign up at http://tupperwarebrands50.com.

 

About Tupperware Brands Philippines, Inc.

Tupperware Brands Philippines, Inc. is a multi-brand, multi-category direct sales company. Its heritage in the Philippines dates back to 1966 when Tupperware’s world-class kitchen and dining solutions first arrived in the country. Today, the brand continues to capture millions of Filipinos’ hearts and change their lives with quality products in cosmetics, fragrance, skin care and home products. All these provide limitless income opportunities to the Filipino community.

For more information, visit www.tupperwarebrands.ph.

Adam Greaves-Neal in The Young Messiah

“The Young Messiah” in Cinemas on April 20

Adam Greaves-Neal in The Young Messiah

Inspired by Scripture and rooted in history, “The Young Messiah” is a story that imagines a year in the boyhood of Jesus, directed by award-winning filmmaker Cyrus Nowrasteh, the man behind the hit USA Network show “La Femme Nikita.”

The movie is also produced by Hollywood’s blockbuster maker Chris Columbus who launched one of the biggest series in the history of film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” where he cast completely unknown youngsters Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint in the lead roles – once again demonstrating his acumen for nurturing and cultivating young talent.  He reunited then with the young actors to direct the second movie in the saga, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.”

The Young Messiah Scene

 

In “The Young Messiah,” up and coming young actor Adam Greaves-Neal who stars as Jesus in the movie, has also appeared in “Sherlock” television series alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and has a starring role on the hit series “All At Sea.”

“The Young Messiah” follows the inspiring and unique story of seven-year-old Jesus Christ and His family as they come to a fuller understanding of His divine nature and purpose.

The story takes place during one year in Jesus’ life when he was seven. With the Holy Land in turmoil, young Jesus and his family leave Egypt for their home in Israel. Joseph and Mary are fully aware of the dangers of their world: a corrupt King Herod, civil unrest, and a brutal occupying Roman force.

The Young Messiah Movie

Opening in cinemas nationwide on April 20 from Pioneer Films, follow “The young Messiah” as He and His family take the extraordinary journey from Egypt to Nazareth and on to Jerusalem – where His true identity and profound destiny are revealed.

Check out the film’s trailer below.

Note: “The Young Messiah” has just been moved to April 20. Article updated March 17, 2016 to reflect new date.

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Who are the Women of Trumbo?

Trumbo will be hitting theatres this week, in March–Women’s Month. To celebrate the occasion, here are the three most important female characters in the movie:

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The first lady is of course lovely wife, Cleo Trumbo, magnificently played by Diane Lane. Cleo was a former child performer who supported her mother and brother as a youngster. She epitomized Hollywood glamour but also had the strength of character to stand up to her headstrong husband. When Cleo and Trumbo first met, she was a carhop at a Hollywood drive-in where her talent for juggling water glasses made her a favorite with customers. Taken with both her beauty and her spirit, Trumbo quickly proposed. She turned him down flat and even returned the outsized tips he tried to leave her, but Trumbo’s persistence eventually paid off and Cleo remained by his side throughout his ordeals.

Trumbo Family Movie

 

Although Cleo had the looks and charisma to be a film star, she chose to focus on being a wife and mother. She was very devoted to her husband and her children and her determination to protect them gave her strength. Lane says that while she had heard of the Hollywood Ten and Trumbo, she learned much more while shooting the film. “I became convinced that this story needed to be told,” she adds. “It’s frightening how little history people, myself included, are aware of. The human drama behind it is shocking. This story will be relevant as long as patriotism can be hijacked by whatever group is in charge.”

 

Elle Fanning Trumbo

Nikola ‘Niki’ Trumbo, played admirably by Elle Fanning, is still fiercely proud and protective of her father’s legacy. “He believed Congress had no right to compel him to give testimony about his political beliefs,” says Niki. “I think he was stunned to have lost that battle. This is a story about a man who held true to his own beliefs and principles. We can all aspire to be that kind of hero, whatever our flaws and weaknesses may be.”

According to Nikola, the film makers “did a remarkable job of recreating the complexity and passion of my relationship with my father. He and I were, I think, very much alike – stubborn, very determined and challenging. It’s no surprise we butted heads a lot of the time.”

The real-life Niki Trumbo has high praise for Elle Fanning, the then 16-year-old actress who portrays her in a startlingly mature performance that takes the character from age 13 to 31. It became clear to Fanning through her contact with Trumbo that everyone in the family were victims of the blacklist. “They had to change their entire lives and live in secret,” she says. “Niki couldn’t tell anyone who her dad was or what he did. There’s already so much pressure as a teenager without adding to that, but she came out a fighter. Her sense of right and wrong saved her. And that came from her father.”

Helen Mirren Trumbo Movie

And lastly, our main protagonist Hedda Hopper, grandly played by Dame Helen Mirren. Hopper was a stage actress before becoming a contract player in silent movies. She managed to make the transition to talkies, but her film career was not a glittering success. When the roles started drying up, she transferred her substantial energy into becoming a very influential Hollywood columnist with a very large readership. And that she as was good at.

“Helen is a consummate professional and all about the work,” says producer Monica Levinson. “She was incredibly wonderful and you could tell everyone on set felt like we were in the presence of Hollywood royalty. She brought a very human element to Hedda Hopper, who essentially is the villain of the film.”

Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo’s acclaimed career comes to a crushing halt in the late 1940s when he and other Hollywood figures are blacklisted for their political beliefs. But all throughout this tumultuous period of his life, he was surrounded by very strong women —friend, family, and foe. Catch Trumbo in cinemas beginning March 16.

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Mustard Seed Systems expands portfolio for Philippine market

Mustard Seed Systems expands solutions to help businesses grow.

mustard-seed-building-and-industry-solutionsMustard Seed Systems Corporation is expanding its business solutions in order to help Philippine businesses grow further. Latest additions to these include retail solutions, building and industry solutions and more product lines in its Information Technology Solutions like NComputing and Fuji Xerox printers.

NComputing, one of Mustard Seeds popular products with units already deployed in public schools across the Philippines, now brings vSpace Server 8.3 and L350 Thin Client. The patented and award-winning vSpace Server changes the economics of desktop virtualization, supporting up to 100 user sessions per instance. Meanwhile, Fuji Xerox brings printing to a whole new level with a space-saving multi-function device that can fit in any size office.

Later this year, Sensormatic Synergy will be released to boost retail companies’ security. Sensormatic offers the latest in retail anti-theft technology, leveraging Acousto-Magnetic (AM) technology for loss prevention, RFID real-time inventory and shrink visibility, Infrared sensor data delivery and IP/Video verification and more.

Mustard Seed Systems also offers Building Industry Solutions for companies needing integrated solutions that can seamlessly operate and safeguard critical assets and offices. Services include supply and installation of Fire Detection & Alarms Systems (FDAS) and Security Systems i.e. Access Control, IP Surveillance, Intrusion Detection, Solar Energy tech and more.

For more information about their full suite of products, visit http://mseedsystems.com/.

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Join Cinemansanas digital short competition!

Power Mac Center​ is calling for entries to ‘Cinemansanas,’ a competition​ for digital films captured using Apple devices.​ ​Power Mac Center’s Pixelworx​ ‘Cinemansanas​’ will​ also​ feature​ a ​​​series of workshops ​from​ four award-winning experts ​in the Philippine cinema ​that include​​ Erik Matti, ​​Yam Laranas,​​ Ricky Lee, ​​Mario Cornejo and Monster Jimenez.

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Premier Apple reseller Power Mac Center launches Cinemansanas, a campaign for aspiring and established artists who have a vision in storytelling through film in the digital age. Cinemansanas is the second installment of Pixelworx, Power Mac Center’s advocacy of recognizing artists who break the standards of the art scene. It is celebrated with a series of workshops, live demos, and an ultimate art challenge.

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This year, Cinemansanas dares artists to defy convention and create a short film using Apple devices. The digital short competition calls for short film entries with the theme “Designing for a Bold New World.” Entries may be executed in any form, i.e., documentary, narrative fiction, and the like as long as they are original and shot and edited using Apple devices.

The contest has two main categories. The Student Category is open to all officially enrolled High School and College/University students while the Professional Category is for local residents. All finalists in the Student and Professional categories will qualify to win the People’s Choice Award.

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Power Mac Center aims to honor the brightest and best local talents in contemporary creativity further by participating at the Adobo Design Awards Asia (ADAA) Open/Theme category: Digital Short Film. Student entries are automatically eligible to win the much coveted ADAA recognition (Student category) while professionals will have to pay a nominal fee of Php500 for their category.

“Power Mac Center challenges everyone to reconnect with their inner artist. We need a new breed of storytellers now and with the amazing things you can do on the iPad and iPhone, the only limit is your creativity,” said Joey Alvarez, Marketing Director of Power Mac Center.

The Student Category Diamond Award winner will receive Php30,000 worth of Power Mac Center Gift Cards, while the Professional Category Diamond Award winner will take home Php50,000 worth of Power Mac Center Gift Cards. Runners-up in both categories will get Power Mac Center Gift Cards and products as well.Meanwhile, special prizes await winners of the Adobo Design Award for Digital Short (Student and Professional categories) and the People’s Choice Award.

The deadline for submission of entries is on March 20, 2016. For the registration form and full contest mechanics, visit www.powermaccenter.com.

As in the previous year, Pixelworx Cinemansanas will feature a series of workshops led by brand ambassadors, as well as live demo sessions in select Power Mac Center stores. This year’s workshops will showcase some of the country’s premier figures in the film industry.

The chosen Pixelworx ambassadors are Erik Matti for Direction, Yam Laranas for Cinematography, Ricky Lee for Scriptwriting, and Mario Cornejo and Monster Jimenez for Film Production. It is a rare opportunity to have these distinguished film artists share their unconventional way of visual storytelling to equip participants with valuable skills that can help in their own filmmaking.

Apart from the workshops, also scheduled are in-store activities featuring live demonstrations of apps used for filmmaking. Topics include Digital Filmmaking with iMovie, Musical Scoring with GarageBand, and Final Cut Pro X for Mac OS. This will show how Apple devices can be used as instruments in crafting in any chosen medium, particularly in creating film masterpieces.

Interested participants may check the Power Mac Center social media accounts for the online registration announcement.

Aisha Gupta

Tupperware Brands Celebrates 50th

Tupperware Brands Philippines Begins its Year-Long 50th Anniversary celebration with a grand, ‘60s themed launch party.

Since 1966, Tupperware Brands Philippines has been prominently featured in the lives of countless Filipinos. It is the iconic and indispensable product line created by its inventor Earl Tupper. It is the pioneer of the world-famous, relationship-based direct selling business model (aka the Tupperware Party) introduced by Brownie Wise. Clearly, there is no other brand out there identified so closely with quality and dependability in conservation and culinary products. And now in beauty and baby care as well.

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In kicking off a year-long celebration of fifty important years in the local market, Tupperware Brands Philippines transported its top-selling salesforce from across the country back in time to the sensational sixties – the decade Tupperware Brands began its mission of transforming every Filipino’s taste for the best quality in their choice of products. This was the launch event aptly titled Tupperware Brands Forever: The 50th Anniversary Opening Party.

A Tupperware Party Like no Other

Guests began gathering at the Marriott Hotel Manila Ballroom as early as five in the afternoon. Everyone turned up in their grooviest ‘60s attire – ladies in brightly-colored shift dresses (with themed headbands, of course), and gentlemen sporting sharp, three-piece suits ala Mad Men’s Don Draper. To get the party started, guests were escorted to the ballroom where they tripped the light fantastic, swinging to a non-stop mix of The Beach Boys, Neil Sedaka, Dionne Warwick, and The Beatles, among other ‘60s golden hitmakers. They were welcomed to their tables in signature Tupperware style by dazzling gifts such as a Tupperware Brands pen and a Tupperware bowl filled with golden chocolate coins.

As is customary at a joyous Tupperware Party, the night began on a high note with a raffle draw of the latest Tupperware “treasures”. While guests enjoyed the night’s dinner selections, Tupperware Brands Category Manager for Tupperware Cristalle Laurel and Tupperware Brands Sales and Training Manager Maya Ingeniero went on stage to draw the lucky winners of Tupperware products. Ms. Laurel and Ms. Ingeniero then ignited the stage to name the Tupperware Brands Male and Female Stars of the Night and conferred the best dressed man and woman awards of the evening.

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Standing Strong for 50 Years

The program unfolded with an energetic production number that featured the ‘60s most energetic dance moves. The evening’s gracious hosts, Tupperware Brands Marketing Director Cris Nivera and Tupperware Brands Sales and Training Director Evelyn Tabaniag, strode on stage to thank everyone for coming to celebrate, and for being a valuable part of the ever-growing Tupperware Brands family throughout fifty-years of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Philippines.

“We at Tupperware Brands have always been here to respond to our customers’ changing lifestyles and needs,” Ms. Tabaniag said. “Fifty years after the first Tupperware Party in the Philippines, we have endured. We are still here, standing strong!”

“Now, we are kicking off fifty years by going back to the core of our existence as one Tupperware family,” Ms. Nivera added. “Today, we reaffirm our commitment to bring products that last more than a lifetime, to strengthen our bonds as members of the Tupperware Brands family, and to keep changing lives forever!”

In a specially prepared video message, Tupperware Brands Chairman and CEO Rick Goings delivered the welcoming remarks of the night. Speaking from the Tupperware Corporate Headquarters in sunny Orlando, Florida, Mr. Goings congratulated Tupperware Brands Philippines for being part of the global family for fifty years and encouraged everyone in attendance to continue bringing that signature Tupperware passion and resilience well into the future.

“My friends, congratulations. “The future of the Tupperware Brands Philippines is built on fifty years of achievement. What is even more exciting is the future — the next fifty years” Mr. Goings exclaimed, as he concluded his message, which was met with raucous applause.

Dovetailing Mr. Goings’ message, Tupperware Brands Asia Pacific Group President Asha Gupta took to the stage to share more words of encouragement for the remarkable people behind Tupperware Brands Philippines.

Aisha Gupta

“Each one of you has built this business very solidly. And you have many, many dreams,” Ms. Gupta said directly to the countless men and women in attendance. “Keep your dreams alive! Keep those fires burning because today, your dreams have to come true not just for yourself as each one of you is a powerful role model whom others will want to emulate.”

“Be successful, share the opportunity, share the wonderful brands that we have,” she said near the end of her impassioned speech. “And together, Tupperware Brands Philippines can indeed become the number one business in the whole wide Tupperware world.”

That Signature Tupperware Innovation: Yesterday, Today, and Forever

A dazzling video presentation that captured five decades of signature Tupperware ingenuity set the tone for the event’s second act. Tupperware Brands Philippines’ marketing managers then ascended on stage to share the innovative products and services everyone shall expect from Tupperware Brands Philippines this landmark golden year.

First up was Tupperware Brands Philippines’ Marketing Manager for Beauty Nikki Filio, who presented a glamorous assortment of Tupperware’s latest product lines for skincare, cosmetics, and fragrance. Following Ms. Filio was Tupperware Brands Philippines’ Brand Manager Rizelle Joven, who gave an update on Kids Plus+,  the company’s child care product line.

When it was her turn to grace the stage, Tupperware Brands Philippines’ Creative and Corporate Communications Group Manager Fifi Feliciano wowed the audience with Tupperware Brands Philippines’ newest digital initiatives. Capping this portion was Tupperware Brands Philippines’ Marketing Manager for Tupperware Melody Yap’s highly-interactive presentation featuring the Speedy Chopper, one of Tupperware’s ingenious kitchen products. The product showcases were cheered  and applauded by everyone in attendance. This indeed shows how Tupperware has never lost its shine from fifty years ago, remaining exciting and relevant today and even well into the future.

Going for Gold this 2016

Following that insightful show, another engaging video presentation featured heartwarming testimonial stories from different members of the Tupperware Brands Philippines family.  An intimate chronicle of how the visionary Tupperware relationship-based business model was revealed. It emphasized how the brand has undoubtedly changed Filipinos’ lives continuously for the past fifty years.

The night’s finale underscored Tupperware Brands Philippines’ reaffirmed commitment to “Forever Changing Lives”. Each attendee received the Tupperware Brands Infinity Bracelet as a personal and heartfelt charm. Anchored by a golden infinity sign, the bracelet symbolized Tupperware Brands Philippines’ lasting unity with its nationwide salesforce.

With everyone wearing their Infinity Bracelets, Ms. Gupta and the rest of the Tupperware Brands Philippines leadership once again went on stage to lead in the rendition of the company’s official 50th Anniversary “anthem”: Go for Gold.

Then the popular Bloomfields band capped off the night as everyone danced to the beat of of their signature ‘60s covers. Everyone received a surprise “loot” bag filled with more Tupperware treats.

Exciting 2016 is destined to be Tupperware Brands Philippines’ best year yet. This year commemorates the company’s fifty-year legacy as one of the best direct selling organizations in the country.  It also marks a new chapter of changing Filipinos’ lives through its ever-expanding product line, its relationship-based business model, and its ever innovative strides in a digitally empowered market.

So the gospel is out: Tupperware Brands Philippines will continue its storied legacy in style — in this growing Philippine economy.

Learn more about Tupperware Brands Philippines at http://www.tupperwarebrands.ph/.