Category Archives: Events

Bridal Entourage Outtake

DenKax Wedding Happiness

Not gonna lie, stress levels were off the roof even just 6 months before the wedding. I did become the mythical bridezilla.
Just a few hours before the fated event, though, I was calm though slightly confused and out of sorts. Suddenly I just let things fall into place. Sure, I was upset about the torn parts of my dress, but the emotions already died down weeks before, so I stopped caring anymore. Sure, I found new torn parts of my dress on the day, but I fussed over it for several minutes then decided to let go. [insert more justification here]

Without further ado, here are some of the pictures taken by my family:

Mom and Dad at BayLeaf Intramuros

Bridal Entourage Outtake

 

DenKax Wedding Paco Park

DenKax Wedding Entourage Pic

Obligatory Kissing Scene in Paco Park

Merioles Family

 

Mommy and Daddy Merioles in Paco Park

Masbate Guests at Paco Park

 

Merioles Family at Paco Park

 

Traditional Cake Eating

Masbate Merioles in Patio Victoria

Merioles Family all the way from Masbate

I’ll probably publish other wedding posts soon, but right now my married life (and lack of unlimited access to the interwebz) prevents me from doing so. :(

Sinag Maynila 2017 Poster

Call for Entries: Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2017

A passionate filmmaker? A great storyteller? Your chance to shine is here. Send your entries to the third season of Sinag Maynila Film Festival!

Sinag Maynila 2017 Poster
Sinag Maynila and its featured local indie films have been gaining traction in various international film festivals—Vesoul International Asian Movies Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival among others. Under the supervision of Sinag Maynila CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng, and world-renowned and internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Ma. Mendoza, the diverse and captivating stories of the produced films garnered attention overseas. Being selected for Sinag Maynila has been closely associated with the opportunity for international recognition, hence the new tagline “Sine Lokal, Pang-Internasyonal”.

For Sinag Maynila Film Festival 2017, it is opening more doors for the immensely talented and artistic crowd. Apart from the Full-Length, Short Film, and Cinefone, two new categories are now on deck—Animated Films and Documentaries. Deadline of entries for all categories is December 12, 2016.
Do you have a compelling story to tell the world? Send it to Solar Entertainment Corporation, 3/F Worldwide Corporate Center, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City, 1552. Entries must be submitted in a long brown envelope properly labeled with the filmmaker’s name, title of film, contact details and indicating the category. Entries sent via online links will not be entertained.
For more details and updates, visit http://sinagmaynila.com/2017-mechanics/, Facebook.com/SinagMaynila, Twitter and Instagram via @sinagmaynila.

RTL CBS Summer Fair 2016

Spotlight’s on You at the RTL CBS Summer Fair 2016

The RTL CBS Summer Fair 2016 is back on its second year, and mall goers can expect nothing but twice the fun experienced last time. Check out the Summer Fair from May 21 to 22 at the Eastwood Mall Open Park.

RTL CBS Summer Fair 2016

Here are things to expect:

This mini-festival brings the excitement and thrill of hit shows like Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor to life! Various attractions are designed to give guests an immersive multimedia experience.

  • Live out your dream to become a top America’s Got Talent finalist at the RTL CBS Entertainment Talent Studio, a booth that puts the spotlight on you. It’s as if you were belting out on the big stage yourself!
  • The Awards Photo Booth will treat you to an A-List red carpet pictorial just like your favorite stars. Exclusive screenings, temporary tattoos, cotton candy, and ice cream carts will also be made available if you’re looking for a little more fun on the side.

The network has partnered with Globe, Eastwood City Mall, Baskin-Robbins, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, San Miguel, Magnolia Chicken, C2, RiteMED, Swiss Miss, Novu Hair, and Ever Bilena for this year’s Summer Fair. RTL CBS Entertainment is available on SkyCable channels 53(SD) and 196(HD), Destiny Cable channel 53, Dream Satellite channel 17, and Cablelink channels 37(SD), 313, and 800(HD).

 

SM Supermalls Celebrate Australia 2016

In celebration of 70 years of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Australia, the Australian Embassy, along with SM Supermalls, hosted the Celebrate Australia 2016: Say G’day at SM roadshow exhibition.

Launched in February 2016, the event featured a historical photo exhibition showcasing the depth and breadth of ties between the two countries. The roadshow will finally have its last stop at SM The Block from May 12-19, 2016. SM mall goers and shoppers can join the raffle and get a chance to win round trip tickets and tours for two in Melbourne.

On May 22, 2016, Australia will mark the opening of its first Consulate-General in Manila in 1946, with a ceremonial lighting of its 70th Anniversary logo in SM Mall of Asia.

Share the friendship; share the journey. #First70Years

Gday Australia Philippines Event 2016

Here are a few fun facts about the land down under:

  • Flat White Coffee is an Australian invention composed of a double shot of espresso and micro-farmed milk. It has a characteristically creamy and velvety texture. #flatwhite
  • Bundaberg drinks are craft brewed premium soft drinks enjoyed by generations of Australians. #BrewedtobeBetter
  • Aussies eat 2.70 million meat pies per year. Aussie meat pies are awesome because of the best Australian infredients that go into each one. Kudos to #PieFacePH
  • July 21 is National Lamington Day in Australia. The lamington is an Australian culinary icon made of soft sponge cake covered with chocolate and liberally sprinkled with fine dessicated coconut.
  • Aussies eat 45 million packets of TimTam a year! TimTam is a chocolate cream and malt biscuit sandwich covered with creamy chocolate.
The Normal Heart Poster

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.

Sinag Maynila 2016

Sinag Maynila 2016 Winners

Sinag Maynila 2016 The independent film festival Sinag Maynila 2016 has just declared the winners last weekend! For 2016, the festival was opened to any Filipino independent filmmaker who wish to apply for a film grant.

Conceptualized and helmed by Sinag Maynila CEO and Founder Wilson Tieng, the film fest awards grants to independent filmmakers, helping them hone their craft and expand their material to a full-length film. Tieng worked closely with the five chosen finalists and world-renowned and internationally acclaimed film director Brillante Mendoza. The collaboration resulted in stories that can resonate to a global audience while showcasing the Filipino culture.

GREAT NEWS: Aspiring filmmakers may now submit entries for next year’s film festival.

Check out this year’s jury and winners below.

JURY:

FULL LENGTH:

Lav Diaz – Philippines, (Head of Jury)
Ishizaka Kenji – Japan
Philip Cheah – Singapore
Roger Garcia – Hong Kong

SHORT FILM:

Joey Reyes
Raymond Red
Mark Meily

LIST OF WINNERS:

Best Film: MRS.

Best Actress: Elizabeth Oropesa – MRS.

Best Actor: Alvin Anson – Expressway

Best Director: Adolfo Alix Jr. – MRS.

Best Screenplay: Archie Del Mundo and Joselito Altarejos – T.P.O.

Best Cinematography: Albert Banzon – MRS.

Best Production Design: Marielle Hizon – Lila

Best Editing: Benjamin Tolentino – Expressway

Best Musical Score: Francis De Veyra – Expressway

Best Sound: Drew Milallos – T.P.O

Blink Box Office Film: Lila

SM People’s Choice Award: Lila

Short Film 1st Place: Apuhap

Short Film Runners-Up: Ang Kapinunan Kan Mga Alon Sa Danaw (Where The Lake’s Ripples Begin) and The Foreseeing

Samsung CinePhone 1st Place: 99%

Samsung CinePhone 2nd Place: Litrato ng Nakaraan

Samsung CinePhone 3rd Place: Espayb

 

Pixelworx Cinemansanas 1

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.

Pixelworx Cinemansanas 1

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.

Pixelworx Cinemansanas 2

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.

Pixelworx Cinemansanas 3

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.

Tupperware

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.

Tupperware 2

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/.