Monday, April 30, 2012

Skyfall Cast On Location In Instabul

-- Production in Istanbul Marks the 3rd Time in the 50-Year History of the James Bond Franchise That the City Has Served As a Backdrop 

Skyfall Presscon in Instabul

(Istanbul, April 29, 2012) -- Daniel Craig and cast and filmmakers of SKYFALL, the 23rd adventure in the longest-running film franchise of all time, have arrived in Istanbul, Turkey. 

Their arrival marks the third time a James Bond adventure has filmed in the historic city.  Previously, Istanbul served as a backdrop for scenes in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH.  

SKYFALL locations in Turkey include Adana, Fethiye and Istanbul.  At a photo call and press conference today to mark the occasion were producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, director Sam Mendes, and cast members Daniel Craig, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, and Ola Rapace.

 In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.  As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost. 

SKYFALL is from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment.  2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary motion picture franchise.

Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions presents Daniel Craig as Ian Fleming’s James Bond in SKYFALL.  The film also stars Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Ben Whishaw, with Albert Finney and Judi Dench as ‘M.’  Directed by Sam Mendes.  Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.  Written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan.  Director of Photography is Roger Deakins, ASC BSC.  Production Designer is Dennis Gassner.  Editor is Stuart Baird, A. C. E.  Costume Designer is Jany Temime.   The film will begin its worldwide roll-out in the UK and Ireland on October 26th 2012

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Aquino government hails new study on the impact of Central Mindanao conflict and displacement

Research commissioned by the World Bank and World Food Programme notes persistent challenges after displaced households return to their homes.

MANILA, APRIL 26, 2012 — Cycles of violent conflict in Central Mindanao have resulted in the mass displacement of nearly a million people from their homes over the past 12 years. In 2003, tens of thousands were displaced by armed conflict and, more recently, thousands of families had to leave their homes yet again when fighting escalated in parts of Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan in October 2011. Currently, several thousand people across Mindanao remain displaced, particularly in Maguindanao.

Disrupting livelihoods are presenting major challenges to both affected families and the government, these concerns do not necessarily end with the return of displaced individuals to their places of origin, a study by the World Bank (WB) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) during a launch at the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet Cluster revealed.

The survey, conducted in the last quarter of 2010, interviewed 2,759 randomly selected households from a total of 231 barangays across five provinces – Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as well as Lanao del Norte, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

The study – ”Violent Conflicts and Displacement in Central Mindanao: Challenges for Recovery and Development” – reveals that four in every ten households in the surveyed areas experienced displacement from 2000 to 2010, with one in five displaced two or more times, and one in ten forced to leave their homes up to five times during this period.

Displacement is detrimental to livelihoods, welfare and social cohesion across virtually every key indicator: food security, access to basic services, income poverty and housing, the study found.
      
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman welcomes the report’s “important insights on the inter-related dimensions of conflict, displacement and economic growth” in Central Mindanao. “The data provides a basis that will allow the relevant departments of government and other development partners to offer targeted recovery and render extensive development support in affected areas, especially in the most vulnerable households,” she said.

Secretary Teresita “Ging” Quintos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) also lauds the study, finding the report a “very relevant guide” in government efforts to address the needs of conflict-affected communities under the current Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities or PAMANA) program.

“It is also important that interventions under PAMANA be based on detailed knowledge of livelihood opportunities and access to land, credit availability and food supply. These indicators vary from place to place,” Secretary Deles noted.

For his part, World Bank Country Director Motoo Konishi observed that the report sheds considerable light on the nature and extent of vulnerability across provinces, population categories, and livelihood groups in affected areas. “It can shape the operational choices of humanitarian, recovery and development agencies and improve outcomes for the population on the ground,” he said.

WFP Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson meanwhile said that the study would help agencies like WFP “better target food assistance as well as help communities strengthen their resilience to conflict and natural disasters.”

Mr. Anderson noted that “the two ARMM provinces in Central Mindanao – Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur – suffer the highest levels of food insecurity. This is exacerbated by high levels of exposure to shocks, such as recurrent flooding and crop disease that make people poorer and more food insecure.”

Looking at the vulnerability of communities in Central Mindanao, the study found that households experiencing displacement have been “frequently exposed to violence.”  Movements of armed military and rebel groups were cited by 29 percent of the surveyed households as one primary cause of their displacement, while 9 percent blamed it on clan conflict or rido.

The report said that host families also feel the pressures of displacement from additional financial costs. Some host families, usually relatives, “had to resort to selling goods or assets to provide food and support” for the displaced people they were hosting.

Of the areas surveyed, Maguindanao province accounted for the highest degree of vulnerability, with about 82 percent of all households in the area affected by displacement due not only to violent conflict but also to weather-related disasters. These displacements represented the two poorest wealth quintiles, where households suffered the highest levels of food insecurity and the lowest incomes.

When asked to identify their top priorities, surveyed households ranked money, employment, food, health and education, in that order. Respondents called for government attention to these basic needs, as well as the construction of roads and the need of electricity.

Respondents also identified economic development, the signing of a peace agreement and ending impunity as critical interventions

The DSWD and OPAPP, in partnership with the World Bank and WFP, plan to disseminate the results of this study through a series of presentations in various fora in Manila and Mindanao.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Sweat Nothing: adidas launches the new ClimaCool® Seduction

Manila Philippines – With the launch of the new ClimaCool® Seduction, adidas offers a 360° ventilated running experience for an improved performance and the coolest ride yet.
Katy Perry

New ventilation channels across the outsole and the use of ClimaCool® material on the upper of the shoe help to evaporate sweat, keep temperatures within the shoe low and provide ventilation from all sides. In addition, COOLEVER lining, a special clover-shaped yarn, keeps the foot cool, dry and comfortable during the run. The achieved performance benefit of 360° ventilation reduces thermal stress and discomfort during workouts and results in an increased running performance.

Well-known adidas technologies such as the TORSION® SYSTEM for better surface adaption and stability, the durable adiWEAR® outsole for improved traction and durability, and a soft and flexible midsole for maximum comfort complete the shoe.

The ClimaCool® Seduction is also featured in the latest chapter of the adidas ONE BRAND CAMPAIGN where Katy Perry, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, Derrick Rose and others enjoy the shoe’s ventilation benefits.

The shoe is available in adidas Sport Performance stores and selected retailers with a recommended retail price of Php 6895.


Clima Cool Seduction with its durable adiWEAR® outsole for improved traction and durability.


adidas offers a 360° ventilated running experience with the launch of the new ClimaCool® Seduction


New ventilation channels across the outsole and the use of ClimaCool® material on the upper of the shoe help to evaporate sweat, keep temperatures within the shoe low and provide ventilation from all sides.



The shoe is available in adidas Sport Performance stores and selected retailers with a recommended retail price of Php 6895.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

WFP and JICA support Sendong survivors in remote Iligan villages

Photo Credit: WFP/Marilou Morales Cezar/Philippines
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Takahiro Sasaki (far right) and U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson (second from left) recently visited remote villages of Lanipao, Dulag, Kalilangan and Panoroganan in Iligan City, accessible only by motorcycle, to jointly distribute food, cooking utensils and other items to 750 families who were highly affected by Tropical Storm Sendong (international name “Washi”) in December 2011.  JICA and WFP provided this humanitarian support in partnership with the local government of Iligan City and the Bangsamoro Development Authority, and also with the participation of the International Monitoring Team and the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.  Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries.



Twitter: @wfp_asia and @wfp_philippines
Facebook: WFP Philippines

Friday, April 20, 2012

“DJANGO UNCHAINED” CAST AT “SUMMER OF SONY” EVENT

Leo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington, Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz
The personal appearance of the cast of Columbia Pictures' new epic adventure “Django Unchained” was one of the major highlights of the “Summer of Sony” event, held recently in Cancun, Mexico. 
 
             Gracing the event were Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Kerry Washington and Quentin Tarantino, who wrote and directed the film.

             Set in the South two years before the Civil War, “Django Unchained” revolves around Django (Foxx), a slave whose brutal history with his former owners lands him face-to-face with German-born bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Waltz). 

Schultz is on the trail of the murderous Brittle brothers, and only Django can lead him to his bounty. The unorthodox Schultz acquires Django with a promise to free him upon the capture of the Brittles – dead or alive. 

             Success leads Schultz to free Django, though the two men choose not to go their separate ways. Instead, Schultz seeks out the South’s most wanted criminals with Django by his side. Honing vital hunting skills, Django remains focused on one goal: finding and rescuing Broomhilda (Washington), the wife he lost to the slave trade long ago. 

             Django and Schultz’s search ultimately leads them to Calvin Candie (DiCaprio), the proprietor of “Candyland,” an infamous plantation where slaves are groomed by trainer Ace Woody (Kurt Russell) to battle each other for sport. Exploring the compound under false pretenses, Django and Schultz arouse the suspicion of Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson), Candie’s trusted house slave. Their moves are marked, and a treacherous organization closes in on them. If Django and Schultz are to escape with Broomhilda, they must choose between independence and solidarity, between sacrifice and survival… 

             “Django Unchained” is produced by Stacey Sher, Pilar Savone and Reginald Hudlin. The executive producers are Harvey and Bob Weinstein, Michael Shamberg, Shannon McIntosh, and James Skotchdopole. 

             “Django Unchained” will be released in the U.S. on December 25, 2012 by The Weinstein Company, and in the Philippines in early 2013 by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit www.columbiapictures.com.ph to see the latest trailers, get free downloads and play free movie games.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Derrick Rose's special adiZero Rose 2.5


Manila, PhilippinesD. Rose will wear an all-new, special version of the adiZero Rose 2.5 when the Bulls begin the NBA Playoffs. The shoe features grey patent leather, tumbled nubuck and red accents to pay homage to the Bulls' playoff tradition of wearing black shoes throughout the NBA Playoffs whether home or away.

The midsole features black on grey splatter pattern to represent intense play of the post season.

Avail of your own adiZero Rose 2.5 Playoff in any of the adidas stores nationwide. It retails at Php 6,995. For more information, please visit the adidas Philippines Facebook page.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Coca Cola Youngstars League

Basketball is a Pinoy past time. All barangay(a small Filipino unit next to the family),  mostly have its own league. It is also irritating when they even solicit or begging for money if they don't belong to my own barangay. If basketball is the only medium to make the youth of barangay avoid the delinquent elements of the society, then we should take advantage of it.

Coca Cola, in partnership with the Philippine Basketball Association, launched the first 2012 Coca Cola - PBA Youngstars League last April 17 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Commissioner, Atty. Chito Salud said they will be having tryouts for the youth aging 13 to 16 years old.
(L-R)Mr. Ronnie Asuncion and Atty. Chito Salud

The Youngstars League will teach the youth how to develop character, instill values, to have a healthy lifestyle, discipline, competitive spirit, and advancing youth and family activities which is good because I don't see this qualities yet in my neighborhood youth that solicits every year for their team funds that I fail to see if this benefits them.

This program will reach out for the youth. Atty. Salud intends to share the vision of PBA among the youth. Coca Cola Bottlers Marketing Director and Powerade Team Governor Mr. Ronnie Asuncion said that this is also part of Coca Cola's centennial year in the Philippines. Besides the Youngstars, there is still the Junior PBA for the youth ages 17 and above.
(L-R) Mr. Ronnie Asuncion, Ms. Nikki Lee and Atty. Chito Salud

The Youngstars League will start on May 2, 2012 in Metro Manila and May 5 in the provincial leg. The tryouts will last until May 17. There will be 4 legs nationwide. 2 in Luzon, 1 Visayas and 1 in Mindanao. 1,500 youths will be expected to join. PBA will be handling the selection of participants. This is also a part of Coca Cola's Live Positive campaign for nation building. Watch out for the announcement in nearest locality for the tryouts. Also present during the launch was Mr. Wally Panganiban and Ms. Nikki Lee of Coca Cola.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Game Of Thrones Season 2 On HBO Asia

A scene from season 2 premiere episode
HBO Asia will bring us back to the world of Westeros when the HBO original series Game Of Thrones premieres its second season this Saturday. Based on the ongoing fantasy book series, A Song of Ice  and Fire by George R.R. Martin, it already achieved positive reviews from critics and fans alike. The ten episodes of this season will cover A Clash Of Kings, the second book of the series.

The series bag awards from the Emmy and Golden Globe. Taking place where the first season left off, the winter is indeed coming as world of Westeros will be at brink of a war. The remaining casts returns for this season and with new character debuts.

For the first time in Asia, we will be watching the series just three weeks after the U.S. airing. Unlike before, it usually took a year to air an original HBO series. Unlike the U.S. airing, expect that there will be differences like editing some scenes that are inappropriate for Asian audience but it will done neatly like zooming in from an area without cutting the scenes.
Kit Harrington interview

During the media launch in the Philippines, we not only watched the first episode in advance but also got to see Kit Harrington's interview. He answered some questions that were asked online. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Kit Harrington is a fan of the books. He reads it also as reference for his role as Jon Snow.

2. His dream role if given a chance to play another character, he would love to play the role of Tyrion.

3. When asked what modern technology he would bring to Westeros, he wished he would bring a tank.
Game Of Thrones Season 2 Media Launch

As a new fan of the series, I have yet to read the book. The best part of this is that the author George R.R. Martin himself also take time to write some of the episodes. What appealed to me is that the situation in the story is not far from the reality which could happen. There are only few characters that have noble intentions but most characters; you can't say which side are they on. You can't tell if they are noble or selfish. Also, book adaptations are always best as mini-series than a movie. Most of the time, three hours is not enough.
House Stark's banner man

Game of Thrones Second Season premieres this Saturday, April 21, 2012 9PM at HBO Asia and 8M at HBO HD.