The Department of Education and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan acknowledged the participation of BCP Dermatological Corporation as one of Major Presenter of Palarong Pambansa 2012

Press Release

Ms. Harriet Gabayeron, Operations Manager of BCP Dermatological Corporation, makers of DERMABLENDS and Diana Stalder by Dermaline with Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC Chairman of the Palarong Pambansa Board, Gov. Amado Espino of Pangasinan ,Undersecretary Rizalino Rivera and Secretary Assistant Rey Laguda and Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, respectively.

Deped Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro shows their gratitude to BCP Dermatological Corporation, represented its by Ms. Harriet Gabayeron , Operations Manager with a Certificate of Appreciation who distributed products and services to all participants of Palarong Pambansa as part of their sponsorship of the yearly nationwide sports event. Joining them is Governor Amado Espino of Pangasinan who have also received procured 2012 Palarong Pambansa equipment to the Provincial Government of Pangasinan for their sports academy program.

Dermablend, in collaboration with Diana Stalder, also provided a two (2) year scholarship Grant in any computer course at DATAMEX Computer Learning School to Sustituedo Joneza Mie ,one of the Best Athlete at Palarong Pambansa 2012.

Through this partnership with the Department Education, BCP Dermatological Corporation continues to be a highly dynamic company that aims at being a step ahead of competition in terms of product technology, ingredients, and consumer benefits.

US GOVERNMENT SCALES UP SUPPORT FOR WFP DISASTER PREPAREDNESS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Manila, Philippines – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) received a US$3.75 million (approximately PhP 160 million) grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which will be used to expand WFP’s disaster preparedness and response programme in the Philippines.

Working in close partnership with the central government and the Office of Civil Defense, WFP and local government units in four disaster-prone provinces of Sorsogon, Benguet, Cagayan and Laguna have been rolling out a disaster preparedness and response pilot programme focused on building local emergency management capacity, disaster mitigation and protection of livelihoods.

“The Philippines was among the world’s most disaster-affected countries in 2011 and WFP is doing its utmost to build resilience among vulnerable communities to allow them to better cope with natural disasters,” said WFP Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson. “WFP is grateful to the U.S. government for its   support, which builds on the successful results achieved by national and local governments over the past year.”

The new funding from USAID will enable WFP to expand its disaster preparedness activities to parts of the Visayas (Iloilo) and Mindanao (Cagayan de Oro, Butuan and Davao), and to engage local non-government organizations and universities in efforts to build resilience to natural disasters, increasingly exacerbated by climate change.

The key components of this expanded initiative will include community-driven disaster mitigation and preparedness projects such as flood control and landslide mitigation activities, training for disaster management personnel tailored to local needs such as contingency planning, and the promotion of innovative and cost-effective disaster mitigation and climate change adaptation projects such as early warning techniques.  

This latest contribution from USAID brings the cumulative total of U.S. funding support for WFP’s disaster preparedness and response programme in the Philippines to US$4.5 million.  As with the pilot phase, complementary matching resources from the national government and local government will be sought to reinforce the programme’s sustainability.

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About WFP

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 and @wfp_media

Facebook: WFP Philippines

About USAID

For 50 years the United States, through USAID, has been a key partner of the Philippines in addressing the humanitarian needs of Filipinos in times of disaster.  The United States was among the countries that took an active role in contributing to recovery efforts following Typhoons Reming and Milenyo in 2006, Frank in 2008, Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009, Typhoon Juan and Tropical Storms Pepeng and Santi in 2010, and Sendong in 2011.  For more information, visit http://philippines.usaid.gov.

“MEN IN BLACK 3” GROSSES P68.73-M, OPENS AT NO. 1 IN PHILS.

MANILA, May 28 – Alien-hunting black-suited secret agents have invaded the top of the box office.

Smith, Jones, Sonnenfield and Brolin

             Columbia Pictures' sci-fi action comedy “Men In Black 3” starring Will Smith opened at No. 1 in the Philippines, amassing a nationwide gross of an out-of-this-world P68.73-million for the five-day opening weekend May 23-27 frame. This was announced today by Victor R. Cabrera, managing director of Columbia Pictures Philippines.

             “Men In Black 3's” first weekend haul in the Philippines is the second best opening of 2012 for a foreign movie, behind only “Marvel’s The Avengers” and beating the bows of “Wrath of the Titans” (P62.5-million), “The Hunger Games” (P62.3- million) and “Battleship” (P46.3-million).

             In the U.S., the sequel which reunited Smith with co-star Tommy Lee Jones and director Barry Sonnenfeld, effectively wrestled away the box-office crown from “Marvel's The Avengers” which has dominated the North American tills for the past weeks. "Men in Black 3" debuted as the No. 1 movie over the Memorial Day holiday weekend with $55 million. Distributor Sony estimates that by the end of the four-day holiday weekend Monday, "Men in Black 3" will have pulled in $202 million worldwide.

             Back in the Philippines, “MIB 3” rolled out on 260 screens, with SM Mall of Asia getting the lion's share of sales with P3.95-M, followed closely by SM North EDSA (P3.86-M) and Trinoma (P3.55-M). 

             Other top performing cinemas are Power Plant (P2.64-M), Greenbelt 3 (P2.41-M), SM Megamall (P2.40-M), Newport (P2.12-M), Glorietta 4 (P2.05-M), SM Cebu (P1.95-M) and Alabang Town Center (P1.93-M).

             Rounding out the Top 20 cinemas are Eastwood (P1.79-M), Greenhills (P1.429-M), Gateway (P1.42-M), Robinsons Ermita (P1.36-M), Shang Cineplex (P1.33-M), Robinsons Galleria (P1.11-M), SM Southmall (P1.08-M), Ayala Cebu (P1.05-M), SM Fairview (P1.03-M) and Festival Mall (P978,423).

             In “Men In Black 3,” Agents J (Smith) and K (Jones) are back... in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when K's life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him -- secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K (Brolin) to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind.

             Audiences who watch “Men in Black 3” in Digital 3D also get to screen an extended 6-minute sneak peek of Columbia Pictures’ next super-blockbuster “The Amazing Spider-Man” as an added attraction. 2D screenings of “MIB 3” will play a new trailer of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” opening in Philippine cinemas June 29. 

             “Men In Black 3” is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International. Visit http://www.columbiapictures.com.ph for trailers, exclusive content and free downloads. Like us at www.Facebook.com/ColumbiaPicturesPH and join our fan contests.

Bausch + Lomb: An Icon on Eye Health

Bausch + Lomb are an iconic brand in eye care with a 160 year heritage. In the Second World War, it was Bausch + Lomb provided binoculars for the Allied forces. Also in history, Bausch+ Lomb made Rayban a leading brand in sunglasses which Gen. Douglas MacArthur wears that became his trademark as well as Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Bausch + Lomb also was the first eye care company that won an Academy Award for the development of the anamorphic lens in movie cameras called Cinemascope.

Mr. Rodney Unsworth, Bausch + Lomb Asia Pacifiic president

With its contact lens, eye solutions, eye vitamins, “Bausch + Lomb is the only company focused on eye health. In the Philippines alone, there are 200 million eyes”, says Dr. Joel Javier, Country Manager for Bausch + Lomb Phils.   ““At 40, you should have your eyes check once a year”, he adds.

Outreach programs of Bausch + Lomb

Bausch + Lomb focus not only meaningful partnerships with pharmacies and optical clinics, educational programs, and road shows and outreach programs as well so they can help improve lives. Also present during the press conference is President for Bausch + Lomb in Asia Pacific, Mr. Rodney Unsworth

Bausch + Lomb press conference

Saudi Envoy Hands Over 60 Tons of Dates to WFP for Conflict-Affected Communities in ARMM

Royal Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ambassador to the Philippines Abdullah Al-Hassan (second from left) and senior representative of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Finance in Riyadh Saad Al Sunaidi (far left) formally hand over 60 tons of dates to U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) Philippines Representative and Country Director Stephen Anderson (far right), with Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Middle East and African Affairs Executive Director Neal Imperial (second from right) acting as witness.  

The generous date donation from the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest ever to WFP Philippines.  In coordination with the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, WFP will distribute the food to 30,000 vulnerable families in the conflict-affected provinces of Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.    

Photo Credit: WFP/Anthony Lim/Philippines

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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 and @wfp_media

Facebook: WFP Philippines

Lifehouse live in Manila

Fall in love once again with American rock band, Lifehouse, as they take Manila by storm in an evening of extraordinary musical pleasure this May 26^th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Lifehouse’s leap to mainstream success started with the release of their international hit single “Hanging by a Moment” which became the Most Played Song in 2001. Written by Jason Wade, the song catapulted the band into commercial recognition. This was followed by other chart-topping hits such as “You and Me” and “Blind” from their self-titled album “Lifehouse” as well as “Whatever It Takes” from the album “Who We Are” all under MCA Music. Their latest album, “Smoke & Mirrors”, debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 marking the highest chart debut of their 10-year career. It sold 500,000 units in the United States and over two million worldwide, owning the charts for twenty consecutive weeks.   

Most of the band’s songs were featured on TV series and motion pictures in the United States. “Everything” was used in the series Smallville, “All in All” in Scrubs while “Good Enough” was played over the end credits of the Disney film “The Wild”. The band’s ability to evoke emotions and effectively translate it into a song was what gained them their massive fan base over the years. Tracks like “Sick Cycle Carousel”, “Everything”, “Breathing”, “First Time”, “You and Me” and more, were played over and over again by loyal listeners worldwide. These songs captured the hearts of millions and left them wanting more.

Lifehouse is composed of Jason Wade on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Ben Carey on lead guitar, Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. on drums and Bryce Soderberg on bass guitar. 

Their albums are now out in CDs at leading record stores and online via www.MyMusicStore.com.ph under MCA Music.

For those who missed the American rock band who gave us the hits “Hanging by a Moment”, “You and Me’, and “First Time” perform last July 2008, now is your chance to see them again. LIFEHOUSE is set to perform on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets or call 911-5555 for more information. Ticket prices are at: Patron VIP 5,500, Patron 4,500, Lower Box VIP 4,000, Lower Box 3,500, Upper A 2,500, Upper B 1,500 and General Admissions 800 (subject to 6% service charge).

“LIFEHOUSE Live! in Manila” is brought to you by Dayly Entertainment and That’s Ntertainment Productions. Co-presented by Fox and Starworld. Official TV partner: ABS-CBN. Official Music Channel: MYX. With sponsors: WOW Karaoke, BDO Credit Cards. Media partners: RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, 955 Pinas FM, 96.3 Easy Rock, 97.1 Brgy LS FM, 90.7 Love Radio, 101.1 YES FM, Win Radio, Big Radio, Business World, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Gala Magazine, Pep.ph, ClicktheCity.com, Philstar.com, Manila Concert Scene, Orange Magazine TV, WheninManila.com, PhilippineConcerts. Special thanks to: MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Exclusive Circle, Astroplus and Odyssey.

WARNER BROS. RISES TO $1-B AT INT'L BOX OFFICE IN RECORD TIME

Division Crosses Threshold For 12th Consecutive Year

BURBANK, CA, May 15, 2012—On the heels of its strong overseas opening of Dark Shadows and the momentum of its first quarter releases, Warner Bros. Pictures has surpassed the $1 billion threshold in overseas box office in less than five months, surpassing its 2010 Studio record by ten days. This marks the twelfth consecutive year the Division has grossed over $1 billion overseas, beginning in 2001. The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President, International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

The Studio hits this high water mark as it gears up for a full slate of highly anticipated titles later in the year, including Adam Shankman's Rock of Ages, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, Ben Affleck's Argo, and Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. 

The Wrath Of Titans

The Division enjoyed a strong start early in the year with the continued overseas success of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, which grossed $257 million in 2012 ($357 million total international box office). This was followed by impressive grosses on the 2D and 3D releases of Journey 2: The Mysterious Island ($222 million) and Wrath of the Titans ($218.3 million). Released in some territories day-and-date with the U.S., Dark Shadows has already grossed $37.3 million, with many markets yet to open. Earnings from 3D venues reached $324 million, representing nearly a third of the Division’s cumulative gross for 2012. 

“Our success thus far this year would not be possible without the ingenuity of our filmmakers, and the hard work and dedication of our teams around the world,” Kwan Vandenberg said. "These remarkable results demonstrate the continued strength of the international business, particularly in rapidly expanding overseas markets and in 3D.”

Warner Bros Pictures International has been the market leader in six of the previous 11 years. The Studio has surpassed $1 billion at the international box office a total of 15 times, with four of those years exceeding $2 billion, including 2011. The studio earned $2.87 billion internationally last year, and was the number one studio in Europe.

Diablo 3 Now Available In Stores

After announcing the preorder of Diablo 3, players can now claim their original installers from the designated retail partners where they made the arrangement. One of the privileges of preordering is the discount.

During the Domination 6 a month earlier, a hands on demo was provided for those who attended. Giving only 30 minutes to try it out. During that demo, I discovered there are new characters like the monk, demon assassin, and the witch doctor but there were some characters who are no longer in D3. Of course, the barbarian is still part of the game. E-Games said that they are handling the local distribution of the D3 but it doesn't mean that they are the exclusive distributor. They are just providing the needs of their client computer shops.

Original Diablo 3 installers are available at any Datablitz branch or other retail partners: iTech, Brochiere, PCHub, PCQuest, and Digital Hub.

Sam YG is "NOW" an Endorser

Melissa Siy Tan, Sam YG and Isabel Roces

Now has a new batch of endorsers. Among them is the DJ of Magic 89.9, Sam YG. Sam YG is part of the Boys Night Out with Slick Rick and Tony Toni. Recently,  they had an album compilation of BNO favorites plus an original track sung by Sam YG himself.

 The BNO trio has many endorsements. I occasionally see them hosting media events and press launches either as a trio or individually. This is the first time I see Sam YG endorsing a product without the trio. Now, endorsing the Now food supplements. Now is available exclusively at Watsons.Also endorsing with Sam YG is Isabel Roces and Melissa Siy Tan. Not present during the media launch was another endorser Erwan Heusaff.

Sam YG

adidas Leave A Legacy

A legacy is something to leave for others to see. It can't be always material meaning it can occupy space and time but it will immortalize for others to see. It is a priceless gift. During the launch of adidas for Leave A Legacy, adidas was joined by its new global ambassador, DJ Neil Armstrong, and he happens to be Filipino.

Just like DJ Neil, he can also leave a legacy as a Filipino who made it as a celebrity DJ and he never forgets his Filipino legacy. You can also leave a legacy by participating to adidas Leave a Legacy. All you have to to is to submit a picture of yourself wearing adidas Originals and upload it in Facebook and have your friends like it. The most likes have the chance to win adidas original merchandise. Visit your nearest adidas store or adidas Phils. on Facebook.

Livestrong-Circulo Verde Twilight Challenge Ride

Ortigas & Co. and Livestrong Philippines invites you to join this year's Twilight Challenge Ride on May 20, Sunday, 3:00 PM. The fun ride would cover more than 21 kilometers passing by key Metro Manila cities like San Juan, Quezon City, and Pasig City. Livestrong is an affiliate of the Lance Armstrong Foundation that aims to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. This year’s ride attempts to reunite 2010 and 2011 Livestrong Day Philippines supporters and hopefully enjoin more people for the cause.