ANC MOVES INTO NEW DIGITAL HOME ON ABS-CBNNEWS.COM

Press release

ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), the country’s most trusted 24/7 news channel, is moving to its new digital home on ABS-CBNNews.com to bring premium, up-to-date news content daily to Filipinos online.

The new ANC page (anc.abs-cbn.com), which goes live in April, will serve as ANC’s digital counterpart to provide credible, live wall-to-wall news coverage, and analysis with context the news channel is known for.

It will publish news stories, features, and exclusive interviews culled from ANC’s newscasts and talk shows, as well as webisodes and teasers of its current affairs and lifestyle programs. All exclusive videos, like “Teditorial” and “Manny The Movie Guy”, will also be stored in the page.

Its special features include a news wrap, a shareable 60-second video that will appear at 8AM and 6PM daily summing up the most important news stories, and Social Climber, a table that runs down the trending topics and stories on social media.

Anc.abs-cbn.com will also carry a PSE ticker tape, a market data table that serves up an overview of stock indexes, metal prices, foreign currencies, and commodity prices, and the livestreaming of big events and press conferences.

Meanwhile, ANC presents a special Holy Week programming in observance of the Lenten season. 

Reflect by watching special episodes of a documentary series on Catholicism, that will run Monday to Friday PM.  And for the first time on Philippine television, ANC will be airing the documentary of “Francis: The Story of Jorge Bergoglio” (9PM Thursday; 5:30AM Friday).

Continue to get inspiration from the Pope by watching documentaries about the well-loved religious leader such as “Mabuhay Lolo Kiko!” (5:30AM on Thursday and 10:30PM on Friday). Catch “The Pope’s Revolution” at (7AM), the “Pope From the End of the World” (11AM) and The "Pope For Everyone'' (12NN), all on Friday.

The Pope John Paul II documentary “Banal” will air at 5PM on Thursday, while “San Pedro Calungsod” (5PM) and “Kerygma TV Special” (7PM) will air on Friday.

Regular programming will resume on Black Saturday (April 4), with headlines coming in at 6AM.

Get the most credible and accurate news and information by visiting anc-abs-cbn.com beginning April 1 and by watching ANC (SkyCable Channel 27). For updates, like www.facebook.com/ANCalerts or follow @ANCALERTS on Twitter.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL APRIL 2015 HIGHLIGHTS

Press release

Discovery Channel is available nationwide in the Philippines on every major cable, DTH, and local provincial operators

THE RIDDLE OF THE CRUCIFIXION

Premieres on Friday at 8:00 p.m. on April 3.

Encores on Friday at 11:00 p.m., Saturday at 11:00 a.m., Sunday at 8:00 p.m. and Monday at 1:00 p.m.

The image of Jesus on the cross is one of the most iconic in the world but to this day, his death contains a fundamental mystery. In THE RIDDLE OF THE CRUCIFIXION, forensic pathologist Dr Michael Hunter gathers a team of archaeologists, physiologists, and medical practitioners in order to determine for the first time, Jesus’ precise cause of death. Traditional explanations vary wildly from blood loss caused by a soldier’s spear, to suffocation brought on from his extended arms, to exhaustion caused by the elements. In this eye-opening film, the team will reveal that that is not the case, delivering an autopsy report that would hold up even in today’s courtrooms.

THE ISLAND WITH BEAR GRYLLS

Premieres every Tuesday at 10:00 p.m., starting April 14.

Encores every Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. and Sunday at 11:00 p.m.

  

Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel

There are likely very few people who would choose to be put through one of the toughest survival shows on television but that’s exactly what 13 men have done. On THE ISLAND WITH BEAR GRYLLS, a group of ordinary men are taken to a remote, uninhabited Pacific island, where they are left completely alone with only the clothes on their backs and some basic tools. Experience the intensity of hunger, thirst, consistent 30-degree heat, humidity and raw emotion in this exciting new series, hosted by adventurer Bear Grylls.

ALASKA: BATTLE ON THE BAY

Premieres every Monday at 10:00 p.m., starting April 20. Encores every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. and Saturday at 9:00 p.m.

  

In the desolate outreaches of Bristol Bay, Alaska, the most competitive fishing season on Earth is about to take place over four short weeks. 1,800 captains and their crews will draw the battle lines to help save Alaska's ecosystem by reeling in a massive sockeye salmon payday. ALASKA: BATTLE ON THE BAY follows five fishing boats as the captains prepare to battle the unforgiving bay, going to extremes to jockey for position. Each person has their own reasons for doing this – from gaining bragging rights to paying off debts. With potential fortune swimming just below the surface, tempers are short and every decision is the difference between netting the prize and settling for pennies.

MAN V EXPERT

Premieres every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m., starting April 22. Encores every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday at 11:00 p.m.

  

Is it ever possible to shortcut your way to the top? Find out on MAN V EXPERT as professional actor, gambler and magician Alexis Conran takes on three intense challenges against world class experts each week to see if he can find a way to beat them at their own game – without going through years of training. In any normal head-to-head contest, Alexis wouldn’t stand a chance, but his ultra-competitive nature and desire to win at all costs means he won’t give up until he figures out a way to be victorious. He will travel all over, even looking into science and technology to see if he can overcome the odds. Whether it’s a professor, a sporting champion or the world’s strongest man, MAN V EXPERT will equip you with the techniques and tricks to beat the experts at their own game.

EASTWOOD CITY PROUDLY PRESENTS ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Press release

CHILDREN’S MUSICAL’ AS EASTER SUNDAY TREAT ON APRIL 5

Easter Sunday is sure to become more magical and exciting for kids as Eastwood City brings ‘Alice in Wonderland: A Children’s Musical’ to Once Upon an Easter Wonderland.

            A world-class children’s musical production from Kids Acts Philippines,  ‘Alice in Wonderland: A Children’s Musical’  will be staged on April 5 --- 6:30 p.m. at the Eastwood Mall Open Park as one of the main attractions of Eastwood City’s Once Upon an Easter Wonderland. 

‘Alice in Wonderland: A Children’s Musical’ is based from two books of Lewis Carroll’s “The Adventure of Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass”. This version’s script and lyrics is by LUIGI NACARIO and music by EUGENE BELBIS.

Alice in Wonderland has captivated children all over the world for more than 150 years with its timeless and whimsical story that has been adapted into a number of different versions over the years.

            Alice created her world through beautiful things in her mind. She loves to discover stories in every living thing around her. Her story started under a huge tree in an English farmyard, young Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister reading a book without pictures and conversations. To her it was boring, so she was considering, in her mind whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies.

            Afterwards, she decided to rest under the tree and went to sleep. She dreamed of a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her. Burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it, and was just in time to see it popped down a large rabbit-hole under the hedge. In a moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how in the world she was to get out again.

            There begun her magical world of adventure in Wonderland. She met interesting creatures and characters like French Mouse, Duck, Dodo, Lory and Eaglet in the Pool of Tears; the Live Flowers, Caterpillar, The Grinning Cheshire Cat, the Cook, the Duchess, the Jolly Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum, the crazy Mad Hatter, March Hare and Dormouse. In the Hearts Kingdom, she had fun time hunting Easter eggs with the King and Queen of Hearts until she became the witness in the kingdom’s court of who stole the beautiful easter eggs, where she made the Queen so furious. And Alice finally thought how she could go back to her real world from all these wonders.

            Discover how Lewis Carroll’s literary work comes alive on stage featuring The CampArt Kid Actors (ages 7-15 tears old) of Kids Acts Philippines namely: Ella Gonzalez, Noel Comia Jr., Hyacinth Leonado, Allen Orolfo, Justin Orolfo, Angel Yu, Jewel Yu, Shanelle Comia, Woersha Calderon, Van Crisologo, Liam Crisologo, Nathan Flores, Ivan Jacosalem, Liza Marcos, Walline Calderon, Joshua Ang, Gab Hernandez, Princess Manaloto, Bella Engalla, and Raven Orolfo.

            Those looking to be part of Alice’s magical adventure to Wonderland through this enchanting musical for the kids by the kids can get an Easter Wonderland Passport (Storybook) to get seats at the venue.

            The passport also entitles bearers to different activities and storybook worlds of Once Upon an Easter Wonderland including Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and the Pirates, Cinderella’s Royal Ball, Pinocchio’s Toyland, Hansel and Gretel’s Candy Forest, Mulan’s Adventure and Jack and the Beanstalk. Kids can also enjoy other fantastic fairy tale attractions and activities such as Storybook Parade, Giant Easter Egg Exhibit, Candy Buffet, Royal Makeover, Easter Egg Painting and many more!

            ‘Alice in Wonderland: A Children’s Musical’ is the story of a child’s world of wonders that will certainly be a fantastic Easter treat that all families will enjoy.

            For more information on Alice in Wonderland: A Children’s Musical and Eastwood City’s Once Upon an Easter Wonderland, call the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Concierge at 709-9888, 709-0888 or 0917-8380111 or visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com.

Inclusive Stories In This Year's Eat Bulaga Lenten Specials

Eat Bulaga pioneered the Lenten Specials that other productions followed suit. I remember watching it when I was still a kid. These stories are either fictional or biographical. It also showcased the potential of regular hosts to do drama roles that they don't do everyday.

Eat Bulaga will feature real-life stories from the communities they visited outside the studio during broadcast. These are the stories from their winning contestants. I got to see two stories during the launch. The hosts are divided in six depending on the story. They also cast veteran actors and directors to give the stories more impact like Bb. Joyce Bernal, Gina Pareno, Ricky Davao, Pilita Corales and a lot more.

For EB host Pia Guanio, it is an annual thing. She enjoyed  doing drama even for once a year for EB Lent Specials but she is not going to do this on regular basis because she is too busy with her hosting that it may affect her hosting and family life. She did very well in the story that I got to watch during the exclusives screening for bloggers. 

Another revelation for me was Ryza Mae Dizon. I never thought she showed great potential in drama like her predecessor, Aiza Seguerra. I only see her in her segments and comedy movies but when I saw her in person greeting us one-by-one as she passes by. I can now understand why she is so charismatic among her fans. Ryza Mae and Aiza are also part of the same story.

Another revelation for me was Ryan Agoncillo playing a closet gay with gay siblings(Wally and Jose). I am glad that Lenten Specials are now inclusive. The importance of these stories is the message. The Bible stories are familiar to most Christians but only few know what it means to us Pinoys. The stories are examples for application of these religious values that some Christians don't practice if not most..

The Eat Bulaga Lenten Specials starts on Holy Monday(March 30) on their regular time slot with two stories each day. 

SM Light Mall Now Open

In my childhood years living in Mandaluyong, there were no malls yet and the nearest commercial district to go is in Cubao. Back then, traffic was not yet a problem as it took just minutes to get there by bus.

Now that motorist is crowding along EDSA, it will take an hour to go to the nearest mall and the lines are long if you commute via MRT. SM Malls now opened a mini-mall to cater to the condominiums nearby, the commercial district and the nearby Mandaluyong residents.

Named the SM Light Mall is not just because it is located near Light Residences but it is a really little mall. I really got a chance to watch Divergent on the mall's opening and it is small compared to any SM cinema with less seats than in Megamall. It has 3 cinemas.

SM Light Mall is just for the basic needs for the homeowners at SM Light Residence because it has limited stores compare to Megamall. It has a Savemore Supermarket drug store, tech hub, cinemas and some food establishments.

For more updates on SM Malls, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Why Should You Watch Bridges Of Love

1. Three new series has three directors(Richard Somes, Will Fredo, and Dado Lumibao) that are consistent and fluidly worked together for this project.

2.  According to director Will Fredo, the love story is the basis of the conflict.

3. The Bridges can be considered literal or figurative. It's up to the viewer to understand why.

4. It is Richard Somes first time to direct a love story.

5. The supporting cast also have significant stories besides the main cast.

6. The main cast was not the first choice for the roles but they were the best choice.

Wits and Wisdom from the cast: Every human being cannot be bought by price. There are still principles that govern each individual regardless of which walks of life.

Bridges of Love premieres tonight after Forevermore. The blogcon held yesterday with the cast, directors and head writers. For more Primetime Bida updates, follow this blog or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Single Professionals' Get-Together Event Series 4

PRECIOUS PAGES CORPORATION LAUNCHES “25 MOST PRECIOUS”

Press release

-       A COFFEE TABLE BOOK FEATURING THE TOP BESTSELLING, MOST PROLIFIC AND MOST PIONEERING TAGALOG ROMANCE WRITERS OF PRECIOUS HEARTS ROMANCES

            Precious Pages Corporation, publisher of the popular Tagalog romance pocketbooks ‘Precious Hearts Romances’ has recently launched

" 25 Most Precious ” -- a coffee table book featuring the top bestselling, most prolific and most pioneering Tagalog romance writers of  the last two and a half decades in a 160-page hardbound, premium limited edition.

 

Cover design by Mark Lavin

            Precious Hearts Romances is recognized as the best-selling Tagalog romance pocketbook dubbed as the best love stories of all time. The novels reinforce traditional values of commitment and a happy ending. It is an eternal escape fantasy of living out adventures and for romance readers it addresses the fantasy of falling in love with Mr. Right.

            “ 25 Most Precious ” is a must-read and must-have for all fans, readers and aspiring writers as it expounds on the 'writers' lives and the inspiring stories of the 25 women behind the stories which have captured the hearts of millions of  Filipino readers here and abroad.

            The featured writers are as follows: Martha Cecilia, Amanda, Maureen Apilado, Jinky Jamolin, Rose Tan, Vanessa, Elizabeth Mcbride, Camilla, Jasmine Esperanza, Dawn Igloria, Laurice del Rio, Noelle Arroyo, Sheena Rose, Claudia Santiago, Sofia, Sonia Francesca, Heart Yngrid, Victoria Amor, Dream Grace, Angel Bautista, Belle Feliz, Mandie Lee, Aya Myers, Maricar Dizon, and Luna King.

            “ 25 Most Precious ” is priced at P 1,499.00 and will be available at the following Precious Pages retail outlets: Fisher Mall, Puregold Paso de Blas (Valenzuela City),  Starmall (Las Pinas, EDSA Shaw, San Jose Del Monte – Bulacan), Ever Commonwealth, SM Mall of Asia, SM City (Baguio, General Santos, Davao, Pasig City, Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga, Calamba, North EDSA, Clark, Fairview, Batangas, Lipa, Taytay, Sta. Rosa and Marilao), SM San Lazaro, SM Manila, and SM Dasmarinas.

The artistic and creative teams of “ 25 Most Precious ” are led by Segundo Matias Jr. (Publisher), Queennie B. Reyles (Project Manager), and Aleli Mae Arcete (Creative Director).

For inquiries and book reservations, email at info@phr.com.ph or visit www.phr.com.ph or call Precious Pages at 414-8191 and 414-6188.

Connect to Precious Pages online through the following social media networks:

Facebook:    www.facebook.com/pages/Precious-Pages

Twitter:          @PreciousPagesCo

YouTube:     www.youtube.com/user/PreciousPages/

Website:        www.phr.com.ph

THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL WORLD OF BUGS IN MICRO MONSTERS

Press material

Right beneath our feet is an often unseen world of disguise and espionage, social networking and courtship, rape and pillage, parenthood and relationships. This March, renowned broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough reveals the world of the arthropods – the most successful group of animals on the planet – on MICRO MONSTERS. Discover the intricate behaviour of insects, scorpions and spiders in this revolutionary new series as bugs fill the screen. Premieres on Animal Planet (available nationwide in the Philippines on every major cable, DTH and local provincial operator) every Thursday at 9:00 p.m., starting March 12.

 

Photo courtesy of Animal Planet

From armies of killer ants and spiders weaving silken trap doors, to bees communicating with a waggle dance and assassin bugs that clothe themselves in their victims’ corpses, David and the crew get up-close and personal to capture the creepy-crawlies, setting up shoots in three different continents. Pioneering macroscopic filming techniques reveal that there is much more to these creatures than meets the eye.

Meet the jewelled cockroach wasp. She coaxes a cockroach into her clutches by first injecting it with a venom that paralyses its front legs before injecting a second venom directly into its brain. She then drags her pliant victim to an underground burrow, where she’ll lay her egg directly onto its body. The larva spends five days sucking the cockroach’s body fluids, after which it will chew its way into the abdomen and begin to feast from within. Over a period of weeks, the larva continues to grow and develop until all that remains of the cockroach is a dead, empty husk and from it emerges a fully mature adult wasp, ready to repeat the gruesome cycle.

We also get a glimpse at bug love, from courtship to reproduction. You will be surprised at the tactics that some bugs employ to get the attention of a prospective mate. There is a scorpion that engages in an elaborate dance, a wasp that dabs on perfume, a cricket that resorts to bribery, and a spider that takes playing ‘hard to get’ to a whole different level. Then there is the harvestman spider who doesn’t bother with romance or sex, reproducing solely by cloning.

And like humans, there are those who are solitary and others who thrive in communities, like the social spider that spins one enormous 30-metre web for the whole colony. The Argentine ants take it to the extreme, with a colony so vast that it spans an entire continent. How do they live? Do they have a social hierarchy? Who rules the roost? And what is the glue that binds them?

Witness these and other fascinating behaviours as we explore the realm of the MICRO MONSTERS. Episodes encore every Friday at 3:00 p.m., Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. 

Earth Hour 2015 #UseYourPower

I got to experience my first Earth Hour in SM Mall of Asia and another year in Ayala Triangle.  I do recall that the mall is still in operation even though it was dark all over the premises. Every year since then, my home participated in Earth Hour.

Earth Hour Philippines 2012 in Ayala Triangle

I was wondering how can one hour without using light can make a difference. It will not just make your bills cost less but it will make an awareness known.

Writing commitments for Earth Hour

During the presscon for Earth Hour here in the Philippines, it was announced that it will be held in Quezon City Circle this year. It is a good thing to set this year's Earth Hour Philippines in the Northern area of the Metro. Quezon City is the biggest area in Metro Manila so expect that more people will be going.

It was only during the Earth Hour presscon that I learn that having this event is just a start. The next step is to carry the message to other people and do your part. Last year, Earth Hour had its first comic book superhero ambassador not because Spider-Man has a movie, it shows that anyone can do major things to help the environment.

The tagline for Earth Hour is "#UseYourPower". As I said in my previous blog post, I am using my power to influence people using my blog and spread the message. Join me at Quezon City Circle or at any participating city across the planet to celebrate our concern for Mother Earth. Come in your most comfortable and colorful sporty attire because this year's Earth Hour Philippines will be different. Mark the date. March 28 from 8:30-9:30 PM.

Earth Hour is a major yearly event initiated by WWF. For more updates, join this blog's followers or like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.