Book and Borders Cafe

This digital era brought in E-books and online literary platforms using tablets that you can access anywhere. It also brought in new readers. During my time, it was considered geeky or nerdy to read for past time. Even I was ridiculed because I am the only one in my high school alma mater who reads for leisure.

But if you ask me, I still like to feel the texture of flipping each page of the book. I find that satisfaction of using my imagination because it makes the brain stimulated. What makes Books and Borders Cafe different from any cafe is that it is similar to library and you can eat their yummy dishes and desserts.

The atmosphere is cozy. The house music is soothing to the ears and the couches are pleasant looking and comfortable. Since it is a cafe, it is still customary to order food and drinks. Reading books are complimentary. Just like any library, just pick the book you like to read. Show it to the cashier and and deposit any valid I.D.

There are wide selections in the cafe but since it is still limited, don't expect they have all kinds of books. The selections includes interest books, popular fictions like young adults(e.g. John Green's Fault In Our Stars), fantasy(Tolkien), Bob Ong's and Archie Digests.

Book and Borders also held reading sessions upon schedule just check out their Facebook page. Probably this will be a venue for future book launches. Hope they include some graphic novels in their archives. During the grand launch last July 28, we got a sample reading from Wynwyn Marquez reading an excerpt from 50 Shades Of Grey and Book and Borders Cafe endorser Karylle reading an excerpt from photographer Nigel Barker's book which he personally signed.

Read, Sip, and Dine at Book and Borders Cafe. Located at 281 Tomas Morato, Quezon City. For more updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. I will feature their yummy dishes, desserts and more on my food blog, W.H.A.T. food blogs. 

Discover Eastern R&R Secrets with Jojo’s Diary of Asia on TLC

Press release

Are you in dire need of a relaxing vacation yet you don’t know where to go? This August, find out stunning destinations, de-stressing activities, rich cultures and great food on the all-new series JOJO’S DIARY OF ASIA, premiering on August 3, airing Mondays at 10 p.m.

JOJO’S DIARY OF ASIA follows the unforgettable journey of TV host and travel enthusiast Jojo Struys as she uncovers the unique ways people can disconnect from stress in their daily lives while soaking up different cultures and learning how to make a diverse array of traditional Asian dishes. Follow Jojo as she immerses in the deeply cultural customs and delights in Japan, the breathtaking natural beauty of Nepal and the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong.

Unearth the multitude of ways you can de-stress - bathing elephants in the Himalayas, learning breathing techniques from a Zen Buddhist monk and wielding a samurai sword in Tokyo. Join her as she discovers the pampering secrets of these three wondrous countries in JOJO’S DIARY OF ASIA, airing this August on TLC.

Episode Synopsis:

·         EP 1 Japan: Jojo kick-starts her journey in Japan. She immerses herself in the healing waters of the famous hot springs known as “onsens”, gets a bit of animal therapy in Adventure World, and makes her very own sushi with Japan’s renowned pickled apricots called “Umeboshi”.

·         EP 2 Japan: In the heart of historical Kyoto, Jojo has a session with a Zen Buddhist monk at Myonshinji Temple. She heads to Toei Kyoto Studio Park to get her face painted porcelain white as an apprentice Geisha, called a “Maiko”. While soaking up the incredible sights around the Kiyomizu temple, she gets a lesson in making nutritious Tofu.

·         EP 3 Japan: At the majestic beauty of Mount Fuji, Jojo travels to a volcanic zone in Hakone to experience the legendary black eggs of “Owakudani”. She then experiences the ride of her life on the world’s steepest roller coaster at Fuji Q Highland. Jojo finally winds down in more “onsens”, just in time to learn how to make a famous fisherman’s dish called “Namerou”.

·         EP 4 Japan: Jojo has learned the art of the Samurai sword on her one-on-one lesson with one of Japan’s most renowned swordsmen, and has found a unique relaxation with the sight of the fascinating jellyfish at the Enoshima aquarium.  She learns the history of cup noodles and makes her own version upon visiting Cup Noodle Museum.

·         EP 5 Japan: It’s an exciting physical winter day for Jojo who rides a bullet train from Tokyo to spectacular Karuizawa, to visit and witness the beauty of Mount Asama. After an amazing ride, she learns the sport of skiing and curling which is also known as “chess on ice”. Jojo also gets to try how to traditionally make delicious “udon” noodles from scratch.

·         EP 6 Nepal: Jojo takes her adventure to the next level by heading to the beautiful country of Nepal. Here she visits the old village of Bhaktapur to learn about the art of making traditional Tanka paintings, how to create wonderful pots on a spinning wheel and make some “Bara”, which is a very famous and golden-coloured lentil patty.

·         EP 7 Nepal: Continuing her journey in the country of Nepal, Jojo visits the valley of Chitwan, where she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to personally bathe an elephant in the river, experience the famous folk dance steps wearing the local dance costume of the Tharu tribe, explore the local market and learn how to make the much-loved Nepali dish “Alu tama” with a chef along the native river.

·         EP 8 Nepal: Upon enjoying the horse cart ride, Jojo gets to bond with the local villagers and witnesses an exciting battle of spinning tops by the local children. She hits the mountainous roads to visit the world famous birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, a sacred site for Buddhists around the world. Jojo also travels to the mountains of the Annapurna range in Pokhara where she learns how to cook a traditional Thakali meal.

·         EP 9 Nepal: Jojo experiences the relaxing “hot stones” massage and heads to one of the most famous trekking destinations in the world, Pokhara, where she encounters curio shops and Tibetan peddlars selling their wares all bound in the charismatic Fewa Lake. She tries the paddleboat and catches a thrilling snake charmer in action. Jojo learns how make the traditional staple meal in the highlands of Nepal, Dhido.

·         EP 10 Nepal: A wonderful flight over Mount Everest takes over Jojo’s morning. She visits Thamel Street for a sound healing workshop with musical healers, who use the power of vibrations to heal a diverse array of ailments. After being given the privilege to meet the “Living Goddess” or the “Kumari” child, Jojo has an enlightening conversation about attachments with a Buddhist monk and walks down to try a traditional Nepalese dinner, accompanied by vibrant dancers all in a cultural restaurant in Spice Street.

·         Ep 11 Hong Kong: Jojo flies to Hong Kong where she first experiences Dragon dancing. She learns to create latte art and paintings on canvas through her art jamming in the lovely city. Jojo visits the winding lanes of the popular ladies market before her cooking session with a local chef at the Auberge hotel in Discovery Bay.

KIDS ACTS Phils. presents BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

PRESS RELEASE

" BEAUTY AND THE BEAST "

IS ALL SET TO OPEN ON JULY 31

As a season offering to all schools, parents and children, Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “ BEAUTY AND THE BEAST ” with script and lyrics by LUIGI NACARIO and music by EUGENE BELBIS which is adapted from the original book by Jeanne-Marie LePrince De Beaumont.

Beauty and the Beast is a tale of friendship and true love of a beautiful girl and a horrible beast. Their love story started when Beauty’s father gathered a rose in the beast’s garden who dearly treasured and value it beyond anything in the universe. The Beast furiously attempted to kill Beauty’s father.  He begged for his life, and he told Beast that he gathered it for one of his daughters who desired him to bring him one. The Beast decided to let him go in a condition that, he will let her daughter come to the palace willingly and stay with him as he desired. But if she refused to the idea, the merchant will go back to the palace to pay for his ungratefulness. Beauty willingly, went to Beast’s palace to save her father’s life until one time Beast asked her to be his wife but she offered friendship instead of marrying him. Beast’s persistence softened her heart and discovered that the monster had a pure heart. He gave a magical looking glass to Beauty as a gift of gratitude which was her only way to see the outside world. One day, she saw her father in the looking glass, had pined himself sick for the loss of her, she asked the monster that she longed to see her father again. He allowed her to leave the palace and went home to her father only for a week. Beauty didn’t fulfil her promise to return after a week, soon she dreamed that she saw Beast extended on the grass plat in the garden, who seemed just expiring, and, in a dying voice. On the next day, she left the house without the knowledge of her family. In the palace garden, Beauty saw Beast struggling to death, she thought that she will be losing him without telling the answer of his question every time they supped. She told the dying Beast with her regretful voice that she wanted to be his wife. After pronouncing the words, she saw the palace sparkle with light; and fireworks, instruments of music, everything seemed to give notice of some great event. Beast disappeared, and she saw at her feet, a loveliest prince that eye ever beheld. The Prince expressed his gratitude for having put an end to the charm by giving Beauty’s consent to marry him even in his scariest form. Beauty’s true love transformed Beast into a Prince and they lived forever happy that only death do them part.

Discover how true love transforms from a scariest physical form into a beautiful being of Beauty and the Beast featuring Ralf King as the Prince; Ina Salonga, Gian Gloria and Hya Leonado as Beauty; Kendrick Ibasco and Terence Guillermo as Beast; Enrhil Serguino and Albert Jimenez as Father; Agnes Sarreal and Zscharmaine Barretto as Mysterious Lady; Ria Albaladejo, Faye Velicaria and Meggy Katigbak as Sisters; Derrick Gozos, JP Pareja, Jovito Bonita, Vince Abratigue, Henry Se and Justin Orolfo as Brothers;  Powerhouse Ensemble like Myka Magsaysay, Ashley Quines, Paoie Minerales, Mabie Flores, Daniel Cruz, Jhommar Lim, Frederick Dimaculangan, Angel Yu, Erika Marcos and Princess Manaloto.

            The artistic team of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is composed of Luigi Nacario (Stage Direction, Choreography & Costume Design); Eugene Belbis (Music & Orchestration);  Iris Borgonia (Lighting Design) and Emma Doverte (Stage Management).   

Family Day & Press Preview: AUGUST 2, 2015 at 2:00PM

Regular Run: JULY 31, AUGUST 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9, 2015.

Time: 10:00AM, 2:00PM & 6:00PM

Venue: ST. CECILIA’S HALL, St. Scholastica’s College, Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila.

Ticket Price: Php 450

For further inquiries, please call 507.3396 / 09154478959 / 09164438565

Or visit  Facebook page – www.facebook.com/kidsactsphilippines

Follow us on Tweeter – www.twitter.com/KidsActs

Istagram: @kidsactsphilippines

A Review on 33 Variations

When I first got invited to watch this, I never realized how much impact will give me and my sister that I invited to watch with me.  33 Variations is a story about a Beethoven researcher who is going to reveal that Ludwig von Beethoven did works for another composer and did not just one but 33 variations of a musical piece.

Thus having flashbacks with Beethoven as the Beethoven and researcher's worlds collide when they both experiencing the same struggles that also affects the people around them. What makes this production really interesting was that both timelines sometimes happens in one scene. It has good stage delivery that it can also make a good movie but I find it better on stage because it is an immersing experience.

The actor who played Beethoven did very well and convinced me that he is really the composer. It also got me curious about the 33 variations like as if it's the Da Vinci Code in classical music. I am glad I was able to watch this and it got me interested in classical music again. Only Red Turnip productions can give our thinking caps active while watching. The 33 variations is also being played to give comparison. The pianist is also the essential part of the production even though it is not a musical.

For more theater reviews, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

THE BADJAOS FEATURED ON DISCOVERY CHANNEL’S THE GREAT HUMAN ODYSSEY

Press release

Anthropologist Dr. Niobe Thompson journeys around the world to reveal the mysteries of our survival

How did humans overcome near extinction in an African super-drought and find a place to rebuild? How did we master the Arctic and cross the oceans to populate every corner of the planet? When and how did the Homo sapiens emerge as the world's only global species?

Unlock the mysteries of our very existence as anthropologist Dr. Niobe Thompson reveals groundbreaking scientific research and traces the footsteps of our human ancestors across five continents – including the tip of the Philippine archipelago, Tawi-Tawi – on THE GREAT HUMAN ODYSSEY, premiering August 2, airing Sundays at 8 p.m.

Throughout the three-part series, Dr. Thompson provides a never-before-seen glimpse into our species’ past through expeditions to some of the world’s most remote cultures. With the Philippines being the only area left with an intact freediving culture, the crew of The Great Human Odyssey was motivated to visit the Badjao - the master hunters of the sea floor and the world’s last traditional divers.

Dr. Thompson met with 63-year-old Santarawi, one of the last great Badjao divers with the amazing ability for breath-hold diving, able to endure up to five minutes under water. As filming took place on Santarawi’s war-torn homeland of Tawi-Tawi, safety was of prime importance. On top of the protection provided by the Philippine Marines, Santarawi assured the crew both of protection and friendship. “It took us almost a year of work with partners from the Philippines before we felt that we could work safely on the ground. Seeing the film’s success made us so happy that we went there.  The Philippines is my favorite location amongst all in this film,” Dr. Thompson shared.

Apart from the Badjaos, The Great Human Odyssey features the Crocodile People of Papua New Guinea, Bushmen of the Kalahari, and the reindeer-herders of the Russian Artic. From surviving the Ice Age to the meeting of Neanderthals and modern humans; the birth of language and art; and how our ancestors found a way through the deserts out of Africa - The Great Human Odyssey will take us four million years back in time to reveal the frailty of human life and the miracle of our adaptable, imaginative, and curious nature. 

BORN2INVEST: New Business News Mobile App

For the news, it is still best to see it the traditional way like the newspaper and the television or radio. But sometimes, these mediums are not available within reach so we rely on our social media and the internet.

Our mobile devices also maximized it's use not just for phone calls anymore. That is where BORN2INVEST comes in. It's a mobile app that provides the latest business news and it's provided by the any company or brand.

The best part of this is the interaction. It is also kinda like a social network that you could interact about the topic. It is also moderated so it won't get nuisance accounts. It also like a mobile PR company that will connect you to the right target market.

You can download Born2Invest at Google Play or App Store. Check out their website at http://born2invest.com/ . For more tech news, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Koronadal International Folklore Festival

In Region XII not far from General Santos, where the city of Koronadal lies. It may not be the ideal tourist destination in mind, but it will soon mark the travel agencies or travel transactions after what's going to happen in August.

From August 9 to 18, the world will come to the Koronadal to celebrate culture and diversity in its first Koronadal International Folklore Festival. The idea is not just to boost local tourism and more job opportunities to its constituents but to promote the B'laan tribe which is the first inhabitants of Koronadal.

During the Centennial celebration at CCP, was the only time the B'laan tribe presented their traditional dance to wider audience until now. The festival will not just bring the festival to the world but encourage our own youth and students show interests in our folklore, traditions and culture.

Not only that, it will bring many groups from around the world to participate. This will let everyone see that even though cultural diversities, erased the stigmata of Mindanao. Hon. Peter Miguel,M.D., mayor of Koronadal, managed to affiliate with CIOFF or International Council of Organizations of Folklore(translated in English) to bring many acts from around the world and be recognized globally.

 During the media briefing, I was oriented with their local dance as well as the traditional B'laan dance. Besides the festivities, there will be seminars from local and international panel of speakers. In short, this is considered the Olympics of Culture minus the competition.

Be the first to witness and take part. It is time to spend a week of August in Koronadal and make history happen. For more updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

This July on Animal Planet

Press Release

This July on Animal Planet

The most unusual animals are gracing your TV screens this July on Animal Planet! From the bizarre animals of the land down under, to the aggressive cats of Los Angeles and New York – Animal Planet gives you a look at the world’s unique and misunderstood creatures from each side of the world.

 

Photo courtesy of Animal Planet

The new series WILD AUSTRALIA features one of the largest and most extreme wildernesses on Earth. Australia's animals are the product of millions of years of evolution in isolation, producing some of the planet’s strangest, and most unique creatures-- from mammals that lay eggs, to trees made from gold, to lizards that drink through their feet and the spiky yet cute echidna. This two-hour special explores the bizarre, deadly, and quirky characters that live in the world down-under.

WILD AUSTRALIA premieres on 17 July and airs on Fridays at 10PM.

When a pet cat controls the owner instead of the other way around, be ready to experience hell on earth. MY CAT FROM HELL (SEASON 6) follows Jackson Galaxy as he travels from Los Angeles to New York helping cat families in need. This season, Jackson helps model and social media star Adrianne Curry handle her menacing cat along with several other high profile cases. Watch Jackson deal with some of the worst cases of cat-on-cat and cat-on-human aggression he has ever seen. From humans that just don't understand their animals to cats that are in need, Jackson has one goal:  to help change people's lives, one cat at a time.

MY CAT FROM HELL returns on its sixth season on July 29, airing Wednesdays, 10PM.

Luxury Staycation at Chateau Hestia

Chateau is French for castle. Hestia is a Greek goddess of hearth and agriculture. What does it both have in common? Tagaytay and some areas in Silang are known for retreat houses, camp sites and hotels especially along Tourism Road that faces Taal Volcano.

Just minutes away from the Tagaytay intersection to the inner areas of Silang, where Chateau Hestia is located. Chateau Hestia is not only for accommodation and fine dining but also ideal for different occasions as well. This is something a retreat house, an inn or any transient house cannot offer.

For the accommodations, it simply targets couples especially during honeymoon and families with children ideally. When I say children, I really mean elementary age or younger. It is not like a hotel with floor levels and lobbies but cottages. Each cottage set up has a shower area but it is not private to the occupants of some cottage or casita which is why it is ideal for couple. It may be ideal for a lone occupant but where’s the fun in that.

Bamboo Casita

There are 3 cottages, 3 casitas and 1 casa to choose from. Rates may vary depending on the type of accommodation. During my stay, I was settled at the Bamboo Casita. It has a king sized bed and an ethnic-style bench by the window were you can sit or lie down which is still comfortable. What I like about the bed was the design that looked like an antique. The framework of the bed is all made of hardwood carvings that gives it a sturdy look.

What I like about the ceiling that it feels comfortable because the ceiling is nipa-style which make it ventilated. The shower is the only thing that may appear out of place but in a good way. It is equipped with push button system to make it warm and activate the sprays. The room is very clean and neat that you need not to wear any footwear inside the room.

I was able to see how vast the area is when I explored it and saw the Casa Carmen. The Casa gives that thought  of living in the province in style. It is the only accommodation that has a kitchen, and a bar. You may notice that even though it used the names like Casa and Chateau, the theme of the accommodations still look Asian. Even if there is no occasion, this is a good place for staycation. 

Casa Carmen

Besides the accommodations, Chateau Hestia also has an events area for special occasions. Just above the restaurant, it can be used for parties and different functions. The garden area outside the restaurant is not only for parties and functions but also for pre-nuptial or photo ops. Chateau Hestia is a pet-friendly environment but the guest owner must provide their own bedding for their pets.

For Chateau Hestia, the options are limitless. If you like to go around, Tagaytay is not far. For more details about Chateau Hestia, you may check their website. For more travel and lifestyle features, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. For my next feature of Chateau Hestia will be the food which will be posted on my food blog, W.H.A.T. Blogs.

Ballet Philippines reveals their 46th Season Line Up

After the success of Cinderella, Giselle and their season ender Manhid; Ballet Philippines announced their line-up for the 46th season.

Excerpt from Swan Lake

We were shown excerpts of their line ups during their launch at CCP Main Auditorium lobby We started with a classic ballet piece from Swan Lake which will be part of Body Positive. Another production that will also make this season different is "Hugot Sa Rosas". 

Excerpt from Sarong Banggui

Sarong Banggui will feature music from Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. As the name suggest, most will be Fililino folk music that BP will interpret. For Body Positive, it will be a form of advocacy to promote awareness regarding AIDS. Perhaps this event will not only showcase but will tie up with different agencies involved to update us so we can make a big step further.

One production that the whole family should look forward to is one of BP's original production, Peter Pan. Peter Pan is one of the original choreography BP has been doing for many years that brought many kids to ballet.

Choregraphers Nonoy Froilan, Edna Vida and Monette Victoria

BP's Mr. Paul Morales shared that kid audiences come with their Pan costumes for the shows. This is probably the only production that is for all the ages. During Manhid, BP collaborated with stage actors from different theater guilds and the band Radioactive Sago Project. This season, the company will collaborate for the first time with the short movie production.

Mr. Morales added that during Manhid, there is a tagalog term Pagsibol which fits this season's theme- Dance Spring: Pagsibol because most of the principal dancers are no longer in BP but it also promoted new dancers to fill in. This season also brings back BP masters/ choreographers Nonoy Froilan, Edna Vida and Monette Victoria for the productions.

For more updates of BP this season, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

AMPALAYA THE MUSICAL ALL SET ON JULY 15 AT THE CCP

Press release

Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental has long been known as the Cultural Center of Southern Philippines, and for the first time ever, the Silliman University Cultural Affairs Committee, the city’s unofficial cultural arm, brings to Manila audiences AMPALAYA THE MUSICAL - an original new musical that will delight and educate, with a performance on 15 July 2015 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which is part of Silliman University’s commitment as the official regional cultural hub of the CCP.

 

Photo credits: Urich Calumpang/Silliman University Cultural Affairs Committee

            AMPALAYA THE MUSICAL celebrates Philippine culture through music, dances, games and values. The musical play is based on the award winning children’s story Alamat ng Ampalaya (The Legend of Ampalaya) written by Augie Rivera, Jr. Another highlight of this production is the original music by renowned New York-based guitar virtuoso Maestro Michael Dadap who has set the play’s music using a live 22 piece Orchestra Sin Arco (Orchestra of Plucked Instruments). The play is directed by Dessa Quesada Palm, of the Philippine Educational Theater Association, with musical direction by Dr. Elizabeth Susan Vista-Suarez and choreography by Angelo Sayson. Ampalaya.

            AMPALAYA THE MUSICAL has just finished its run from July 3-6, 2015 and its first full length run last September 2014 which were both held at the Luce Auditorium. The musical began as a short play, which debuted in 2000 in Boston.

            Synopsis:

 Long time ago in the town of Sariwa, there flourished a beautiful garden filled with the most colorful, fragrant, and nutritious vegetables. Everyday as the sun comes up, they laugh and play together in the garden.

One faithful day, a hairy, bland, and colorless Ampalaya wandered in Sariwa and found the gleeful veggies going about their usual games. Envy starts to creep into Ampalaya's core when she noticed the positively striking individual characteristics of the other veggies--- everything she was not. She knew she had to possess all these characteristics to be part of the family, so she devised a plan for her to get those special stuff. She waited until all the veggies were asleep and stole a little bit of everything from everyone.

When the veggies awoke from their slumber, they were in shock when they saw that all their best had gone missing. During their panic, a beautiful new vegetable arrived to see what the fuss was about but because of their distraught disposition, they could not entertain her as they sought to find out who the culprit was . The veggies decided to seek help from a wise old NunosaPunso who told them what they needed to do in order to get back what was stolen from them. They followed and investigated the new vegetable only to find out it was indeed Ampalaya donning their best individual qualities. They call the UbodmansaSaging and her jury to plead their case against Ampalaya.

Ampalaya was unfazed with all the questions and ill feelings that were being thrown at her. She firmly believed that she did nothing wrong---the jury thought otherwise. After deliberation, a sentence and punishment was given, and everybody learned a bitter lesson that day.

AMPALAYA THE MUSICAL is presented by the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Dumaguete City Tourism Office, CocoGrande Hotel, Philippine Airlines, Lorenzo Shipping Corporation, Bayview Park Hotel Manila, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Tickets now available at TicketWorld.

 FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact (035) 422-4365 or 0917 323 5953. Or email: cac@su.edu.ph or silliman.cac@gmail.com.

THE RIDDLE OF THE SPHINX SETS JULY 13, 18 AND 25 SHOWS

Press release

Artist Playground and Talent Factory proudly presents its 1st season opener “The Riddle of the Sphinx” which will run on July 11, 18 and 25 ( 3 pm, 5 pm and 7 pm) at 1701 The Little Room Upstairs located at Landsdale Tower, Mother Ignacia Avenue corner Timog Ave., Q.C.

 

Photo credits: Jaypee Maristaza

            “The Riddle of the Sphinx” written by Eugenio Deriada in English and translated in Filipino by Jim Bergado, is a play about two strangers exploring the diverse viewpoints regarding the intricacies of a human being, the relationship dynamics of a man and a woman and the fundamentals of cultural imprinting through a game that they played while waiting for the buses that will take them to their destinations.

            The Riddle of the Sphinx is a play beautifully written but probably, was never given the proper limelight that it deserves. It is one of the many gems of Philippine Literature awaiting the song of its muse so that the beauty of its letters and words will come to life.

            Giving life to the two interesting characters of the play are Ace Urieta (Young Man) and Shiela Espina (Young Woman) Both are talented emerging actors under the tutelage of Artist Playground’s Artistic Director and multi-awarded actor Roeder Camanag.

            According to Paul Jake Paule, director of the play, “The Riddle of the Sphinx is a short but very potent drama. It tackles a lot of issues with wit. It presents life as an immense riddle to be solved; its existential undertones establish the weight and urgency of defining life’s purpose. Much like a ladder in an empty space, you can go under, over and around it but the motions are pointless, emptiness is still all around. Unless you decide to let the ladder serve its function and take it to different spots where you can reach for meaningful objectives then life when it ends have earned a purpose.   This is a very salient point for people to ponder especially in this day and age where our mind is cluttered by persuasive buttons to click we forget what is really essential.”

            The artistic and production team of THE RIDDLE OF THE SPHINX are as follows: Roeder Camanag (Artistic Director), Paul Jake Paule (Director), Jeffrey Camanag (Production Designer), Merdin Mojica (Choreographer), Kimberly Somoza (Lights Designer), Rowena Jarito (Sound Designer), . Dianna Dancel (Costume Designer), Coleen Lanit  (Props and Set Head), Pearly Patoc  (Make-Up Artist), Marianne De Luna  (Stage Manager) and Rogean Regoso  (Production Manager) and Toots Tolentino (Publicist).

            For bulk reservations, show buyers and inquiries: email – artplayg@hotmail.com or contact  Ms. Roejean Regoso at 09158153716. You can also check http://facebook.com/artplayg

REVEALED: PHILIPPINES’s MOST TRUSTED NAMES

Post-event release

The Philippines has voted, and the results are in. 

The Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Survey, now in its 17^th year, has identified the brands and services Filipinos believe in, above all others, along with our most trusted TV presenter and sports personality.

Having a trusted name in 2015 – as a brand or a public figure – is more valuable than ever, especially in a world where choices are increasingly decided with a click on the computer, or a click on the TV remote.  

“It’s a huge endorsement,” notes Walter Beyleveldt, Reader’s Digest Managing Director, Asia Pacific.  “And one the winners should be very proud of.”

                        THE BRANDS FILIPINOS TRUST

Ø  Filipinos trust their meals to Baguio cooking oil, believe the quality of Monterey and Magnolia Chicken, and are confident in shopping at SM Malls. We’re secure with Acer laptops and when it comes to capturing those precious memories we prefer Canon cameras.  In all, the survey covers a broad range of 42 different product and service categories. See here / See attached for the full results

Ø  One of the world’s leading custom research firms, Ipsos, was commissioned to conduct the independent poll, and to ensure results were compiled in an objective manner using proven methodology.  Approximately 5,000 individuals were selected across 5 of Asia’s key markets such as the Philippines, HongKong, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

Ø  In the Philippines, around 1000 respondents completed the survey. Half were subscribers to Reader's Digest, while the remainder were selected to reflect the demographics of the general population.

Ø  Consumers were asked to rate the brands they nominated on six qualitative criteria, including quality, value and innovation.

Ø  There are two premium level awards given for Philippines Most Trusted Brands.  Gold Trusted Brand Award winners are those which stand out clearly above their competitors.  Platinum Trusted Brand Award is for brands which have achieved a mathematical ranking at least double that of the nearest competitor.

“Having a trusted brand is a distinct competitive advantage, and something the winners should quite rightly be making the most of in the marketplace,” notes Sheron White, Reader’s Digest Group Advertising Director, Asia Pacific.   “Congratulations to them all.”

MOST TRUSTED PERSONALITIES

The Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Survey has also identified the Philippines most trusted TV presenter, entertainment presenter and our most trusted sports personality.

These are highly popular and competitive sectors, where trust is a crucial attribute.

“TV presenters and their ratings depend on our trust, so to top this poll is a significant achievement indeed,” notes Sue Carney, Reader’s Digest Editor-in-Chief, Asia Pacific.

“Likewise, sport is something of a cultural and emotional attachment for many people, so being at the top of the podium is definitely worth celebrating.”

Much like the awardees for the consumer categories, the Filipinos choice for the Most Trusted Personalities have likewise remained consistent for the past few years.

Ms. Jessica Soho remains as the Most Trusted News Presenter for the fifth straight year, proving how much the Filipinos value her news reporting and her opinions.

As one of the most visible TV personalities and bankable product endorsers, multi awarded host Vic Sotto has again been voted as the Most Trusted Entertainment Presenter.

Sotto, who has been part of Eat Bulaga, the Philippines longest running variety shows on TV, has also hosted several game shows and starred in various sitcoms throughout the years.

Finally, despite coming up short in what was billed as the “greatest boxing match of the century” Filipino Pride and future boxing hall of famer Manny Pacquiao continues to be the Filipinos Most Trusted Sports Personality.