Tuesday, May 31, 2016

BANAUE MICLAT-JANSSEN: GEARING UP FOR HER SILVER LININGS IN THE ARTS

Press release

Careers come and go. It is how one makes or breaks it.

            As a prelude to the forthcoming silver linings of her career in the arts next year, multi-talented artist Banaue Miclat-Janssen has been connecting her heart, mind and soul into a wholistic process as part of her time capsule in order to become a much more meaningful  artist.
 
as Ms. Julia for Dulaang UP's Laboratoryo
            Having worked with many co-artists over the past two decades in Manila and New York, Banaue has been praised for her openness to communicate thoughts, views and ideas by explaining the purposes of her goals. With her high level of intelligence, excellent memory, charming mannerisms, sensitivity, innovativeness, imaginativeness and loving temperament, Banaue’s career will surely fall properly into its place spelling more successes in the near future.

            But even while others seem to have perceived Banaue for keeping a low profile in her career path, she has actually a very keen interest in its advancement. Quiet competence and consistency, that’s what she adheres to. In fact,  Banaue’s closest circle of friends swear by her skills on time management. She combines her duties as a wife, mother, teacher and actor in many thousand ways.

            Banaue is a pure Filipino born in Beijing, China. She credits her heritage to make her heir to a unique tradition that provides intensity to her craft as an artist. The high sense of cultural awareness in China, with its constant drilling in the importance of fundamentals, and a history that goes back thousands of years, opened her senses to the ancient world of the arts. Enriching this is her claim to the Filipino culture—molded and shaped by years of colonialism, of cultural diversity, of political ruptures, and a resilience and steadfastness of spirit. It is this Filipino spirit that empowers her with the creativity that compels her to be immediate and unburdened as an artist.

            Banaue’s first stage performance was as a nine year old ballet dancer in Collezioné ’89, a recital with Philippine National Artist for Dance, Leonor Orosa-Goquingco’s “Ben-Lor Ballet”. She was introduced to the Asian performing arts of dance, song, and spoken word through the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s workshop production of Ramayana/Radiya Mangandiri in 1992. That, at twelve years of age, was when Banaue decided she wants to live the life of a performance artist.


            Banaue went on to obtain a B.A. in Theater Arts under the tutelage of Professor Emeritus, Tony Mabesa, at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, and a Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA in Acting, a terminal degree) at the Brooklyn College of the City University of New York (Brooklyn College-CUNY). She is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts, College of Arts and Letters in UP Diliman.

            As a professional performer, Banaue has won an Aliw Award for Best Performance for a New Concept Production for “Ginugunita Kita” in 2015, a Best Actress Award for the Metropolitan Opera Getty Awards for Supernumeraries for “Salome” in 2009, and a Best Actress citation for NYU’s First Run Film Festival for Clarissa de los Reyes’ “Giving Care.” Banaue has released “Ginugunita Kita,” the album with Jesse Lucas on iTunes and Spotify.

            She has also done plays in various languages—English, Filipino, Spanish, Japanese, and some Filipino dialects. She has performed in different countries including Germany, Japan, and has done performances off-Broadway and at the acclaimed Metropolitan Opera, Lincoln Center in New York. Some of the films she has acted in have been shown in international film festivals in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Korea, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, and many more.

            As a director, Banaue has worked with UP’s Dulaang Laboratoryo, Musical Theater Philippines, and most recently, for the first Fringe Manila in 2015, Joshua Lim So’s Palanca Award winning play, “Tungkol kay Angela” under Destiyero Theater Commune.

            Lastly, Banaue loves to share the most precious bonding moments of time with husband Dom and four-year old son Raj.

            A Cancer-born lady, Banaue sits alongside the likes of legendary and famous personalities namely Ernest Hemingway, Marshall McLuhan, Princess Diana, Meryll Streep, Robin Williams, Frida Kahlo, Carly Simon, Estee Lauder, Barbra Cartland, Cat Stevens, Cyndi Lauper, and Malala Yousafai.

            In 2017, as Banaue’s silver lining salvo continues, she will be honored to share the cultural diversity of her career path with many more surprises.


            Congratulations Banaue !!!!!

Friday, May 27, 2016

All about your pets on Animal Planet

Press release

Whether you are a dog lover or a certified cat person, there is one thing all pet owners can agree on: pets are part of the family, and we will do everything to love and care for them. This June, celebrate the universal love we have for the furriest members of our household with Pet Week, which airs from June 6 to 10 on Animal Planet.
 
Photo courtesy of Animal Planet
We consider these furry companions part of our families, our best friends and confidants, but how much do we really know about the secret lives they lead? In The Secret of Life of Pets, find out that while we think we may know the meaning of each sultry purr or excitable slobber, the reality is that we actually understand very little. Our pets are animals with their own agendas. Once we leave the house, close the cage or turn the lights off and go to bed, our pets continue their remarkable stories away from prying human eyes. This Pet Week special brings you a collection of heart-warming, informative and often hilarious tales that reveal not only the astonishing truth about our pets' behaviour, but also shed a light on what that behaviour really means. The Secret Life of Pets airs from June 6 to 9, Monday – Thursday, at 8PM.

Pet Week is not complete without a celebration of man’s best friend.  Which breed was JFK Junior’s best friend? Which spaniel is known for clearing counters? Which herding dog climbs on the backs of sheep? Which is the only breed native to Argentina? Find out the answers on this episode of Dogs 101. We’ll meet the Briard, the Canaan dog, the Dogo Argentino, the Japanese Chin, the Clumber Spaniel, and the Australian Kelpie. This special episode of Dogs 101 airs June 6, Monday at 9PM.

Besides being the furriest, without a doubt, pets are also the cutest members of the family. See all these adorable creatures in America’s Cutest! From talking kitties and slumbering cats to dancing dogs and dogs that doze, we count down the cutest clips in the web-o-sphere to crown America's Cutest Cat and America's Cutest Dog. This special presentation of America's Cutest airs June 7 & 8, Tuesday - Wednesday, at 9PM.


And to culminate Pet Week, the cuteness competition continues as Animal Planet's GEICO Stadium hosts the 12th annual championship battle for cuteness – Puppy Bowl XII. Tune in as for the second straight year, Team Ruff meets Team Fluff for bragging rights. Puppy Bowl XII airs June 10, Friday at 8PM. 

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Join the thrill at the #100DaysofAwesome Metrobank Car Fair

An exciting weekend gimmick is coming with the Metrobank Car Fair!

MANILA, Philippines— With the numerous types of vehicles available in the market, selecting one isn’t a simple task. There are many factors to consider ranging from leg space, fuel economy, size, and of course, overall cost of the car.

This coming June 4, 2016, at the Le Pavillon Metropolitan Park, Pasay City, Metrobank, one of the country’s leading financial institutions, will be hosting #100DaysofAwesome Car Fair, a test drive event poised to aid consumers decide which vehicles will suit their needs.

In the upcoming Saturday affair, individuals are given the chance to go behind the wheels of the hottest and latest vehicle models from Metrobank’s partner car dealers.

Metrobank is staging the #100DaysofAwesome Car Fair to provide an opportunity where consumers are able to select among a wide range of participating brands to get a better feel of each vehicle before deciding on which car to purchase. Representatives from the different dealers will be present to answer any query regarding specifications and features of the cars.

Metrobank representatives will also be in the event to assist individuals to answer any questions with regard to the details of the loan promo, and provide guidance on the processing of applications.

The #100DaysofAwesome Car Fair will be held at the Le Pavillon Metropolitan Park, Pasay City on June 4, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

adidas presents NMD_R1 PK WHITE

Press release

The debut adidas Originals NMD_R1 silhouette makes its triumphant return, this time stepping out in a full Primeknit construction in all white. The sleek design features the same technical wielded tape overlays atop a white BOOST midsole with its signature blue and red EVA plugs that echo moments of innovation from the adidas archive. It’s the ultimate premium sneaker with iconic references to the legacy of three-stripes.

The NMD_R1 PK White retails at P9,995, and will be sold at adidas Rockwell, Sole Academy BGC, and Commonwealth SM Aura.

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

AQUABEST ANNOUNCES NEW BATCH OF SCHOLARS

Press release

Aquabest the country’s leading water franchise is pleased to announce the awarding of its new batch of scholars under its Corporate Shared Values (CSV) program.

Under its CSV program the company offers scholarships to the children of its deserving employees. The company has always placed an emphasis in the welfare of its employees and their families. This is driven by the company's realization that its people are its prime assets and as part of its Christian values. 

 Every year the company sets aside funds to help with the education of its employees in good schools that offer quality education. With the scholarship grants, the children of its employees get to realize their dreams and reach their full potential. 

Since its inception the scholarship program has assisted dozens of children in getting the good education needed to succeed in their life. This year's scholars are: Aletheia Arellano, Grade 3 at Greenfield Academy, Danica Marie Boton, Grade 10 at Fortunato Halili National Agricultural School, Jianne Rhed Catapia, Grade 4 at PBTS Academy, Mabhe Dimple Esguerra, Grade 3 at Saint Jude Academy of Quezon City, Samantha Siervo, 2nd year at Mary the Queen College, and Scarleth Jane Cayetano, Grade 3 at Merry Mount Preparatory School of Quezon City.



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Friday, May 20, 2016

ARTIST PLAYGROUND’S SECOND SEASON SET TO OPEN WITH “HAPPINESS IS A PEARL” ON JUNE 9

Press release

What Can You Do For Love ?????

            “Happiness is a Pearl,” an original play penned by Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature Hall of Famer Rody Vera is all set to open on June 9 at the 1701 The Little Room Upstairs located at Landsdale Tower, Mother Ignacia St. corner Timog Avenue, Quezon City.


            The play shall run until July 3, 2016 with 7 pm shows from Wednesday – Friday; 3 pm and 7 pm shows  every Saturday and Sunday.

            As the opening production for the second season of Artist Playground, “Happiness is a Pearl” revolves around three characters ---Kenji, a male courtesan; Maria, a poor Pinay Japayuki; and Mari, a wife who falls in love with Kenji.

            Before becoming a prostitute in a club in Kabukicho, Tokyo, Mari was married to a wealthy businessman. But Mari’s billionaire husband soon leaves her when she becomes attached to a male gigolo named Kenji, who has a pearl stitched under the skin of his penis. However, Kenji sets his eyes on a poverty-stricken Filipina entertainer named Maria. Intertwined by fate and struggles, how will Kenji, Maria, and Mari find the true meaning of love and happiness ?

            “Happiness is a Pearl” will be directed by Paul Jake Paule, an esteemed actor, director and Aliw Awards nominee.

            The cast shall feature guest artists Ruth Alferez (Mari); indie film actor Tomas Miranda (Kenji); together with The Players, Artist Playground’s very own group of artists namely Cath Go (Mari, alternate), Jerome Rosalin (Kenji, alternate); Shiela Espina and Irra Ruzz (Maria).

            The Players are young budding professional group of artists, discovered by Artist Playground through its series of workshops. As in-house members of the company, they can write, direct or act in the year-long season of plays. They are also given the opportunity to hone their skills by mounting fresh and well-thought of productions that are entertaining, mind boggling, and socially relevant. through the professional guidance by some of the most respected artists in the industry.

            In so doing, The Players are able to cultivate their talents and skills by engaging in powerful artistic explorations, and even act as mentors amongst each other as one family. Driven by the love for theater, The Players shall continue develop enjoyable theater masterpieces for its audiences regardless of age, gender, and class, in the entire Philippines, if not in the world.

            The artistic team of “Happiness is a Pearl” are as follows: Paul Jake Paule (Director); Roeder Camanag (Artistic Director), Rody Vera (Playwright); Jesse Lucas (Playwright); Sharon Perlas (Sound Designer);
Rowena Jarito (Sound Designer Apprentice); Melvin Sumalinog and Erick Jonathan Sumalinog (Guitarists); Joseph Navarro (Lights Designer and Board Operator); Lezlie Dailisan (Choreographer);  Reynoso Mercado (Production Designer); Sem Pabion (Dramaturg);  Mailes Kanapi (Creative Consultant); and John Mark Yap (Lay-out Designer).

            The production team is composed of the following: Kimberly Claire R. Somoza (Production Manager); Dayana Dancel (Stage Manager); Jacelle Escanan and Princess April Tuason (Assistant Stage Managers); Reynoso Mercado (Set Head); Coleen Lanit (Costume Head0; Christian James Tiongson (Props Head); and John Paul Racho (Spinner).

            For tickets and inquiries, visit Artist Playground's FB Page  or contact 0926 932 3179.


Monday, May 16, 2016

adidas shows that creativity is what defines athletes in new global campaign

Press release

The first chapter of films, “I’m Here to Create,” is told through a female athlete’s lens and stars global tennis icon Caroline Wozniacki, WNBA All-Star Candace Parker, supermodel/entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, tennis star Ana Ivanović, soccer prodigy Morgan Brian, DJ Hannah Bronfman, street athlete Robin Arzon and fitness artist Nicole Winhoffer, among others.
Candace Parker
“Who I am is not defined solely by what I achieve on the tennis court,” said Wozniacki. “My passions and creativity off the court inspire me to be a better athlete and this film series brings together everything that makes me uniquely me. It is exciting and inspiring to be part of a larger group of women who share this same creative mindset.”
The “I’m Here to Create” film series, created in partnership with 72andSunny, brings to life authentic stories of real female athletes, who show the world the numerous ways in which they embrace creativity to tackle challenges, defy conventions, express themselves and fuel experimentation all in the name of sport.
Wozniacki’s film highlights how her unconventional forms of training fuel her game on the court while Parker’s story centers on her redefinition of motherhood. Bronfman explores her continuous path of reinvention to create the unexpected, Arzon has reinvented herself through sport after an almost near- death experience and Winhoffer re-shapes traditional workout routines to engage broader audiences in sports.
Through “I’m Here to Create,” adidas will empower athletes across the world to declare how they bring creativity to sport and to celebrate those in their life who have inspired them to push beyond the norm.
“We remain relentless and loud in our pursuit of being the world’s best sports brand,” said Lia Vakoutis, adidas’ Senior Director of Global Communications. 2015 was about challenging athletes to create their own game while 2016 focuses on owning creativity in sports. The ‘I’m Here to Create’ films engage athletes’ imaginations to use creativity to push their own athletic and personal boundaries. We will continue to celebrate athletes and influencers who reshape traditional views of sport through creativity this year.”
The new film series is an extension of adidas’ three year brand plan that kicked off in 2015. “I’m Here to Create” features 15 and 30-second spots for each athlete that debuted online today and will air globally in more than 50 countries during key moments including UEFA Champions League, The GRAMMYs, the BRIT Awards and the Oscars, among others.
“We are obsessed with the versatile female athlete – women who love sports, make decisions every day to live an active life and are helping to change sports around the world,” said Nicole Vollebregt, adidas’ Head of Women’s. “This year, we will consistently roll out women-focused activations, partnerships, products and events that will allow us to further connect with this athlete on a personal level.”
The “I’m Here to Create” film series builds on adidas’ momentum across sport and style. Starting the new year, adidas launched the world's first high performance laceless soccer cleat, the ACE16+ Purecontrol and last week, the brand unveiled the Pure BOOST X running shoe, built specifically for women and featuring a first of its kind floating arch. Over the next month, fans will see the best of adidas on the world’s biggest stages, including Super Bowl 50, UEFA Champions League, New York Fashion Week, NBA All-Star Weekend, The GRAMMYs and the NFL Combine.
Athletes can join the “I’m Here to Create” conversation via #heretocreate on @adidas Twitter, Instagram and Facebook channels and view all films in the series via www.youtube.com/adidaswww.adidas.com/heretocreate.    

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Dance MNL

There are many ballet and dance companies in the country but what if you combine three ballet companies like Ballet Philippines, Ballet Manila and Philippine Ballet Theater in one event. Honestly, I am loss of words on how to describe it.

Here are some points why should you consider joining this event:

#It is not just for ballet companies but it is also for contemporary dance companies.

#The last time that there was something like this happened, as Ballet Manila's Liza Macuja-Elizalde recalls; when she was still thirteen during the Ballet Federation of the Philippines.

#There will be Master Classes held in Star Theater.

#If successful, it will be held every two years. So be part of history in the making.

#Dance MNL will be on June 14 to 26, 2016 at Star Theater and CCP.

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

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

GRADUATION is not just really for GRADUATES… It is for every OFW Parent who made it happen!

Press release

Since its inception, Citi Global Realty & Development, Inc is proud to say that all of their projects are inspired and fueled by OFWs relentless passion for work and love for family.

In fact, we always hear stories about Filipino parents choosing to work abroad, leaving their kids behind to give them a bright future through the gift of better education.

This is the reason why CitiGlobal made sure that every OFW parent would know how PROUD we are this GRADUATION SEASON!

CitiGlobal launched its Graduation Promo as tribute, not just to the graduates, but their OFW parent as well.
           
The promo is entitled: A Salute to Graduates with an OFW Parent!
Winner will receive PHP 8,000 Cash Prize + Special Surprise Gift from CITIGLOBAL.

To know more about this promo, Check the Poster below:
Promo ends April 30, 2016
Citi Global continues to salute OFWs through recognizing the fact that every OFW deserves not just a house, but a home that is commensurate of all his efforts.

For this reason, Citi Global feels compelled to build quality homes that are tributes to the OFWs’ hard work.


For more information about CitiGlobal, please visit CitiGlobalPH on Facebook and follow CitiGlobalPH for new and exciting leisure property development and promos!

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Advisory from COMELEC



Enough of this petty profanity, cyber-bullying, and bashing. We are running an election not a dictatorship and we are not in high school anymore. Whoever wins whether it's Poe, Duterte, or if by any miracle, Roxas, Binay and Santiago; we will have to respect who's elected. Even my presidential bet does not know me. Does your candidate knows you?

 Let's have a peaceful elections. Whoever wins, we will just have to respect the democracy not the tyranny we experience from fear during the cyber-bullying since this year started. I am just reminding because I am a patriot. I love this country and sometimes this country needed to be protected from itself. From the mistakes of the past.