COLORWAY UPDATE: adidas Harden Vol. 1 Home

Following the successful launch of the Harden Vol. 1, adidas drops the Harden Home colorway, a color update of the Harden Pioneer released last month. Still priced at P7,995, the Harden Vol. 1 Home is already available at leading adidas stores and retailers.

Twitter Launches Special Emoji and Stickers Pack to Celebrate the #LunarNewYear Festivity

Press release

Manila, 27 January 2017 – #LunarNewYear is a time to spend and celebrate with your loved ones and this year, the #LNY festivities will start on Jan 28, 2017. During this festive season, people will turn to Twitter to wish friends, families and colleagues a #HappyLunarNewYear. To celebrate this global moment, Twitter is pleased to introduce the #LunarNewYear 2017 Year of the Rooster emoji and stickers pack to spread well wishes of happiness, fortune and prosperity around the world.

This special emoji will appear when you include any of the following hashtags in your Tweets:

English ●              #ChineseNewYear ●              #LunarNewYear ●              #HappyChineseNewYear ●              #HappyLunarNewYear ●              #CNY ●              #LNY ●              #GongXiFaCai ●              #KungHeiFatChoy

Simplified Chinese ●      ＃新春大吉 ●      ＃恭喜发财 ●      ＃新年快乐 ●      ＃鸡年 Traditional Chinese ●      #新春大吉 ●      #恭喜發財 ●      #新年快樂 ●      #雞年

As holiday conversations start happening on Twitter all around the world, people will also share photos and videos of the celebrations on Twitter. This year, we’ve also created our first-ever #LunarNewYear stickers pack for users to zest up their festive photos.

Join the festivities and start the #LunarNewYear conversation by Tweeting #HappyLunarNewYear, #HappyChineseNewYear wishes with Twitter emojis. From all of us at Twitter, to all of you who are celebrating, #GongXiFaCai and #HappyLunarNewYear!

From actor to fighter -- Idris Elba: Fighter on Discovery Channel

This 2017, a Discovery Channel programme follows Idris Elba in his brand new journey as he learns the art and science of kickboxing. In the second season of Idris Elba: No Limits, hear from Idris Elba himself as he tells his own story on what made him decide to get into the ring and learn the trainings and techniques for the said martial arts form from various fighting veterans. Idris Elba: Fighter premieres on January 29, 8:10pm on Discovery Channel.

It’s time for the next Filipino team to win the Microsoft imagine Cup

Press release

Manila, Philippines – January 24, 2017 – Filipino student innovators are once again called upon to be the pride of the country and bring home the prestigious Microsoft Imagine Cup to local shores.

Charles Justin Lim, Academic Specialist at Microsoft Philippines and 2015 Imagine Cup National Winner

It was in 2010 during the Imagine Cup World Finals held in Warsaw, Poland when Team By Implicationfrom the Philippines last hoisted the Imagine Cup by besting hundreds of participants in the Game Design competition. Their game design called “Wildfire” talked about saving the world through social action and volunteerism, and was inspired by incidents that came as a result of the havoc wreaked by Typhoon Ketsana (called “Ondoy” in the Philippines).

The group, composed of students from the Ateneo de Manila University, namely Philip Cheang, Wilhansen Li, Rodrick Tan and Levi Tan-Ong, won for themselves US$25,000 but more importantly the title of Imagine Cup World Champions.

An opportunity for the next generation Filipino tech talents

Microsoft Philippines challenges today’s generation of student innovators to bring back pride to the Philippines by making it again to the world stages of the Imagine Cup just like By Implication of 2010, and what better time to bring back the distinction of being Imagine Cup Champions, as the Philippines will be the host country of the first ever Imagine Cup 2017 Asia-Pacific Regional Finals which will be held this coming April 2017, where National Winners from ten (10) different countries will be travelling here to compete for a slot in the Worldwide Finals.

It will also be doubly meaningful because the Philippines will host the 30^th ASEAN Summit, where all eyes will be focused on the Philippines, an emerging powerhouse in the global political stage and an innovative player in the global technology and design sphere.

To apply, students should form a team composed of one (1) to three (3) students, register their teams in http://compete.imagine.microsoft.com, and fill out the application form at http://aka.ms/ICPH17Applications. They are encouraged to have a mentor from either the industry or the faculty to guide them. Applications should be submitted by February 4, 2017.

Imagine Cup on its 15^th Year

The Imagine Cup is an annual global technology competition organized by Microsoft that aims to give young developers around the world the opportunity to acquire the technical and business skills they need to be successful outside school.

Now on its 15th year, Microsoft celebrates this significant milestone by doubling the top prize to a whopping $100,000 for the next Imagine Cup World Champions.

Microsoft also made some changes in the contest criteria to make it more interesting and technology-driven.

For the 2017 Imagine Cup competition, a greater emphasis will be placed on each project’s underlying technology, and will focus more on deep technology integration in fully formed apps, services, and games with the potential to be viable in the commercial marketplace. 

How Does Imagine Cup Work?

Students are asked to create an original technology project from start to finish – from ideation and planning, to building the project and making it an actual product. In previous years, the teams compete in the Games, Innovation or World Citizenship categories; however, for 2017, all categories have been removed from the competition, allowing any big idea to be a qualified entry, with the only requirement being that the teams must integrate Microsoft Azure, Azure is Microsoft’s open, flexible, enterprise-grade cloud computing platform, into their solutions.

Students advance through various rounds of the competition either online or through in-person National Final events organized by Microsoft subsidiaries across the globe. This year, 11 countries will be sending their National Champions to the Asia-Pacific Finals, where the World Finalists teams are determined. Winners in this round will then travel to the Imagine Cup World Finals, where they compete for cash prizes, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Microsoft Philippines has been holding the Imagine Cup: Philippines giving young brilliant people the opportunity to work with new and innovative tech tools to bring about their vision into reality. This year, Imagine Cup 2017: Philippines runs from January to April 2017 and is open to high school and college students from any course.

For more information, visit http://aka.ms/ICPH17.

Be the Man on Top at the Rogin-E ManCon 2017

Press release

Manila, February, 2017 –   Accomplished. Successful. Driven. Oozing with charisma. A man of substance. These are the traits of a Rogin-E Man.  He leads an active lifestyle. He has a successful career. He is driven to excel in everything. He indulges in recreational activities. On top of all these, he finds time for his family.

On February 18, Rogin-E will hold the first-ever ManCon at the Metro Walk Tent in Pasig—a whole-day event especially geared for men who want to stay on top of their game. The Rogin-E ManCon 2017 will showcase activities that speak to men with varied interests and passions. Think cars and motorbikes for men who love speed and mobility; sports activities for those who want to stretch the limits of their physical strength and power; fashion and grooming for those who know that appearance counts; and a selection of toys and hobbies to engage a man’s mind and body.

The Rogin-E ManCon 2017 recognizes that men have distinct needs to stay ahead – physical and mental endurance, focus and mental agility, and the energy to attend to his diverse interests. 

Rogin-E is a multivitamin especially formulated for men who want to be on top of their game, at work and at home. It contains Korean Panax Ginseng that enhances physical and mental endurance against weakness and exhaustion; Deanol for potency, improved concentration and mental agility; and Royal Jelly for youthful vitality. Rogin-E gives the extra energy that men need to do well in all his activities both at work and at play.

Multivitamins + Minerals + Deanol + Royal Jelly + Korean Panax Ginseng is the generic

name of Rogin-E.

Sugid Productions restaging BUWAN AT BARIL for its first production

There are lots of theater groups but each one has its own genre or theme for their productions. Sugid Productions is one of the newest theater guilds that have its own unique flavor to go with it. For Sugid, they focused on the socio-political situation of the country.

Sugid is a Kinaraya term meaning story which is suitable for Sugid Productions because they want to tell a story of our lives or what is happening around us. For their first production, they are restaging “Buwan at Baril sa Eb Major” by Chris Millado.

Buwan at Baril was first staged in 1984 at Raja Sulayman and in 1985 at CCP. It consists of different scenes during the events of the Martial Law era specifically in 1984. Most are not aware that in 1984 that there was a controversial event happened which is now known as the Mendiola Massacre. I only saw the footage when I watched it for my Political Science class back in college.

Actor Crispin Pineda is the only cast member from the original 1984 production. He is recalling back those days because he was also active in Kilusang Mayo Uno. He shares that after the EDSA uprising, Chris Millado said that hopefully, this won’t be staged again.

But because of the current “witch hunts” of drug pushers and extra-judicial killings, this was already raises a concern because the due process of the law is already ignored which was also similar to the Martial Law days.

Each scene is concentrated on specific character but all are connected. These scenes are also based on a true story especially the scene of the Student interrogated by the police overnight when was abducted during curfew. This is autobiographical because Chris Millado was a student when he was detained overnight by the police.

The purpose of this play is to orient the current generation about the stories and to think and ponder about what is happening around us. Director Andoy Ranay gathered this cast because they all share the same stand. Jackie Lou Blanco is also one of the cast. She shares that if ever history again repeats itself, she is worried because she is a mother and what kind of society her children will be in.

Also part of the cast are Cherrie Pie Picache, Mayen Estanero, Angeli Bayani, Paolo Ohara, Danny Mandia, Reymund Domingo, JC Santos, Joel Saracho, and Ross Pesigan. Buwan at Baril will be staged in Bantayog ng Mga Bayani starting January 26 until February 12 with 3PM matinee and 8PM shows.

The press launch was held last January 23 at Alab Restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. For more theatrical productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

adidas Harden Vol. 1 Dark Ops + 13 Below Zero

Press release

HARDEN VOL. 1 DARK OPS

Inspired by James Harden’s tactical approach to the game and skillset to operate as floor general, adidas introduces the next edition of Harden Vol. 1 with Dark Ops.

Harden’s latest model is designed with an all-black mesh upper and adaptive toe shroud, while the silhouette’s full-length BOOST TPU wrap and three stripes are finished with matte treatment.   

Dark Ops is now available at adidas.com.ph and select retailers for P7,995.

ADIDAS CHILLS AT 13 BELOW ZERO WITH HARDEN VOL. 1

Inspired by James Harden’s ability to freeze defenders with his patented Eurostep and crossovers, adidas keeps it cool at 13 Below Zero with the latest edition of Harden Vol. 1.

Taking design cues from winter’s harshest elements, 13 Below Zero features radiant frost treatment on the three stripes and torsion plate. White and gray Primeknit highlight the upper while a full-length BOOST TPU wrap and white leather shroud cap off the chilling tribute.

13 Below Zero is already available at adidas.com.ph and select retailers for P8,995.   

Follow the conversation @adidashoops on Twitter and Instagram with #HardenVol1.   

JAMES CHALMERS’ “PRELUDE TO MACBETH” – A ONE-ACT PLAY ALL SET TO OPEN ARTIST PLAYGROUND’S 3RD SEASON ON FEB. 23

Press release

Artist Playground proudly presents the Asian premiere of James Chalmers’ “Prelude to Macbeth” as its third season opener starting February 23, 2017.

Directed by Roeder Camanag, Artistic Director of Artist Playground, “Prelude to Macbeth” is an epic tale set in the middle ages. This one act play is the prequel to Shakespeare’s Macbeth of how he becomes Thane of Glamis and how he meets Lorna Stewart who becomes his wife – Lady Macbeth. The play is written in blank verse - the style fashionable with playwrights of Shakespeare’s era.

“Prelude to Macbeth” was written by James Chalmers in 2009 and performed by his own drama company Shoreline at the Leverhulme Drama Festival and the Wilmslow Festival of One Act Plays.

“Prelude to Macbeth” won the 2010 Seahorse Award for Best Stage Play at the Moondance Film Festival in America. At the Wilmslow Guild Drama Festival 2010, it received the Adjudicators Award for the most original piece of theatre. It was also awarded the trophies for highest directing mark and overall winner at the SCDA Caithness District festival of one act plays in Scotland in 2016.

The schedule of performances of “Prelude to Macbeth” are as follows: February 23 – 26, 2017. Thursday – Friday at 7 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 3 pm and 7 pm. Venue: 1701 The Little Room Upstairs, Landsdale Tower, Mother Ignacia Ave. corner Timog, QC.

            Playing the role of Macbeth is Paul Jake Paule, an award winning director-actor who won as Best Director – “Happiness is a Pearl” (Broadway World Awards – 2016; Aliw Awards 2016); Best Featured Actor in a Play - “The Pillowman” (Aliw Awards 2016). As Macbeth, he is Duncan’s army chief of staff, an excellent soldier but battle weary and out of his depth at  a social level.

            Mitoy Sta.Ana and Andre Tiangco shall alternately play the role of Duncan, the cunning and manipulative King of Scotland.

            Cath Go and Jernice Matunan shall alternately play the role of Lorna, an ambitious and angry lady with tons of sexual charm and aggression. She has been living on her wits since her parents’ death - sleeping with various Thanes.

            Gio Cabanlit and Jarden De Guzman shall alternately play the role of Callum, is the wise fool. A guard at Forres Castle - Duncan’s seat of power.

            For the 3 Spirits which is commonly called the Witches in Shakepeare’s play, Merdin Mojica and Tasha Guerrero shall alternately play the nasty role of Spirit 1, Kia Del Rosario plays the caring spirit 2 alternating with Princess Tuason. The peacemaker spirit 3 will be played by Jeremy Cabansag.

            The artistic team of Prelude to Macbeth is led by Roeder Camanag (Director); Jesse Lucas (Music Director), Reynoso Mercado (Production Designer), Pauline Martinez (Lighting designer), Merdin Mojica (Choreographer), Banaue Miclat-Janssen (Speech Consultant); Paul Jake Paule (Graphic/ Layout Designer); Jhay-ar Lagrimas (Photographer).

             The production team of Prelude to Macbeth is led by Kimberly Claire Somoza (Production Manager);     Toots Tolentino (Publicist); Rowena Jarito (Stage Manager); Pauline Martinez (Assistant Stage Manager); Glenn Caspe (Technical Director) and Rey Mamuad (Stage Hand).

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

My Day at the Maybank Arts Center Festival

When I was invited by the PR Mr. Toots Tolentino for the BGC Arts Center Festival, I never realized that there is a venue that will staged productions in the business district of Taguig. I am about to learn more than and not just from watching theatrical productions of this event. After having a delicious light lunch at McCafe which is the only business establishment in the building premises, I began touring the facilities.

Maybank Performing Arts Center and Alveo Central Plaza

Maybank Performing Arts Center is a venue that can cater all seven art forms. The purpose of the Arts Center is to promote the Filipino performance arts accessible to the public make a contribution to the community just like The Mind Museum which was made possible by Bonifacio Foundation.

Kinetic Sculpture

The Maybank Arts Center has multi-purpose areas that can adjust the arrangement of the facilities. Maybank is the primary donor which is why it was named after. It is very flexible in stage design and can adjust the seating capacity depending on the production. This is a good thing because it can make the stage and theater experience more engaging and memorable.

Sun Life Amphitheater

Just looking at the building, you can already see that it is a work of art with its non-traditional structure. The Alveo Central Plaza is park in front of the building is also a work of art. There is a kinetic sculpture that simply describes all forms of art. The Sun Life Amphitheater is also located in the park can also be good for outdoor performances. There is also an Art Market in the park area.

Globe Auditorium

Inside the building, I was ushered to the Globe Auditorium. It is also a multipurpose area. It can adjust the stage for the specifications of the production and the seats can also be adjusted. It has the maximum capacity of 500 and has three levels. This is the biggest theatrical facility the Maybank Arts Center has to offer.

Happiness Is A Pearl cast(seated) with director, composer and author.

Since there is no show scheduled yet in the Globe Auditorium, I was led to the Zobel de Ayala Recital Hall. It is a smaller venue with no traditional stage and the audience is sitting on individual chairs that can be arranged accordingly. It is good for experimental theater productions. Speaking of experimental theater, I was able to watch Happiness Is A Pearl by Rody Vera again in this venue. I watched it first in The Little Room Upstairs which is a cramped venue but it was also intimate. I enjoyed watching it again in a bigger area since some of the play has sequences with a tango.

May Arts Center is truly a good venue to watch performances and stage productions and I believe with its advocacy that it should be not be limited to the class A audience but to all walks of life that can appreciate it. This will help championing the Filipino arts scene.

For more updates in Maybank Arts Center and more stage productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

BGC ARTS CENTER FESTIVAL: REVEALING FACETS OF MODERN FILIPINO PERFORMANCE ARTISTRY

Press release

Firing off a passionate start for 2017, the BGC Arts Center will celebrate its identity as the home of the Filipino artist. 

True to its word, it will launch a 2-day Arts Festival on January 14-15, hosting performances and events that will illuminate  the many layers that modern Filipino artists are animating to give voice to the range of the human condition.

The BGC Arts Center is the centerpiece of BGC’s Cultural District. A project of the non-profit, Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc., it is the first and only stand-alone theater established through private donations. 

It is dedicated to providing a cultural and educational experience that will inspire the public to explore their creative side and embrace Filipino artistry. 

A collaboration by award-winning architects and designers, the BGC Arts Center is composed of the Maybank Performing Arts Theater, the Alveo Central Plaza, and the Sun Life Amphitheater.

The BGC Arts Center Festival is aligned with how the Bonifacio Art Foundation, Inc. (BAFI) recognizes the integral role of culture, 

the appreciation of art and its meaning, in a city’s identity. 

Aiming to keep art alive and accessible through various cultural activities,  BAFI endeavours to make art a way of life that everyone can share together.

Making BAFI’s mandate come alive is the range, from totally original Filipino creations to brilliant local adaptations of works  with universal themes, that the BGC Arts Center Festival is offering.

As such, the festival will have children’s plays from Artist Playground and Kids Acts Philippines,  several dance performances by STEPS, staged readings of selected scenes by The Egg Theatre Co.,  a performance of an original play by Artist Playground,  a supremely engaging performance by a pioneer Filipino Improv group,  SPIT Manila, an acclaimed local production from Twin Bill Theater,  an award-winning original Filipino musical from Philippine Stagers,  and opera pieces from MusicArtes, Inc.

Completing the Arts Festival are art talks, outdoor events such as BGC Art Mart  that regularly feature the work of local artisans and other surprise offerings at the Sun Life amphitheater.

Check out the BGC Arts Center Festival event page on Facebook for the schedules and details of the performances.

Microsoft holds “Hour of Code” for Gawad Kalinga students

Press release

Microsoft believes that all young people should have the opportunity to learn new skills that will prepare them for the future workplace and an ever-transforming world.

Microsoft invited 30 students from Gawad Kalinga to the Microsoft Philippines office to participate in the Hour of Code, a global movement to encourage more youth to develop an interest in coding. The children were introduced to basic coding through Minecraft Designer, a free online tutorial on Code.org that teaches users to use computer science commands to bring the Minecraft world to life. The tutorial is set of 12 puzzles that includes creating their own game which can be shared with their friends or played on their phones.

For this year’s Hour of Code, Microsoft Philippines and Gawad Kalinga engaged with 6,000 youth and trained 250 teachers from La Union, Nueva Ecija, Iloilo, Davao, and Compostela Valley.

To try the new tutorial:

 aka.ms/hourofcode

To learn more about how Microsoft Philanthropies is helping to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, please visit www.microsoft.com/philanthropies. For more information about using “Minecraft: Education Edition visit http://education.minecraft.net.