19th Cine Europa Film Festival 2016 Celebrates Friendship + Film Screening Schedule

Starting September 8^th, twenty-four European films will be screened for the 19^th edition of the Cine Europa Film Festival 2016. “Friendship” will be this year’s theme for Cine Europa. It perfectly underscored the dynamic cultural cooperation and long-lasting partnership between the Philippines and the European Union (EU). Coincidentally, it also marks the EU delegation’s 25^th year in the country.

The said festival also pays tribute to Filipino filmmakers whose works have been given special recognition in Europe through special screenings and line up forums. 

European Union's Ambassador Franz Jessen

Educational Component

The European Union Delegation to the Philippines presents sponsored screenings and forums of notable Filipino films that recently left a mark in the European scene. These events are free admission and open to the public at the Premiere Theater of Shang Cineplex.

SM Foundation warmly receives 1,000 new batch of tech-voc scholars

Dedicated to educate and empower the youth for future employment, SM Foundation recently welcomed 1,000 new technical-vocational scholars into its scholarship program. Committed to creating paths towards brighter future, The SM Foundation Scholarship program has invested in out-of-school-youths in various areas of the NCR and Luzon. 

Through thoughtful planning and strategic partnerships, SM Foundation has built a network of innovative funding programs and progressive relationships with some of the country’s most respected and important community programs, schools, colleges and universities. Through the vision of its founder, SM Foundation continues to give equal opportunities to the deserving youth from the marginal society. “Our new scholars come from various locations with 300 of them hailing from the NCR, 300 from Luzon, 300 from Visayas and 100 from Mindanao,” shares SM Foundation Executive Director for Education Linda Atayde. Indeed, SM Foundation has quietly and confidently enabled the education of thousands of poor yet deserving youngsters of the country.

Tech-voc students at work

Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chairperson of SM Investments Corporation, expressed her support to technical-vocational education during the 2015 Forbes Global CEO Conference held in Manila. According to her, vocational schools will help improve people’s skills and allowing them to qualify and work in industries both here and abroad.

The Things I Have Learned from Smart Parenting Mom Workshop 2: All About School-Aged Kids

You’ve seen smart kids, I assume. They are the ones who could perform and render a song without hesitation or show off their terpsichorean talent. Most of us wonder, what did the parents of these kids do to make them this smart? Nope, it’s definitely not because of their formula milk. Understanding how parents can help their kids maximize their full potential is very important especially during the crucial stage. And these are exactly what Purple Plum Fairy has learned during the recent Smart Parenting Magazine's Mom Workshop dubbed as “All About School-Aged Kids” held recently at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas.

According to the experts, stimulation starts as soon as the child is conceived. It is indeed significant to stimulate the child’s brain which parents would often overlook because we’re too busy taking care of our children’s needs. But it is at these earliest years of life when the child’s brain record sensory experiences which can greatly affect his growing up and learning. 

Shangri-La Plaza Mall marks their 10th year in showcasing International Silent Film Festival

It’s been a decade since Shangri-La Plaza began featuring the annual International Silent Film Festival  Manila, the first of its kind in South East Asia. For those who haven’t had the chance to try it, it is an amazing experience on itself. As its 10^th year coincides with the Shang’s 25^th year anniversary, they will be hosting another series of 24 silent movie screenings, accompanied by live musical performances. 

Austria

Ready-Tech-Go-August-Month-Cybermonth-SM-Supermalls

SM Supermalls welcomes the so-called ‘Ghost Month’ of August with their annual Cybermonth Tech Sale called “Ready, Tech, Go!”  Yup, it’s that time of the year again where they have the latest and the best gadgets, electronics and home appliances with huge discounts and great deals. Imagine an entire month where you will enjoy all the latest gadgets at almost steal prices?  That’s surely a great deal one can’t afford to miss, right? 

Executives of different brands shows off their latest products at the SM Cybermonth launch

Cosplayers also graced the said event.

During the SMCybermonth launch, they have also featured and unboxed awesome brands such as Vivo, Blink, Cloudfone and Smart Communications. They have also offered amazing deals that shoppers must take advantage of. 

The cute Vivo mascot welcomes guests and shoppers

Experience Taiwan's Best Brands at Taiwan Excellence Exhibit in Trinoma Mall from August 19-21, 2016!

Discover the best of Taiwan’s high quality products with Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone which will be held at the TriNoma mall Activity Center from August 19 to 21, 2016. The Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone is an interactive product showcasing some of the well-loved and trusted Taiwan-produced products that shows superior quality. Organized in partnership with the Bureau of Foreign Trade and the Taiwanese government, the featured products bear the Taiwan Excellence seal which guarantees consumers with world-class and high standard products.

Expected to participate are 140 products from the 54 Taiwan Excellence-accredited brands at the Taiwan Excellence Experiencing Zone. The top of the line products covers the needs for Information and Communications Technology, Home and Living, and Sports and Leisure. This includes STRIDA’s durable bicycles designed for convenient and reliable urban transport, SH-RD’s protein cream that avoids hair damage and promises softer and shinier hair, and FECA’s storage products that help in maximizing the home space.

ASUS Zenvolution Event: Unveils Zenfone 3, Zenbook 3 and Transformer 3

Despite the torrential rains in the country, ASUS Philippines launched its latest ASUS products last Sunday, August 14, 2016 and brought excitement that created stirs among loyal ASUS aficionados at the posh Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Led by ASUS Global CEO Jerry Shen, the ASUS Transformer 3, ZenBook 3 and the ZenFone 3 lines were unveiled.

Piel Acne and Skin Care Center Review in Makati: Specializing in Severe Acne Treatment + Skin Care

I have a confession to make: I used to have acne when I was in my teens just like everyone else. But I must admit I really had to thank my set of parents for my genes. My acne was kinda mild back then, so I didn't really give a damn to it. Furthermore, in the past, I have totally no interest in skin care stuff. So my skin care routine was kept very simple. I only used a cleanser to cleanse my face not to mention, make-up was never in my hobby list in the past. My acne stayed mild until I turned 17 where I had to do my thesis. And before I knew it, my acne became worse and my life routine was flipped upside-down and messed up. I slept super late, woke up late, skipped meals, ate lots of oily, spicy, fried and junk foods, and when each time I get bored, I would pop my pimples thinking I would get rid of them that way (Of course, I didn't know any better!), all of which I believe caused my hormones to go crazy, thereby causing my acne to advance from mild to a bit moderate. As I was a newbie and had completely zero knowledge on beauty stuff, I have no idea what to use so I just randomly bought and tried some skin care products from the drugstores. Being impatient as I wanted to get my acne healed as quickly as possible, I cleansed my face 3-4 times a day and switched products in less than a month of usage when there weren't any noticeable results. As a result, my skin broke out even more. There were a few times where my skin got irritated and dried (itchiness, red patches, burning etc.) due to the use of inappropriate skin care products and methods. Teenagers and those plagued with acne and pimple breakouts are luckier these days, they’ve got aesthetic clinics like Piel Acne and Skin Center to help them out. 

Berlin Domingo of www.momiberlin.com talks to her aesthetician for her skin analysis.

Specializing in severe cases of acne treatments, Piel Acne and Skin Center undertakes the highest standards of acne treatment available in the Philippines today. They’ve also got rejuvenating, non-invasive cosmetic treatments as handled by highly-trained aesthetic and licensed professionals in a safe and calming environment.

Piel Acne and Skin Care Clinic offers an extensive range of skin care treatments for complexion rejuvantion, skin tightening such as Eye and Lip Lift, European Facial, Enzyme Peel  as well as Diamond Peel, Skin Dermabrasion, Warts removal, among many others. The said skin care center features state-of-the-art machines that targets your skin problems. Piel’s first branch is in New York City, USA, where they have been operating successfully for years. The owner Sylvia Cancio has brought Piel Acne and Skin Center in the country to share her expertise and knowledge among her fellow Filipinos. 

Ai Ai Delas Alas and Lani Misalucha together in a concert called “Ai Meets Lani: Lani May Ai?” at the KIA Theater on September 17, 2016

“I had to admit I missed performing in a concert. The last time I’ve had a major concert was back in 2010. I guess what made me put off performing in concerts for a long while was because of the fact that I had gained weight. I didn’t had the endurance to go dancing while singing, I wasn’t fit enough,” confesses Comedy Concert Queen, Ms. Ai Ai Delas Alas during the press conference for her and Asia’s Nightingale, Ms. Lani Misalucha held at Jet 7’s Bistro recently in line with the promotion of their upcoming concert dubbed as "Ai Meets Lani: Lani May Ai?" to be held at the KIA Theater on September 17, 2016. And for someone who had totally changed her lifestyle (180 degrees from her previous lifestyle) as well as eating habits—Ai Ai is now ready to perform onstage again as she’s back in her ‘fighting form’. She had recently received a lot of compliments after showing off her curves on her official Instagram account where Ai Ai had her photo taken in a two piece swimsuit. At her age, Ai Ai had proven that it’s never too late to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Fine Japan introduces Etiquette Rose and Turmeric Extract in PH, now available at Watsons stores nationwide

Press release: 

Fine Japan Co. Ltd., a 40-year old nutraceutical company based in Osaka, Japan and creator of the potent anti-aging product Premium HyC 150 recently introduced two new products that Filipino consumers would love.

Smell like a dozen roses everyday

For many years, both men and women use perfume or deodorizer to smell good and control body odor.  For many, it is the only way to mask body odor. Well not anymore. 

Introducing Etiquette Rose, an innovative health product made from natural ingredients to help fight body odor naturally, leaving you with a pleasant smell to feel confident.  Made from Bulgarian damask roses, a prime source of perfume oil since the ancient times, it’s the primary ingredient that gives Etiquette Rose its proven potency. Rose oil is one of the most precious products in the world as more than 2,500 roses should be gathered and processed just to obtain 1cc of oil. This rare ingredient is then mixed with organic elements like fermented rice germ and soybean oil, for their natural deodorizing properties.

Asian Fear Fest 2016: The Best Thriller Films to Watch Out For!

Bloody House

Press release: Thrill the channel where Fear is Fun, is fast becoming the definitive source of heart stopping, terrifying entertainment.  In this year’s Asian Fear Fest, Fear gets frighteningly familiar in a way only Asian Horror movies can, with movies that feature seemingly everyday scenarios that most people can relate to, until things go horrible sideways in the most bizarre and frighteningly terrifying way! 

Delusion 

Ancop Global Walk 2016: Lace Up Your Shoes and Help Send Deserving Scholars to School

I love walking. It’s the only activity that I enjoy apart from swimming. Walking gives me a sense of “me-time” especially since I am moving at a slower pace. I’m able to look around, observe people, discover small cafes, street art, interesting graffiti and other things that would normally be blur when you’re inside a moving vehicle—and to me, that’s pretty relaxing. Imagine my delight when I was invited to cover a blog conference organized by ANCOP (Answering the Cry of the Poor) called “Global Walk: Beyond Your Walk, their Dreams” whose goal is to spend one Sunday morning for an advocacy walk in order to send deserving children back to school. The said event is slated to happen and break records on August 14, 2016 to be held at the SM Mall of Asia grounds (near Ecommerce Building along the Bay). Now on its 6^th year, ANCOP are expecting more people to lace up and join them in their advocacy. They believe that taking a step will help make the scholars dream to come true.

ANCOP began 12 years ago in Canada when they thought of organizing an event where people of all ages and all walks of life can participate in raising funds for education and likewise create an awareness about ANCOP. ANCOP is Couple’s for Christ’s work with the poor initiative.

Roll Out the Red Carpet for Argentine Film Festival 2016 happening at The Shang + 5 Reasons Why You Should See Foreign Film Festivals

The red carpet has already been rolled out this year for film festivals. But have you ever thought about watching the foreign-language festival entries? Foreign films are useful for helping you improve your reading, listening and language skills. C'mon, admit it, A LOT of crappy, predictable, brain-numbing films are being shown commercially. It's nice to see some competition from the so-called "independent Film" genre as well as foreign film festivals (which are usually has FREE ADMISSION). To be honest, I enjoy watching these intelligent films more than the 'commercialized' ones. Now on its second year, Shangri-La Plaza Cineplex (home of the foreign film festivals + lifestyle and entertainment shopping destination) once again hosts the Argentine Film Festival from August 19 to 21, 2016. 

Long known for the quality of its film industry, Argentina’s film industry has produced emerging new directors, many of whom are associated with the New Argentine Cinema, are propelling Argentina’s film industry back into the spotlight. Most of Argentine films are linked by a determinedly contemporary, forward-looking focus, smoothly mixing reality and fiction. Their films focuses and are more concerned with critiquing modern Argentine society, and delves into the lives of individual characters with such realism that we can see ourselves in the small details that are common in every human being. 

Relive Whitney Houston's Music with The Whitney Houston Show 2016 in the Philippines featuring Belinda Davids

August 9, 2012 would have marked Whitney Houston’s 53rd birthday.  As we all know, the singer/actress tragically passed in 2012 just one day before the Grammy’s.  Fans of the late great singer will be happy to note that DMC Entertainment Production Management takes you back down the memory lane. As a tribute to the late soulful singer, DMC Entertainment Production brings The Whitney Houston Show 2016 in the Philippines featuring Belinda Davids. 

The late Whitney Houston

Houston was an influence on every major female pop star, and on the TV talent shows that now dominate the music industry. For young girls like me back then in the 90's, belting out Houston’s soulful rendition of her hit song "I Will Always Love You" in our bathrooms is something that will always be a happy childhood memory. Admittedly, Houston's "The Greatest Love Of All" was one of the first few songs I've learned to sing as a kid. It was a clear indication that Whitney Houston was indeed the most important pop singer of the last quarter-century. 

Known for her hit songs "Saving All My Love For You,” the upbeat record-breaking seven US No 1 single “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” to such amazing ballads like “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” and “I Know Him So Well.” All of these songs catapulted Whitney Houston as the biggest female star in the world. 

ProFriends' Lancaster New City in Cavite: The Family Friendly City Holds May Forever Free Mass Wedding for 17 Couples

It’s weird how we get wedding fantasies set in our heads when we are little girls. Everyone always says that they never thought about their wedding until they got engaged, but I’m not going to lie to you. I started dreaming about my wedding as soon as I could talk. When my mom gave me my first piggy bank at four, she asked me if I’d like to save for college. “No,” I told her “College is boring. I want to save for my wedding.” I still remember the horrified look on my feminist mother’s face. “But…” she said weakly, “You know that girls can do anything! What would you like to do?” “Save for my wedding dress,” I said firmly. 

As a child and teen, I remember knowing girls who could go on for hours about their someday wedding. They’d get this glazed, “welcome to the cult” expression on their faces, and describe in great detail the music, the flowers, the dresses, the shoes, the groom’s attire, the church, the way their father would walk them down the aisle, the limo, the rice, and where they’d be going on the honeymoon. They could describe the living hell out of everything but one essential element: the groom. 

“Do you take this man to be your lawful lovely husband,” said the priest who officiated Lancaster New City's "May Forever Libreng Kasalan," a free mass wedding held at the Church of the Holy Family in Lancaster New City, Imus, Cavite sponsored by ProFriends (Property Company of Friends, Inc.), a real estate company. This day is the day that every woman dreams of, her wedding day. Little girls would plan this day with all her girlfriends, picturing it to be that “picture perfect wedding”. Most girls dream of what they want their wedding to be. Is it on going to be on the top of the hill, on the beach during a sunset, or eloping? There are many different types of weddings, but to that particular woman, it’s her little touch that makes her wedding truly unforgettable.