RAMPA AT PASIKLABAND SA TAG ULAN: THE Rock Fashion Show

Get Ready to Rock, Ramp and Party/Jam with us as Diwata Productions in cooperation with Crux Events Production present, "RAMPA AT PASIKLABAND SA TAG ULAN: THE Rock Fashion Show"

featuring models such as Chayee Dela Cruz, Wenna Udan, Kat Rualez, Peachy Legaspi, Zette Sy, Katrina Payoyo and Diosa Milan. With Rock Performances from SHE, MR. RAUL SALAMAT, DIWATA and Many More. August. 4, 2012, 7pm at Infinity Lounge, 5th Floor, Centerpoint Building, Export Bank Drive corner Chino Roces, Makati City.

Php 350.00 with free 2 beers and Php 500.00 worth of Kickers Discount Card. For tickets and vip reservations text 09154061967 - Globe, 09195558425 - Smart, 09239519341 - Sun.

This event is sponsored by Prime Lens-Photography, Diosa Mila Creations, Pinoyrapinfo and Infinity Lounge.

NBA Coach Erik Spoelstra in Manila for NBA Fit 2011

Media Presscon in New World Hotel Makati City, July 16.2011

TOFARM MEDIA LAUNCH: REMARKS BY MRS. MILAGROS ONG-HOW

Good morning everyone. Thank you very much for coming today to share our excitement about this search for The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines.

We are happy that JCI has again undertaken this project that pays tribute to the Filipino farmers. Today our farmers are not just those into traditional planting. Today’s farmers include modern farmers – those in agri-business, fisher folk, animal raisers, co-ops, farm communities, scientists, the academe, LGUs, both urban and rural.

Our company, Universal Harvester, has been working closely with farmers all over the country for the past several years – meeting with them, consulting with them, educating them about modern farming and farming technology, and listening to their specific needs and aspirations.

Because of this, I believe that farmers and our agricultural sector still play the most crucial role in our survival as a people; and hold the key to our collective health, wealth and progress as a nation.

TOFARM is our way of recognizing the men and women who work for the sustainability of our food supply – a very inspiring endeavour for us at Universal Harvester – because we share JCI’s dream of reviving the glory of Philippine agriculture by promoting farming as a noble, lucrative profession, especially for the youth.

It makes me sad to hear that many of today’s generation are no longer interested to till the land of their fathers or to pursue their family livelihood in agriculture. Instead most want to pursue city jobs or become doctors, lawyers and engineers. But as our national hero Jose Rizal said, not all can be doctors. Some will have to stay and cultivate the land. Gaya ng sinabi ng ating pambansang bayani sa kanyang kapatid na si Lucia : “Hindi lahat tayo ay maaaring maging doctor. Kina-kailangang mayroong ilan na magbungkal ng lupa”.

That is why our mission and vision is to make agriculture attractive for the next generations and for the entire country once again.

We want the Philippines to excel in farming, to be competitive on the world stage, to produce more so that we can feed our own and not have to rely on importing crops and produce. After all, farming is the livelihood that comes naturally to Filipinos. We are an agricultural country and farming is what has made us thrive through the years. Achievements in this field will have a ripple effect on other sectors. Investments and scientific advancements are sure to follow.

As we launch TOFARM today, we ask for the help of our friends in media to help us spread the word about TOFARM so that we can inspire more people to excel in this old and noble profession. Eventually, ultimately, we hope to become self-sufficient in the one thing that our country lacks most today : food for all, sufficiency for a greater number.

With your help, our farmers will get to feel appreciated and motivated to learn more and to do more. And we sincerely hope that TOFARM will help to set them in this direction.

Again, thank you very much for coming. Mabuhay ang magsasakang Pilipino!

Resources:

Credit picture to the original owner:

http://pinoyweekly.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/philippine-rice-farmers.jpg

http://pinoyweekly.org/new/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/PW-pantabangan-magsasaka.jpg

http://hindiakokoreano.blogspot.com/2012/06/magpasalamat-tayo-sa-mga-magsasaka.html

JCI Philippines, Universal Harvester launch The Outstanding Farmers Awards 2012

JCI Philippines and Universal Harvester, Inc. (UHI) today launched the search and awards for TOFARM 2012 -- The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines recognition program -- for the most noteworthy achievers and achievements in the agriculture sector of 2012.

The nationwide awards program cites the achievements of both public and private entities engaged in farming and includes traditional and modern farmers, fisherfolk, animal raisers, cooperatives, farm communities, organizations, scientists, the academe, LGUs and public employees, as well as business entities in rural and urban areas.

The Awards Program is the special tribute set aside by the Junior Chamber International-Philippines for the agricultural sector which is seen to still be the main driver of the country’s development.

Its main goal, according to JCI Philippines National President Randolf Ivan Ruste, is to foster the steady increase of youth venturing into the agriculture sector, invigorating investment and scientific advancement to achieve sustainable food supply.

Ruste said JCI partnered with Universal Harvester this year to pursue the program last held in 2003. “We have found our perfect fit in pursuing our common vision of helping the Filipino farmer in Universal Harvester,” Ruste said. “We are both concerned about the improvement of conditions for the farmer and are working together for better urban-rural relations through a keener understanding of agricultural concerns.”

UHI, a progressive Filipino company, is involved in the direct manufacturing, local distribution and exportation of a number of world-class quality fertilizers. “We are passionately pursuing our mission of reviving Philippine agriculture by promoting farming as a noble, lucrative profession and a key pillar in nation building,” said Mrs. Milagros Ong-How, UHI Executive Vice President. “Through these Awards, we also want to excite rural and urban youth about farming. We want them to see it as a viable, highly rewarding career and a great way to help their country.”

The UHI lady executive said her dream is for the Filipino youth to go back to the land and revive its promise besides just aspiring towards high-paying jobs in the city.

“Today’s farmer faces both great challenges and wonderful opportunities. With assistance, they can turn the agriculture sector around so it can fulfil its main goal of achieving food sustainability for present and future generations. Many farmers now are entrepreneurs engaged in agribusiness that deals with various aspects of farming, including technology, farm implements, fertilizers and insecticides that will raise the volume and quality of crops while taking care not to violate environmental regulations. There is a bright future for the youth in farming,” Mrs. How added.

TOFARM will give out 11 awards this year, said TOFARM Project Chairman Rommel Cunanan : six in the individual category and five in the group category. These are : Farmer, Fisherfolk, Livestock, Agri-Entrepreneur, Young Farmer, Agricultural Innovator and Urban/City Farmer in the individual category; and Agriculture Cooperative, Family Farmer, Local Government Unit, Agriculture Initiatives and People’s Choice in the group category.

The nomination period for Outstanding Farmer candidates begins August 1and will end on September 30. Validation and Judging of nominees will take place in October and November, while the Awarding takes place in December.

Nominations may be submitted as hard copy or sent online to www.tofarm.org. Nomination forms may be downloaded from the website.

For more information, call the TOFARM Hotline 709-5001 to 54, fax 709-5006 or email info.tofarm@gmail.com.

The search for the next K-Pop Superstar begins!

tvN, Asia’s leading Korean Entertainment Channel launches K-Pop Star Hunt Season 2 and is once again looking for the next K-POP Superstar!

Mania, Philippines, July 19 – Are you aspiring to be Korea’s next pop sensation? Make K-Pop Star Hunt your first step to stardom! With the success of its first season – attracting more than 50 million viewers across Asia – K-Pop Star Hunt is set to make its triumphant comeback for a second season.

Through K-Pop Star Hunt (Season 2), talents across Asia will have the incredible opportunity to make K-Pop miracles of their own. Aspirants from the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Japan will be given the opportunity to battle it out to become the next K-Pop superstar.

Each country will be selecting the most outstanding contestants from each territory for preliminary auditions. After the contestants’ heated battles, the survivors will be flown to Seoul to receive professional training and compete for the final showdown in Korea!

The finalists’ ups and downs on the road to success will be captured and shown on the reality series on tvN. What’s more is that several popular K-POP stars will be featured every week. They will be mentoring the contestants, performing in the show, and even taking the judging roles.

The winner of the contest will receive an intensive vocal training along with an album release. The winning star will also get a chance to make a debut stage appearance on 2013 MAMA, the leading international music awards show in Korea.

Last year, K-Pop Star Hunt (Season 1) winner Thai-native Sorn bagged an exclusive contract with South Korea’s top record label Cube Entertainment, home to A-list pop groups BEAST, 4Minute and female artist G.NA. Thanks to the reality series, Sorn has soared to stardom and has moved to Seoul for her debut album training.

To audition, all you need to do is bring out your cam and star filming. Upload your best K-POP sing-and-dance routines to K-Pop Star Hunt’s official website at www.tvnstarhunt2.com. Submission of entries ends on September.

For more details, check www.tvnstarhunt2.com

‘Breaking In’ airs this August on AXN: A workplace comedy that takes office politics to the next level of genius

Breaking In is a workplace comedy with a twist about a security firm that takes extreme – and often questionable – measures to sell their services. Starting this August 9 at 9:05pm, hang out and laugh out loud with the Contra Security gang exclusively on AXN.

Created by Horrible Bosses director Seth Gordon and Fanboys screenwriter Adam F. Goldberg, the series follows a group of uniquely skilled oddball geniuses who give clients a sense of security by first ripping it away.

Owing to his underground reputation as a master computer hacker, college student Cameron Price (Bret Harrison) is recruited by Contra Security, a high-tech firm run by the enigmatic mastermind Oz (Christian Slater). Though Cameron is happy to continue his college career, Oz and his oddball team – lock-picker extraordinaire Melanie (Odette Yustman), tech geek Cash Sparks (Alphonso McAuley), and master of disguise Josh Armstrong (Trevor Moore) – refuse to take “no” for an answer.

So when Oz threatens to expose his illicit computer pranks, Cameron suddenly finds himself butting heads with Josh as he and his new colleagues employ an arsenal of questionable tactics to test the “impenetrable” security systems of clients that include a luxury car dealer, a Hollywood movie studio and an art gallery. Guest stars include Ted McGinley and NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson.

Breaking In premieres with back-to-back episodes on August 6, 9:05pm, first and exclusively on AXN.

Noah’s Ark: A Patch of Pet Heaven

Pinoys are natural pet lovers. To date, the Philippines is one of the top 5 countries in the world with the most number of household pets. But gone were the days when pets are merely trusty watchdogs at home. Many owners have come to treat their pets as companions, friends and even as kids of their own.

What used to be just veterinary clinics to give medical attention to our pets, now services are being offered for all sorts of our pet needs. From pet dental clinics, to grooming salons, obedience class for pets and even pet hotels. All are aimed to provide the best care for our beloved animal friends.

But one important need for our pet is often overlooked- the need for a decent resting place when they pass on.

Last February 18, BM Cremation Services Inc. and Zoomanity Group, held a groundbreaking ceremony for Noah’s Ark, the very first pet columbaria in the country. The ceremony was held at the 300sqm area at Zoomanity’s Theme Park Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite. Zoomanity President Robert L. Yupangco and Noah’s Ark Founder and President Tetet Zapanta-Huit signed a contract for the joint venture which coincided with the theme park’s celebration of the Animal Festival.

“Noah’s Ark Pet Columbaria is the very first pet columbarium in the Philippines,” says Zapanta-Huit, “This is a haven that provides dignity to our beloved pets and memorializes the families' years of unconditional love and devotion. It will exist to provide a memorial and final resting place for our beloved pets.”

Animal advocate and Noah’s Ark PR Executive Karla Kangleon shares she asked Zapanta-Huit to create a crematorium for pets when the latter started BM Cremation Services, a crematorium for humans, three years ago.

“I’ve lost many pets through the years due to illnesses or old age. Each time a beloved pet passes away, I asked myself, ‘Where can I bury my pet?’ I later found out that it was also a frequently asked question by many of my relatives and friends who also had pets,” says Kangleon.

Noah’s Ark will be constructed within the Paradizoo Park vicinity. The garden themed pet columbaria will consist of 4000 vaults than can each fit ashes of dogs, cats and pocket pets. Owners of larger animals like horses may place their animal’s urns in three to four adjacent vaults.

“The client has the option to place an urn in the niche initially and reserve the remaining spot for the pets they have at home. The client may also have the option to purchase a single vault as bonery for a single pet if they don’t want their pets cremated,” adds Zapanta-Huit.

Kangleon adds, “The privilege of choosing your pet’s burial is something that offers a sense of comfort and peace that pet owners are sure to appreciate. This inspired us to create Noah’s Ark, that way we can provide pet owners with a chance to properly say goodbye to their demised pets. “

Not only will you give a decent resting place for your pets, you are also helping other unfortunate animals in the country as Noah’s Ark also advocates animal welfare. With every vault that you buy for your pets, proceeds will be donated to Cara Welfare Philippines and Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). “We want Noah’s Ark to positively affect the state of animal welfare in the country,” adds Zapanat-Huit.

For most owners, pets are no longer just pets but as loyal family members that we truly care about. The bond between owners and pets can be very strong especially after sharing years of happiness together. Now this special bond can live even as our pets pass on.

With the opening of Noah’s Ark soon, our trusty pets can get the love and affection they deserve while with us on earth and even in the life after.

The Ultimate Jessica Sanchez SKYPE Party!

16 year old Filipino-Mexican sweetheart Jessica Sanchez has long won the world by capturing the hearts of many with her brilliant singing style and over the top performance during the eleventh season of the reality television singing competition, American Idol.

This Sunday, July 29, be ready to get your hearts captured again by the American Idol songstress as MCA Music and Astroplus invite you to “The Ultimate Jessica Sanchez SKYPE Party!” --- An exciting event where fans all over the metro will get the rare chance to bond with their idol through a LIVE SKYPE SESSION from 10:00 am onwards at the SM Megamall Event Center (former ice skating rink). Fun games, exclusive Jessica Sanchez signed items and a guest performance by Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina await those who will attend the party.

Jessica Sanchez: American Idol Season 11 Highlights album is out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at all leading record bars nationwide.

Catch your favorite American Idols Live! this September 21^st at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as the Top 10 finalists of American Idol Season 11 perform for their only concert in Asia! American Idol Live! Tour is presented by Ovation Productions brought to you by ETC, 2^nd Avenue, Jack TV, MYX Music Channel, MYXPH.com, BusinessWorld and HerWord.com. Get your tickets now at www.TicketNet.com

GREG’S JOURNALS CONTINUES ON THE BIG SCREEN IN “DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS”

Robert Capron and Zachary Gordon in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID DOG DAYS

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” is the third and latest big screen installment of author Jeff Kinney’s wildly popular series of illustrated novels about wise-cracking but hapless middle school student Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon). As Greg confides to his diary (though, as he likes to point out, “It’s NOT a diary, it’s a journal!”), middle school is “the dumbest idea ever invented,” a never-ending ordeal involving – among other appalling things – wedgies, bullies, morons and swirlies. And if you don’t know what a swirly is, then lucky you.

Returning with Zachary Gordon for more mayhem in the community are his brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick) who’s older but not wiser and his best friend Rowley (Robert Capron) whose wholesome outlook in life makes him the coolest kid around along with Fregley (Grayson Russell), Holly (Peyton List), Patty (Laine MacNeil) and Chirag (Karan Brar).

Zachary Gordon in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID DOG DAYS

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” is based on Kinney’s third and fourth Wimpy Kid books, The Last Straw and Dog Days. Kinney, who worked closely with the screenwriters, producers and director, says, “We have an obligation to our readers, to make sure we’re protecting their expectations and don’t stray too far from the books.”

Simpson notes, “Some fans will ask, what happened to the third book, The Last Straw? We incorporated elements of it into“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”, and we brought other elements into“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days”. For the latter, this enabled us to get outside of the school and do a summer-themed movie. This was a great opportunity to expand Greg’s world. People usually look at summer vacation as a golden time, but for Greg it’s just as tough as the school year. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is a really fun book that turns summer on its head, and I think we’ve done that in the movie. We also have some new elements that feel like they’re part of Jeff Kinney’s world.”

Indeed, the filmmakers are quick to praise Zachary’s achievements in bringing Greg Heffley to life on screen. “I can’t imagine anyone else playing this role,” says Simpson. “We started out, three years ago, with a stick figure in Jeff’s book, and had many discussions about what that stick figure would look like if it came to life. We decided that it was really about attitude – a little bit of a hustler, a little bit of salesman, and of course, a wimp. Greg is a good kid, but still trying to get ahead the way that kids do. Zach has really nailed this role and I think it’s hard for kids, when they read the books, to imagine anyone but Zach as Greg.”

Zachary’s Greg still plays off his friends, including Rowley, and troublemaker older brother Rodrick, but “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” also sees Greg spending more time with his dad, Frank. Jacobson notes: “This movie is about Greg and his father, and we get a much fuller sense of who Frank is as a character and more of an opportunity to enjoy Steve Zahn, who’s played the role in all three pictures. And, while we’ve had the amazing comedic weapon that is Steve in our arsenal all along, it’s great to finally let it loose.” Kinney says, “In the books, the parents are kind of background characters; Greg doesn’t even know what his father does for a living. But Steve has done wonders with the Frank character, and adds humor to everything he does.” Rachael Harris adds, “There are some very laugh-out-loud slapsticky things Steve does that nobody can do better.”

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” opens August 15 in theaters from 20^th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

CIDG seized P.5M worth of Molten counterfeit basketballs

The Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) seized more than 200 pieces of fake basketballs amounting close to P500,000 from three sports boutiques last month.

On the strength of a court-issued search and seizure warrant, the CIDG found Mix Sports, Jianwang and Plus Sports commercial stores in Divisoria engaged in marketing and selling imitations of Molten basketball models GL7 and GG7 and were selling these items at the retail prices of the original models.

Molten Molten Representative Atty. Raul Allado explains to media the difference of authentic Molten balls from fake ones in a CIDG-led raid in Divisoria recently.

In a statement by Molten Corporation Japan thru its exclusive distributor to the Philippines, Sonia Trading, the company expressed their concern due to losses caused by the proliferation of imitations of their patented basketballs and the complaints of customers who unknowingly purchased fake balls sold at their original prices.

According to Molten representative Atty. Raul Allado, “the operation signals the beginning of a vigorous campaign by Molten, by and through our government authorities, to rid the market of fake Molten products which continue to proliferate to the prejudice of the unknowing public.”

Molten Representative Atty. Raul Allado presents a sample of confiscated Molten basketballs in Divisoria amounting to P500,000

“Though similar at first, the skin of a fake ball peels off easily and the markings and black channel lines are different. Discoloration and change of texture is often observed in a fake ball even without heavy usage,” Allado said. He added that an authentic Molten ball comes with a 2-year factory warranty and is sold inflated to avoid deformity.

The CIDG submitted the confiscated balls to the Intellectual Property Office for custody pending their presentation as evidence in connection with the cases filed against the owners of said commercial establishments in violation of Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code.

The Molten GL7 and GG7 genuine leather models are used in the Philippines Basketball Association, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and in the upcoming 2012 London Olympics.