.

.

Photography

Play Freerice and feed the hungry

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

LOGAN LERMAN MEETS HALF-BROTHER TYSON IN “PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS”

Logan Lerman reprises the titular role as the teen demigod son of Poseidon prophesied to save the world of the gods’ children sired with humans in “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters.”

Produced by Chris Columbus whose successful string of blockbusters includes the “Harry Potter” films, “Percy Jackson: Lightning Thief,” “Fantastic Four,” “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Surfer,” “Night at the Museum” and “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” the latest adventure of Percy Jackson adapted from Rick Riordan’s 2nd book from the best selling series “Percy Jackson and The Olympians” finds Percy at waters’ ends dealing with shocking family revelations, saving his best friend Grover from a Cyclops and battling fellow demigods to ultimately stop the evil Kronos from wreaking havoc to their world.

lerman daddario smith PERCYJACKSONSEAOFMONSTERS

Lerman Daddario Smith PERCY JACKSON SEA OF MONSTERS

In “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” the Oracle further complicates Percy’s sense of self and duty, says Lerman, when it tells him he “is either going to destroy Olympus or save it. He’s not sure if he can rise to the occasion.” Percy has a lot at stake, according to Freudenthal. “He’s trying to save Camp Half-Blood and prove himself as a hero. He’s grown distant from his father, who is not really responding to his requests for help. Percy embarks upon his ‘odyssey’ for two reasons: to save his home, and to ascertain if he is indeed a hero.”

On his journey to battle demigod Luke (played by Jake Abel) and retrieve the Golden Fleece, Percy discovers he has a half-brother, Tyson (Douglas Smith), who is a Cyclops. “Tyson is a sweet, teenage Cyclops,” says director Thor Freudenthal. “Cyclopes are viewed as monsters, but everything about Tyson is the opposite of that.”

logan lerman and douglas smith PERCY JACKSON SEA OF MONSTERS

Logan Lerman and Douglas Smith PERCY JACKSON SEA OF MONSTERS

Tyson is a warrior, of sorts,” says Douglas Smith, who plays the one-eyed teen. “He’s a really soulful, salt of the earth Cyclops. Tyson is one of those people who seem overly simple but he’s actually got a deep wisdom. It comes in handy in the quest because he’s got a variety of skills that only Cyclopes have. He’s a good guy, and identifies more with the Half-Bloods than with the other Cyclopes, who like to eat demigods. Tyson looks like a villain, but he has a heart of gold and that can be very confusing when people meet him. And it’s confusing for him, too.”

Like Percy, Tyson is a son of Poseidon, but while Percy’s mother is human, Tyson’s mother was a sea nymph. Smith describes the sibling relationship: “Percy and Tyson are half-brothers, but Tyson doesn’t like to harp on that. Percy doesn’t expect to have a brother show up at camp, he doesn’t expect to bring him along on the journey, and he does not expect to be won over by Tyson’s optimism and point of view, which is fresh and filled with wonder. Ultimately, Percy realizes that Poseidon is looking out for him, because he sent Tyson to Percy.”

SH0060_cmp_v2110.0300.tif

Percy, Annabeth, Tyson metts a sea horse in PERCY JACKSON SEA OF MONSTERS

Initially, the filmmakers planned to give Smith a prosthetic eye, but they decided to create the eye mostly through visual effects. The prosthetic shrank in size from a full facemask to a small forehead application that created the effect of a single brow, which Smith only had to sport when Tyson wears sunglasses. And, as in the book, an application of magical mist creates the illusion of Tyson having two eyes; for those scenes, Smith wears only his own visage.

Douglas Smith is best known for his starring role as Ben Henrickson on HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Big Love,” starring Bill Paxton and Jeanne Tripplehorn. He also starred in the indie film “Remember the Daze,” opposite Amber Heard, Leighton Meester and Lyndsy Fonseca, He recently starred in the independent “The Boy Who Smells Like Fish,” opposite Zoë Kravitz and was recently seen in Brandon Cronenberg’s “Antiviral.”

“Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” (3D and 2D) opens August 7 in theaters nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

2nd Laguna Blogging Summit website launched

The 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit officially started its Social Media campaign by launching its new website. All netizens or curious social revolutionist could now check the updates, speakers and sponsorship packages at "labsph.com" which is just newly constructed with the help of SEO strategist Mark Aksay.
The list of speakers are visible in front page and now everyone could have an advance free registration online. For this year, the 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit is expected to be bigger since the first one was a huge success and contributed to the huge influx of tourist to the province of Laguna.

970437_10200207028720940_215901227_n

#‎2LaBS‬ THEME for 2013 is ‪#‎SocialrEvolutionist‬

"The laguna blogging summit last year was a huge success judging from the no. of participants who attended. More importantly we were able to project a positive and progressive image for the province under the transformative leadership of gov "ER" ejercito - estregan. The social media event of the Year was able to help laguna increase tourism arrivals from 2.2 million in 2008 to 4.8 million in 2012. We hope to continue this partnership with 2labs and the social media community for a more progressive and vibrant "bagong laguna" ! Mabuhay ang 2Labs at Mabuhay ang Pilipinas !" According to former 2nd District Board Member of Laguna and now the new Philippine Red Cross Assistant Secretary General Neil Andrew Nocon.

998736_149675405234485_809346424_n

The Social Media Launch of the website was well attended either. Attendees were Philippine Red Cross Digital Strategies Kenneth Lloyd Dimalibot, Zoomanity Group representatives under its honcho Robert Laurel Yupangco that includes Jhoy Galas, Sassy Punzalan, Karen Cerral & Evie Ronquillo, ‪#‎2LaBS‬ organizers includes Dianne Salonga, Florencio Jusay Jr., Carl Valezona, Ivan Saldajeno, Mac Vasquez, Ross Del Rosario, Gelo Lopez, Yamito Calamba and yours truly.

1002868_10200117272116492_1191318647_n

Greenwich Pizza restaurant at Philfirst Building along Ayala avenue at Makati sponsored the Social Media Launched and committed to support all #2LaBS meetings.

The organizers would like to thank also Zoomanity Group @zoomanitygroup for bringing in at the launch 3 kinds of GCs worth Php 30k to support the Social Media campaign of the event by including it as prizes.
Organizers would like to thank the following sponsors and partners; Province of Laguna under Governor "ER" Ejercito, Governors Office, Chief of Staff Carlos F. Dolendo, Philippine Red Cross Assistant Secretary General Neil Andrew Nocon, Gardenia Bakers Philippines Inc., Air Asia, Commission on Elections, Café Lupe, 100 Miles Cafe, Cafe De Bonifacio, Oriang, Greenwich, Mac Carranz International Corp, Melbas Farm, Andrew Grace Home Builders, Casa Alegria Condotel, Galiliea Events Place, Zoomanity Group, Kliping Times, socialscene.ph, wheninmanila.com, The Tribune Post, WazzupPilipinas.com, Blog-ph.com, Ronda Balita, Manila Channel and Magic Expose.

For more information about the 2nd Laguna Blogging Summit, please contact the lead organizer, Miss Grace Bondad Nicolas, at mobile number 09213191471. You may also e-mail her at gracenicolas@yahoo.com.

The Event website is at http://www.labsph.com

Hubad in General Santos City Fine Art Nude Photography and Post Processing Workshop

September 14.2013
For Inquiries please call/text: # 0922 8030 200
Limited slots only!

1098506_10151626740954302_178650385_n

Course Outline:
--We will discuss equipment and basic lighting set-ups for photographing the nude form.
-We will explore and learn how to use studio lights and ambient light.
-Learn the right combination using Photoshop effects and filters.
-Special emphasis for the specific lighting and posing techniques
-Photoshop trick to expand the range of your fine art images.
-How to create an abstract with your model that combined with the right lighting, angle, or prop can produce classic abstract art nude images that are eye catching.

Requirements :
-Basic knowledge in Photoshop
-Laptop with working Photoshop CS5 /CS6
-DSLR Camera
- Laptop w/mouse

History of The Eagles DVD Hits 7X Platinum in Canada!

During the hotly anticipated Canadian leg of their History of The Eagles tour, American rock band The Eagles received a 7x Platinum Award from the team at Universal Music Canada for their DVD of the same name. The History of The Eagles DVD has been number one in Canada since it was released ten weeks ago.

platinum2

As the title would suggest, the tour’s shows have featured songs from across the band’s extensive catalogue and sees the more recent Eagles line-up reunited with Bernie Leadon who originally left the band in 1975. History of The Eagles is a meticulous creation featuring rare archival material, concert footage, and never-before-seen home movies that explore the evolution and enduring popularity of one of the world’s biggest-selling and culturally significant American bands.

Famous for their all-time hits such as “Hotel California”, “I Can’t Tell You Why”, “Desperado”, “New Kid In Town”, “Life in the Fast Lane”, “Lyin’ Eyes” and so much more, American rock band The Eagles have already sold more than 150 million albums worldwide, earned five No. 1 U.S. singles and six GRAMMY® Awards. Their current North American tour has sold out venues in over 20 states in the US as well as in Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Quebec in Canada.

History of The Eagles under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) is now available on Deluxe DVD, Standard DVD or Blu-Ray at participating Astroplus/Astrovision, Odyssey Music and Video and Fully Booked record stores nationwide. | For more information about this release, visit www.facebook.com/mcamusic.ccj

Informatics International College Talknology Series with Microsoft Philippines


Supported by: Philippine Information Technology Organization and Jigabytes Technologies

Saturday, August 3, 2013 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Marikina City, Philippines

logo

Informatics International College SM Marikina & Cainta Campus In cooperation with Microsoft Philippines

Presents the Informatics Talknology Series entitled: What’s Beyond The Cloud?

Featuring

Windows Azure (Microsoft's Cloud Platform)

Mr. Edison Tan Open Source Software Specialist

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Windows Azure

With Special Topics:


Windows 8 / 8.1

Mr. Eufer Passion Windows Client Marketing Specialist

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Windows Client

Office 2013

Mr. John Erwin Magno Product Specialist - Microsoft Office

Microsoft Most Valuable Professional - Office System

Windows Phone 8

Visual Studio 2013

Microsoft Student Partners

Nat King Cole Revisited Through New Albums from GEORGE BENSON & NATALIE COLE GEORGE BENSON’s Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole

After four years of touring and developing "An Unforgettable Tribute to Nat King Cole," the legendary George Benson makes his most inspired album: Inspiration: A Tribute to Nat King Cole. The recording is one of the most meaningful of Benson's career and is a testament to the spirit of Cole's timeless body of work. Benson's heartfelt renditions of some of Cole's greatest songs with Nelson Riddle arrangements and the 42-piece Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra are complemented by duets with Tony Award winner Idina Menzel and rising star Judith Hill, along with a special collaboration with multi-GRAMMY and Pulitzer Prize-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. As a dream project for Benson, this album is a love letter to Cole and a tribute in gratitude for his deep musical inspiration. It also demonstrates how uniquely suited Benson is to recreate and interpret these timeless treasures. Highlights on the album include an adaptation of Nelson Riddle’s arrangement of “Just One of Those Things,” with a signature Benson vocal/guitar scat solo, and Benson’s reading of the original chart of “Nature Boy,” which he previously interpreted and made and a pop hit in the late 70’s. The album also contains stunning duets with Idina Menzel on “When I Fall In Love,” and Judith Hill on “Too Young,” as well the incomparable trumpet work of Wynton Marsalis on a fresh new arrangement of “Unforgettable.” The album begins with a rare recording of “Little Georgie Benson” (age 8) singing “Mona Lisa” which stemmed from a singing contest Benson won and the award was the opportunity to record a song at a recording studio. Benson began singing Nat King Cole songs as a child in Pittsburgh and this recording not only shows his incredible range and musicality at the time but also the depth of admiration Benson has had for Cole from such a young age.

mainhead_instoresnow_blank

En Español by NATALIE COLE

Yes--or in this case, sí­-Natalie Cole's first album in Spanish includes a duet with her late father. And like "Unforgettable," the song that won a Grammy Award in 1992 and foreshadowed today's holographic performance trend, the black-tie rumba "Acercate Mas" ("Come Closer to Me") will pluck at heartstrings and transport fans of Nat "King" Cole-in this case to '50s Havana, where he learned to sound out the lyrics for Cole Español, the first of his three Spanish recordings. “Natalie Cole en Español” features some of the same numbers covered on those historic albums, and other romantic evergreens familiar to international audiences. Andrea Bocelli joins Cole on "Besame Mucho." Produced by Latin hitmaker Rudy Perez, the set also includes contemporary classics: Juan Luis Guerra's enduring '90s hit "Bachata Rosa"-featuring the superstar Dominican artist-and "Oye Como Va."

nataliecole

GEORGE BENSON’s "INSPIRATION" and NATALIE COLE’s "EN ESPAÑOL" are now available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked or online via iTunes or Smart Music! http://music.smart.com.ph/ | For more information about this release, visit www.facebook.com/mcamusic.ccj

HAYLEY WESTENRA’s Gift for the Royal Baby “Sleep On” from Hayley’s new album “Hushabye” --- Composed for the Royal Couple’s Newborn Baby Boy

Congratulatory messages are flooding in from around the world to mark the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son, the third in line to the throne (From BBC UK). In line with the celebration, the biggest selling classical artist of the 21st century Hayley Westenra has teamed up with royal wedding composer Paul Mealor for an album of lullabies dedicated to Prince William’s and Kate Middleton’s newborn.

Hayley_Hushabye

The track Sleep On from Westenra’s latest album “Hushabye” was specially written by Paul Mealor and world renowned composer Brendan Graham (lyricist for ‘You Raise Me Up’). Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge personally chose Mealor’s music for their wedding back in 2011. Westenra, who has performed for the Prince of Wales, said: "Paul and I got together to work on a song called Sleep On in honour of William and Kate's new arrival as it's such a joyous occasion which we can all celebrate."

Hushabye”, released under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), comprises a careful selection of music that will calm and soothe both children and adults alike. Westenra’s voice compliments the considered orchestration, with acoustic guitar, piano, flute and warm strings, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. This album includes bedtime favourites such as Hushabye Mountain and Twinkle Twinkle, alongside timeless classics that reach beyond the realm of lullabies, like Dream A Little Dream of Me and All Through the Night.

“Sleep On” Lyrics

The world out there

The heavens all to sleep

And I am here

A watch with you to keep

Sleep on... sleep on... sleep deep and sleep strong

Sleep on... sleep on... the road of life is long

I whisper a prayer, may your path be clear

Sleep on

May you be wise

In answer to your call

May you still rise

If ever you should fall

Sleep on... sleep on... sleep deep and sleep strong

Sleep on... sleep on... the road of life is long

I whisper a prayer, may your path be clear

Sleep on… sleep on... sleep on!

HAYLEY WESTENRA’s "HUSHABYE" is now available in CDs at Astroplus, Odyssey Music & Video and Fully Booked or online via iTunes http://smarturl.it/hushabyedlxph or Smart Music http://smart.com.ph/music | For more information about this release, visit www.facebook.com/mcamusic.ccj

Introducing: “bastille” And their debut album Bad blood

Bad Blood is the debut studio-album by British band, Bastille. It features the singles "Overjoyed", "Bad Blood", "Flaws", "Pompeii", "Laura Palmer" and "Things We Lost in the Fire".

Cover_Bad Blood_72RGB

Included in their debut album is their best-selling single “Pompeii” --- the most successful international release to date, debuting at number two and became the group's first top five hit. It also gave Bastille their first number-one single, charting atop the charts in Scotland and Ireland.

The album was recorded in London, UK; produced by Mark Crew and Dan Smith.

Photo_Bad Blood_72RGB

Upon its March release this year in the band’s native United Kingdom, Bad Blood debuted at #1 on the UK Albums Chart. The album has spawned five singles so far, with a sixth scheduled for release in September. “Flaws” saw the group break into the Top 40 for this first time, charting at #21 on the UK singles charts. Meanwhile, “Pompeii”, the fourth single lifted from the album, achieved massive popularity, debuting at #2 in the UK and #1 in both Ireland and Scotland. The stirring percussion and extraordinarily catchy melody, along with front man Dan Smith’s refined vocals, make “Pompeii” addictively listenable. The single’s music video has already attracted an incredible 28 million views. “Pompeii” is available as a digital single on the Apple iTunes store - download a copy now.

Bastille first emerged in 2010 and subsequently built up a strong following of fans, earning them a feature in The Guardian as “New Band of the Day” in July of 2012. The following month, they performed at the revered Reading and Leeds music festivals, before embarking on their Overjoyed Tour in October. 2013 was a big year for Bastille as they supported the ultra-popular band Muse on their world tour and headlined their first festival, Sea Sessions in Ireland, in addition to releasing Bad Blood in the UK.

Keep your eyes open for the album Bad Blood by Bastille, coming to the Philippines soon!

Watch out for “BAD BLOOD” album by BASTILLE exclusively under MCA Music in cooperation with SMART Music and LINE - a new communication app which allows you to make FREE voice calls and send FREE messages whenever and wherever you are, 24 hours a day!

Sentro 1771 Groundbreaking

Sentro 1771, Manila's very first Modern Filipino restaurant recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its third branch at Capitol Commons. With two branches located at Greenbelt 3 and Serendra Bonifacio Global City, the soon-to-rise Sentro 1771 is well located as it is envisioned to be the newest urban destination south of Ortigas Center. Foodies and families from Pasig and surrounding areas who crave more than the usual Filipino comfort food wil surely be delighted with Sentro's offerings. Targeting completion towards the end of the year, Sentro 1771 Capitol Commons will be located at Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard.

Official Photo

photo from left to right are Father Jun Sescon, Architect and Designer Noel Bernardo, Architect Anthony Cavida, 1771 Group CEO and Resaurateur Ricky Gutierrez and Executive Chef Vicky Rose Pacheco, and OCLP Holdings representatives Senior Vice President Joey Santos, General Manager Cathy Cesares-Ko, and Senior Manager Lanie Bukuhan.

Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt 3 is open from 11:00am to 11:00pm (Monday to Sunday) while Serendra is open from 7:00am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday) / 7:00am to 11:00pm (Friday to Saturday). For inquiries and reservations, call Sentro Greenbelt 3 (02) 757 3941 or Sentro Serendra (02) 856 0581. Visit website www.1771group.com or like Sentro 1771 in Facebook.

CAPITAL CITIES “Safe and Sound” #1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs

The sensational indie-pop twosome Capital Cities – composed of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian – released their phenomenal hit single “Safe and Sound” to international audiences this year. An undeniably satisfying blast of electronic dance pop, the single is a must-hear for music lovers everywhere.

artworks-000028433374-n48ctg-original

“Safe and Sound” highlights the duo’s immense talent for creating incredibly catchy melodies infused with strong electronic elements. With a sing-along-inspiring chorus and a contagious trumpet hook, backed up by the classic sound of an analogue synthesizer and a driving kick drum, the track is irresistibly danceable and can be downloaded here through iTunes. In 2011, the single was featured in a promotional video for Big Blue Test, a website dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for diabetes patients. On June 6 of this year, the band performed the song on Conan with Conan O’Brien, in their very-first TV appearance. The rousing performance showcased the band’s exhilarating sound as well as their electrifying stage presence, eliciting a tremendous response from the audience – watch the video here. Climbing to #1 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs and the German Singles chart, “Safe and Sound” has also been featured in a commercial by telecom giant Vodafone.

artworks-000013552001-hrtw5z-original

When Merchant and Simonian first got together as a musical pair in 2008, it wasn’t as the Capital Cities we know today. Instead, they partnered up as jingle-writers, producing memorable advertising tunes for major multinationals such as Honda, Home Depot, and Wal-Mart. Their proven natural ability to produce infectious hooks turned out to be a major advantage when they formed Capital Cities in 2010. “Safe and Sound” stands as a testament to their extraordinary pop sensibilities.

The smash hit “Safe and Sound” is now available online via iTunes, proudly brought to you by MCA Music, in cooperation with SMART Music and LINE.

SOULFUL NEW SINGLE “LOVE ME AGAIN” FROM JOHN NEWMAN

John Newman, the spectacular soul singer whose vocals propelled Rudimental’s single “Feel The Love” to #1 in the UK, has finally released the lead single from his forthcoming debut album. “Love Me Again” is the perfect showcase for Newman’s uniquely retro voice and well-honed songwriting abilities, rightfully catapulting the talented singer into the spotlight.

947220_416373011794099_96397919_n

Topping UK iTunes’ daily sales chart on the day of its release, “Love Me Again” shows off Newman’s raspy, soulful vocals on top of a rousing mix of percussion, lush strings, brass and piano. Since its release, it has ascended to the #1 spot on the UK singles charts. The song’s driving rhythm and festive instrumentation belie its true meaning, which is powerfully expressed through the singer’s soul-baring voice – according to Newman, the song is a real-life plea for an ex-girlfriend to forgive his unfaithfulness. With its musical and emotional impact, “Love Me Again” is definitely one track that will have you falling in love with Newman’s energizing musical stylings again and again. Get a copy now on Apple’s iTunes store.

john-newman

Growing up in the small town of Settle, North Yorkshire, John Newman fell in love with music after discovering his mother’s old soul records. Eschewing a life of loitering and petty crime, he quickly embraced his new passion and began DJing parties and writing his own material at home in a small cupboard under the stairs. After studying at the Leeds College of Music, he started to build up a strong following with his instantly recognizable voice. He was a featured vocalist on Rudimental’s invigorating single “Feel The Love”, which became a #1 hit in the UK. Since then, he has decided to launch his own solo career. With a #1 single already under his belt as a solo artist, Newman is off to a brilliant start and is certainly a name to watch in the coming years.

The #1 hit single “Love Me Again is now available on iTunes. Make sure to download your own copy today, brought to you by MCA Music, in collaboration with SMART and LINE.

Breakfast Bliss at Café 1771

Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict

Whether or not you’re a morning person, a hearty and delicious breakfast is a great reason to wake up early—especially when it's breakfast at Café 1771, where breakfast is served with enough imagination and charm to make anyone’s day.

NEWBFmenuback-MINTGREEN_NOV16

NEWBFmenufront-MINTGREEN_Nov16

Start a busy day in the quiet, library-inspired Lounge, or perk yourself up with Café 1771’s coffee concoctions amid the cheerful blue and fuschia hues of the Whimsy area. Chef Vicky Pacheco’s breakfast menu is carefully thought out, with nearly everything made from scratch, and using only the best and freshest ingredients.

Corned Beef Hole in One

Corned Beef Hole in One

Consider, for example, the Hole-in-One Corned Beef, made of spiced corned beef hash—prepared in-house, of course—with cubed potatoes and a dense sunny-side-up egg in the center. Served on a sizzling plate with rice or wheat bread on the side, this all-day favorite is big on size and flavor.

Corned Beef with Organic Eggs

Corned Beef with Organic Eggs

Considered the ultimate reward for egg lovers, Eggs Florentine in a Boat is two poached organic eggs with creamed spinach on a puff pastry and your choice of homemade ham or smoked salmon. This treat comes topped with  a velvety hollandaise sauce poured generously over the perfectly poached eggs.

Adobo Flakes in Fried Rice

Adobo Flakes in Fried Rice

Still not convinced? The irresistible aroma of Café 1771’s Adobo Flakes Fried Rice is sure to get anyone out of bed. This comforting offering is made of both pork and chicken adobo mixed with garlic rice and spring onions, then topped with a sunny-side-up egg.

For cheese lovers, the Croque Madame is a must-try – baked layers of ham, gruyere cheese and creamy bechamel sauce over a slice of English bread.

Spanish Tortilla with Chorizo

Spanish Tortilla with Chorizo

Power diners will choose to energize their day with a Spanish Tortilla with Chorizo. This dish is not to be confused with the well-known Mexican tortilla. Rather, it is a hearty Spanish omelette made of chopped potatoes, onions, chorizo and organic eggs.

It’s also been said that Café 1771 has the best pancakes this side of town. With the tang of sour cream playing off the deep sweetness of syrup made from scratch, Café 1771’s fluffy Sour Cream Pancakes are sure to bring cheer to anyone’s morning. Chef Vicky highly recommends the caramelized walnuts and bananas as toppings.

Bircher Muesli

Bircher Muesli

A traditional, fiber-loaded meal made of granola mix, Bircher Muesli is mixed nuts, raisins and yogurt with fresh fruit toppings as a tasty finish, and with just the right amount of sweetness in it.

If you believe that a great breakfast in good company can set the tone of the rest of the day, make sure to give your breakfast all the glory it deserves—at this bright and cheerful space called Café 1771.

LADY GAGA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF NEW SINGLE “APPLAUSE” AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE AUGUST 19TH FROM FORTHCOMING FOURTH STUDIO ALBUM ARTPOP

Album Pre-Order Moved to August 19th by Audience Demand; ARTPOP Album/App Available Worldwide November 11th Pop Icon to Perform at 2013 VMAs

clip_image002

Multi-platinum and Grammy Award-winning artist Lady Gaga has announced that the first single from her long-awaited forthcoming album/app ARTPOP is "Applause", and has released its single artwork shot by Inez & Vinoodh. "Applause" will be available worldwide beginning August 19th, and is the first single from the pop icon's highly anticipated fourth studio album/app ARTPOP, which will hit stores around the world on November 11th through Streamline/Interscope Records.

Due to popular audience demand, the pre-order for ARTPOP will also now arrive on August 19th - two weeks earlier than previously announced. Fans who visit iTunes on August 19th will be able to purchase the single "Applause" and pre-order their copy of ARTPOP with just one click. The single will also be available at digital retailers across the globe at the same time, and CD pre-orders will be available at Amazon.com and other select retailers.

Lady Gaga is set to perform "Applause" for the first time at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on August 25th.

Sam Concepcion is Infinite in new album

Singer-dancer-actor Sam Concepcion has spent 10 years in the industry to perfect his craft as a performer. Now, after almost a decade, Sam is all set to showcase his versatility in his latest album Infinite, produced by Universal Records.

“The album is a preview of the many things I do as a performer,” says Sam. “In this album, you’ll see me dabble in different genres.”

Infinite will have its Grand Launch this August 10, Saturday, 5 p.m., Robinson’s Magnolia.

sam pr1

Sam adds that he is also thankful that he was given the chance to collaborate with the most prolific recording artists in the country – Billy Crawford, Christian Bautista, JayR, among others.

The album’s single No Limitations, composed by Billy Crawford, is an upbeat tune that highlights Sam’s versatility as a vocalist. The song topped the mymusicstore.com charts for five straight weeks. The futuristic music video, directed by Jake Soriano, will premiere soon on MYX and also features the beautiful Solenn Heusaff.

Christian penned the song Love, Love, Love for Sam. Sam and Christian were both discovered STAGES when they worked together 10 years ago in the musical The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Rescue You, previously recorded as a Christian-Sam duet, is now a solo song rendered by Sam.

JayR and Sam performed a duet in the album – I’m The One, where both of them showcased their R&B influences.

Sam also records his version of Mahal Na Mahal Kita, an OPM ditty given a more contemporary feel.

Singapore-based composed Tat Tong contributed There’s No Me (Without You).

sam pr2

Sam gives a welcome surprise in the inclusion of modern-anthemic song Di Ka Nag-iisa, a collaboration with up and coming band Runmanila.

Infinite also includes bonus tracks Panalangin and Kontrabida – both songs are lifted from Sam’s landmark projects last year (the movie IdoBidooBidoo and the 2012 PhilPop, where Sam’s entry won 2nd place).

Infinite Tracklist:

  1. No Limitations
  2. I'm The One
  3. She Drives Me Crazy
  4. Mahal Na Mahal
  5. Di Ka Nag-iisa
  6. Rescue You
  7. There's No Me (Without You)
  8. Love, Love, Love
  9. Panalangin
  10. Kontrabida

FOLLOW Sam Concepcion:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samconcepcion001

Twitter: @sam_concepcion

Instagram: @sam_concepcion

NAIA TERMINAL 3 PASSENGERS BLOCKED FROM TAKING THE REGULAR TAXI

MUST WATCH & SHARE para maiparating natin sa kinauukulan at upang malaman natin kung ano ang katotohanan sa likod nito.with reports from Camille Diola (philstar.com)

MANILA, Philippines - Passengers who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 recently found themselves unable to use an exit gate where they could hail regular metered taxicabs.



In a video by Nitya Saulo taken around 9:30 p.m. Sunday night, domestic flights passengers complained to security guards blocking the upper level exit gate at the airport's newest and biggest terminal.Raymond Domingo of art organization Dakila said that the airport scheme seems to
be designed to force passengers to hire the pricier airport cabs waiting at the open exit ways.


"Not all people can afford and not all people who took the plane is that rich enough to just close our eyes and pay the amount of the yellow taxi downstairs," Velasco said.Regular taxicabs have a flag-down rate of P40 while airport taxis charge passengers a flag-down rate of P70.

Saulo told Philstar.com on Monday that after the passengers filed a formal complaint against the management of the terminal, the guards temporarily allowed them to pass.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Harden, Gordon impressed with young basketball talents at NBA 3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite

 James Harden and Eric Gordon got a taste of Filipino streetball at its finest yesterday (July 28) at the Finals of NBA3X Philippines 2013 presented by Sprite at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) Tent.

The ultimate competitions of the three-day three-on-three basketball tournament – which drew 60,000 fans over three days at the double venue -- was moved to the PICC from the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall Sunday afternoon on account of the rain.

THE DUNK

James Harden, The Pacemates, Grizz and NBA Country Manager to the Philippines, Carlo SIngson give perfect scores to a dunk contest participant.

Little boys not quite five feet who were members of the RP Team Thirteen Under and wowed the NBA stars as they heaved shots from two-point country in the U13 division. The very young players of the RP Team were only good for a runner up finish, but their ease with the basketball impressed the NBA talents and the avid basketball crowd.

From the tipoff last Friday until Sunday, NBA players James Harden of the Houston Rockets and Eric Gordon of the New Orleans Pelicans graced the events and interacted with Pinoy basketball fans together with the Indiana Pacemates and Grizz, the mascot of the Memphis Grizzlies. Harden and Gordon signed giveaways and threw them to the crowd, getting squeals of delight from the basketball-loving Pinoys.

Games featuring media and entertainment celebrities kicked off the Sunday event at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, with SM MOA fans liking the basketball grit and savvy of stars they only see on TV. Team Alcaraz, made up of GMA players Marco Alcaraz, Ervic Vijandre, Jose Sarasola and Jack Corpuz ruled the Celebrity division. 

_MG_0153

James Harden gets up on his feet over the unbelievable shot in the U13 division finals between RP 13 Under and Escuela de Sophia-1.

The Women's Under-16 division meanwhile was won by Team CAYS composed of Alexis Aguirre, Leezah Sorallo, Mae Ann Herradura and Jeivie Nama. The National University Lady Bulldogs quartet of Nica Villegas, Jack Danielle Animam, Ana Del Rosario and Kimberly Illut won the U18 division over the JASMS Patriots who failed to show up for the match. The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws -- Mary Angeli Cabochan, Allana May Lim, Marilourd Borja and Karen Columna -- prevailed over Team Mickey, made up mostly of former UP Lady Maroons, in the Girls’ Open, 8-4. 

The most exciting game in the Boys' division was the U-13 Finals game won by Escuela de Sophia-1 composed of Saymond Male, Andrei Cariato, Nelle Suminig and Christopher Perio. Their match against RP Thirteen Under went into overtime, as the littlest RP Thirteen Under player connected on a long distance 2-pointer, sending James Harden to his feet due to the excitement.

In the Under-16 division, the triumvirate of former Jr. NBA standout Jan Gabriel Sobrevega, Peter John Rabor and Astrolave Vista of University of Saint La Salle Bacolod dominated the Conquerors, 18-13.

_MG_9621

The Beard loves Pinoy fans.

AMA JRS dominated CKSC Blazing Dragons in convincing fashion,  20-7. to take home the Under-18 division crown. The champion team is composed of Clark Quijano, Jayson David, Russel Fuentes and Michael Perez. Besides their prizes for winning the division, the group earned a slot in the Adidas D-Rose Tour series of events on Septmber 15-16 including the D-Rose Tour 3-on-3 Frand Finals. The players will be given Adidas apparel and D-Rose footwear as part of their participation in the D-Rose Tour 3-on-3 Grand Finals. 

The Men's Open division finals meanwhile was played between amateur basketball players who were former teammates during their college days. The underdogs EGS Elite pulled a stunner on the favored Blackwater Elite, 21-18. EGS, composed of former NCAA players Rocky Acidre, Mark Doligon and Acidre's younger brother Rutger, overcame Blackwater, the recently crowned champions of the 2013 PBA Developmental League Foundation Cup (D League) composed of Gio Ciriacruz, Robby Celiz, Bacon Austria and Louie Vigil. 

_MG_9630

High 5's for Eric Gordon

NBA 3X 2013 Philippines presented by Sprite was also highlighted by an NBA Cares Activity for Special Olympic Athletes. Eric Gordon, Jr. NBA Head Coach Sefu Bernard and the Indiana Pacemates treated the kids to fun basketball games and drills. Jr. NBA All Stars Alumni dropped by and got the chance to meet Harden and Gordon up close and personal.

Fan activities at the event like the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest; the Sprite Basketball Clinic; the KFC Bucket 3-point Shootout; the Phoenix Fast Feet Challenge and NBA Half Time enabled fans to join in the fun as well. The PBA’s Tower of Power and only Rookie-MVP Benjie Paras and becoming-just-as-illustrious son Kobe Paras dropped by and caused a happy commotion.

A lucky division champion will win tickets to the 2013 NBA Global Games on October 10, featuring the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers in a preseason match at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The identity of the winning division champions will be announced later.

"THE WOLVERINE'S" ADAMANTIUM-STRENGTH OPENING @ P95 MILLION

"The Wolverine" ripped through new box-office highs earning P95 million on its four-day opening weekend in the Philippines and has now seized the Biggest Opening Weekend title for a Fox film all-time and is now the Highest Opening Weekend in the X-Men franchise.

The WolverineHugh Jackman THE WOLVERINE 

Hugh Jackman's 6th donning of the adamantium-clawed hero evidently drew a stronghold of supporters and fans when "The Wolverine" yielded a solid P19 million earn on its opening day (July 25) with a tallied admission of 105, 045 in more than 300 screens in the country. The first opening day figure of "The Wolverine" ebbed down "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith's" hold as the Biggest Opening Day for a Fox film All-Time. Likewise, "The Wolverine's" opening day box-office also surpassed "Captain America," "Iron Man," "Thor," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "X-Men First Class" and "X-Men: The Last Stand."

The movie's setting in Japan and Wolverine being vulnerable for the first time amplified the movie's unique tone encouraging repeat views and positive reviews across the nation. Indestructible as adamantium, "The Wolverine's" impressive performance on its first 4-day weekend opening clawed in the larger percentage of the market share at 72% over all other films that played on the same week.

DF-31112r

"The Wolverine's" highest opening weekend box-office receipts came from SM Mall of Asia with a gross of P4.9 million. Next top grosser listed is SM Megamall with P4.5 million followed by SM North Edsa/The Block with P4.03 million while Newport (P3.8 M) and Ayala Cinema's Trinoma (P3.71 M) completed the top five grossing cinemas.

Still included within "The Wolverine's" top 20 grossing cinemas are Glorietta4 (P3.4 M); Powerplant (P2.7 M); Greenbelt3 (P2.43 M); Gateway Cineplex/Ali Mall (P2.19 M); Theatremall (P2.18 M); Alabang Town Center (P2.08 M); Eastwood (P2.02 M); SM Cebu (P1.9 M); Shang Cineplex (P1.88 M); Robinson's Galleria (P1.83 M); Robinson's Magnolia (P1.73 M); Ayala Cebu (P1.62 M); Robinson's Ermita (P1.61 M); SM Fairview (P1.34 M) and Market!Market! (P1.32 M).

DF-26420rv2

Rediscovering the hero inside and on a perilous journey set in Japan amidst the maze of deceit, betrayal and honor, Logan aka Wolverine will truly come to know the price of a life without end.

"The Wolverine" is a 20th Century Fox offering still showing in cinemas nationwide in 2D and 3D format.

Maximum Conviction

max-con_image_3_2_steves When former black ops operative Tom Steele (Steven Seagal) and his partner Manning (Steve Austin) are assigned to decommission an old prison, they must oversee the arrival of two mysterious female prisoners.

max-con_image_2_2_steves

Before long, an elite force of mercenaries assault the prison in search of the new arrivals. As the true identities of the women are revealed, Steele realizes he's caught in the middle of something far bigger than he had imagined. Fists will fly and bones will shatter as the situation escalates with every passing minute.

max-con_image_1_2_steves


Also starring Michael Paré (The Virgin Suicides, The Philadelphia Experiment), Aliya O’Brien (Kill Switch, Bringing Ashley Home) and Bren Foster (“Days of Our Lives,” Drowning), Maximum Conviction is a relentless thrill ride that lets the shell casings fall as they may.

max-con_image_4_2_steves

“Maximum Conviction” is released and distributed by CrystalSky Multimedia. Showing on August 14. Nationwide.

Ethan Hawke Talks about THE PURGE

From Universal Pictures , the horror thriller The Purge illustrates the government’s response to an America overrun by escalating crime and overcrowded prisons.  For a 12-hour period, once a year, any and all criminal activity, including murder, becomes legal.  And on this one particular night, James (Ethan Hawke) and Mary Sandin (Lena Headey), and their two children, will learn just how vicious the outside world can be.

ethan_hawke_in_the_purge_junkett_1

Actor Ethan Hawke talked about why the subject of families in peril make for good suspense and horror films, what he enjoys about making genre movies, getting to film somewhat chronologically, how much fun the fight scenes were, what he thinks this film says about society, and whether he believes humans are inherently violent. 

Why do you think families in peril make for good suspense and horror films?

ETHAN HAWKE:  Well, the family in peril trip is kind of obvious, in that it’s everybody’s biggest fear.  There’s a moment in the movie where you see the husband and wife loading guns, and he teaches her to take the safety off.  It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.  Nightmares are a strange thing.  Your worst fear is sometimes something you enjoy thinking about, for some strange reason.  I don’t know why that is, but it’s some kind of fantasy that people play out.  “What would I do to protect my children?  I’d do anything.”  And then, you watch it play out.  I’m petrified of such a thing.  I don’t really enjoy thinking about it.

Did you guys rehearse, at all, to cement the family dynamic?

My favorite element of the script is Lena Headey’s character.  She and I did a movie together when I was 18, and she was 14, or something, in England, and I always thought she was a magical actress.  We didn’t even have any scenes together.  It was a movie calledWaterland.  But, I remember thinking that there was something really special about her.  I’ve watched her from afar, her whole career, and she’s just a terrific actress.  And she plays this part so interestingly.  It’s my favorite aspect of the movie.  I think, partly because I’ve known her for so long, it made the whole family dynamic really easy.

Sinister was your first voyage into this type of genre.  What was it that you liked about doingSinister and being in that type of movie, and what was it in the script for The Purge that made you want to return to this genre?

Well, I got this script when we had just finished Sinister.  Jason Blum gave me this script.  Over the years, we have both loved James DeMonaco, the guy who wrote and directed this movie, so Jason said, “Hey, you’re not going to believe it, but I just read this crazy script by James DeMonaco,” and I was like, “Let me read it.”  And I had so much fun on Sinister.  I loved genre movies, when I was younger.  One of my first directors was Joe Dante, who had directed The Howling and Piranhaand Gremlins, and he had taught me a real love of what was possible with a genre movie.  He taught me that a good genre movie is a really scary, really fun thing to go see on Friday night, but also that it can have some subterranean political message.  And The Purge is perfect for that.  In a way, Sinister was, too. 

I’ve always wanted to flirt with genres.  I also did Daybreakers and, in a lot of ways, Training Day is a genre movie, too, because it’s the cop genre.  Good genre movies are a little bit like trying to write a haiku.  There are certain things that you have to do to fulfill the audience’s expectations, but inside that, you have complete freedom to talk about whatever you want.  In a way, it’s wonderful because you get to make a movie that deals with all these socio-political issues.  Who wants to see a movie about gun violence in America and class?  But, if you set it in this terrifying, fun, roller coaster ride of a movie, you can talk about whatever you want.  That’s been the game that genre movies play, when they do it well.

ethan_hawke_in_the_purge_peeping_1

As a writer yourself, did you have any input into the script, or did you want to stay hands-off, in that regard?

I have a lot of respect for James DeMonaco.  It’s very difficult to make a movie like this with this budget, and he had his work cut out for him.  I couldn’t begin to write a movie like this.  I could try to help him, or help myself create a full three-dimensional character.  This character was very hard to play, in a lot of ways, because he’s not overtly a bad guy.  He thinks he’s a good guy.  It’s easy to play a villain, and it’s easy to play a hero.  This guy is in this weird gray zone of a person, who is culpable for a lot of negative things in his life, but isn’t aware of them, and he slowly wakes up.  But, I certainly didn’t assist in the writing.  I just worked on my own character.

There’s such a transformation in your character, throughout the film. Did you film chronologically?

Yeah, we pretty much did.  That was one of the more fun aspects of the movie because the movie was all shot in one location.  It was not exactly in sequence, but more than usual.  It was really nice to be able to do that because, once we got things up and running, we could do it like a play.  It was all in one set.                          

You have a lot of crazy, really great fight scenes in the film.  Was there a lot of training to prepare for that?

The fun of it was doing the fight scenes in such a domestic environment, and imagining those situations, being hunted in your own home.  I think all of us can imagine that.  I secretly would love to do one of those crazy fight movies, where you have to have all this training.  I’ve done just enough, my whole life, that I’ve always had some training in it, but I wish I was Jackie Chan.  Then, we could have gotten really crazy, running through the house.

We have seen, in real life, what happens when there is no law enforcement, and what kind of anarchy that creates.  How realistic do you think this premise is, and what do you think it says about society?

I think it plays into an age-old human fear.  Whenever any of us see glimpses of revolution or riots on television, or absolute anarchy, or when you’re younger and kids in the schoolyard act like a pack of wolves, it can be really terrifying.  It’s extremely violent film with an anti-violent message.  It’s almost an oxymoron.  Our country is obsessed with violence and our right to protect our violence, and people call you unpatriotic, if you’re not violent.  This film heightens it.  It just exaggerates it.  That’s what the best Philip K. Dick stuff does, and that’s what this is trying to do.

Considering the ending of the movie, would you want to have a gun or weapon to defend your family, if you were attacked?

I’d really rather that nobody had a gun, and then nobody would have to worry about it.  That would be more my theory.  In America, there’s this knee-jerk response that more walls and more guns make people safer, and I’m entirely suspect of that way of thinking.

ethan-hawke-1_high_res

Do you think humans are inherently violent?

It’s moments like this that I wish I was an anthropologist, so that I could answer that.  If you study the history of mankind, it seems to be a history of violence.  It’s kind of terrifying.  Certainly the history of art, whether you look at paintings or movies or plays or whatever, is just a litany of murder and death.  But somehow, I’m always optimistic.  We’re fascinated by things that scare us, and one of the things that scares us is violence.  But, if you think about it, the great mass of us never performs any act of violence.  For every crazed kid in Boston who wants to blow something up, there are a hundred people running to stop it, and thousands of people crying tears over the fact that it did happen.  It’s a conundrum.  Violence exists.  It’s a real part of our lives.  We are obsessed with what we’re scared of, but it certainly doesn’t define us.

Does it blow your mind that both Before Midnight and The Purge are rated R?

It’s amazing.  It’s almost like something out of The Purge that Before Midnight would be rated R.  It’s fascinating to me, because of a breast.  I see PG-13 movies with my son, that have a death count in the thousands, it seems like sometimes.  I never know how they come up with it.  Our country’s relationship to sex and violence is a fascinating conundrum to me.  It’s both puritanical, on one level, and libertarian, on the next.  It’s funny.  As we did interviews and stuff, it was only the American press that was so concerned with Julie’s breasts.  We did interviews with people all over the world, and they didn’t ask her about her tits.  But here, everybody was like, “By the way, can we talk about your breasts?”  It’s fascinating.  We’re like little, abused children who never saw a titty.  But yet, The Purge is absolutely terrifying. 

It’s just the truth of what we prioritize.  I don’t even know what to say about it.  Sex is a lot scarier to us than violence.  For some, intimacy is scary.  We could write essays about it.  I don’t really understand what it is, but it’s an interesting observation.  On Sinister, Scott Derrickson worked so hard not to get an R.  Any time I did an improv that had the F word in it, we would have to go again.  He wanted no cursing.  There’s no blood in the movie.  But, it was just so damn scary that they gave it an R.  I never know the rhyme or reason for what we decide children should and shouldn’t see.  My mother would let me see anything.

You’re a movie star, but you also work on smaller projects.

What is it about small projects that make them attractive to you, as opposed to getting involved with a superhero franchise?  Is it the freedom?

I’ve always done small projects, my whole career.  There’s nothing recent about that.  I’ve always been interested in creative freedom, and the truth is that the more you get paid, the less freedom you have.  They never pay you for nothing.  That’s just always the way it is.  I’ve managed to do this for more than 20 years, and keep dodging and weaving and not being one thing.  I’ve always resisted that.  I wanted the freedom to do something else.  I didn’t want to try to do Long Day’s Journey into Night and have the audience go, “Oh, there’s Batman.”  You know what I mean?  But in many ways, as I get older, I wish I had made other decisions, but I’ve just tried to do things that interested me, sincerely.  They don’t all turn out good.  I haven’t made all perfect decisions.  But, I’ve tried to stay interested in my job, and I’ve succeeded at that.  Doing little projects helps me because I feel like I don’t work for anybody.

Vigilandia

Is there a movie of yours that you would want your kids to see?

No.  They don’t want to see me in a movie.  I’m their dad, and they want me to be their dad.  They don’t care.  I would much rather them see To Kill a Mockingbird.

“The Purge” is released and distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corp. Showing JULY 31. Nationwide!

Meet, Greet Ann B. Mateo for A-Plus All Weather Paint: CRUSH NG BAYAN Open Photo-shoot August 11, 2013

945757_10151850649416177_959576547_n
Mechanics : Regular registration fee is P1,500
*Early Registrants till July 31 - P1,200..
Early birds (photographers) will be given Official B2B IDs

Registration fee inclusive of Brunch meal, snack, Raffle coupon & Freebies. Limited SLOTS Only. Proceeds will benefit 2 foundations :)

Bank Accnt Details:
Account Name : Ladder Events Production
Account No. : 000570160820
Branch : BDO Quintin Paredes
-Please keep your deposit slips until the day of the event.
Contact Person: Sr. Mike B 0905 567 7432 (during working hours 9am-5pm)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Shoot Concept: K-Pop
Location: Uno Lounge, Unit 6-7A Mayflower St. (former EDSA Central Ave) The Hub Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City
Models :
| MAI MOLDERO for Anzahl Urethane Paint
| Yassi Benitez for LLumar-Platinum Philippines
| Ann B. Mateo for A-Plus All Weather Paint
| "Ayumi" Yuda for Repsol Babes Philippines
| Jaymee Pagulayan for Shark Philippines - Car Accessories