Sunday, December 30, 2012

LIFE OF PI: Strong Support By Hollywood And Bollywood's Greats

LIFE OF PI: Strong Support By Hollywood And Bollywood's Greats
Ang Lee’s masterful new film centers on a teenager who is adrift at sea on a lifeboat for 227 days, with a fierce Bengal tiger. Riveting and breathtaking, “Life of Pi” is an edge-of-your-seat 3D adventure starring newcomer Suraj Sharma taking on the lead role as Pi.

Based on Yann Martel’s best-selling, award-winning novel, the movie tells a deeply inspiring story about hope, courage and the strength of the human spirit. Piscine Patel, (known as Pi) lives with his zoo keeping family in Pondicherry, India. They decide to emigrate to Canada, taking their animals along with them and set off on a huge freighter ship, steaming from India across the Pacific with plans to sell their other animals to Manila Zoo along their journey. But a terrible storm destroys the ship. The family and most of the animals perish. Pi survives, stranded on a lifeboat with several animals. 


Sharma dominates the film but there is a diverse and impressively strong supporting cast including French actor Gérard Depardieu and Indian actor Irrfan Khan who plays the older Pi, settled in Canada later in life. Indian actors Tabu and Adil Hussain play Pi’s parents. British actor Rafe Spall plays the writer who is interviewing Pi about his life-changing voyage.
Irrfan Khan who plays the grown up Pi is India’s recent Padma Shri awardee recognizing his contributions to the Indian Cinema. Khan has recently appeared in “Partition,” “A Mighty Heart” and “The Amazing Spiderman.” 

 
Also a Padma Shri awardee, Tabu who plays Gita Patel, the mother of Pi is widely considered one of the finest and most versatile actresses in the Indian film industry who has appeared in over 70 films. She holds the record for the most wins of Filmfare's Critics Award for Best Female Performer, with six. Tabu received worldwide recognition and widespread critical acclaim for her leading role in Mira Nair's American film “The Namesake.” Known to be selective about her film roles, Tabu has said, “I do films which move me and most of all, the unit and the director should appeal to me.”
Rafe Spall who portrays the writer in the movie who interviews the grown up Pi is one of Britain’s rising stars. Recently seen in Ridley Scott’s “Prometheus,” he has also appeared in “One Day” and “Anonymous.” Gerard Depardieu who plays the ship’s cook is widely renowned for his versatility and his unique combination of gentleness and brutish physicality. The award-winning actor has enjoyed a film career spanning more than four decades, and has appeared in over 170 films. 

Ang Lee has in fact created a film that is powerful, engrossing and visually stunning. “It is about overcoming adversity and that speaks to a lot of people because in a sense, life is adversity,” says 20th Century Fox’s Elizabeth Gabler, discussing the life-affirming movie. “Finding ways to overcome that adversity is what makes life not only easier, but more meaningful. The film transcends language barriers and age barriers; this is a movie that people of all ages, all nationalities and cultures can watch and enjoy. Hopefully you will come away with a great feeling about the spirit of mankind that will inspire you. It is about having faith in your own strength and how your inner character pulls you through life.” 


“If you can dance instead of just walking, if you can splash your walls with color instead of painting them white or beige, that’s good,” muses Yann Martel. “It makes your life richer, more meaningful. We’re only here for a brief time, we have seventy, eighty years, which go by so quickly, and that being the case, why not make more of it?”. . .which in essence is what LIFE OF PI is all about. 


“Life of Pi” opens January 9 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

PARENTAL GUIDANCE:STEPPING UP THE GRANDPARENTS’ GAME

PARENTAL GUIDANCE:STEPPING UP THE GRANDPARENTS’ GAME
Comedy icons Billy Crystal and Bette Midler star in the family-centric comedy “Parental Guidance” together with Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott, Bailee Madison, Joshua Rush and Kylie Harrison Breitkopf directed by Andy Fickman. 
 
A comedic and emotionally rich depiction of the clashing parenting styles between the generations, “Parental Guidance’s” subject matter, characters and actors are relatable to all audiences. Youngsters will enjoy the hijinks of the family’s trio of children; the film’s theme of being caught between your parents and kids will resonate with adults; and the movie is the first comedy in many years that shows grandparents as active, funny, involved and vital characters – and central to modern family life.
Alice (Tomei) in desperation calls her parents Artie (Crystal) and Diane (Midler) to look after their three children when she and her husband need to go on a trip. In the story, Billy Crystal’s Artie and Bette Midler’s Diane are “the other grandparents” to their three grandchildren – meaning their son-in-law’s parents have a much stronger connection with the kids, which Diane envies and has long sought to correct. But Artie and Diane’s infrequent visits to their daughter Alice’s (Marisa Tomei) home have relegated them to second-tier status – along with a few photos of the couple hidden on Alice’s mantelpiece. 

Joe Syracuse & Lisa Addario, the movie’s screenwriting partners, husband-and-wife, and parents of two children, say the notion of battling parenting styles between the generations resonated with them. “Once we became parents, we realized that we were not raising them the way our parents raised us,” says Addario. The two writers, like so many of their generation, grew up during a time when children’s car seats had yet to be invented, second-hand smoke didn’t have a name, and kids rode bikes without helmets. But when our generation had kids, “the word ‘parent’ became a verb as well as a noun,” adds Syracuse. “But when the reality of childrearing set in, we came to see the wisdom in the way our parents did things, and we started to question our generation’s nurturing, coddling and overprotecting our kids.” 
 
Director Andy Fickman, father to a teenager, says he was drawn to the movie’s universal appeal, noting that “in any country in the world, each generation thinks it has a better way to be a parent.” Like Syracuse & Addario, Fickman makes special note of the differing generational parenting methods. “When I was growing up, I would get a Pop Tart for breakfast. My parents had [famed pediatrician] Dr. [Benjamin] Spock’s book to guide them through almost all situations; today, we go to doctors for every conceivable concern. For parents today, it’s all about the kids’ feelings and emotions, and everything becomes a ‘Dr. Phil’ episode.” 

Says Bette Midler of the generational parenting conflicts: “Most people are mortified by the way they were raised and can’t wait to raise their own kids differently. I was on the cusp of the old school/new school parenting styles, so I understand the motivations of each.” 



A big motivation for Midler to join “Parental Guidance” was the chance to team with Billy Crystal. The two have been friends for nearly 30 years, but this is their first professional collaboration. “Billy and I have similar tastes in theater, movies, music and humor, so it was pretty easy for us to play a married couple,” says the actress. “We know what each other is going to do, so we mesh in a unique way.” 

It’s a family affair when “Parental Guidance” opens in cinemas nationwide in the Phils. on January 16 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Friday, December 28, 2012

PARENTAL GUIDANCE: Hilarious Dose

PARENTAL GUIDANCE: Hilarious Dose 
Old will be new in the upcoming truthful family comedy “Parental Guidance” starring Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei and Tom Everett Scott. 

Billy Crystal plays Artie Decker, a well-meaning but rather self-centered man who loves his life and his wife Diane (Bette Midler), but has never bothered to connect with his grandchildren. Time soon came to reconnect when they agreed to babysit their three grandkids when their type-A helicopter parents (Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott) go away for work. But when 21st century problems collide with Artie and Diane’s old school methods of tough rules, lots of love and old-fashioned games, it’s learning to bend – and not holding your ground – that brings a family together. 

“PARENTAL GUIDANCE combines comedy and pathos in the best way,” affirms Billy Crystal, who portrays Artie Decker. “It’s what life is about. This film has something for everyone.”
“The film was my idea,” says Crystal. “I have three grandchildren of my own and another one on the way in March. The two older girls stayed with us for six days while my daughter had her first vacation away. After the sixth day I rested and then walked into the office and said, ‘okay, here’s an idea for a movie. It is a horror story!’” 

In the story, Billy Crystal’s Artie and Bette Midler’s Diane are “the other grandparents” to their three grandchildren – meaning their son-in-law’s parents have a much stronger connection with the kids, which Diane envies and has long sought to correct. But Artie and Diane’s infrequent visits to their daughter Alice’s (Marisa Tomei) home have relegated them to second-tier status – along with a few photos of the couple hidden on Alice’s mantelpiece. 

 
 “It’s not that Artie and Diane don’t love Alice – who is their only child – and her three kids; they just don’t understand them,” explains Midler. Diane has renewed hope when Alice reluctantly invites her and Artie to babysit the couple’s grandkids while Alice and husband Phil (Tom Everett Scott) enjoy some time away from home. For Alice, her invitation is an act of, well, desperation – her in-laws are unavailable so she must turn to Artie and Diane for help. (Alice’s misgiving even lead to her breaking out in a rash.) But Diane sees it as a golden opportunity: “Grandparenting is a second chance” to be a part of their lives of their grandchildren and Alice – she tells Artie, who is much less enthused about hanging out with the kids he barely knows.
Artie’s mixed feelings about this “second chance” are partly due to his recent professional setbacks. A minor league baseball announcer for over 30 years, Artie has just been fired, losing his dream to work in the major leagues. Still reeling from that disappointment, the last thing he wants is to look after his grandchildren. But Artie will ultimately discover that there’s more to life than announcing ball games. “He’s been fired from a job he loves, but then finds himself kind of falling in love with his grandkids,” says Crystal. 

Before getting to that point, Artie undergoes a series of granddad vs. daughter/grandkids comedic misadventures, misunderstandings and mistakes, not to mention daughter Alice’s lack of faith in his ability to stick to her myriad rules and regulations. Says Marisa Tomei: “Artie and Diane are like a ‘club of two’ and haven’t cultivated relationships with their grandchildren. They had a great time living their own lives, but forgot to get to know the kids.” 

“Parental Guidance” opens January 16 in theaters nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

CHEF'S NOODLE: Korean specialties for the Pinoy palate

CHEF'S NOODLE: Korean specialties for the Pinoy palate

Hot Korean franchise Chef’s Noodle is now ready to start serving to Pinoy foodies its signature dishes that are delicious, fast, and affordable.

From Kpop to kimchi, anything Korean is definitely hot right now. This is why it’s not surprising that a lot of Korean restaurants have started to grow all over the country. While it usually caters to Korean expats who’ve already made the Philippines their home.
Pinoy foodies who have already developed a taste for Korean dishes have also been frequenting such places to get their fix of  kimchi, bibimbap, and so many mouthwatering Korean specialties.


Chef’s Noodle Philippines
With that in mind, Simisim Group of Companies is proud to present Chef’s Noodle, a popular fast-casual Korean restaurant, which is set to make waves in the Philippines.
 
Having acquired the master franchise of Chef’s Noodle, the company already has big plans for the hip, new dining outlet, already partnering with popular Korean expats, like model/TV personality/DJ Grace Lee and Korean celebrity Chef Choi In Sun to be its local endorsers.

For its grand launch, held at University Mall along Taft Avenue (Chef’s Noodle’s first branch in the country), both Chef Choi In Sun and Grace Lee were present to show their support for the brand and of course, promote all the delicious Korean fare that they have to offer.

 With a great range of Korean specialties that ranges from the traditional menu items that are unique to the restaurant, Chef’s Noodle definitely has something delicious for everyone.
Delicious, hearty, Korean specialties
From the restaurant’s signature dish, aptly named, “Chef’s Noodle” (freshly-made Korean noodles with beef, anchovy broth topped with leeks, bean sprouts, fried tofu, spring onion, red pepper, egg roll, and bulgogi) , the restaurant is also proud to serve hearty portions of appetizers, rice and noodle dishes.
 
Take a look at some of the yummy treats that Chef’s Noodle has in store, bibimbap (traditional Korean steamed rice with seasoned vegetables, beef, and egg), bulgogi leek jun (deep fried bacon sliced beef with leeks mixed eggs and seasoned vegetables),bibim noodle (Korean spicy cold noodle mixed with sweet and sour blend sauce topped with egg roll, bean sprouts,and bulgogi), bulgogi leek kimbap (seaweed rice rolls with beef and leeks), curry dupbap (or curry donburi warm rice topped with beef curry and seasoned vegetables),  jjampong (spicy Korean seafood ramen), and so much more.
It’s also interesting to note that Chef Choi In Sun had a hand in developing some of Chef’s Noodle’s mouthwatering specialties, something that should make your visit to the restaurant even more exciting.


Expansion in the Philippines
Given its timely entry in the Philippine market, Chef’s Noodle Philippines has also considered venturing in offering franchising opportunities for Filipinos. Relying on the brand’s good reputation and a strong and efficient support system from Chef’s Noodle Korea, the local management behind the franchise is very confident that they’ll be a great partner to their local franchisees.
Chef’s Noodle Philippines is very excited about its plans of expanding nationwide, provided that it offers a good business model, especially for startup businesses, interested parties who want to share the best of Korean fast-casual dining to the rest of the country wouldn’t have a hard time setting up their very own Chef’s Noodle franchise in their hometown.

Through rapid expansion especially through major malls and other commercial establishments, Chef’s Noodle will become more accessible to anyone who has an appetite for delicious, hearty, and reasonably-priced Korean dishes. Doesn’t matter whether you’re into Kpop or not, savor and enjoy the taste of what the hype on Korean food is all about by visiting Chef’s Noodle’s first-ever branch in the Philippines.

Chef's Noodle is located at the 2/F University Mall, Taft Avenue. For more details and updates on upcoming branches visit www.chefsnoodlephils.com and like their page http://www.facebook.com/chefsnoodlephils.

Monday, December 10, 2012

DIANA STALDER'S PAINLESS FACIAL: No Pain, All Gain

 

DIANA STALDER'S PAINLESS FACIAL: No Pain, All Gain

           

Who is Diana Stalder?
Diana Stalder is the teenage daughter of Ms. Dina Stalder. They name the brand after her.
Diana Stalder Face Body Surgicenter by Dermaline, Inc. is the nation's pioneer in Facial and Skin Care Centers. Started in 1996, a member of the Swisse-Phil Holdings Corporation, Diana Stalder currently has 25 branches and counting, all strategically located nationwide: seven corporate and 18 franchise branches. Diana Stalder also exports to countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangladesh, and South Korea.
 
 Recently awarded as Consumer's Choice 2010 Outstanding Surgical & Skin Care Center and finalist in the 2007 Most Promising Filipino Franchise, Diana Stalder Face Body Surgicenter is member of two well-respected international affiliations, the British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the International Medical Spa Association.
 
 While its services are DOH associated and conform to the highest international quality standards, the Diana Stalder Professional Skincare products are:

- Manufactured by a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Certified plant (Stalder Laboratories, Inc.)

- BFAD approved
- Iin compliance with ASEAN Harmonization for cosmetic regulations

It also passed clinical trials conducted by a legitimate third party and is well endorsed by innovators in the field of dermatology and cosmetic sciences.


Every element of the Diana Stalder experience has been chosen with great care: from the intensive training of our skin care practitioners to the highest degree of hygiene and safety with the best medical care and supervision of our in-house licensed dermatologist. Every procedure is safe and gentle. Every Diana Stalder Face Body Surgicenter by Dermaline Inc., that opens across the country comes with the promise of replicating the same high standards of quality.


Diana Stalder's product lines was developed through careful scientific research and study, and the company also claims that all of their products contain high-quality ingredients.

Diana Stalder develops and manufactures the most powerful, strongest and effective skin whitening products. Not only the formula meant to be effective, but also safe for everyday use. Though the idea was simple enough, the research and development to create such products is a very extensive process. Every possible factors and expectations of their customers were considered when creating the Diana Stalder products. After a few years worth of research, the company has finally created a full line of effective and affordable skin care line that consists of skin whitening, bleaching and lightening products.


The ingredients of a Diana Stalder product go through series of clinical studies to find out if it's safe enough to be used for everyday consumption unlike ingredients from Asian countries. This assures you that all Diana Stalder products are safe for your skin and wouldn't cause harmful effects.

As of February 10, 2012, all Diana Stalder products are now Halal Certified. 

Diana Stalder started this Filipino-Swiss owned company as a business entrepreneur in the line of dermatological and beauty products. It started in 1996 in Makati City, Philippines and has grown into several branches nationwide which provides the most sophisticated technology in health and beauty care. The staff and beauty therapists are well-equipped and are given continuous up-to-date trainings to give excellent services and maximum satisfaction to its clients.

Diana Stalder Philippines is proud to provide BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology), standard of professional services which observes the strict implementation of hygienic standards and procedures. Its line of products include: Soap, Facial Toner, Cremes and Lotions, Feminine and Masculine Wash, Deodorant, Hand Gel, Shampoo and other Hair Care Products.


Diana Stalder's vision is to become the first Filipino-owned company that locally manufactures and globally distributes Skin Care, beauty and personal hygiene products that has high ethical standards parallel to the global market. Diana Stalder is committed to build a name in the business industry through integrity, team work, customer service and pursuit of excellence.


Diana Stalder Inc. in the Philippines is NOT IN ANY WAY affiliated with other namesake companies abroad. All its skin care products are manufactured and shipped from the Philippines.

 
 Diana Stalder is able to gain the trust and confidence of its clients including well-known dermatologists, surgeons and general practitioners. Accordingly, it supplies skin care products to almost 85% of all Philippine dermatologists, and privately labels them as requested.
 
 Diana Stalder offers Stem Cell  facial services.

More info on their flyers below:




Photo credits to http://travel-on-a-shoe-string.blogspot.com
Check out their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/dianastalderfacebodyskincare
Posted on by Bento and Beyond | No comments

Saturday, December 8, 2012

LOLA LANIE'S 80th Birthday

LOLA LANIE'S 80th Birthday
Yesterday, December 8, 2012 was my Lola Lanie's 80th birthday! After weeks of preparation the big day finally arrived yesterday! Almost all the members of our clan were present. It was a happy occasion and we have every reason to celebrate. 


 My sister-in-law Rachelle with the kids.





It was a whole day affair. Because each one of us represented one of the 80 candles.

Happy happy birthday once again Lola Lanie! May the Lord give you long life, happiness and good health. God Bless you!