SM CITY NORTH EDSA: Grand Easter Party!

SM CITY NORTH EDSA: Grand Easter Party!

Hear ye, hear ye! Celebrate a GRAND EASTER PARTY with SM CITY NORTH EDSA at the SKYDOME on March 31, 2013! Gates will be open at 1pm for their Easter activities, join their Easter Mascot Parade at 2:30pm, and participate in the HOP Race and a giant bubble show at 3pm.

Get a chance to Meet & Greet your favorite Hop Character, register and come in your cutest Easter costume, and join the excitement on their annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Skydome.  

See your favorite mascots on parade! Yehey!

Get your costumes ready for the annual Easter Costume Contest this March 31, 2013.  

M E C H A N I C S 

To register you would just have to present a receipt with purchase of Php500pesos single or accumulated from any SM City North EDSA Store from March 20 to March 30, 2013 or you can fill up the form above then you can either send it via PM here. But in order for you to get a slot and for validation purposes you would have to present the single or accumulated receipt purchase of 500 on Sunday at the Skydome. Preregistration is until March 30, 2013 at the Marketing Department, 6th Floor Admin Office, Northlink Building.

Filled up form should be submitted to Marketing Department.
 
HAVE A BASKETFUL OF EASTER ONLY AT SM CITY NORTH EDSA!

SIMPLY JESSE

SIMPLY JESSE

At the book launch of SIMPLY JESSE 

When I learned that there will be a book launch about the life story of the late Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo, I promised to myself that I will attend the book launch no matter what. So, when March 15, 2013 came, I hurriedly left the office and tried to catch up with the book launch of Simply Jesse at National Bookstore, Glorietta I branch, Makati City.Though the guests at the book launch have already left, I was lucky enough to see Atty. Leni Robredo and her daughters Aika, Tricia and Jillian.

With JILLIAN ROBREDO

I had my picture taken with Jillian Robredo, the youngest daughter of the late Jesse Robredo and book narrator, who was so kind to pose with me. 

With Atty. LENI ROBREDO

And with her equally adorable mother, Atty. Leni Robredo, who happened to be my friend's classmate in law school. 

WATCH “TURBO” (3D) LATEST INTERNATIONAL TRAILER VERSION

WATCH “TURBO” (3D) LATEST INTERNATIONAL TRAILER VERSION

       

Revving up soon on the big screen is Dreamworks Animation’s “Turbo” (3D), meanwhile the movie’s international trailer is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sY-8-J6_rTY&feature=youtu.be

Starring the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Snoop Dogg, Maya Rudolph, Ben Schwartz and Samuel L. Jackson, “Turbo” is a fast-paced, action-packed 3D comedy and is set to have audiences around the world root for a super-charged snail to use his incredible powers to win the ultimate race against his idols so that he can prove once and for all that no dream is too big and no dreamer is too small. 

From a concept by David Sorren, a DreamWorks Animation veteran story artist, “Turbo” is about a snail who feeds his need for speed by sneaking into a garage to watch racing on an old dusty tv set and emulates his hero, French Canadian Indy 500 champ Guy Gagne.  Turbo (Reynolds) desperately wishes he could escape the slow-paced life he's living and race like his hero, making him an oddity in their slow moving community.  As fate would have him have it, he gets that chance one day after a freak accident when he suddenly finds himself vested with the power of incredible speed.

From DreamWorks Animation and 20^th Century Fox, “Turbo” in 3D opens July 19 in cinemas nationwide.

DANNY BOYLE IN “TRANCE”

DIRECTOR DANNY BOYLE: HEAD-SPINNING HEIST IN “TRANCE”

Academy-Award winner Danny Boyle brings together James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vince Cassel in a stirring ensemble performance in the mind-bending action thriller “Trance.”

Boyle, whose worldwide acclaimed works “Slumdog Millionaire,” “Shallow Grave,” “Trainspotting” and “127 Hours” that covered themes such as triumph of the human spirit despite abject poverty and reality brings a new kind of thrill in “Trance.” Boyle crafts a wildly twisted mind puzzle exploring identity, madness and perception using the altered state of hypnotic trance. 

  “Trance” introduces us to Simon (McAvoy), a fine art auctioneer, who teams up with a criminal gang to steal a Goya painting, a work of art worth millions of dollars, but after suffering a blow to the head during the heist he wakes to discover that he has no memory of where he has hidden the painting. When physical threats and torture fail to produce answers, the gang’s leader Franck (Cassel) hires hypnotherapist Elizabeth Lamb (Dawson) to delve into the darkest recesses of Simon’s psyche. As she digs deeper into his broken subconscious, the stakes become much higher and the boundaries between desire, reality and hypnotic suggestion begin to blur and disappear.

“After “Slumdog,” producer Christian Colson and I were looking for new work to do together and I told him there were a couple of ideas I’d always been drawn to: the Aron Ralston story - which became “127 Hours” - and this mad thriller called “Trance,” recalls Boyle.  “It felt like it would be perfect material for John Hodge.  Boyle worked closely with screenwriter John Hodge -- with whom he collaborated on “Shallow Grave” and then on the acclaimed and shocking black comedy about Scottish junkies, “Trainspotting” -- on a screenplay that melds dangerous seduction and electrifying action in a suspense filled spiral. 

In tackling the material, Boyle saw a chance to update classic film noir themes – betrayal, moral uncertainty, sexual tension and the lurid instincts that seem to lurk beneath every human’s skin into a modern context.  He was also excited to bring a fresh take to the iconic femme fatale, with the character of Elizabeth Lamb, the beautiful hypnotherapist who proves to be every bit the equal of the men playing power games around her. 

 As Boyle and Hodge began writing and updating the classic film noir themes such as betrayal, moral uncertainty, sexual tension and lurid instincts, they knew this story could not be constructed with a conventional, linear plot-line but demanded a kaleidoscopic structure revolving around McAvoy’s character, Simon.  They plunged deep into the disoriented, broken mind of a character who not only cannot remember where he left the stolen Goya . . . but also has no idea what so urgently impelled him to hide it in the first place. They designed a web-like narrative in which Simon’s hypnosis sessions start to blow apart his very concept of who he is, and how he came to be in this situation. 

Hodge continues:  “Danny and I wanted to have a kind of constant uncertainty for the characters as to what the truth is.  These three characters have to rely almost exclusively on what the others are saying or doing in order to figure out what’s going on.  And of course, pretty much everything that the others say or do is either a lie or a manipulation or unreliable in some way.  So, the protagonists are trapped in a puzzle of their own making. The challenge for them -- and the fun for the audience – is to try and solve that puzzle.” 

Most of all, Boyle and Hodge loved the idea of having three strong characters who at various times might appear to be either very good or very bad.    “The story’s got three excellent parts in it and they battle for who’s at the center of the film,” comments Danny Boyle.  “That triangle is a lovely dynamic to have in place as you can play with the question of which character the story belongs to.”

A Fox Searchlight Pictures and Pathé present, a Cloud Eight / Decibel Films Production, “Trance” also stars Danny Sapani, Matt Cross and Wahab Sheikh. 

Remember, don’t forget “Trance” opens very soon this May from 20^th Century Fox.   Check out “Trance’s” trailer here @ 20thCenturyFoxPh Youtube channel 

PERCY JACKSON: THE SEA OF MONSTERS

“PERCY JACKSON: THE SEA OF MONSTERS” FIRST-LOOK PHOTOS 

Talented teen heartthrob Logan Lerman returns as demi-god Percy Jackson, the son of the powerful sea-god Poseidon and sails the most dangerous of seas in the upcoming “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” along with returning cast Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Jake Abel and Sean Bean.

Based on the bestselling “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” book series written by Rick Riordan, “The Sea of Monsters” reunites Percy (Lerman) and Annabeth (Daddario) at Camp Half-Blood along with Tyson (Douglas Smith), Percy’s half-brother who is a Cyclops.  Their journey takes them to uncharted dangerous seas to recover the Golden Fleece that can save the camp and eventually save their best friend Grover (Jackson) who is half-man/half-goat from a very mean Cyclops, Polyphemus. 

With Percy whose powers include control of the waters, Annabeth whose strengths are her wit and warrior skills from her god-mother Athena and Tyson being resistant to fire and possesses powerful strength, the three embark head-on amid raging seas racing against time and battle with other teen demigods to save their world.

Arriving in (Phils.) theaters August 15 nationwide, “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” is from 20^th Century Fox and will be available in 3D and 2D format.

Watch out for more news, photos, trailers at @20thCenturyFoxPh YouTube channel and 20^th Century Fox (Philippines) Facebook page.

I WON A TECHNOMARINE WATCH AT BUDDHA-BAR MANILA

I WON A TECHNOMARINE WATCH AT BUDDHA-BAR MANILA 

Buddhist monks are often heard to say "Buddha bless you" or "May Buddha bless you" possibly to spread blessings to a person or group of persons. While I have yet to meet a Buddhist monk to personally hear such words from one, I already feel blessed when I was invited to join the 7 Stars Social Media Event at BUDDHA-BAR Manila last February 28, 2013. 

It was well-attended by bloggers and other social media people.

In that event, I got the opportunity to have my picture taken with Ambassador Amable R. Aguiluz V when he suddenly dropped by at BUDDHA-BAR Manila. 

With Ambassador Amable R. Aguiluz V

And then came one of the interesting parts of the event....the raffle.

After several prizes like the TechnoMarine watches were raffled off, the hosts went back to their seats. I thought for a while then that the raffle was already over. But lo and behold, the hosts, after a few minutes, resumed to pick another winner of a TechnoMarine watch.

During that raffle, I was praying long and hard and hoping to win a TechnoMarine watch. I had a hunch that I will win a prize that night. True enough, my prayer was answered. Thanks GOD I won. It was my first time to win in a raffle, and I felt so blessed.

And the winner is . . . me!

With the TechnoMarine ROMERO BRITTO watch

TechnoMarine ROMERO BRITTO watch 

Thank you very much TechnoMarine and BUDDHA-BAR Manila!

Namaste!

ULOAD

WHY CHOOSE U LOAD?

Uload is a new Digital E-load Vending Machine concept introduced to the market by Mindmap Commtech Inc., a local joint venture with FORTH Corp. Public Company Limited (Thailand). Uload Digital E-Loading is designed to be a unmanned and operational at 24/7. It uses the latest GPRS technology to ensure fast and efficient Eload to its end users. With a 7″ LCD touch screen, this e-loading machine has a small footprint and accepts both coins and paper bills. Uload is an ALL-IN-ONE E-loading machine and connected to all 3 Cellphone Companies.

Forth Corp. was established in 1989 under the name of “Genius Communication System Company Limited” , has a registered capital of over 1 Million Baht. The company has extensive research in development and the manufacture of Private Branch Exchange (PBX) under the trademark of FORTH. In 2005, the company became public and was registered under the name of “Forth Corporation Public Company Limited” (FORTH).

Franchise Details:

Franchising Plan (License to Use)

They offer a unique and affordable business structure designed for every Filipino:

• Php30,000.00 for a 2.5 year License to our Uload Digital ending Machine
• An advance of Php10,000.00 inventory load (for the 6 Telcos).
• 7.5% profit-sharing on gross sales of Eloads
• Other expenses: Php400.00/year for insurance and Php500.00/year for BIR registration
• Franchisee can rent or provide their own location for the Uload to be deployed.

Inclusive of:

Use of trade name and logo
Usage rights of the machine
Customer support system
Technical training for basic inhouse servicing

Distributor / Wholesaler

For entrepreneurs who think of a long term yield, this wholesale investment allows you to earn more than you would from a regular franchise.

With the option to put up units for yourself or self franchise, these options allow you to expand your networks, increase your revenue and explore bigger possibilities.

Contact Information:

Mindmap Commtech Inc.
7748-A St. Paul Road, San Antonio Village
Makati City, Philippines
Phone: (02) 895-9935, (02) 856 2333, (02)890-3907/3794
Email : sales@uload.com.ph, mindmap.sales@gmail.com
Web: www.uload.com.ph

They presented to us the advantages of a Vending Machine Business. 

• I learned that it is an all cash business. All sales transactions are immediately paid in cash. No credit. ( Walang utang)
• Vending machines, in general, require only minimal maintenance.
• There’s no need to hire sales employees, and your business is potentially open 24 hours a day. Because there is minimal overhead costs, you can sell your products at very competitive prices.
• It is recession proof. It is a fact that people tend to buy more in retail than in bulk when times are hard.

Factor For Vending Machine Business Success

The success of a vending machine business primarily relies on three things:

Location. Location. Location.  Yes, folks. You must be able to choose the right location to enjoy maximum profits. 

Question: How do you determine if a location is a good place to put up a vending machine?

Answer: 

1. The area should have constant foot traffic. 
2. Second, the area should be secure and safe from vandals. 
3. The product or products you'll offer must compliment the market profile of the area.

The third tip is actually the most important. Have you ever wondered why you see toilet paper vending machines inside restrooms, coffee vending machines near offices, soda vending machines in parking lots and candy or gumball vending machines in places where there are lots.

People buy from vending machines usually for a reason/s 

• Out of need 
• Out of impulse. 

Thus the vendo machine containing toilet papers are exactly located where we need them. coffee to awaken sleepy employees, sodas for the waiting drivers or to accompany us while driving and candies to tempt the sweet tooth of children.

Things To Consider When Starting A Vending Machine Business:

• Find a suitable location and decide what products would do well in the area.
• Inquire to the establishment or building administrator and ask the requirements and terms for putting up a vending machine in the area.
• Consult the local government to know the legal process of getting business permits for your venture.
• Look for vending machine suppliers or find sellers of second hand or used vending machines.
• Depending on the supplier, vending machines can either be bought or leased. Most of the time, they are franchised.
• Monitor your inventory. Know your fast moving items to ensure that your vending machine will never run out of stock.
• Regularly visit your location. Doing so will give you more insight on the quality of foot traffic and customers that you get.
• Ensure that your vending machine is always clean, working well, attractive and readily visible. A dusty or faulty equipment will make people think that your products are old and of poor quality.
• Before buying, leasing or franchising a vending machine business, always make sure that you are dealing with a reputable dealer or supplier. Ask for their terms and conditions when it comes to warranty, inventory, service and maintenance of the equipment.

EPIC: MAGICAL WORLD OF "EPIC" (3D) REVEALED

EPIC: MAGICAL WORLD OF "EPIC" (3D) REVEALED

Director Chris Wedge (Ice Age) returns with "Epic," his latest animated fantasy about a young girl who discovers a battle between good and evil based on the book "The Leafmen and the Brave Good Bugs" by William Joyce Starring the voices of Amanda Seyfried, Colin Farrell, Jason Sudeikis, Beyonce Knowles, Josh Hurcherson and Christoph Waltz.
Amanda Seyfried stars as Mary Katherine, a teenage girl who discovers a magical world in the forest where a massive battle is being waged between good and evil forces. Mary's eccentric dad (Sudeikis) is convinced that pint-sized leaf men and similar fantastical creatures reside in the depths of a nearby forest. He turns out to be correct, but is unaware that Mary is magically shrunk down to their size and becomes embroiled in an ongoing battle of gigantic proportions to save the mystical lush kingdom.
          
"Epic" will open May 24 in theaters nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

THE CROODS: STARRING CATHERINE KEENER AS 1ST MODERN MOM

THE CROODS: STARRING CATHERINE KEENER AS 1ST MODERN MOM 

Percy Jackson's onscreen mom Catherine Keener puts on her maternal acting instincts once again in the big family 3D animated adventure "The Croods," lending her voice along with Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Cloris Leachman.

From her numerous and notable works such as her Academy nominated roles in "Being John Malkovich" and "Capote," to diverse movie roles in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," "40-Year-Old-Virgin," "Out of Sight," "Where the Wild Things Are," "The Interpreter" and "S1mone", Catherine Keener marks her debut voice role in the family romp "THE CROODS."

Set to embody the cave mom Ugga in directors Kirk De Micco's and Chris Sanders' prehistoric adventure "The Croods," Keener is wife to Grug (voiced by Cage) and earth's original matriarch in the movie. Along with Grug, their daughter Eep (Stone), son Thunk (Clark Duke), mother Gran (Leachman) and baby, they search a new world as theirs become devastated by an earthquake. Along the way, they get help from a nomadic loner Guy (Reynolds) as they head out in search of a new life and plenty of adventure.

As the Croods experience the eventful changes that accompany Guy’s new ideas, Ugga scrambles to hold the group together. “In a family that sometimes acts a little nutty, she probably has her head screwed on a little tighter than the rest,” says Catherine Keener. “Ugga is loving, caring and a great mom, but at the same time she’s every bit as physically solid and tough as Grug. I think that she's a classic film mother. I always feel a little resistance when I hear it's the mom role because generally - and I'm stereotyping - it means there’s not a lot to her individuality. I've found Ugga to have more of that - I think she's a little eccentric, and I think she was probably more evolved than the other cave women who came before her.”
Still, during their many years together raising their family, Ugga has always deferred to her husband’s authority. But a change in their housing situation triggers big changes in their relationship. “By the end of the story she’s the one who tells Grug he must change his thinking,” says Sanders.

“Their marriage and family life is not unlike those of today,” adds Keener. “We understand the Croods. The family discovers the universal truth that it’s difficult to change and to let go of things. But when they approach the new world, it’s stunning. And they literally have to jump off a cliff to get there. Life for everyone is very much like that. You need to take risks.”

When asked what she thinks is the universal message of "The Croods" - "Love. I know that it has a lot to do with family but it has to do with accepting one and another, and when you accept one another, you feel loved and you can love," concludes Keener.

"The Croods" (3D) is a DreamWorks Animation and 20th Century Fox presentation to be distributed by Warner Bros. in cinemas nationwide on March 22.

Like Ugga, we all know that a mom's schedule can get pretty crazy sometimes, let her try out this game from THE CROODS to unwind for a few minutes: http://www.thecroodsmovie-ph.com/memory

BUDDHA-BAR MANILA

The Buddha-Bar Manila: One stylish experience that never wavers

There are hot spots that never go out of style. Count the Buddha-Bar Manila on that list, which is part of a Paris-based international franchise that has attracted a formidable celebrity clientele that includes Heidi Klum, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton, and Eva Mendes.

But then again, Buddha-Bar Manila’s appeal goes beyond its rich heritage and celebrity following.

At the threshold, Buddha-Bar Manila will engulf you with its sheer massiveness. Get past its astounding, sprawling size, and you’ll no doubt be captivated by the exotic, relaxing vibe that it provides.

The design of the bar, from the oriental décor to the gigantic Buddha – the place’s focal point – in the middle of the room was carefully outlined and conceived by Paris designers to make sure that it stays true to the brand’s posh reputation and proud lifestyle heritage.

Drinking, dining, and dancing are at its most scintillating at the Buddha-Bar Manila which makes it, in a manner of speaking, a one-stop hideaway right in the heart of the country’s central business district that is Makati. Utterly world-class, this bar-lounge-and-restaurant all in one is a must-visit and should-frequent place for those who seek an air of mystique while enjoying a daytime interlude or a night-out to the hilt.       

Conceived by French native Raymond Visan, the Buddha brand is a global one that was launched back in 1996 and has kept its tradition of being the place to see and be seen in. And while Buddha-Bar thrives on “exclusivity,” it does cater to a wide range of patrons.

For people-on-the-go, the Buddha-Bar Manila has especially designed the Early Bird and After Work offerings which might surprise you. But for those who are out for a longer rendezvous, an Asian Pacific Rim menu with the perfect blend of zesty Asian sweets and lavish French excellence awaits.

Among the bestsellers in its roster are Breaded Shrimp with Avocado, Cucumber topped with Surimi Mix, best served with Unagi Sauce and/or our Buddha-Bar Sauce; Crunchy Rice Shrimp Jalapeno, Deep fried Japanese rice with topped with Shrimp, Avocado and Jalapeno served with Unagi and/or our Buddha-Bar Sauce; Boneless Chicken Wings, Deep fried boneless Chicken Wings tossed in Chinese Wine with Shallots and Red Onions served with spicy Thai Ginger Sauce Dip; Sea Bass Tamarind, Roasted Sea Bass marinated in Ginger, Lemongrass and Cumin with Sweet Tangy Tamarind Sauce; Buddha-Bar Chicken Salad, Marinated Grilled Chicken tossed in Buddha-Bar Chicken Dressing with Sesame Seeds, Chinese Cabbage and Crispy Wanton Chips; Black Pepper Beef with Thai Basil, Deep Fried Tender Beef slices tossed in signature Black Pepper Sauce; and Thai Curry Prawns, Fresh Tiger Prawns in Red Thai Curry Sauce with coconut and lemongrass rice.

Sumptuous desserts to look forward to are the Trio Of Creme Brulee, Classic French custard in three flavors- vanilla bean, coffee and chocolate; Chocolate Sesame Bars, Signature crunchy bars with wafer, sesame and dark chocolate; and Chocolat, Dark Chocolate Cake with silky Valrhona Ganache.

Buddha-Bar Manila also offers a wide array of concoctions, among them a refreshing mix of Kiwi and Lychee Syrup and special tea combinations; Heart of Darkness, Fresh Grapes, Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon Juice, Vodka and Port Wine all topped with refreshing soda; Majestic, a special blend of fresh Pineapple, fresh Basil, Pineapple Juice, Sugar Cane Syrup and Vodka, Raspberry Saketini; a Buddha-Bar blend of sake, Raspberry Puree, Pineapple Syrup, Pineapple Juice and Creme de Casis; and D ´Ultimate, Fresh Pinepple with Almond Milk, Contreau and Maraschino Syrup in a Special Rum Mix.

More wonderful packages await beloved guests. Weekend treats dubbed as “Weekends at the Terrace” can be availed for only PhP 1,500 with buffet grilled items, vodka and rum inclusive of Buddha-Bar DJ from 8 PM to 11 PM. On weekday and weekend evenings, on the other hand, “Shisha Nights” can be enjoyed in our al fresco or terrace at PhP 300 NET per flavor with 4 mouthpiece with over 16 flavors to choose from (watermelon, orange, mango, apple, pineapple, lemon with mint, grapes, cola, cocktail, chocolate, grapes with mint, peach, vanilla, bubblegum, melon, mint).

Once the palates have been satisfied, allow Buddha-Bar to put you on a listening and dancing mood with an eclectic mix of world, lounge and energy perfectly in tune with guests and surroundings.

To cap an ultimate Buddha-wonderland experience, the Buddha-Bar boutique is worth checking out with its exclusive collectibles on sale to keep as mementos of a classy, one-of-a-kind getaway that is worth going back to. Buddha-Bar Manila is at Picar Place Kalayaan Avenue, Makati City, Philippines. For inquiries and reservations, please contact +632 8566719 or +632 8566859 visit www.buddhabarmanila.com, https://www.facebook.com/BuddhaBarMNL , https://twitter.com/BuddhaBarMNL, https://instagram.com/BuddhaBarMNL

TRINOMA AND RED DOT LAOAG: Plains and Prints Spring Summer Preview on March 1-3, 2013

TRINOMA AND RED DOT LAOAG: Plains and Prints Spring Summer Preview on March 1-3, 2013

Plains and Prints would like to request the honor of your presence at their Spring Summer Preview on March 1-3, 2013 at the ground Floor at Trinoma and Red Dot Laoag. 

For more information, kindly like them on Facebook: Plainsandprints and follow them on twitter: @plainsandprints.
                        
SUMMER SOIREE 

A collection of dresses in vivid pastels and pretty pinks perfect for a summer party or any special collection.

 

NEUTRAL GRAPHITE
Cosmopolitan chic in neutral tones of black, white and gray.  Classic styles with a twist. Mix it up with your summer wardrobe to update your look.

POSITONI COLLECTION       
The Colors of the Amalfi coast in fresh pastels. The Collection is inspired by seaside resort with touches of crotchet and feminine lace. Mint and orange are key colors.