Author: Press Release

  • Self-love advocates Heart Evangelista and Kotex dare women to love themselves more

    Women are appreciated for being natural caregivers and, as a society, we have always applauded them for it. However admirable though, it is often at the expense of caring for others that these same women are found in an all-too-familiar situation of not having enough time or energy for themselves. That is why feminine care brand Kotex Philippines and self-love ambassador Heart Evangelista have once again teamed up in challenging women to #DareToLoveYourselfMore. Together, they aim to remind every woman to keep prioritizing self-love and encourage them to start celebrating those who actively choose to.

    Kotex PR

    “We are forever grateful for the mothers, wives, and sisters in our lives who constantly take care of us but as much as we praise them for this, still not enough is given to women who make the conscious choice to love themselves. Kotex is a believer of self-love and we encourage all women to dare to love yourself unapologetically simply because you deserve it,” said Ann Avellaneda, Brand Manager of Kotex Philippines.

    For this year’s challenge, Kotex released a limited-edition #LuxeWithLove kit that contains packs of its luxuriously comfortable pads and panties. Wrapped in a specially designed painting made by Heart Evangelista, the curated kit invites every woman to fill up their box as a reminder to never let themselves run on empty.

    With every purchase, shoppers can also get a chance to win a self-love weekend getaway and a meet & greet with Heart Evangelista – all while experiencing the luxury of comfort with Kotex because they deserve nothing less. To join, they must simply scan the QR code found inside every kit, fill out the form, post a self-love letter to themselves on Instagram or Facebook, tag the official Kotex page, and use the official hashtag #DareToLoveYourselfMore. Complete promo mechanics can be found here: https://bit.ly/KotexDTLYMMechanics 

    Kotex PR 2

    Much like Kotex, Heart Evangelista has been a self-love advocate for years now. While it has taken a while for her to not feel ashamed about prioritizing herself, she has finally learned to put herself first. Along with staying in shape, eating the right food, and being healthy, Heart has also found an amazing way to practice self-love through her art.

    “Painting plays a huge role in my self-love advocacy. It’s my time for myself. It’s my time to express myself freely without anyone giving me instructions. It makes my soul happy in a way,” Heart shares. 

    With painting as her main avenue of expression, each work often tells a different story. Her favorite muses are women, painted in different canvases whether it’s on bags, murals, clothes, and now in a box. The design of the #LuxeWithLove kit is a beautiful representation of this advocacy as it was inspired by her self-love journey, travels around the world, and the many women that she’s met along the way. 

    “No matter what form, shape or size, they were beautiful so that’s why I wanted to come up with that painting. Women, just proud of being themselves,” Heart adds. 

    Heart stresses that daring to love yourself is something we need to be constantly reminded of but hopes one day it will come as naturally as taking care of others. Whether it’s writing little daily affirmations, going out on a solo date, or simply getting pads that are a little more expensive but works wonders for you – spoiling yourself with better things will always pay off. Always be proud of who you are and how you take care of yourself because the most rewarding love is still the one from within us. 

    As Heart says, “Self-love isn’t being selfish. It’s having self-worth. It’s building yourself up. It’s preparing you for greater things and it’s preparing you to love other people in a better way.”

    To date, hundreds of women have already come out in support of this self-love advocacy; each sharing how they’ve learned to love themselves more everyday and pledged to continue doing so. Patricia Basmayor said, “I learned to love myself more amidst my mental health issues. I became kinder to myself. I feel you should too.” Maureen Agaren also shared, “It’s alright to give yourself more. Remember the value of being ‘YOU’ and the LOVE that yourself deserves.” 

    All women were recognized and awarded for their contributions in spreading this important advocacy. Now, it’s your turn.

    The #DareToLoveYourselfMore challenge runs until July 30. Join today when you get your own #LuxeWithLove kit that is now available for purchase online via Lazada and Shopee. Remember, with every purchase, shoppers can also get a chance to win a self-love weekend getaway and a meet & greet with Heart Evangelista. Complete promo mechanics can be found here: https://bit.ly/KotexDTLYMMechanics

    Follow the official Facebook page of Kotex Philippines to stay updated on the latest announcements and updates.

  • Drag Race Philippines! New Filipino version of the global phenomenon drops on discovery+, HBO GO and WOW Presents Plus

    It’s the Filipino’s time to shine, henny… as discovery+, HBO GO, and WOW Presents Plus brings audiences the first-ever Drag Race Philippines on August 17, 2022.  In this hotly awaited version of the worldwide hit, 12 iconic queens slay and race to the finish line to be crowned the first Drag Race Superstar from the Philippines.

    KaladKarenPaoloBallesterosJigglyCaliente 16x9

    Following the launch, new episodes of Drag Race Philippines will drop every Wednesday on discovery+ and HBO GO.

    On the starting line is this season’s host, Paolo Ballesteros. Known as the face of one of the longest-running noontime shows in the Philippines, the multi-awarded actor, model, and drag artist well-known for his stunning makeup transformations will steer our contestants as they battle it out to the end.

    PaoloBallesteros 4x5

    Coming from a family of artists, including his great-grandfather, Philippines’ first national artist and painter Fernando Amorsolo, it’s no surprise that Paolo is a talented artist himself. Paolo shows his creativity by posting on Instagram his makeup transformations to Mariah Carey, Julia Roberts, and other international artists. This gave him attention not only locally but internationally as well and played a pivotal role in his first award-winning lead film Die Beautiful which garnered local and international acclaim, where he expressed his creativity through the art of drag.

    A stellar lineup of judges joins Ballesteros for the new series, including American singer, actress, and drag performer, Jiggly Caliente, best known for competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 & RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 6. Second is writer, presenter, and producer, and Karen Davila impersonator, KaladKaren.

    JigglyCaliente 4x5

    Jiggly Caliente was born in Laguna, Philippines, and moved to America at the age of 10. Jiggly also appeared in several films and TV shows including Broad City and as Veronica Ferocity in Pose.

    KaladKaren rose to fame after she impersonated broadcast journalist Karen Davila in a satirical UP show. Since then she has hosted shows on ABS-CBN, such as Philippine versions of The Voice and I Can See Your Voice.

    KaladKaren 4x5

    More star-studded guest judge appearances will also be featured this season and will be announced soon.

    Who has what it takes to reach new heights, impress the judges, and race to the very top? Keep on the lookout these coming weeks as we reveal the queens battling it out for the title of Drag Race Superstar!

    Drag Race Philippines is produced in the Philippines by Fullhouse Asia Production Studios, Inc in conjunction with World of Wonder Productions, Inc. Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles serve as executive producers on the series.

    Download and subscribe to discovery+ available across multiple platforms, including connected TVs, web, mobile, and tablets. For the latest updates and promos, follow discovery+ on Facebook., Instagram, and Twitter.  Drag Race Philippines will also be available on HBO GO from August 17. Subscribe to HBO GO online at https://www.hbogoasia.ph/ or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store. Or access HBO GO via Cignal, Globe and Skycable. Follow HBO GO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • This is not a drill: Maximillian is coming to Megaworld Lifestyle Malls this July 2022

    Get ready to be swoon over the “beautiful scar” singer in his back to back tour at Eastwood Central Plaza on July 22, 2022 and Venice Piazza at Mckinley Hill on July 23, 2022.

    “Too Young” was released last October 29, 2021, a comprehensive genre of music that deals with the hardships of love, friendship, and youth. 11 songs were curated to create diverse meaning infused with multiple genres. 

    MLM Maximillian Live in Manila

    Filipino music fans and mall-goers can show their support and excitement to watch the “Beautiful Scars” singer perform live for free. Also, VIP access is available for guests who will meet the purchase requirement from any partner store of Eastwood Mall and Venice Grand Canal Mall. 

    Meanwhile, fans can enjoy an exclusive access to this jam session by registering their personal details and contact information through https://live.umusic.com/maximillian-live-in-manila and tweeting their most creative selfie while tuning in to any songs by Maximillian and mentioning @UMUSICPH and #MaximillianInManila. 

    Apart from the exclusive passes, VIP passes and an exclusive signed merch will be awarded to Filipino fans with the most creative 15-30 seconds content on tiktok while listening to the popular hit “beautiful scars”. Aside from this, the show will be open to mall-goers for Free standing access.

    The danish singer made it top of the headlines with his top charting “Beautiful Scars” last 2020 on spotify. Among his hits are “On My Mind and “Ripples”.

    The copenhagen-based singer expressed his gratitude and excitement in his Instagram account, as fans from all over the Philippines expressed their support to the Danish singer. Don’t miss out the chance to watch him live!                                                                                      

    For updates on the latest happenings, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call our hotline at (632) 8462-8888.

  • Metro Stores Health and Beauty Fair is Back Until August 14

    Beauty and body care junkies — this one’s for you! The Metro Stores brings back its Health and Beauty Fair with up to 35% OFF on great selections that help you become #GlowUpReady. These irresistible deals and discounts, buy 1get 1 promos, gifts with purchase, and MRC exclusive treats are available from July 14 to August 14. Customers can #ShopTheMetroStores in-store at Metro Supermarket branches nationwide or online at shopmetro.ph.

    The Metro Stores HABA Fair Promos

    If last year’s fair was all about experimenting on different skin, makeup, and personal care items, this year is all about investing in the best kinds of hair, skin, and body products that work for you. This campaign aims to encourage the public to make better choices for their own bodies while still being practical.

    Shower must-haves like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, beauty soaps are available at low prices starting at P82.80. Most of which are offered at ‘Buy 1, Get 6’ bundles and more!

    For those looking to stock up on personal hygiene essentials, now’s the best time to shop in bulk. Deo colognes from brands such as Bench, Lewis & Pearl, Juicy, Penshoppe are at up to 24% off. Most body lotions, including Silka, SkinWhite, Vaseline, Myra, Off, and Gluta-C, are offered at a ‘Buy 1 Get 1’ promo with nothing over P315

    Other health and beauty products for the face, dental care, baby care, feminine care, and men’s body care are also available starting at P52. Alcohol, cotton, and other daily essentials are offered at 18% off.

    The Metro Stores HABA Fair

    Plus, an exciting treat awaits all Metro Rewards Card (MRC) and Metro Business Card (MBC) members. A P500-worth single-receipt purchase of Health and Beauty Fair products is equivalent to one (1) e-raffle entry. The raffle period is until August 14 only. The raffle draw will be held three days after. The Metro Stores will award 6 winners of a Palawan Getaway Trip for Two worth P50,000, 10 winners of a Boracay Getaway Trip for Two worth P35,000, and 50 winners of P5,000-worth of Metro GCs each. This getaway prize includes the round-trip airfare and airport transfer, 3 days 2 nights hotel accommodation and daily breakfast for the pair.

    Members can also get up to P200-worth of discount coupons when they buy products from the fair. A single-receipt purchase worth P1,000 gets them P150 OFF on their next purchase, while a minimum single-receipt purchase worth P500 gives them P50 OFF.

    The Metro Stores is also offering free delivery for all MRC and MBC members who purchase a minimum of P1,000 worth of Health and Beauty products in a single transaction through the website. This is available in select Metro stores only, including Metro Colon, Metro Mandaue, Metro Ayala Center Cebu, Metro Market! Market!, Metro Alabang, Metro Gaisano Pasig, Metro Newport, Metro Gaisano Market, Super Metro Lapu-Lapu, and Super Metro Mambaling.

    Visit the nearest Metro Supermarket to get first dibs on the sale items or #ShopTheMetroStores online at www.shopmetro.ph. Customers can also avail of The Metro Stores’ Personal Shopper services with Metro Pabili. Just call, text, or Viber 0917-88-METRO (0917-88-63876) with your shopping list.

    Join The Metro Stores Viber community to stay updated on the latest sales, promos, and announcements.

  • Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil welcomes the Legaspi family as new brand ambassadors

    The consistent number one canola oil brand and nutritionists-recommended Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil introduces the Legaspi family as its first family celebrity ambassadors this 2022, to strengthen the brand’s campaign of promoting the importance of healthy and delicious meals for the whole family.

    One of the Philippine entertainment industry’s famous celebrity families, Zoren, Carmina, Mavy, and Cassy Legaspi represent the typical Filipino family that bonds over food, made healthier and extra special with Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil. 

    Jolly Heart Mate 1

    “We are grateful and honored to be the first family ambassador of Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil,” Carmina says. “Nakakatuwa kasi it’s a new chapter for us, lalo na malaki na ang kambal,” Zoren adds.

    The family that eats together…

    Zoren and Carmina have been together for nearly two decades as a certified power couple in local showbiz. Their kids, twins Mavy and Cassy, have just turned 21 years old in January and are beginning to make their mark in the industry. In spite of their busy schedules, the Legaspi family makes it a point to cook at home and eat meals together to be updated with each other’s life.

    “Number 1 thing in the Legaspi family is that being busy is not an excuse; we need to spend time together as a family especially during mealtime,” says Cassy. 

    Mavy agrees, adding they always find ways to bond, such as connecting via video call when one of them is inside a locked-in taping. “We’re all busy doing our own types of work, but when we all gather at the dining table, it brings us closer together.  We talk about anything under the sun.”

    Jolly Heart Mate is the Canola Oil of Choice of the Legaspi Family Large

    Healthy and delicious

    As for what they usually have on the table, they said cooking and eating healthy have always been a priority. Carmina admits to having cheat days, but the key is to balance what’s healthy with what makes you happy. In her own words, “healthy pero masarap.”

    “Noong dumating itong pandemic, mas naging conscious kami in making sure that we cook and eat healthier food,” she says. “Mas gusto naming home-cooked meals than food deliveries para we know the ingredients, the way it’s cooked and prepared, at ano ‘yung cooking oil na ginamit. ‘Yung mga ganung details na akala natin hindi importante, sobrang mahalaga pala.”

    Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil serves as every Filipino kitchen’s heart-healthy companion for everyday meals. It offers the lowest amount of saturated fat or “bad fats” versus other types of vegetable oils. Bad fats increase bad cholesterol levels in your body which may lead to heart disease. 

    Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil has high amounts of monounsaturated fats or the “good fats” that helps lower bad cholesterol levels in your body. It contains Omega 3 and 6 which are essential to your heart, brain, and overall body development. Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil is the consistent number one canola oil in the market, trusted by health professionals who value its health benefits, and high versatility – perfect for a wide range of dishes.

    Chicken Fried Rice Large

    A heart-healthy and nutritionist-approved pantry staple

    Every member of the Legaspi family shares their own favorite home-cooked meals. Carmina’s favorite is adobo, while Zoren goes for “anything with noodles or pasta.” For Mavy, it’s “Salpicao ni Mama,” and for Cassy, it’s “Mommy’s tuna pasta.”

    “I usually cook with whatever’s in the pantry,” Carmina says. “So, anything gisa-gisa. And when you sauté, you need canola oil. Ang pinakamadali, gambas. Kapag dinner time, I prepare salmon escabeche or pag wala ako maisip – salpicao!”

    Carmina may be commanding the Legaspi kitchen today, but it was actually Zoren who was the first in their family to learn how to cook. He enrolled in CCA, a prestigious culinary school.  He invited his wife to join him but Carmina was hesitant at first and said she would rather stick with doing the groceries instead. Eventually, she was inspired by Zoren’s dedication and decided to finally try her hand at cooking. She never looked back since.

    “Ang pagluluto kasi, it’s a gift pala. It’s a talent,” she says, adding even Cassy and Mavy are starting to find themselves in the kitchen more often.

    Cassy says it’s essential to prepare all the ingredients first. Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil, in particular, is an important pantry staple. Aside from all its health benefits, it also has one of the highest heat points that make it ideal for frying, especially for deep-frying.

    The Legaspi family calls on everyone to keep their family ties strong, starting with cooking and sharing meals whenever they can. With Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil and its health benefits, bonding moments are made extra special with home-cooked meals that are good for the heart. 

    Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil is available in supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide, and online on Lazada, Shopee, and AceMarket.ph. For more information, check out the brand’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/JollyHeartMateCanolaOil

  • The Bootleg Beatles Live In Concert 2022

    To all those long-time fans still young at heart , and to all old souls out here in the archipelago and “Across The Universe”, get ready as the world-renowned tribute act The Bootleg Beatles return to the Philippines for a series of wonderful concerts in select cities and prime live music venues.

    Bootleg Beatles PH Omni Poster

    From “Love Me Do” to “Let It Be”, from the Cavern to the Apple rooftop, from black and white to psychedelic technicolour, the world’s Premier Beatle band returns to take you on a whistle-stop journey through the most vibrant revolutionary and divisive decade of all – the Swinging Sixties.

    It’s all here..the iconic mop tops , the Chelsea boots, the witty Beatle banter , the Chesterfield suits.

    This  talented quartet, composed of Steve White (Paul McCartney), Stephen Hill (George Harrison), Tyson Kelly (John Lennon), and Gordon Elsmore (Ringo Starr)  not only sound authentic …but their resemblance to the originals is uncanny.

    As one reviewer  put it…”It’s not The Beatles …but you “simply won’t believe it.”

    Featuring a special set to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the Please Please Me LP …which of course, gave birth to other timeless hits “Twist And Shout”, “I Saw Her Standing There”, don’t miss this amazing multi-media show . It’s an absolute must-see for Beatle fans of all ages.

    The Bootleg Beatles have previously performed sold out tours in the Philippines during their 2016 & 2018 tours here. Moreover, they are fresh from performing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. So, to all Pinoy Beatles loyalists out there, you better prepare to witness their remarkable concert production behold for a one-of-a-kind live music experience like no other this 2022 featuring the finest repertoire of the world’s most popular band ever.

    The Bootleg Beatles are performing in the following dates and cities this coming October 2022:   

    SMX Convention Centre, Davao City – Thursday, October 27th 2022 – 8pm
    Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Cebu City – Saturday, October 29th 2022 – 8pm
    PICC Plenary Hall, Pasay, Manila – Sunday, October 30th 2022 – 8pm

    Ticket sales for The Bootleg Beatles, Philippines 2022 Tour will commence on Friday 22nd July 2022, Tickets available from all Ticket World & SM Ticket outlets and Online.

    Thursday October 27, SMX Convention Center, Davao City, 

    Ticket prices;

    VIP – Reserved Seating – 3,500 Peso
    Platinum – Reserved Seating – 2,500 Peso
    Gold – Reserved Seating – 1,500 Peso
    Silver – Free Seating – 750 Peso

    * Exclusive of ticket service charge

    SM Ticket Outlets or log on to www.smtickets.com or call 8470-2222
    Ticket World outlets or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999

    Saturday October 29, Waterfront Hotel & Casino, Cebu City,

    Ticket prices;

    VIP – Reserved Seating – 3,800 Peso
    Platinum – Reserved Seating – 2,800 Peso
    Gold – Reserved Seating – 2,000 Peso
    Silver – Free Seating – 1,500 Peso
    Bronze (Balcony) – Free Seating – 800 Peso

    * Exclusive of ticket service charge

    SM Ticket Outlets or log on to www.smtickets.com or call 8470-2222
    Ticket World outlets or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999

    Sunday October 30th, PICC Plenary Hall, Pasay, Metro Manila,

    Ticket prices;

    VVIP –  Center Reserved Seating – 5,800 Peso
    VIP –  Left/Right Reserved Seating – 4,800 Peso
    Platinum – Reserved Seating – 3,800 Peso
    Gold – Reserved Seating – 2,000 Peso
    Silver – Free Seating – 1,200 Peso
    Bronze – Free Seating – 750 Peso

    * Exclusive of ticket service charge

    SM Ticket Outlets or log on to www.smtickets.com or call 8470-2222
    Ticket World outlets or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 891-9999

    For more information;

    www.bootlegbeatles.com or /@ bootlegbeatles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
    www.concertrepublic.com or /@concertrepublic on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

  • “The Black Phone” Rings Box-Office Success Globally

    Ringing beyond the $100M-mark global box-office, Universal Pictures’ “The Black Phone” has successfully brought in the horror genre fans once again to the cinemas and continues to do so, making it one of the “biggest non-sequel horror” films to-date.

    Hawke and Thames in THE BLACK PHONE

    “The Black Phone” comes to Philippine cinemas on July 20, starring a subtle powerhouse of veteran and young talents led by Ethan Hawke along with Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw who continue to earn praises and raves for their work in the film. 

    “The Black Phone” is based on the short story by Joe Hill (son of legendary horror author Stephen King) where Ethan Hawke takes on the role of The Grabber, a child abductor and serial killer.  Both the short story and the film follow 13-year-old Finney (Thames), abducted by The Grabber in a small town in northern Denver. Locked in the killer’s soundproof basement, Finney discovers that he can hear the killer’s previous victims through a disconnected black rotary phone on the wall. 

    McGraw Thames in THE BLACK PHONE

    In most films about child abduction or serial killers, the victim needs to be rescued by an intrepid, driven detective or other adult. In The Black Phone, the well-meaning adults are essentially useless and the kids – Finney himself, the voices of the dead boys on the phone, and especially Finney’s younger sister, Gwen (McGraw) – are the only people who can possibly save Finney from certain torture and death. Beyond the blood-chilling terror, it’s a film about the strength of children, their ability to believe in unseen forces, and the power of family and love to endure even the darkest, most unthinkable events.

    Set in the ‘ 70s, for Gen Xers, this was a time without anti-bullying initiatives, where, for boys in particular, learning to defend yourself against mean kids was considered a normal rite of passage.  “My earliest memory up until high school was the violence of the neighborhood that I lived in,” director Derrickson says. “The primary feeling that I remember having as a child was fear. I was the youngest kid on the street full of bullies.”

    Hawke in THE BLACK PHONE

    Hawke was, in fact, hesitant at first since The Grabber is a failed magician who is shrouded in darkness. “Some part of The Grabber’s soul has been so eroded that he can justify doing things that most of us can’t even think about,” Hawke says. “It’s hard to play that level of malevolency because it’s impossible to justify.” The script, and in particular the relationship between Finney and his sister Gwen, changed his mind. “I thought it was special because, yes, it’s a scary movie, but it has a heart of gold,” concludes Hawke.

    A Universal Pictures International film, answer the call when “The Black Phone” opens on July 20 in local cinemas nationwide.

    “The Black Phone” is rated R-13 by the local censors board (MTRCB), only 13 years old and above are allowed inside the cinema.

  • Rakuten Viber aims to inspire more Pinoy-preneurs with Pinoy Dream Negosyo

    The event rounds off the series of online challenges and activities that the top three participating entrepreneurs from the Raket PH and FoodPHViber channelshad to undergo for the opportunity to pitch their business ideas and receive a business grant from Viber and its partners Inquirer Group of Companies and Grab Express.

    Pinoy Dream Negosyo is in line with Rakuten Viber’s mission to educate, enable, and empower Filipino MSMEs by giving them a platform to share their entrepreneurial journey and by providing business owners with the know-how and tools to help implement their business plans, and scale their business operations.

    Lana Macapagal PR Lead for APAC at Rakuten Viber
    Lana Macapagal, PR Lead for APAC at Rakuten Viber

    “Pinoy Dream Negosyo didn’t happen overnight. It is a byproduct of the team’s hard work to meet and answer the needs of the Filipinos back in 2020,” said Lana Macapagal, APAC PR Lead for Rakuten Viber. “When there was a surge in users and communities actively using Viber, we asked ourselves how we could help them further. That led us to our goal, which is to champion Filipino MSMEs.” 

    Viber, one of the world’s leading apps for free, secured, and easy communication, has been instrumental in helping small businesses grow and stay connected to their consumers and each other, especially during the pandemic.

    Viber saw an increase in the use of its Channels feature during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Viber Channels helped entrepreneurs reach out to potential customers and like-minded individuals, allowing them to grow and manage their businesses.

    Among the helpful tools for small businesses were the Raket PH and FoodPH Viber channels.    

    Raket PH serves as a Viber channel for MSME owners and side hustlers who want to promote their side businesses. Since its launching, Raket PH now has over 203,000 subscribers. 

    Food PH,on the other hand, is an online food channel that helped small and micro food entrepreneurs adapt to the “new normal” during the pandemic through contactless online purchases. FoodPH eventually evolved through its bot, serving as a transaction point for buyers. The Food PH channel has grown significantly to attract over 560,000 subscribers. 

    Richmond Argosino of Ken Goods and Apparel won the grand prize for Raket Mo To

    Making MSME dreams a reality

    Pinoy Dream Negosyo opens the doors to MSMEs who want to share their business journeys and acquire the knowledge and tools to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality. 

    Pinoy Dream Negosyo has two categories, Raket Mo ‘To and Da Best of FoodPH. 

    At the event, three entrepreneurs from Raket PH and three from Food PH had the opportunity to inspire other aspiring Filipino entrepreneurs by sharing their stories and pitching their final business ideas for a chance to receive a business grant from Viber and its partners.

    GRAND BESTie Mon Cabsag with Viber executives Lana Macapagal and Veronica Feleo together with judges Ruth Navarra Mayo and Gerick Manalo
    GRAND BESTie Mon Cabsag with Viber executives Lana Macapagal and Veronica Feleo together with judges Ruth Navarra-Mayo and
    Gerick Manalo

    In selecting the GRAND BESTie of DA BEST OF FOOD PH, Viber sought the help of an esteemed panel of judges, including writer and editor Ruth Navarra-Mayo, restaurateur and celebrity chef Gerick Manalo, and Rakuten Viber’s Business Development Manager Veronica Feleo. 

    Raket Mo To grand winner Richmond Argosino of Ken Goods and Apparel and the Grand Bestie of FOOD Ph Mon Ramlher Cabsag of The Bistro
    Raket Mo To grand winner Richmond Argosino of Ken Goods and Apparel and the Grand Bestie of FOOD Ph
    Mon Ramlher Cabsag of The Bistro Box

    For Raket Mo ‘To of Raket PH, the panel of judges was: Joseph Arnold De Guzman, Go Negosyo mentor and Chairman and CEO of First Food Link Distributors, Inc.; Jennivev “Nene” Tamayo-Plamio, a celebrity mompreneur and one of the pioneer members of the GrabExpress Madiskarteng Boss Club, and; Chris Aguilar, APAC Marketing Director for Rakuten Viber.

    In the end, two budding Filipino entrepreneurs became one step closer to fulfilling their entrepreneurial dreams as they each received a business grant from Viber and its partners. The judges chose Mon Cabsag of The Bistro Box as the GRAND BESTie of FOODPH and Richmond Argosino of Ken Goods and Apparel for Raket Mo ‘To of RaketPH.

    For his final challenge, Mon Cabsag created his version of a popular regional food called nilupak, a traditional Filipino delicacy. In his entry, he prepared the cassava with nata de coco, mung beans, sugar, condensed milk, ube, ultimately wowing the judges with a nilupak that resembles the flavors of halo-halo, a Filipino favorite dessert. 

    The winners were chosen under the supervision of DTI representative Edsel John Lingon. 

    Cabsag, during the media QnA segment of the event, said that he will use the prizes to upgrade his business equipment to better serve his customers. “It was a memorable and exhilarating experience for me. I met and interacted with a lot of entrepreneurs like me and gained more perspective about running a business,” he added.

    Viber, a long-time supporter of entrepreneurs in the country, looks forward to the next set of enterprising individuals whose dreams it can help make a reality.

  • Former Stunt Double of Brad Pitt Now Directs “Bullet Train”

    Brad Pitt stars as Ladybug, an unlucky assassin determined to do his job peacefully after one too many gigs gone off the rails. Fate, however, may have other plans, as Ladybug’s latest mission puts him on a collision course with lethal adversaries from around the globe—all with connected, yet conflicting, objectives—on the world’s fastest train. The end of the line is just the beginning in this non-stop thrill-ride through modern-day Japan.

    For director David Leitch, the chance to direct a movie that was unlike any other presented an unmissable opportunity. “I was attracted to how bold and original it is, and that’s the kind of movie I like to make,” he says. “It has a tone of relentless fun and snappy dialogue. But the most important thing to me was that it had well-defined characters that gave the actors a lot to chew on. It’s a fun action-thriller with crazy, bombastic characters – and it’s a meditation on fate. Really.”

    BT BPitt DLeitch
    Brad Pitt & David Leitch (Photo: Columbia Pictures)

    “All of these characters show their humanity,” adds Leitch. “Ladybug wants to be a better person. But you also see it in the characters played by Brian Tyree Henry and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in their brotherhood – they clearly care for each other. Joey King’s character is a sociopath, but she has a dynamic with her father that we can all connect with. You can go on this journey with these remorseless killers and still feel for them, have fun, laugh at the jokes.”

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    Photo: Columbia Pictures

    That makes it a movie that fits squarely into Leitch’s vision as a director. “It’s hard these days to strike out and make an original movie – not a sequel or a superhero story – but we’re up for the challenge,” Leitch continues. Through his company 87North, Leitch is seeking to bring his own personal stamp to action movies and the way action is portrayed. Having entered the business as a stuntman, and rising to become a stunts supervisor and choreographer before staking a groundbreaking directorial style with the films Deadpool 2, Atomic Blonde, Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, and John Wick, Leitch says that there are boundless opportunities to stretch the action genre. “There’s action in comedy, there’s action in thrillers, there’s action in horror,” he says. “My entire adult life has been action on film. Action is in my DNA. So I’m excited by the idea of taking big, provocative swings and making bold choices, as we keep it action-adjacent.”

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    Photo: Columbia Pictures

    Leitch had gained Pitt’s trust by serving as his stunt double on several of the actor’s classics – Fight Club, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Troy, and more – before making his mark as a director. Pitt knew he’d be in safe hands. “It was a little funny to me, watching Brad play a stuntman in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood. I can tell you that the relationship between actor and stuntman that was part of that movie is real,” says Leitch. “You develop a close and collaborative relationship. We went in different directions for a while, but fate wasn’t done with us, and I’m so glad it’s brought us back together.”

    In Philippine cinemas August 03, Bullet Train is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.  Connect with the hashtag #BulletTrainMovie

  • Ellis Co gives a glimpse of his debut collection for urban high fashion label ARCHIVES

    Young Filipino designer Ellis Co invites everyone to “reminisce the future” with his upcoming collection “Memoirs of the Future.” Merging the past and what’s to come through design, the collection is set to mark the launch of his urban high fashion label ARCHIVES, established earlier this year.

    Ellis Co ARCHIVES

    In making the collection, Ellis took influences from Brutalist architectural style from the ‘50s and ‘60s and New Brutalism from Berlin and Copenhagen. Known for its monolithic appearance and geometric beauty, the architectural movement is combined with the Japanese fashion aesthetic. This makes the collection a showcase of ensembles that reimagines silhouettes aiming to redefine clothing function and reimagine the idea of fashion for individuals.

    “I chose the brand name ARCHIVES because the clothes that I design are timeless and lasting pieces, and in itself, a collection of historical records,” Ellis, the brand’s founder, and director of design, says. “I perceive these pieces as the remnants of me as a designer for years to come, and years after I’m gone.”

    “For this collection, I tasked myself with redefining function by adding and creating new functions on my designs,” he adds.

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    This is not the first time Ellis dipped his toes in fashion. At age 16, Ellis started designing shirts and selling shoes. While working as the Assistant Vice President for Operations for his family’s real estate and construction company, Sunwest Group Holdings Company, Inc., the 21-year-old designer established two fashion brands prior to ARCHIVES. In his latest endeavor, he is joined by visual artist Reika Mayani, who serves as the creative director of the brand. 

    During a press preview, members of the media got a glimpse of the “Memoirs of the Future,” presenting the pieces designed with the idea of “deja vu” in mind. “When I design, I’m very focused on the silhouette, how the shape looks, how the piece drops on the body, especially, the minor details,” Ellis muses. “Basically, I’m trying to make something that hasn’t been done yet but is still familiar. I try to find the familiarity in the unfamiliar.”

    ARCHIVES’ “Memoir of the Future” collection will be revealed on July 27, 2022, at Whitespace Manila in Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City, which will be live streamed online. Beyond just a traditional runway show, the collection’s launch will be a truly multi-sensory experience with a graphic projection of the line’s inspiration, a taste of the future with molecular gastronomy, and a scentstation, all leading to the unveiling of the collection with a unique sound experience as the designer will produce original music for the show.