“Asia’s Got Talent” to thrill the Region from Thursday 12 March 2015, 8.05pm on AXN

 

 

Philippines, 5 March 2015 – The stage is set and the thrills are about to begin as “Asia’s Got Talent” bows across the region in a week’s time on AXN!

Debuting first on AXN on Thursday, 12 March at 8.05pm with subsequent episodes airing in its regular Thursday 8.30pm slot, the brand new series is the biggest talent competition in the world featuring some of the region’s most breath-taking, jaw-dropping and mind-blowing performing artists competing for the coveted winning title.

“Asia’s Got Talent” is the 63^rd adaptation of the Guinness World Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Each act competing in “Asia’s Got Talent” will have to win over at least three “Yeses” from the esteemed celebrity judging panel comprising 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, UK pop sensation and former Spice Girl Melanie C., Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Taiwanese-American pop idol and actor Van Ness Wu.

Watch out for the glittering “Golden Buzzer moments”, where each judge has one opportunity to send a brilliant act straight to the semi-finals at Marina Bay Sands.

The four judges must select the most incredible and amazing performances from thousands of hopefuls from 15 territories across Asia. Those who make it to the semi-finals will contend with an even tougher judge, the home audience who will decide the winner of “Asia’s Got Talent”.

Prizes worth $100,000 USD are at stake, along with the opportunity to return and perform at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading entertainment destination – where the semi-finals and finale are to be held.

Supporting the judges are Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez as hosts of “Asia’s Got Talent”. AXN audiences will remember the pair of friends as contestants of “The Amazing Race Asia Season 2” and hosts of the talk show “The Duke”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” spans 10 weekly episodes, including five audition episodes, three semi-finals, a finale episode and a results gala. In addition to enjoying the fantastic performances, audiences will get to know their favourite acts as “Asia Got Talent” tells the life stories behind some of the most colourful individuals and groups in the competition.

“Asia’s Got Talent” is proudly presented by Marina Bay Sands, Big Cola, Pantene, Caltex, Jetstar, and GrabTaxi.

Marina Bay Sands is a premier partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. As Asia’s leading entertainment destination and crossroads for global celebrities, Marina Bay Sands provides opportunities for local talent to shine on the world’s stage.

BIG is the exclusive beverage partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. With BIG Cola, ‘if you can dream it, you can do it’. Contestants and fans across Asia will be encouraged to ‘Think Big’ and ‘Dream Bigger’ in pursuit of their dreams.

Pantene, the exclusive haircare partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”, makes hair stronger inside and shinier outside, to enable contestants to shine and be the world’s number one talent.

Caltex is the exclusive petroleum partner of “Asia’s Got Talent”. Caltex delivers a hassle-free experience to get people back on their journey quickly, so they can have more time and energy to do whatever matters most to them. By being a part of “Asia’s Got Talent”, Caltex wants to celebrate key moments of the contestants’ journey to stardom, providing viewers the opportunity to enjoy the journey with them.

Jetstar is proud to be the official airline of the very first edition of “Asia’s Got Talent”. With more than 600 weekly flights to 22 destinations across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Jetstar enables talent to fly further, connect with families and fulfil dreams.

GrabTaxi (also known as MyTeksi in Malaysia) is the official on-demand transit partner for “Asia's Got Talent”. From humble beginnings, we have grown to be the region's number one on-demand transit app with over 70,000 vehicles in 18 cities across 6 countries. As a local startup that is now on the global stage, we too want to support our fellow Asian stars by providing them and their fans with safe and convenient rides to go grab their dreams!

Brought to you in the Philippines by: KFC, Globe, and Cherifer.

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including four seasons of the International Emmy-nominated “The Amazing Race Asia”; the Asian Television Award-winning “Cash Cab Asia”; “The Apprentice Asia”; “Cyril: Rio Magic”; “Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition”; and the Asian Television Award-nominated “Cyril: Simply Magic”.

“Asia’s Got Talent” debuts on 12 March 2015 at 8.05pm.

Subsequent episodes air on Thursdays at 8.30pm.

First on AXN

www.AXNAsia.com/AsiasGotTalent

 

About Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia was established in 1997 with Singapore as the Asian headquarters of Sony Pictures Television's networks business. It operates six ad-supported 24/7channels which are wholly-owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment. AXN is the home of thrilling entertainment; beTV is the place to be for the best of TV; Sony Channel is the premier destination for female-skewing Hollywood entertainment; Animax offers anime for all; ONE is powered by prime and current South Korean entertainment content; and GEM serves up star-studded and popular general entertainment programming from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea.

About FremantleMedia Asia

With offices in Singapore, Beijing, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Mumbai, and servicing the entirety of Asia, FremantleMedia Asia is one on the preeminent production companies in the region, producing world-class content from the large scale talent competitions for which it is best known, including Idol, X Factor, and Got Talent, to long running game shows such as Family Feud. In addition to creating and developing local content, FremantleMedia Asia is no stranger to localization and is uniquely positioned as one of the most accomplished adaptors of international formats in the region, ensuring continuing success season after season in territory after territory. Beyond single market productions, FremantleMedia Asia has also demonstrated its strength in pan-regional production having recently produced the widely successful The Apprentice Asia.

About SYCO Entertainment

Syco Entertainment is a joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music and is one of the world’s leading global music, film and television production companies responsible for some of the world’s most successful global TV and music franchises. Syco Entertainment is also the world’s most successful producer of international talent with Syco Music being the UK’s number 1 record label for both A&R and sales and is record label home for such diverse international recording artists as Labrinth, One Direction, Susan Boyle, Little Mix, IL Divo, Fifth Harmony, Alex & Sierra and Ella Henderson. Syco’s television assets include the global franchises The X Factor and Got Talent. Local versions of The X Factor are produced in more than 53 territories, with artists discovered by the format selling more than 180 million records worldwide, including 200 number ones and 380 top 10 records. The Got Talent format is officially the world’s most successful reality TV format of all time, holding the Guinness World Records title for the “Most successful TV format of all time” having been commissioned in an impressive 66 territories worldwide. America’s Got Talent also airs in 193 countries around the globe and has been the #1 US summer reality series for the pass decade. Syco Film produced the 2013 #1 global box office hit " One Direction: This Is Us” a 3D concert movie with Sony Pictures and have recently partnered with Animal Logic (The Lego Movie, Happy Feet) to produce a number of music-based hive action-hybrid animated movies. 

Explore Science and its Magic on Exploreum

 

 

Summer is just around the corner and with all the in-season classes and activities that are available, parents are caught between the choice of educational or fun engagements for their children. If you’re in a struggle between the two, worry no more because SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. has the perfect summer activity for you!

SM Lifestyle Entertainment’s (SMLEI) Exploreum is a family-centered facility that believes in parent-children bonding activities that engage and mould curious minds through edutainment (a term used for education through entertainment). Now, fully renovated and with additional summer programs, Exploreum offers 118 child-friendly all-new interactive exhibits and over 100 interesting nuggets of information situated in eight major interactive galleries namely the Natural World, Human Adventure, Zoom, Connect, Cyberville, Space Camp, the Living Earth, and Science Park.

The Exploreum’s Main Attractions

One of the main attractions in Exploreum is the Science on a Sphere or the SOS. First in the Philippines, the Science on a Sphere is a room-sized digital globe that projects real-time, dynamic images of planets, climate change, ocean temperature, and even air traffic. Developed by the US government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the SOS will be an interactive exhibit, allowing visitors to control the face of the sphere through a tablet.

If your kids are into movies, the Exploreum houses the country’s only full-sized Dome Theatre. Formerly known as the Planetarium, the Dome Theatre is the only theatre in the Philippines that could boast of its 180-degree digital screen and advanced audio-visual system. With the Digi-star 5, the world’s best-selling operating system and the latest installment for full dome theatres, the 158-seater Dome Theatre promises a photo-realistic experience through its clear-cut projections and remarkable surround sound that will make guests feel as if the cosmos are just within reach. This state-of-the-art facility will feature videos about the space, earth, and beyond.

Exploreum’s First Summer Camp

Involve your children in an entertaining and informative event this summer through the Exploreum Summer Camp 2015. Through this summer program, children will be exposed to practical science experiments that can help them appreciate how the world works. Designed for kids from 4-12 years old, this summer camp develops a learning experience for kids through fun and play. Filled with stimulating games and other exciting activities, the Summer Camp will run from May 8-10, 2015 in Exploreum at SM Mall of Asia.

Science Quiz Bee

SMLEI will be hosting its first ever Science Quiz Bee: a nationwide inter-school competition that will focus on all branches of science. Running from July 2015 to February 2016, the winning school will take home a grand prize of 1 million pesos. Moreover, SMLEI will be giving away cash prices weekly, monthly, and quarterly in each of the qualifying competitions leading to the grand tournament. Students can also participate in the competition by setting up science exhibits in their respective schools.

With all the exhibits and events to look forward to, you can immerse your children in educational and engaging activities this summer at the Exploreum: where science becomes fun! The Exploreum is located at SM Mall of Asia and SM Lanang Premier. For more information, visit www.exploreum.ph

Addressing unmet need in COPD: Role of dual bronchodilation

 

  Last Week , an awareness program  for the COPD was being tackled through Novartis by  the launching of a simple machine that would check and detect failures of airflow and  tips on how to addressed and be protected by such chronic disease that has been one of the major and prevalent problems in the Philippines and other 3rd World Countries due to pollution and other kind of substances that can be acquired through airborne .

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health issue worldwide. The disease is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced, chronic inflammatory response in the airways or lung to noxious particles or gasses. Around 210 million people worldwide are estimated to have COPD2 and the prevalence is increasing both in developed and developing countries1.

COPD is the sixth leading cause of death in the Philippines^28. The Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study found that COPD prevalence in Manila was 14% while two towns in Nueva Ecija had a prevalence rate of 21%. Aside from the high prevalence rates, only 2% of these cases were diagnosed by doctors^29-30.

Overall, 28.3% (17.3 million) of the Philippine population aged 15 years old and over currently smoke tobacco: 47.7 % (14.6 million) are men, and 9.0% (2.8 million) are women. The majority of deaths attributable to smoking are caused by COPD and cerebrovascular diseases³¹ .

Although COPD is often thought of as a disease of older age, as many as 25% of adults aged 40 years and older have mild airflow obstruction3. It is estimated that around half of people with COPD are below the age of 65 when they are likely to be at the peak of their earning power and family responsibilities¹. COPD therefore puts a substantial burden on both patients and society¹.

Impact of COPD symptoms and exacerbations

Airflow obstruction in COPD causes shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and other symptoms. These symptoms have a destructive impact on patients’ function and quality of life4, and even simple daily activities such as walking up a short flight of stairs can become difficult as the condition gradually worsens5. Reducing the debilitating symptoms of COPD is a key goal of treatment in international guidelines6. However, a high proportion of patients experience persistent symptoms despite medical therapy with current therapies7.

Many patients with COPD experience exacerbations, a sudden worsening of symptoms most commonly caused by infections of the upper respiratory tract or tracheobronchial tree⁶. COPD exacerbations are linked to an accelerated decline in lung function8,9 and are associated with increased mortality and poorer quality of life for patients10,11. Because of the frequent need for hospitalization, exacerbations are a cause of increased healthcare costs12,13 and account for the greatest proportion of the total COPD burden on the healthcare system⁶. COPD patients typically experience one to three exacerbations each year, and between 3% and 16% of these will require hospital admission¹¹. Up to one in ten patients with severe COPD admitted to hospital for an exacerbation will die¹¹. Prevention of COPD exacerbations is therefore an absolute priority in COPD management⁶.

Bronchodilation: The cornerstone of COPD treatment

In 2013, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) updated their Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management and Prevention of COPD with the latest evidence for best practice. Pharmacological therapy is recommended to reduce COPD symptoms and exacerbations, and improve health status and exercise tolerance⁶. Choice of treatment is dependent on the individual patient's level of symptoms, lung function and risk of exacerbations⁶, however bronchodilator medications are central to the management of COPD for all (see table 1)⁶.

Most bronchodilators work by altering the smooth muscle tone of the lung airways, causing the passages to relax and open up. They may be used as needed or on a regular basis as maintenance treatment to prevent or reduce COPD symptoms⁶. Inhaled short-acting bronchodilators, which work quickly and last from four to six hours, are used as rescue medication. Inhaled long-acting bronchodilators are used regularly to open the airways and keep them open for 12 hours with twice-daily dosing, and in some cases up to 24 hours (once-daily dosing). There are two main types⁶:

· Long-acting beta₂-agonists (LABAs) which stimulate beta₂-adrenergic receptors, producing cyclic AMP which promotes muscle relaxation and therefore reduces bronchoconstriction

· Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) – also known as long-acting anticholinergic bronchodilators – which block the bronchoconstrictor action of acetylcholine on airway smooth muscle cells and therefore prevent muscle constriction

Table 1: Initial pharmaceutical management of COPD (adapted from GOLD 2013⁶)

Key: SABA = Short-acting beta₂-agonist SAMA = Short-acting muscarinic antagonist

LABA = Long-acting beta₂-agonist LAMA = Long-acting muscarinic antagonist

ICS = Inhaled corticosteroid

Group	Risk and symptoms	Recommended first choice treatment (see below for more information)
Group A	Patients have lower risk of exacerbations and lower levels of symptoms	Short- acting bronchodilators – SABA or SAMA (as required basis)
Group B	Patients have lower risk of exacerbations but more symptoms	Long-acting bronchodilators – LABA or LAMA
Group C	Patients have high risk of exacerbations but experience less symptoms	ICS+LABA or LAMA
Group D	Patients are at high risk of exacerbations and experience more symptoms	ICS+LABA and/or LAMA

Although initial treatment for COPD can reduce symptoms and exacerbations, people with the disease frequently experience a significant decline in their health status as the condition progresses14. Many patients suffer the burden of persistent symptoms despite current medical therapy⁷ and a need remains for improved symptom control¹⁴. Symptomatic COPD patients require a different approach to reduce the impact of the illness on their lives.

Concept of dual bronchodilation

Combining bronchodilators with different mechanisms of action may increase the degree of bronchodilation for equivalent or lesser side effects⁶. The GOLD strategy recommends, as an alternative choice, combined use of a LABA plus LAMA in all patients with moderate to very severe COPD (GOLD groups B-D)⁶. Administration of LABA plus LAMA as a once-daily dual bronchodilator simplifies treatment administration and may help improve compliance15.

The COPD Council adopted the GOLD 2014 Guideline Update recommendations and have inserted local epidemiological data to bring in Local perspective of COPD.

Introduction to indacaterol glycopyrronium

Indacaterol glycopyrronium is the first once-daily dual bronchodilator combining a LABA and a LAMA, and represents a new option for the treatment of COPD. Once daily indacaterol glycopyrronium is a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Once-daily indacaterol glycopyrronium has been and is still being investigated in the Phase III IGNITE clinical trial program, one of the largest clinical trial programs in COPD involving more than 10,000 patients across 52 countries including the Philippines^14,16-27.

In clinical trials, indacaterol glycopyrronium was evaluated against two of the most commonly-used treatments in COPD – the LAMA, tiotropium 18 mcg, and the LABA / ICS combination, salmeterol 50 mcg / fluticasone 500 mcg (SFC). Results from the IGNITE clinical trial program showed that indacaterol glycopyrronium provided statistically significant improvements in bronchodilation versus placebo19, OL tiotropium 18 mcg and SFC 50 mcg / 500 mcg^14,17,18,19.

Compared to open-label (OL) tiotropium 18 mcg, dual bronchodilation with indacaterol glycopyrronium demonstrated statistically significant improvements in breathlessness, health-related quality of life and reduced rescue medication use. Indacaterol glycopyrronium also improved breathlessness and rescue medication use compared to SFC 50 mcg / 500 mcg twice-daily in patients with no history of moderate or severe exacerbations in the last year¹⁷. The rate of all COPD exacerbations (mild, moderate and severe) was significantly improved with indacaterol glycopyrronium compared to glycopyrronium 50 mcg and OL tiotropium 18 mcg at Week 64¹⁴. Indacaterol glycopyrronium also significantly reduced the rate of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations versus glycopyrronium 50 mcg¹⁴. The rate of moderate or severe exacerbations was numerically lower in patients on indacaterol glycopyrronium versus OL tiotropium 18 mcg at Week 64¹⁴.

In clinical studies, indacaterol glycopyrronium demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with no meaningful differences between the treatment groups (placebo, indacaterol 150 mcg, glycopyrronium 50 mcg, OL tiotropium 18 mcg, SFC 50 mcg / 500 mcg in the incidence of adverse and serious adverse events^14,16-18. The safety profile was characterized by typical anticholinergic and beta-adrenergic effects related to the individual components of the combination^14,16-22.

Philippines 1st iSportlife Equestrian Cup by FILA @ Manila Polo Club

Last February 28, 2015 at the West Polo Field of the Manila Polo Club located in Makati city. It was a very shiny and exotic day for this sport that is first to be done here in the Philippines though most of our known Billionaires have trained their child, children to be a rider and an equestrians. Because they have their own stallion , trained , and reared by themselves helped by the professional of .course.
Mr. Butch Albert, the man behind iSportlife Inc., (FILA Philippines), a leading distributor and wholesaler of world-class sport shoes and apparel, sponsored the 1st iSportlife Equestrian Cup  in Makati City and said that. It was one of his dreams to be a part of such activities because it was once a sport only for the  elite people in the West. Many of whom are the Kings and Noblemen of the times.
           
Equestrian is a competitive sport referring to the skill of riding, driving, steeple chasing or vaulting with horses. This time a couple of  benches with a particular order of heights specified every categories.  A participant should have a scores that would be the highest per category.  Before every competition, the horses undergo a ‘dressage’ or progressive training process composed of high-level of impulsion, collection, and obedience programs to be able to successfully perform a wide variety of disciplines.
                             
             
The sport involves ‘show jumping’ comprising of a timed event judged on the ability of the horse and rider tandem to jump over a series of obstacles, in a given order and with the fewest refusals or knockdowns of portions of the obstacles. It is an accident prone sport thus the riders are expected to have proper training and to intimately bond with their own stallion for a more effective execution of the special moves involved in the competition.
This is the first time this kind of competition was held in the Philippines. There were 4 categories competed by determined riders that all showed their enthusiasm in claiming a spot among the top winners:
First Category is the 0.75 m class. The riders were Nikki Aboitiz, Jan Sy, Sofia Haresco, Vanna Severino, Alex Villalon and Christie Nair with their horses respectively,
                  

The Mac Daddy, Katy Du Pasquier, Bibi, Serena, Chivas and Snowy. Emerging as winners were The Mac Daddy in 1st place, Serena in 2nd place and Katy Du Pasquier in 3rd place.

Second Category is the 0.90 m class. The riders were Paola Lorenzo, Anna Sison, Yoshihiro Yoshida, Gaby Herbosa, Tobi Tensuan, Jan Sy, Nikki  Aboitiz and Xavi Virata with their horses respectively,

                    

Odeon, Castellano, Kevin, Sissi Dela Defliere, Gameboy, Fast A  Minuit, Laika D’ Archonfosse and Upsilon. Odeon won 1st place, followed by Laika D’ Archonfosse and then Gameboy in 3^rd position.

Third Category is the 1.00 m class. The riders were Ileana Imperial, Lara Zobel, Lillian Tang, Christia Flores, Gaby Herbosa, Tobi Tensuan, Anna Sison,Jan Sy, Yoshihiro Yoshida, Xavi Virata, Ileana Imperial, Nikki Aboitiz with their horses respectively,

                     

Ovation, Pablo De Robin, Petttigo Dela Defliere, Gameboy, Castellano, Fast A Minuit, Kevin, Payett Dela Sapaie, Noria Du Causse and Laika D’ Archonfosse. Winners were Pablo De Ronin in 1st place, Gameby in 2nd place and Noria De Causse in 3rd.

Fourth and Last Category is the 1.10 m class. The riders were Paola Lorenzo, Christia Flores, Ileana Imperial, Lillian Tang and Lara Zobel with their horses  respectively,
                      

Azais De Sainte-Hermelle, Constable, Noria Du Causse, Salta De Belleme and Rubis. Azaid De Sainte-Hermelle bagged the 1st place, Noria De Causse was 2nd and Rubis got the 3rd place spot.

The judge of the said competition was Ms. Marivic Cortes and the Course Builder was Mr. Jones Lanza. Announcer was Mr. David Reynolds.
Cocktails followed immediately after the awarding ceremonies at the Last Chukker Garden of the Manila Polo Club.

CULINARY STUDENTS MAKE IT BIG WITH JOLLY UNIVERSITY

                 
As the food and beverage industry becomes more and more competitive, culinary students who aspire to stand out have a chance to make it big with Jolly University. A learning program by JOLLY, one of the leading brands in canned fruits and vegetables, Jolly University encourages students to LEARN essential industry skills, CREATE career milestones, and SHARE inspiring values with others.
Already in its second year, Jolly University harnesses the students’ skills through cooking competitions while equipping them with new knowledge in the areas of Culinary, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, and Personality Development. Jolly University’s three phases includes a series of School Tours, a weekend Boot Camp, and a Grand Culinary Challenge.
JOLLY UNIVERSITY School Tours
                     
                      
Since January, Jolly University has visited twelve (12) universities where various talks are given such as the Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry from JOLLY Sr. Product Manager Marilou Acuna, Cooking Demonstration and Filipino Food from Nina Daza-Puyat, The Importance of Social Media by Jay Chiu of Carbon Digital, among many others. The talks happen alongside an Intra-School Cooking Competition where three teams battle it out to win as the school’s representative and become Jolly University Elites.
 
Participating schools include San Sebastian College, Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), St. Louis College Valenzuela, Perpetual Help College of Manila, Far Eastern University (FEU), Universidad de Manila, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Arellano University, La Consolacion College, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), University of Santo Tomas (UST), and National University (NU).
Each team is required to submit a food bazaar dish recipe, using the various JOLLY Food Line products. This enhances the student’s knowledge of the various JOLLY products and its usages. The activity aims to develop their creativity in coming up with innovative recipes that are perfect for a start-up business. Winners are chosen based on the following criteria: Food Execution (25%), Relevant Usage of JOLLY Food Items (25%), Organization and Sanitation (20%), Taste and Texture (20%) and Creativity and Visual Impact (10%).
JOLLY UNIVERSITY Boot Camp
On February 28 to March 1, the winning teams from each school dubbed as “Jolly University Elites” will go through intensive training and seminar from industry leaders including Fly Ace Corporation President Jun Cochanco, Allegro Beverage Corporation President Leo de Leon, renowned chef Sau del Rosario, multi-awarded Digital Stategist Sheena Ramos, and Etiquette de Manille President Pauli Antoine. Led by the Jolly University Head Master Chef Mitchie Sison, the Jolly University Elites will be equipped with Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Culinary, Digital Marketing, and Personality Development skills – each a required skillset to be cutting edge. After the Boot Camp, each team must present a comprehensive Business Plan, the beginning of every business endeavor.
JOLLY Product Assistant Ralph Rebulanan tells, “Jolly University Elites will receive one-on-one mentorship from industry leaders. This makes Jolly University different from other culinary competitions in the country.”
JOLLLY UNIVERSITY Grand Culinary Challenge
The culminating event happens on March 7, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Midtown Atrium, Robinson’s Place Manila. The twelve teams of Jolly University Elites will compete against each other in a live Grand Culinary Challenge. Amidst a big audience, the students must apply the skills they have learned and come up with the best JOLLY dish that can be an actual food business start-up. Cash prizes include Php 5,000 for the 2^nd place winner, Php 10,000 for the 1^st place winner, and Php 15,000 for the Grand Prize winner. Apart from this, winners and the participating schools will receive special prizes from other brand partners. The Grand Prize winner will also participate in several projects with the JOLLY brand including recipe development among others.
JOLLY Food Line Sr. Product Manager Marilou Acuna shares, “Jolly University aims to develop future industry champions who are jolly, passion-driven and values-oriented. With the variety of JOLLY products, we encourage culinary students to ignite their creativity in developing new dishes that will cater to the palate of distinctive consumers and be a key player in our thriving food industry.”
Fly Ace Corporation President Jun Cochanco is confident that Jolly University will go a long way. “We want Jolly University to be a launch pad for distinctive students who want to make it big in their careers. We envision Jolly University to be bigger every year, touching the lives of more and more students nationwide.”
Jolly carries a wide range of canned fruits and vegetables which are staples in every pantry. Jolly Mushrooms is the No. 1 mushroom brand in the country with its consistent quality and variety of cuts – Whole Mushrooms, Piece and Stems, Premium Sliced Mushrooms, and Shiitake Mushrooms. Jolly Cream of Mushroom Soup can be used as pasta sauce or as hearty soup.
There is also Jolly Whole Corn, Jolly Cream Corn, and Jolly Young Corn which locks in the sweetness of high quality corn that Filipinos love.
Opening each Jolly can reveals the choicest vegetables including Jolly Asparagus, Jolly Garbanzos, Jolly Green Peas, Jolly Red Pimiento, Jolly Black Beans, Jolly Straw Mushrooms, Jolly Tomato Paste, and Jolly Water Chestnuts. Favorite fruits are available all year round with Jolly Lychees, Jolly Mandarin Oranges, Jolly Peach Halves, Jolly Grass Jelly, Jolly Maraschino Cherries, Jolly Pineapple, and Jolly Fruit Cocktail.
Armed with the skills to succeed, a winning recipe, and the opportunity to collaborate with one of the biggest fast moving consumer brands in the country, the Jolly University Grand Champion is sure to make it big!
Learn more about JOLLY! #jollyuniversity2015 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JollyFoods
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jollyeatsPH, and Instagram: https://instagram.com/jollyeatsPH/.
Jolly University is sponsored by Solane, Whirlpool, Uratex, Fujidenzo, Technogas, Chef’s Classics, Allegro Beverage Corporation, and Kenwood. Official media partners include Appetite, FOOD, Breakfast, Entrepreneur, Chalk, WheInManila.com, ANC, Asian Food Channel and Food Network.

Fly Ace Corporation is one of the leading food and beverage consumer goods companies in the country today. Propelling limitless multiple-category growth by bringing the best of the world closer to Filipino homes, Fly Ace Corporation’s portfolio of food and beverage products includes house brands and exclusively distributed brands. Learn more at www.flyacecorp.com

Fashion Evolution, the Metro Blogger Edition Model Finalists Revealed!

Rigorous go-sees and screening done, the next step for Metro Blogger’s fashion show cum runway model search entitled “Fashion Evolution” finalists are now down to 44

MANILA, Philippines – February 28, 2015 - Save the date: March 28, 2015 is the day of the great reveal, when out of the 44 finalists, one male and one female model will emerge the winners at the fashion show cum runway model search entitled “Fashion Evolution” a must-attend event mounted by Metro Blogger, the Philippines’ newest social circle for bloggers around the metro.
Last January, more than one hundred hopefuls filled the go-see venue as excitement started to rise for the show which Metro Blogger will do for the first time as a special Bloggers’ Night Out event. Last year, when Metro Blogger was founded, it came up with Bloggers’ Night Out which was a fun, face-to-face mingling event among bloggers. The organization aims to serve as an avenue for disseminating information on event invites, new products, campaigns and services to a diverse group of members with different interest but share the same passion in blogging.
“In today’s highly connected world, blogging matters. It has now become a significant source of online buzz with consumer interest in blogs continuing to grow,” Mr. Jess C, Metro Blogger founder said. “Metro Blogger is a special community for bloggers. We help provide connect them with numerous companies that are reaching out for branding purposes, product marketing and more. We at Metro Blogger also give bloggers the chance to interact and socialize with other like-minded creative individuals like them through our online community and social events such as our upcoming Fashion Evolution.”
All 22 male and 22 female model finalists will have lots of chances to strut their stuff before the final night. This February, a photo shoot, a press conference and a meet and greet session will give these contenders more than one chance to wow their followers and judges prior to the finals, which will be held at the Century City Mall, Makati.

“We’re proud to announce that we have been able to partner with some of the country’s young and talented fashion designers to dress up our model finalists,” said Choy Suarez, Director of Fashion Evolution, the Metro Blogger Edition.
Ian Mallabo, Dino Bancoro, Jian Lasala, Yves Camingue, Hanna De Los Reyes and Charles Anito will all be debuting their latest fashion collection during the fashion show.
Two winners, one male and one female, will each receive cash prize plus an all-expense paid 4days/3nights trip to Singapore complete with a photo shoot project with Singapore fashion brands. They will also receive a one-year fitness contract with Slimmers World Philippines.
VIP access to Fashion Evolution by Metro Blogger—which is sponsored by its partner brands Rapid Cloud Singapore, a top Singapore Web Hosting and E-Business Consulting; Emerge Innovating Technology, Southeast Asia’s premier enterprise website and e-commerce solutions provider; Century City Mall— official venue partner, KL Tower Serviced Residences— official hotel partner, 71 Gramercy— official after-party partner, Hawkbag, Geesha Secret, Tree Top Adventure, Suesh Make Up Toolkit, Bellhaus Entertainment, Inglot, Lujo Jewelry and Slimmers World International—is limited to 100 tickets. Proceeds of the show will go to Bantay Bata 163 Foundation.
Meet the finalists of the Metro Blogger Fashion Evolution:

 

 
Batch 1 Finalists: (From left to right) Row 1: Jon Leo Limbo, Zeus Collins, Zarah Lim, Yaofa Dela Cruz, Patricia Supilana; Row 2: Lance Jason Go, Justin Marles, Julya Baretta, Jeff Olalia, Iera Calungsod



Batch 2 Finalists: (From left to right) Row 1: Sam Keating, Rigor Gorospe, Rein Gutierrez, Princess Brima, Jessica See; Row 2: Fernanda Aquino, Benjamin Costa, Benedict Tan, Aiwill Casas, byjun Dizor

Batch 3 Finalists: (From left to right) Row 1: Michael Zamora, Pauline Cayanan, Keylyn Trajano, Jonathan Vitug, Haru Isaguirre; Row 2: Gianne Trijo, Derrick Pua, Anne de Mesa, Angelo Mabilin, Alina Vicente

Batch 4 Finalists: Wiji Panoso, Shanne Villa-real, Sara Pastrana, Robert Dulfo, Neil Wilson, Micky Reynante, Mariel Tocalo, Kimverlyn Monato, Kevin Ibuna, Jinlyn Talocod, Anthony Ona, Andrea Pama, Adrian Sato, Ciege Kilvan



For more information, visit their website at www.metroblogger.org. You may also like their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/MetroBlogger.org) and follow them on Instagram (@OfficialMetroBlogger) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/MetroBloggerOrg) for updates on the upcoming event.

Six South Luzon kids make it to National Training Camp of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2015 presented by Alaska

481 join Regional Selection Camp

Biñan, Laguna – Six young players – four boys and two girls from Laguna, Batangas and Cavite -- topped the Regional Selection Camp of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines 2015 presented by Alaska in Biñan, Laguna on Sunday, March 1 at the University of Perpetual Help System . This is the second time that the Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA has come to Biñan.
The four Jr. NBA players who made it to the National Training Camp that will be held at the PICC Forum in Roxas Boulevard, Manila from April 24-26 are Karl Georg Clauss from De La Salle University STC of Sta. Rosa; Joshua Yvan Garing from De La Salle Lipa, Jalen Angelo Limon of St. Francis School in Biñan and John Ashley Los Bañez of Canossa School, Sta. Rosa. Two Jr. WNBA players, Luisa San Juan of Amazing Grace School in Laguna and Pherl Gwyneth Savendano of Christain Values School in Cavite also made it to the NTC.
The six players were selected from the Top 40 performers of the first day of camp at the Alonte Sports Arena which drew a field of 481 players aged 10-14 years old from various cities and towns in South Luzon. The Top 40 were asked to return on Day 2 for more intense drills and basketball team exercises. A final scrimmage at the end of Day 2 selected the most skilled basketball players who also exemplified the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.

The NTC finalists from South Luzon were chosen by the Jr. NBA evaluation committee headed by Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA head coach Chris Sumner and PBA Legend Jeffrey Cariaso of the Alaska Power Camp.
“We found many basketball talents here with good skills, athleticism and great fundamentals. I was impressed with their desire. My advice to them is to practice, practice, practice, and to always be hungry. Not everyone has the chance to be here. They should make the most of it and live the STAR values,” said Coach Chris Sumner.
The next Regional Selection Camp will be held in Iloilo City at the Ateneo de Iloilo on March 7 and 8. Other Regional Selection Camps are scheduled in Baguio at St. Louis University on March 14 and 15, Bacolod City at St. John Institute on March 21 and 22, Davao City at the University of the Immaculate Conception on March 28 and 29 and Manila at the PICC Forum on April 11 and 12. Qualified boys and girls who wish to join the selection camps may register at www.jrnba.asia/philippines.

Ten Jr. NBA and five Jr. WNBA All-Stars will be selected at the National Training Camp and will embark on a unique, overseas NBA experience together with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Southeast Asia. The Coach of the Year presented by Alaska will also be announced at the National Training Camp that will be attended by NBA talents.
Full program terms and conditions can be found in the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA event website. Fans can also follow Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines. For all things NBA, fans may visit www.nba.com, and follow the NBA on Facebook (www.facebook.com/philsnba) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/nba_philippines).
About Alaska Milk:
Alaska Milk recognizes the need of Filipino children for proper nutrition.  According to the 2011 National Nutrition Survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI), it was revealed that 3 out of 10 children aged 5-10 years were underweight while 8 out of 100 children of the same age were overweight, making malnutrition and obesity two of the most pressing nutritional problems in the Philippines today.  Alaska Milk is committed to help provide proper nutrition through its leading brands, Alaska Powdered Milk Drink and Alaska Chocolate Powdered Milk Drink.  It contains 20+ essential nutrients that help children reach their full growth potential.  Aside from proper nutrition, an active lifestyle is needed in order to shape and nurture healthier children.  Because of this, Alaska Milk encourages children to “go out and play” through its NUTRITION. ACTION. CHAMPION. programs: Alaska Basketball and Football Power Camps and Cups, Alaska IronKids Triathlon, Alaska Family Run and Alaska Cycle Philippines.  At the same time, Alaska Milk has a professional basketball team, the 13-time PBA champion, Alaska Aces, which continues to inspire the youth to become future champions who are guided by positive values.  Finally, Alaska Milk partners with excellent local and international organizations that share the same objectives, vision, and values namely the Philippine Basketball Association, National Basketball Association, World Triathlon Corporation, Cycle Asia, Makati and Alabang Football Schools.