London, 22nd March, 19:30 hrs. The Body Shop, one of the 21st Century's most iconic and pioneering Brands, today launched a new beauty movement – called Beauty With Heart – that will inspire individuals everywhere and transform the boundaries of beauty.

Beauty With Heart places emphasis on a beauty experience that is more than skin-deep, putting a human stamp on beauty and empowering people the world over to Look Good, Feel Good And Do Good.

Beauty With Heart will spring to life through a new store experience called Pulse, as well as through the active support of the first global Brand Advocate for The Body Shop, Lily Cole.

Activist, model and actor Lily Cole is the embodiment of the Brand’s strong Values and the first of a community of inspiring young activists.

Sophie Gasperment, Executive Chairman, The Body Shop, said: "We know that our Brand delivers more than beauty; our products truly contain heart as well. Today, we’re looking to a future where our vision of beauty can be experienced by new generations for whom it is all about looking good, feeling good and doing good, too.”

Lily Cole, global Brand Advocate for The Body Shop, said: “I have long been an advocate of the potential of using business and consumer power to cause positive change. The Body Shop takes a responsible attitude to people and the environment, and it feels amazing to be supporting a brand who are pioneers in that way of working.”

The launch took place in central London and attracted figures from the world of fashion, beauty and lifestyle such as Vivienne Westwood and Jo Wood. The Body Shop became one of the world’s first ethical businesses when it opened its first store in 1976 in Brighton, UK. Today, The Body Shop welcomes over 275 million shoppers to its stores every year, and has over 2,700 stores in 63 countries worldwide.

Beauty With Heart will be rolling out in the UK from 3rd May, with global roll out to follow from 15th May onwards.

Catch their Pamamaalam concert and alumni night, “SingKwenta, SingKwela!” on March 31, 2012, Saturday at 7:30 P.M., Philamlife Auditorium, U.N Avenue Manila.

“SingKwenta, SingKwela!” will showcase a world-class repertoire of choice international spirituals, Broadway classics, and well-loved OPM songs. The touring group during the UPCC’s Golden Anniversary year will perform this repertoire from April through October, sharing its unique brand of music and dance to a myriad of audiences in the United States, Europe, UK, and Southeast Asia.






The concert also features guest artists Ms. Nanette Inventor (UPCC Alumna Batch 1974) and UPCC Alumni Batches 1985-1994 and 2006, marking this Pamamaalam a special night for the UPCC alumni as well.

The events are presented by the Friends of Korus Foundation, Inc. Tickets available at the gate are Php300 each. Students and senior citizens can avail of the discounted rate of P200 upon presenting valid IDs. To reserve your tickets, contact Eenna at 0915-748-1351 or Audrey at 0917-628-3739.

TV5's Kanta Pilipinas brought the Filipino pride, musical tourism set to promote the country's local talents in the City of Love, Iloilo last March 23-24, 2012. If it was so easy for the contestants in other regional audition venues to come to the stage and bring the house down with their confidence, the Ilonggos were so nitpicky and conservative supporting the hopefuls who had more talent than stories.

This time, the country's considered RnB Siren Ms. Arnee Hidalgo joined our panel of judges, Cornerstone Talent Management Head, Mr. Erickson Raymundo and award-winning cross genre composer, arranger and producer Mr. Jimmy Antiporda selecting the country's top local performers in SM City Iloilo.




The songs took over the stories with more outstanding performances of Ilonggos on the stage. One of the most unforgettable hopeful was a young teenager who sang a Jovit Baldivino's "Too Much Love Will Kill You' dedicating the song to his girlfriend who died of leukemia. Another hopeful from Boracay composed his own songs and a product of broken family who longs for his father's love with his songs. The inspiring stories that created more color and passion to the song wowed the judges in Iloilo.

From among the few registrants, almost half were called back the following day and the final list from Ilonggo were 16 lucky hopefuls who will vie their chances in Manila soon. Were the stories more powerful than the songs?

We have too much to look forward with TV5's Kanta Pilipinas as more performances will unfold in the upcoming auditions set on March 30 at SM City North EDSA and April 20 in SM City Batangas.

The excitement continues with the country's biggest and newest singing talent search that's truly Filipino, Kanta Pilipinas, soon to be airing on TV5! Let the song uplift the nation with Kanta Pilipinas! We all believe that Filipinos are the best singers in the world! Tara na! Kanta mo, Kwento mo, Kapatid #Kanta_Pilipinas!

Movie time people! I'm pretty sure that mythology lovers would be eager to watch this movie. I know someone who would.

Wrath of the Titans is a follow up movie of the Clash of the Titans. It seems that the Titans are always fighting, anyway that's what the story of the greek mythology is all about. I wonder what would be the next title if there will be another?

So if you got plenty of moola and you got nothing to do today just head on to the nearest cinema in your place and watch Wrath of the Titans.

Just a brief of the story. After Perseus defeated Hades and the Kraken in Clash of the Titans he lived as a a fisherman with his son Helius. Meanwhile on the world of the gods and goddesses something happened to Zeus. He was overthrown and placed in the deep underworld dungeons and Perseus gets the news and needs to save his father.

By the way here's the teaser of the movie...

TV5's newest singing reality search, Kanta Pilipinas held auditions at the Summer Capital of the country, Baguio City. The nationwide search for the country's biggest talent brought more crowd witnessing the Ilocanos take the stage with formidable and truly exceptional celebrity judges, award winning Cross Genre Composer, Arranger, Producer Mr. Jimmy Antiporda, Power belter Ms. Bituin Escalante and Cornerstone Talent Management Head, Mr. Erickson Raymundo.

Powerful songs sung and interesting stories unfolded with more than 193 registrants who tried and participated. Perky and crowd-attraction Jhai'Ho opened the program with dynamic song and dance boosting more confidence of the contestants. Compared to the former auditions, the hopefuls in Baguio did not choose Adele's songs and stuck to standards and classics. Onlookers and mall-goers were drawn to the stage as many hopefuls look truly exceptional and pleasing. Was the looks enough to get the vote of the judges? Ms. Bituin Escalante was teased in the middle of the auditions to sample what would be "giving all you've got" performance. Singing while sitting, more audience were thrilled and captivated at our country's power belter's rendition of Alicia Key's "If I Ain't Got You".

Distinct and unforgettable stories that inspired the songs of the hopefuls include a battered teenager who would hide in different places of the house all the time. An interesting twin was astounding with the song and the story sharing how their father had always taken their income in singing. Battery stories continued with one who is always hand-cuffed by the father getting inspiration and passion to sing from the struggles. The stories behind the songs brought the others to the next level.

From a batch of 193 registrants, 43 were called back and only 16 was given the recognition to compete with the nation when Kanta Pilipinas begins airing on July. Was the looks or the drama enough to take them to the next step? Will they be fortunate to compete for the final list? These and more we have all to look forward with Kanta Pilipinas which will be airing on TV5 soon!

SM Mall of Asia remains to be the top lifestyle destination in the country with its endless dining, entertainment and leisure choices. This mall also takes pride in featuring the most awaited and extraordinary events of the metro every season. This February to March 2012, witness the biggest and the best annual fireworks show in Asia, The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition!

This is where 11 of the world’s most renowned pyrotechnic artists from various countries are bound to put on a spectacular and never-before-seen fireworks exhibition. Last 2011, China reigned supreme as it took the glorious trophy and placed United Kingdom and Japan in the second and third spots, respectively. This 2012, China and United Kingdom are back to compete once again in this prestigious event.


For 2012, the brightest competition opens with South Korea and Malta on February 11, United Kingdom and Spain on February 18, Finland and Portugal on February 25, China and The Netherlands on March 3, Australia and Canada on March 10 and Italy on March 17. On the last day, March 17, Philippines as the host country will also showcase a phenomenal Pyromusical performance to be executed by Platinum Fireworks, Inc. which was recently awarded “Most Favorite Pyromusical Performance” at the GlobalFest 2011 held in Calgary, Canada.

This event would not be possible without its presenters, Close-up and Samsung Galaxy Note, co-presenters Tanduay and Yamaha, in cooperation with Platinum Fireworks and Department of Tourism. Its major sponsors FOX International Channels and McDonald’s, its official residence Microtel MOA and media partner, Philippine Daily Inquirer.

It begun last February 11 and ended March 17, 2012 with a Big Bang.  People witnessed the brightest show on earth showcased by world-class explosions of colors harmonized with electrifying music, The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition happened at the bayside mall of the country, SM Mall of Asia!

Winners of the competition are....




Until next pyromusical event!

Adele and Whitney were still the national anthem among contestants along with other standards and OPM pop songs like Angeline Quinto’s Patuloy ang Pangarap in SM CITY DAVAO last March 10, 2012. Hosted by the perky and lively Jhai Ho, TV5’s Kanta Pilipinas in SM CITY DAVAO became the talk of the town especially after the last calamity struck in the province.

Giving hope to all Davaoeños, Ms. Jamie Rivera, Mr. Jimmy Antiporda and Mr. Erickson Raymundo enjoyed the performances of Davao hopefuls. From the roster of 378 registrants coming from the cities of GenSan, Cotabato, Sarangani and other outskirts, 46 contestants were given another chance to get the judges’ attention the next day.


There was one welder who stood out despite his looks rendering an unforgettable performance and a farmer who dreamt of having his own land. Stories of broken families and living with stepfather were cognizant to the other contestants’ sorrows except for an interesting unemployed young man who makes a living out of singing earning his talent from his disabled grandfather.

Ms. Jamie Rivera had a hard time choosing who will go to the next level after consecutive outstanding performances of the hopefuls. At the end of the second day call-back auditions, 22 hopefuls from Davao made it in the list of eliminations.

Fun and more fun of TV5’s Kanta Pilipinas’ call for the nation continued in Cebu last March 2, 2012. Hosted by Jhai’Ho, the event center of SM CITY CEBU filled the mall with 424 registrants and more than a thousand onlookers and mall-goers when TV5’s Kanta Pilipinas began the auditions. Audition Judges Ms. Jamie Rivera, Erickson Raymundo and Mr. Vehnee Saturno entertained the crowd with their comments and reactions. Interesting songs and stories unveiled like a girl from Surigao who won a local contest in her province was sponsored by the Mayor to go to Cebu to audition so she can fly to Manila to look for her Dad whom she never met. The humble dream to be reunited with the father was referred as “Taong-Grasa”. Ms. Jamie Rivera tried to enliven the spirit of the sobbing participant, “Kung ang tatay mo taong grasa, alam ko kung ano ka (Baby Oil”? which the mob appreciated. Cornerstone Talent Management Center Head Mr. Erickson Raymundo pushed the inspiration more with his comments, “Bigay mo na lahat ng Kaya mo, Buwis Buhay na ito”. Another pupil-dilating story was a girl who has Retinitis Pigmentosa (a rare disease suffering from loss of sight at night), a girl born with hairlip but can now sing and a girl who want to give honor to her island (referring to Siargao). From the 424 registrants, 51 hopefuls were called back the next day and only 16 passed to get to Manila.

With 180 registrants last Feb. 24, 2012 in SM City Cagayan De Oro reaching the cities of Iligan, Misamis and Cagayan, 76 hopefuls were called back and only 37 passed the judges’. Filipino pop songs became the favorite rendered on the stage with many who rendered the Grammy Award winning songs of Adele and Whitney Houston, hopefuls came from different communities and barangays.

Inspirational Diva and audition judge Ms. Jamie Rivera was excited to listen to the stories of the Cagay-anons. Award winning Cross Genre Composer, Arranger, Producer Mr. Jimmy Antiporda raised eyebrows asking a couple who sang on the stage. “May conflict ba yan?” relating to the girl singer and pianist boyfriend as he was alluded in the same shoe with Ms. Jamie Rivera in the past. Ms. Maristel Sampedro became the comic relief throwing funny comments at gays impersonating Whitney Houston on the stage.




What astounded the judges and onlookers was the ex-convict contestant who vented denouncing his past as a former member of the Akyat-Bahay gang. There was also one with 11 siblings living in different parts of Mindanao hoping to be reunited with dreams through Kanta Pilipinas.

Marvin Agustin has been out of the quiet on the big screen for quite some time and it's for sure that his fans are pretty thrilled to see him act again on the big screen. The movie is directed by Wenn V. Deramas entitled Moron 5 and the Crying Lady under Viva Films and MVP Pictures.




Half-witted longtime friends Albert (Luis), Isaac (Billy), Mozart "Mo" (DJ), Michaelangelo "Mike" (Martin) and Aristotle "Aris" (Marvin Agustin) were used to living moronic yet pretty normal and hassle-free lives until successful careerwoman Becky Pamintuan (John Lapus) accused them of killing her father and ruin everything for them. The Moron 5 are more than sure of their innocence but the life of them, they cannot find a single satisfactory argument on how to prove it especially when their opponent would do everything to punish them for whim.

Spending three miserable years in prison trying different failed comedic attempts to get out, they finally figured a way to escape. They stalked Becky and try to understand why she is fighting so hard to have them imprisoned when it's clear as day that what happened three years ago was a nonsense frame-up.




An opportunity came when Becky's driver got fired for having an affair with her maid and Albert volunteered to apply to replace him. He infiltrated the Pamintuan Residence and together with this four crazily daft friends, they've gathered information about the curious family yet to them, Becky's unexplained hatred for them it isn't making any sense at all.

Why is Becky fighting so hard to have them suffer? The Moron 5 will try their hardest to know and hopefully understand what's really going on although little did they know that by doing so, everything that they hold dear might be at risk.

It was an opportunity seeing a movie like "The Lorax", especially this days that our world is experiencing an environmental issue.

The Lorax is one of Dr. Seuss classic children's book story and it was given life in 3D animation with wonderful new characters, including a boy, whose journey is to search for a magical creature that will win for him the affection of the girl he loves.

The Lorax' story centers on one of the most important issue of our time, saving our environment.  It is set in an imaginary world that is polluted and grim, because of Once-ler, a strange creature obsessed in cutting "Truffula" or trees, thinking that this will help him craft "Thneeds", which he thought everyone will need.  In the end, after realizing the sad consequences of his action, Once-ler gives the boy the last truffula seed and asked him to plaint it for trees and fauna to return.

The story of The Lorax is relevant today.  virtually almost all of the country's ecosystems have been significantly transformed or degraded.  Philippine ecosystems have changed more rapidly due to deforestation, pollution, urban congestion, marine and coastal degradation and loss of biodiversity, which have worsen the impacts of climate change in the Philippines.

"Trees are very important in the country's roadmap in the battle against climate change, they clean the air while at the same time serving as carbon sinks", Secretary Mary Ann Lucille Sering said.

The NCCAP, approved by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III November last year, has seven thematic priorities, one of which is Ecosystem and Environment stability.  Environmental sustainability therefore means maintaining healthy and stable ecosystems, which is a necessity especially amidst changing climate.





"Adapting to climate change requires the action of everyone.  We need to have everyone informed of what they can do to save the environment, and in the long run, the future generations.  We have to act now if we want our children to have genuine trees in their time", she said.

In cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), the CCC aims to share the morale of the story to young and old alike as they launch their video against climate together with the premiere of the movie.

The video will be shown in all SM and Ayala cinemas for one whole year.

"Our video will show that people from all walks of life should be involved in addressing climate change.  Small actions count big, and collectively they can make an impact", she added.

"It's not too late. We still have genuine trees around us.  Climate change is here and we need to adapt.  Let's take care of the environment and we will be more climate resilient in the future," she said.

What better way to hold the country’s biggest Skate Summit than to let two of the world’s best pro skaters to lead it?

This is exactly what Converse Philippines has in store for the hundreds of skateboard enthusiasts who are set to compete for the Converse Asia Crown title on March 31 at the Trinoma Mindanao Open Parking in Quezon City.

During the summit, US-based pro skaters Kenny Anderson and Mike Anderson are set to show Filipino skaters how skateboarding is really done with their extremely polished skate tricks that seem effortless.

Kenny Anderson, who returns better than ever as an alumni to the Converse Skate Team (having been on the original team in 1997), is considered “untouchable” on a skateboard for his consistent style and fluidity; while for Mike Anderson’s part, his skating is often described as “effortless,” because he is said to make his tricks look as if was very easy to do.

Catering to the best skateboarders around the Metro, the Asia Crown aims to give Filipino skateboarders the chance to show off their dope moves on the board and compete with the best of the best skateboarders across the country.

More than bragging rights, the local Asia Crown skateboarding champion will be hailed as the first official skateboarding ambassador of Converse Philippines—That means a year of Converse skateboarding goodies, P50,000 cold hard cash, and plane tickets to official Converse skateboarding events worldwide.

An open skate for all, free of charge, the skate summit will also be a day-long celebration of physical recreation, while fusing music and the arts, to reinforce Converse Philippines’ position as a key proponent of the global sport that is skateboarding.

For interested registrants, check Converse Philippines Facebook page and drop by www.converse.com.ph. Registration forms are available for download at the Converse Philippines’ Converse Asia Crown event page and in stores nationwide.

March 17, it was the last day of the jam-packed 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition event in SM Mall of Asia.  It's the last presentation of fireworks from Italy and from the Philippines.  Also, this is the announcement of the winners of the pyromusical competition.

Gladly I was able to cover this event and had time to be there, though it was really rough going at SM Mall of Asia because of the heavy traffic caused by vast number of viewers and expectators.   Well, perhaps because it is the last day of the pyromusical and it's almost vacation time already and most students are now free to enjoy the vacation.  Good that I got there just in time.

The last competitor for the competition was Italy with its Orzella Fireworks S.R.I., it is founded in 1884 and they are proud of its family tradition on the art of fireworks which has been handed down from generation to generation.  They are also the co-organizer of the Caput Lucis Fireworks Competition.











Of course the whole competition would not be complete without the presentation of the Philippines though it was only an exhibition from Platinum Fireworks, Inc.  They are the organizer and co-producer of this international event.   Platinum Fireworks, Inc. has brought pride to the Philippines by placing 2nd Runner Up at the 2009 and 2010 Macau International Fireworks Display Contest and winning the 2011 Globalfest Pyromusical Competition held in Calgary, Canada.

They will be once again representing the Philippines in this year's Globalfest 2012.  The Grand Finale also include a Special Pyromusical Segment from Close Up, the confidence to get closer!

Though there came up with a technical problem the presentation was able to move on and finish the night with a Big Bang!

Here are some of the pictures as well...

Marvin Agustin’s journey to what he is today—a successful chef and restaurateur—is so inspiring that it became the cornerstone of his latest endorsement for Knorr Cubes.

Marvin recently signed on to become the new brand ambassador for Knorr Cubes, the favorite partner of people like him who are passionate about food and cooking. As such, he is also the new face behind Knorr Cubes’ “Door to door Sabaw Challenge” in which he will be visiting different cities all over the Philippines, challenging cooks to identify which is the better, more ma-karne and better-tasting sabaw: the one made with Knorr Cubes, or not?

During the challenge, Marvin will present two versions of sabaw, one made with granules and the other, made with Knorr cubes. Marvin believes so much in the product’s claims to deliver the meatiest taste and flavor that he throws in a promise to give up cooking if they end up choosing the sabaw that’s not made of Knorr cubes—and everyone knows how passionate Marvin is about cooking, so for him to promise that is a big deal.


Among the locations Marvin will visit are Laguna, Iloilo, and Metro Manila. There will be a series of 30-seconder commercials featuring Marvin engaging cooks and housewives to take part in the challenge.

“That’s really what it’s about: Marvin being confident about the product so much that he’s willing to give up his passion for cooking just to prove a point, which is that Knorr cubes is the meatiest out of all the cooking aids in the Philippines,” says Monica Rios, brand manager of Knorr for Unilever Philippines, which is spearheading the Door-to-door challenge.

Marvin grew up in a household where cooking was a passion. Their apartment was small, and from the living room, one could sit and smell what was being cooked in the kitchen.

His mother loved to cook Filipino dishes. “Mahilig kami sa sabaw. Mahilig kami sa sinigang, mahilig kami sa nilaga. Every meal, kailangan laging may sabaw. Sabaw at kanin,” recalls Marvin. “At we really used Knorr cubes. Kahit pinakbet, nilalagyan ng Knorr shrimp na cubes.”

As a teenager, Marvin worked as a waiter, and later, became a mascot for a popular fastfood chain. From there, he worked his way up, became a popular actor and re-invented himself into a successful businessman with a chain of restaurants that includes Sumo Sam, Oyster Boy, Marciano’s, Komrad, John and Yoko and Mr. Kurosawa.

This is what inspired Unilever to choose him to be the latest endorser of Knorr Cubes.

Says Rios: “It’s a nice success story to hear, that he started out as a waiter, and even worked as a mascot for a while. He has proven that he can rise above all the challenges in life. Now he’s a chef and a restaurateur. It’s very inspiring, the way he was able to achieve everything…maypassion siya, and he just really went for it. So it’s a nice feeling for him to be endorsing the product.”

Marvin feels honored to be chosen to join Knorr’s family of chefs. “When I first learned about it (endorsement), sabi ko, everyone knows that I really love cooking. I love cooking for my friends and my family, and Knorr cubes is really what we use for soup. So napakasaya at family-orientedang pino-promote namin na brand.”

Get the latest updates from Marvin himself! Like Marvin Agustin on Facebook or follow him @marvin_agustin on Twitter.

Also visit Knorr Philippines.