Kwento Ni Toto

2024/02/04

Join KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad in Exclusive Hong Kong Tour Adventure!

Toto 2/04/2024 12:53:00 PM

In the bustling city of Hong Kong, renowned film director Cathy Garcia-Sampana recently premiered the short film "Toss Coin," featuring emerging talents KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad. The film takes the audience on an enchanting adventure through the lively streets of Hong Kong, where love stories often find their captivating backdrop.

"Toss Coin" narrates the tale of Kiko (KD) and Pia (Alexa), whose unexpected encounter originates from a simple coin toss. As the duo embarks on a journey across the vibrant city, a heartwarming romance unfolds, exploring themes of destiny, belief, and the courage to seize unforeseen opportunities.

While the two lead characters were busy playing hide and seek with fate, the film showcased a variety of fun and fresh attractions every traveler should experience when visiting Asia’s World City. Check out some of the locations featured in Toss Coin below.

1.Stroll alongside the vibrant murals in Sai Kung

In almost every frame of the short film, viewers will find scenic backdrops highlighting Hong Kong’s rich natural landscapes, remarkable architecture, and colorful murals. These elements attracted Director Cathy Garcia-Sampana greatly, resulting in several key scenes (including the opening) being shot in the beautiful district of Sai Kung. “When I first came over here, I fell in love with the place. Their artworks are so beautiful, and we’re going to feature all of them,” she shared.

Also featured in the film is the Sai Kung branch of popular Hong Kong-based coffee chain The Coffee Academics. The building is covered in murals and is a visual treat for visitors to enjoy as they sip their coffee. The IG-worthy cafe is definitely a go-to for coffee lovers looking to take aesthetic photos.

Just a 30-minute drive from the bustling city center, Sai Kung offers travelers a more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. With beautiful murals everywhere you look and a picturesque view of Hong Kong’s landscape, sit back with a hot coffee and lose yourself in the beautiful district where nature and art intersect.

2.Explore the modern and traditional at the HKMoA and Opera Gallery

Established in 1962, the Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) is the first public art museum in the city. With over 18,800 curated pieces from all over the world, the HKMoA brings together traditional and contemporary pieces that highlight the unique culture and thriving arts scene of the city.

As seen in the film, the museum is also beautifully situated by the famous Victoria Harbour, and the ever-iconic Hong Kong skyline. This choice was intentional by the Toss Coin team, Alexa shares “Every place that we’ve been to has been really beautiful, so we want to showcase the beautiful places to the audience.”

After a day of touring the diverse exhibits at the museum, check out Hollywood Road at Central for more galleries like the Opera Gallery featured in the film. The Opera Gallery is home to works by emerging and internationally renowned artists and sculptors and is sure to be a treat for art lovers on their visit.

3.Spend a day at M+ and the West Kowloon Cultural District

v M+ located in the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. A work of art in itself, the museum stands among other iconic landmarks overlooking Victoria Harbour, with an LED display integrated into the building’s facade to display works of art.

KD mentioned how M+ is his favorite out of all the filming locations visited, “Hong Kong is super fun, going around the different locations. I love M+. It’s so nice there. It’s a place full of inspiration, and it’s really encouraging for us.”

While the film features only a glimpse of the museum, it's important to note that M+ houses thousands of works on display – representing 777 artists from over 35 countries. A trip to M+ and the newly developed WKCD would require almost a whole day dedicated to exploring its various exhibits and attractions, so make sure to set aside some time on your next visit to fully immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s engaging culture.

4.Showcase your creativity with the local artisans at PMQ

PMQ, previously the Hollywood Road Police Married Quarters, is a revitalized historical site that houses a variety of design and creative enterprises right at the heart of Hong Kong. This unique space is a go-to for art aficionados and artists alike and also serves as a hub for design and creative innovation.

As shown in the film, PMQ is often the location for interactive events and installations, enjoyed by visitors of all ages. On top of these events, visitors can also sign up and attend workshops by local artisans, covering a range of mediums from crocheting to jewelry-making. A hand-made souvenir will definitely make your trip to Hong Kong a memorable one.

5.Shop till you drop around Causeway Bay

What initially looks like any other street crossing in this final Toss Coin scene is actually the ever-iconic Causeway Bay. A popular spot among locals and tourists, Causeway Bay is the place to check out if you’re looking to shop till you drop.

From street markets and food stalls on one end, to luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants on the other, this bustling neighborhood will get you energized and buzzing to explore all it has to offer.

Like KD and Alexa, fall in love with the vibrant and dynamic streets of Hong Kong through a tour of these iconic attractions. With Hong Kong’s Arts Month and Art Basel coming up, add these locations to your itinerary for your next visit and experience first-hand the charm and diverse wonders Hong Kong has to offer.

Go on your own journey around Hong Kong and see where destiny takes you. Get inspired by Toss Coin and rewatch the short film on Viu or on ABS-CBN Star Cinema’s official Youtube channel and get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. You may also visit discoverhongkong.com for other itineraries and for the latest events and activities happening in Arts in Hong Kong 2024.

2024/02/02

updates

Jackie Chan is HONOR's Year of the Dragon Ambassador

Toto 2/02/2024 11:55:00 PM

The No. 1 smartphone brand in China, HONOR, officially announced that Jackie Chan is the brand’s Year of the Dragon Ambassador during the HONOR Magic6 series and HONOR Porsche Design launch.

In order to connect technology to more consumers, HONOR has launched a series of New Year-themed activities, services, and benefits in the past. For this year, HONOR prepared a magical New Year's Eve light show that combines modern technology and traditional architecture at the Taiyuan LIFE store. It was a visual feast aimed to bridge technology and art, and the collision of classics and the future to accompany consumers in 2023. On New Year's Eve, HONOR also road-tested HONOR 100 series smartphones equipped with SLR-level photo cameras to help customers take breathtaking New Year's photos.

In light of the symbolism of Dragon being a high-raking status, HONOR introduces Jackie Chan as the brand’s Year of the Dragon Ambassador in China, not only because the award-winning actor live up to the stature of a Dragon but also has the heart that constantly pursues excellence.

In the coming months, HONOR will work with Year of the Dragon Ambassador Jackie Chan to bring a series of exciting activities for HONOR fans and tech enthusiasts alike in China.

For more exciting news and announcements, head on to HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms for exciting announcements: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

2024/01/31

Technology

HONOR & Nokia Team Up: 5G Patent Deal for Tough Phones

Toto 1/31/2024 05:29:00 PM

Global technology companies HONOR and Nokia have recently reached an agreement aimed at sharing patents related to 5G and other cellular technologies. The agreement, termed a patent cross-license agreement, signifies a move towards fostering innovation in these crucial technological fields.

Nokia's Chief Licensing Officer for Mobile Devices, Susanna Martikainen, expressed satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting its significance in the context of Nokia's recent efforts to resolve legal disputes in the smartphone market. Martikainen emphasized Nokia's strong patent portfolio and its extensive contributions to cellular standards and related technologies over many years.

Wenyu Zhou, Head of Global Intellectual Property at HONOR, echoed Martikainen's sentiments, emphasizing HONOR's commitment to respecting intellectual property rights. Zhou underscored the importance of reasonable IP valuation in driving innovation within the mobile industry and stressed HONOR's dedication to innovation in enabling smart living across various scenarios and platforms.

HONOR, known for its recent launch of the Ultra-Tough smartphone HONOR X9b 5G, draws inspiration from iconic devices like the Nokia 3310. The company prides itself on offering solutions to everyday consumer needs while ensuring a balance between affordability and quality in its products.

Experience the HONOR X9b 5G now and get yours at HONOR Experience and Partner stores or online via Lazada (https://bit.ly/Laz_X9b_PressRelease), Shopee (https://bit.ly/Shop_X9b_PressRelease), and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/TikTok_X9b_PressRelease).

2024/01/30

updates

Pops Fernandez Marks 40 Years in Showbiz with "Always Loved" Concert

Toto 1/30/2024 10:59:00 PM

Pops Fernandez is set to commemorate her 40th year in the entertainment industry with a two-night concert entitled "Always Loved" at the Theatre at Solaire in Paranaque City on February 9 and 10, 2024. It's a chance for fans to join in the celebration of her four-decade-long career.

In a recent statement, Pops shared her thoughts on reaching this incredible milestone, saying, "I actually did not expect myself to be in the business this long. I usually say 10 years is okay, but here we are, I lasted this long. There are so many things that happened to me, my life and career."

The concert promises a blend of nostalgia and contemporary beats, featuring special guests who have played significant roles in Pops' illustrious music career. While she's keeping the guest list under wraps, she did spill the beans about the involvement of Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano, who have been pivotal figures in her singing journey.

Reflecting on her solo performances, Pops mentioned, "I didn't enjoy it all til I got separated. It was easy for me to perform with Martin because he was there, now I realized I had to perform on my own."

Despite the challenges, Pops found her groove, and the "Always Loved" concert promises to be a testament to her enduring passion for music and performance. She shares, "For the concert, I will do a new fast song, something current, and you'll also see me perform 'Get it Poppin!', a song that may get appreciated by the new generation."

For those itching to witness this extraordinary celebration, grab your tickets from the Ticketworld website or Solaire. It's your chance to see why Pops Fernandez remains the revered Concert Queen in 2024.

Pops encapsulates the essence of the concert, saying, "At the end of the day, gusto ko nag-e-enjoy lang yung audience ko. Ito yung two nights na pagpasok mo, let’s just have fun. Bawal mag-isip. Para kang nanood ng pelikula for one and half or two hours. Mag-e-enjoy kayo. Makaka-relate kayo sa mga kakantahin ko." So, what are you waiting for? Secure your seats and get ready to be part of this musical celebration!

updates

Royal Indulgence: Experiencing Manila Prince Hotel's Marcelino Cafe

Toto 1/30/2024 08:35:00 PM

Live like royalty! That's exactly what my wife and I did when we recently visited Marcelino Cafe at Manila Prince Hotel for a delightful after-office dinner date. Luckily, it was a smooth Monday with no traffic hassles, allowing us to arrive just in time for the buffet opening. Yes, you heard it right – a buffet!

If you've been following this blog, you know I'm a food enthusiast, and buffets never fail to excite my taste buds. Marcelino Cafe, one of the restaurants within the Manila Prince Hotel, offers a diverse and sumptuous array of dishes—a true smorgasbord for those with an adventurous palate.

Before diving into the gastronomic details, let's shed light on Marcelino Cafe itself. Located at Marcelino Street, it embraces a local vibe, providing a memorable dining experience for its guests. Occupying half of the Manila Prince Hotel lobby area, it offers an expansive venue for culinary exploration.

For both lunch and dinner, Marcelino Café extends its culinary prowess, presenting a variety of options ranging from pasta and salads to dim sum, sushi, sashimi, and flavorful dishes across different stations inspired by international cuisines.

Now, onto what Marcelino Cafe in store for us.

Marcelino Cafe Dining Experience:

To set the context, the dining experience varies for different guests and times of the day. For my wife and me, it was a Monday evening dinner date, and the food selection was particularly intriguing.

Italian Station:

As a pasta lover, I couldn't resist the tempting array of pasta sauces. Even if I chose not to indulge, the visual and olfactory allure was undeniable. A must-try for pasta enthusiasts.

Grill Station:

During that night samgyupsal is available on its grilling station.

Roast and Pika pika section fills the room with the aroma of roast food, the roast beef, roast chicken, and roast pork belly, made this section a sought-after delight. Familiar tastes and enticing scents guaranteed a satisfying experience.

Filipino Station:

Though I only enjoyed Filipino dishes visually and through their aromas due to uneasiness, the Mixed Seafood, Pork Mechado, and Beef Steak were tempting. Future visits are a must to savor these Filipino delights.

Asian Station:

This station allowed us to pick ingredients and create our concoctions. The soup and broth were perfect comfort foods for the stomach. They had Vietnamese Poh that time and also the Nasi Goreng.

Salad Station:

Fresh, tasty and yummy! I'm not in to fully fill my tummy but with just right amount to taste the flavors.

Bread and Dessert Station:

Delightful cookies and refreshing treats like the Cathedral and Mango Tapioca offered a perfect conclusion to our culinary journey. Don't forget the fruit section as well.

Korean Station:

For those on a diet, the selection of salads was fantastic.

Japanese Station:

Being a fan of Japanese cuisines, this station was a highlight for me. The diverse Maki options, especially the standout Crazy Maki, and the delightful Kani Salad made this station a personal favorite.

Marcelino Cafe provides an extensive eat-all-you-can spread with both local and international cuisines, creating an ideal setting for culinary indulgence.

Marcelino Cafe Rates:

For those planning to visit, here are the eat-all-you-can rates and time to visit:

Lunch (11:30 am to 2:30 pm)

Php 899 nett per person (Promo Rate)
Php 1,500 nett per person (Regular Rate)
Dinner (6:00 pm to 10:00 pm)

Php 899 nett per person (Promo Rate)
Php 1,500 nett per person (Regular Rate)

Catch the great deal while it is still up!

The Feel and the Ambiance:

The restaurant, like any other hotel dining spot, exudes an interesting elite vibe while remaining welcoming. The ambient waterfalls installation provides a relaxing sound effect, almost giving the impression of rain outside, setting the perfect mood for guests.

Marcelino Cafe at Manila Prince Hotel offers a great setting for your first or last date. While not overly spacious, their diverse and interesting food selection caters to adventurous palates. The commitment to fresh, locally-sourced ingredients enhances the overall dining experience, making it a memorable and satisfying choice.

Rabiya Mateo's Long-Awaited Secret Unveiled!

Toto 1/30/2024 12:29:00 AM

In a world that cherishes beauty, grace, and smarts, everything is expected to be flawless – a place where beauty queens shine. These queens spread positivity, empower women, boost confidence, and promote self-love globally. They inspire the next generation to excel in a world that values perfection. This is the essence of what our Filipina beauty queens represent.

Winning the crown isn't just about staying fit; it also involves giving EXTRA attention to our hair. Our hair silently expresses our confidence and plays a big role in how we present ourselves. For every woman, having good and healthy hair is an immediate confidence boost that helps us face the world, whether it's conquering big goals or just getting through daily life. Taking care of our hair is a form of self-care that's just as important as looking after our skin. Just like we spend time on skincare, it's crucial to show love and invest in our hair too.

LifeStrong Marketing Inc.’s brand Hairfix is your complete Do-It-Yourself hair solution which caters to a wide range of products that address all of your hair needs from roots to tips. Hairfix lets you achieve your hair goals in the comfort of your own home; with a vision to make every Filipina embrace their beauty from within and to build confidence in their crowning glory.

Hairfix features hair essential categories such as the Hair Color which will push you to express yourself in a color that speaks for you, Hair Styling that can turn your hair from ordinary to extraordinary, Hair Care treating you from root to tip, and Hairfix Professional Line, the product line that will let you love your natural hair even more as it achieves perfection through professional care. Own the moment by honoring your crowning glory because it deserves nothing but the best.

Just like the NEWEST face of Hairfix Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo who takes care of her crowning glory at its finest. This beauty queen is an Ilongga who proudly represents her ethnicity to the universe and serves as an inspiration to many.

Rabiya Mateo’s one-of-a-kind personality consists of wit, charm, and beauty inside and out which makes her stand out among crowds. Her bravery in promoting cultural diversity, inclusivity, and positivity among women are some of the main reasons she’s the ideal choice as ambassadress of Lifestrong Hairfix.

Moreover, Rabiya also mentioned that her favorite among Hairfix Hair Colors is Permanent Silvery Ash, which reflects her personality and gives her the confidence she needs whenever facing everyday challenges.

And together with four Filipina beauties which includes Miss World Philippines 2021 Tracy Maureen Perez who came from Bisaya roots and fiercely conquered the world with her uniqueness among peers. She showed fondness using Hairfix’s Professional Line Collagen + Peptide variant as it helped her maintain the healthiness and thickness of her hair despite the heat and the styling that they go through.

Miss Eco Teen Philippines 2023 Francine Reyes captured not just the crown but also the hearts of people by showcasing what it takes to be a Kapampangan. As a beauty queen, using Hairfix’s Professional Line Protein + Vitamin C variant on a daily basis as it straightens and rules out all the tangles in her hair as she uses it on a daily basis.

Our reigning Reina Hispanoamericana Filipinas 2023 Michelle Arceo and Miss Elite 2022 First Runner-Up Shanon Tampon are both proud Kampampangan who impressed the world with their talent, intelligence and utmost beauty. Two of the things they love the most when it comes to taking care of their hair is the Hairfix Multiplex Serum– the vitamin complex that you need on a daily basis.

They are living proof that every Filipina is world-class and UNSTOPPABLE in every way.

Rabiya Mateo and the four beauty queens from different regions possess the attributes Hairfix has been looking for as the perfect representation of every woman in the country who continues to conquer the world with their sleek confidence and are here to serve as a reminder to take our crowning glory to the next level.

Hair plays a big factor in the pageantry world and in everyday life of a woman, not only is it our crowning glory but it’s where our own crowns sit and where our confidence comes from. Just like what Rabiya Mateo says, “I do believe my crowning glory gives me the confidence to conquer life.”

Let’s face it, good hair helps us face the world in a different view – fiercer, bolder, and with pride. No matter who you are, where you came from or whatever your achievements in life, your hair defines who you are and how you love yourself.

And as the new year begins, let’s unlock a new era of beauty from the roots. Captivating them with a sleek, smooth hair that transpires to the story we aspire to write this new chapter of Your Crown, Your Story.

Ready to wear your crowning glory?

For more information about Hairfix, follow HairfixPH on Instagram & Twitter and like Hairfix’s page on Facebook. You can also visit their website at Hairfix.com.ph and Lifestrong.com.ph.

2024/01/27

updates

Manila Prince Hotel Welcomes Pets: Enjoy a Free Stay for Your Furry Friends!

Toto 1/27/2024 09:22:00 AM

Manila Prince Hotel has a heartwarming treat for all pet lovers out there – the Very Important Pets or VIPs, as they call them. They've introduced a fantastic offer called the Furry Friends Stay Free package, and as a pet owner myself, I find this absolutely fantastic.

With this special package, you can bring your beloved cats or dogs along without worrying about any extra charges for their stay. The hotel goes the extra mile by providing pet-friendly room accommodations that come with comfy bedding, special amenities for your furry friends, and even a dedicated outdoor play area.

Starting at just Php 3,100 nett per night for a Deluxe Room and Php 5,000 nett per night for an Executive Suite, the Furry Friends Stay Free package also includes a delicious breakfast buffet for two at Marcelino Café. It's a simple yet delightful way to make your stay memorable, especially if you're traveling with your pets.

“At Manila Prince Hotel, we understand that pets are cherished members of the family. With our Furry Friends Stay Free package, we are excited to offer a delightful and inclusive stay for the entire family,” says Marvin Kim Tan, director of sales and marketing.

Embark on a pet-friendly staycation and experience the warmth of hospitality that extends to every member of the family, fur and all. Booking period is until March 31, 2024, while stay period is until December 31, 2024. Visit the Manila Prince website for the hotel’s Pet Policy.

For inquiries and reservations, call +632 53282222 or +632 85256359, or email reservations@manilaprince.com.