STAR MAGIC ARTISTS PART OF ALL EIGHT METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL 2017 ENTRIES

The upcoming Metro Manila Film Festival is set to be a busy one for the moviegoers, production and promo teams, most especially to the Star Magic artists. Star Magic is bound to end the year with a bang, after Star Magic artists took part in all eight participating full-length films in this year’s MMFF. 

Leading the list are Star Cinema’s offerings Ang Panday and The Revenger Squad. 

Acclaimed star Jake Cuenca will be playing the role of the villain Lizardo to Coco Martin’s character in the latest big screen adaptation of the fantasy action film Ang Panday. Also part of the movie are rising love team McCoy de Leon, Elisse Joson and PJ Endrinal, as well as child star Onyok Pineda.

Daniel Padilla is returning to MMFF this year as he breathes life to Rappido in The Revenger Squad, together with his co-stars phenomenal star Vice Ganda and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. Trending teen star Loisa Andalio will be debuting in the big screen through the the film as well, while Ejay Falcon’s role on the movie is something to really watch out for. 

Jericho Rosales is returning into the MMFF scene with Siargao together with sizzling hot actresses Erich Gonzales and Jasmine Curtis-Smith. GirlTrends member Mika Javier would also be joining the love triangle in the Paul Soriano film. 

The only horror flick to vie in this year’s MMFF is headlined by four promising teen artists. Coming from the success of the barkada thriller Bloody Crayons, Jane Oineza and Maris Racal are returning to the big screen together with Hashtags members Jon Lucas and Jameson Blake, as well as Miho Nishida in Haunted Forest.

Daniel Matsunaga, Thou Reyes and Sue Ramirez are ready to bring laughter to the moviegoers as part of family comedy Meant to Beh starring Vic Sotto and Dawn Zulueta.

Paulo Avelino and Rayver Cruz are set to charm women as part of the big screen adaptation of the stage musical Ang Larawan starring Rachel Alejandro and Joanna Ampil. Star Magic Angels Hannah Ledesma, for her part, is joining Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay in their MMFF reunion film All of You.

Lastly, comedy musical Deadma Walking would make good use of Dimples Romana and Nico Antonio’s spot on acting skills this coming MMFF.

Whether it be award or box office sales, the artists are all ready to battle it off in the cinemas starting December 25.

STARBUCKS PAYS TRIBUTE TO FILIPINO CRAFTSMANSHIP ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY

The Philippines’ traditional woven design makes an unexpected debut in Starbucks 20^th Anniversary collection. In celebration of two decades in the country, the coffee brand honors the market that has warmly welcomed its coffee servings, with merchandise that pays tribute to Filipino craftsmanship. 

On December 1, Starbucks will release a special collection inspired by local textiles and designed with fine materials including Swarovski® crystals and real white gold. The limited-edition items will be exclusively available from 2PM to 8PM, at Starbucks 6750 on Ayala Avenue, where the Seattle brand first opened its doors.

It was deep into Christmas season too, when the little coffee shop in Ayala started brewing in December 4, 1997. The aroma of handcrafted beverages wafted from within its walls, which bore the intriguing green mermaid insignia on its walls. Soon enough, the place welcomed coffee lovers who found comfort in the warm smiles of the baristas and in the respite it offered from the bustling Makati City.

The Philippines became the third market, outside of North America, where Starbucks grew its business. This month, the coffee brand relives these memories with a celebration for its 20th year, beginning with the release of a special collection and rare coffee beans that traces the growth of Starbucks.

A most precious collection from Starbucks

The holidays will shine more vividly with the bejeweled 20^th Anniversary mugs and tumblers, the classic Ayala 6750 Mug, and the Starbucks Reserve and Roastery exclusive, Hacienda Alsacia.

Elaborate in its design, the anniversary mugs and tumblers show an appreciation for the Philippine woven art. The mugs feature 200 white and emerald Swarovski® crystals set in traditional textile patterns, come with special-edition numbered certificate and ready-to-gift boxes stamped with the Starbucks wordmark.

The most precious item for release is the 20^th Anniversary mug in full white gold. Starbucks created this rare premium item as a nod to Philippine heritage. Only 500 pieces will be produced of these collectible anniversary mugs which are adorned with 200 lovely Swarovski® crystals. The item is priced at P6,295.

Coffee lovers can also go with the 12-oz double-wall ceramic versions of the 20^th anniversary mug, and take their pick between the silver and white colors. These items exude holiday festivity and celebrate the season most cherished by Filipinos with fine mugs with press-in white gold covers. Only 1,500 pieces of each mug will be available for P4,295.

 The dazzling 16 fl oz opaque white acrylic tumbler will also catch the eye. It features the 20^th anniversary weave pattern in silver foil and offers both functionality and understated glam for P895. Each tumbler comes with a package and a hangtag for gifting.

More anniversary items to go on shelf

Starbucks also gives a special piece of its heritage to Filipinos by introducing the Hacienda Alsacia whole bean packaged coffee. Grown from a Starbucks working coffee farm in Costa Rica, the beans are symbolic of the Starbucks continuing venture to serve the best-tasting coffee, deepen its knowledge of the industry, and include local farmers in the world’s endeavor of sustainability.

The unique blend is served only in the Starbucks Seattle Roastery and Tasting Room and will be available for a limited time in the country starting December 4.

Also to be released on December 4 is the Starbucks 6750 Ayala Mug. The first store to open in the Philippines gets its own place on the shelf, with matte black ceramic mugs designed with the gold Siren decal. The artwork that was first seen on the wall of the store is rendered anew in this 12 oz. tribute item that features special hand-painted finishes and comes in an elaborate gift package. The 6750 branch will exclusively carry the item priced at P1,295.

Celebrate Filipino heritage and craftsmanship this December with Starbucks. Visit Starbucks 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati City to trace the beautiful coffee moments that have been blooming for 20 years and return to where it all began.

VILLA DEL CONTE GIFT BOXES PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS TREATS

 

Beat the Christmas rush and simplify your holiday gift shopping with the Villa Del Conte Minusculo gift boxes. These elegantly designed gift boxes are filled with delightful Villa Del Conte chocolates that your clients, friends and loved ones will surely enjoy. The Villa Del Conte Minusculo gift boxes come with either 5 pieces of pralines at P295, or 6 pieces of pralines at P340, and are available for advanced orders. 

Get these Minusculo gift boxes at all Villa Del Conte stores in Greenbelt 5, Century City Mall, Shangri-La Mall, Resorts World Manila, SM Megamall and Robinsons Magnolia or contact 893-2575. 

To know about Villa Del Conte and its other tempting chocolate creations, follow Villa Del Conte on Facebook @VillaDelContePh, Twitter @villadelconte, and Instagram account @VillaDelContePh, or visit www.villadelcontecioccolato.com. 

EXTRA BRIGHT CHRISTMAS TREE AT CIRCUIT MAKATI

Christmas is just around the corner and it promises to be extra bright at Circuit Makati, home of the tallest Christmas tree and the most exciting bazaar in the city.

In partnership with Mastercard, Alveo, and Samsung Air Conditioner, Circuit Makati officially welcomes Christmas by lighting up the magnificent, fully immersive, 56-foot tall Christmas tree  which towers majestically over the city’s most upbeat lifestyle and entertainment destination.

Illuminating the skyline with a burst of bright color, the Christmas tree’s lighting also coincides with the opening of the biggest and hippest Christmas bazaar, Pop Up Town, which is taking place at two locations this year – Circuit Makati and Arca South.  Set to kick off on November 17 to 19 at Circuit Makati, and December 2 to 3 at Arca South in Taguig, the bazaar is on its fourth year at Circuit Makati and promises to get everyone into the holiday vibe.

Adorned with over 250,000 sparkling lights that form intricate patterns of native Filipino weaves such as the Inabel and Burdado of Luzon, Banig Tikogo of Visayas and  T’Boli, Ukol and Yakan of Mindanao, the Circuit Makati tree is an extension of the Christmas wonderland now found at the Makati thoroughfares Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and Makati Avenue.

For added excitement, the giant Circuit Makati tree can be accessed from inside and out, giving a more immersive experience for all. People can walk through and explore the insides of the Christmas tree. Sitting next to it is a giant Christmas ball, creating a visual feast that will delight everyone.

Co-presented by Mastercard and Fox Life, in cooperation with Grab, Pop Up Town’s wide array of offerings will definitely evoke the spirit of Christmas cheer. It will feature over 200 curated shops to thrill gift buyers, dining options for those who seek bonding moments, and assorted activities for the whole family.  

Consisting of four zones: Pop Up Shop, Pop Up Market, Pop Up Gallery, and Pop Up Local, it is sure to delight every Christmas shopper.

Pop Up Shop offers  a variety of well curated goods and pre-loved items from Karl Edwards, Passion Fly, UP JMA, Mommy Mundo, and big discounts by Folded and Hung.  At the Star Avenue section, fun brands and pre-loved items will be available from the likes of Janice De Belen, Kaila Estrada, Inah de Belen, Ara Mina, Danita Paner, Maricar Reyes Poon, Marissa Sanchez, Nene Tamayo, Nikki Valdez, Christine Babao, Maria Lopez, Mara Lopez, Gretchen Fullido, MJ Marfori, Aubrey Carampel, Cherry Lou Damaso, Denise Joaquin, Mike Agassi and Miriam Quiambao.

What’s Christmas without food? A dizzying array of Christmas favorites will be at the Pop Up Market with Mercato. For  those who love art , the Pop Up Gallery features works curated by Para sa Sining. Home grown, locally-sourced and locally-made products will be showcased under  Pop Up Local.

For a fun holiday vibe, there will be outdoor movie screenings, art workshops, battle of the bands and live acoustic performances. Kids can have hours of fun with an inflatable obstacle course dubbed as Wacky Obstacle Run.

For those who love Christmas surprises, Mastercard holders will have the chance to win prizes during the bazaar, aside from enjoying free entrance to both bazaars.

What’s more, Grab will offer discounted Grab rides heading to and from venue using promo code Grab50, free shuttle rides from Park Square to Circuit Makati, free parking and the option to shop cashless with your Mastercard credit card.

Indeed, Christmas is all about indulging your loved ones with fun memories and lots of bonding time. Drop by Circuit Makati on November 17 to 19 and Arca South on December 2 to 3 to get a head start on a magical Christmas!