Top 10 Places to be for New Year's Eve

BY Ana Valenzuela

December 30, 2011

Like all good things, 2011 is about to come to an end, but certainly not without a bang! If you're young, restless, and all set to party and let go of the year and usher in 2012, here’s a list of places to be on New Year’s Eve.

1. Makati Street Party. Said to be inspired from the New York Times Square New Year’s Eve countdown, the Makati street party is back after a two-year hiatus. The countdown will happen at the intersection of Ayala and Makati Avenues with the theme, ‘Magical, Musical Makati 2012’.

Organized by the Makati City government, in partnership with TV5, the party will see performances from The Dawn, the CompanY, Antimano Band, Bloom Brothers, Grupong Pendong, and many more. Party goers would surely be amazed by the magic tricks that Jeffrey Tam would provide. At the same time, mime performers, clowns and fire dancers will be doing their acts along the main stage area to add to the festive atmosphere. Capping off the year is a 15-minute grand pyro-musical show.

Food booths from traders of the Ayala Center, Salcedo Weekend Market, and major hotels in the city will also be available. Surely, party goers and revellers would have a wide variety of Media Noche choices. Six five-star hotels will also provide catering for invited VIP guests. This year’s event is expected to raise funds for Makati Festivals Foundation, in between the performances will be a series of raffle draws with valuable prizes and a brand new luxury car as grand prize.

2. Resorts World in Manila. Resorts World (RWM), the Philippines’ first integrated tourism destination, is holding not just one but three countdown parties at the complex. The elegant plaza of the Newport Mall will feature magicians, dancers, acrobats, and bands perform while stilt walkers, mimes and clowns roam the halls of the mall to the delight of guests. Singing group Primo will be hosting the countdown party alongside Classix Band will be delighting mall goers with song numbers.

At the Resorts World Casino, Bar 360 has RWM sensation the Draybers and Shayne and the Perfect Jam to delight the revellers all the way to 2012.

Check out the newest Club in the metro, the Genting Club, which will have its own New Year countdown led by the CompanY and the Bloom Brothers over choice cigars, the finest martinis, selections of single malt and whiskey, satisfying meals, and many more.

3. The Manor Camp John Hay, Baguio City. Baguio also ends 2011 with a bang as The Manor Camp John Hay presents the Yin Yang Band with heart-thumping music. There will be other performances from top acts such as Aaron Paraiso on the harp and others. A sumptuous dinner buffet of international cuisines will be served with champagne, priced at P2,800. Party giveaways and noise makers would also be given to guests. A display of fireworks over the Baguio sky greets the year 2012.

4. Boracay beach party. Still unsure of where to go to for the New Year then book a plane and head off to Boracay. After all Boracay is known for its parties, and the best time would definitely be on New Year. “In Boracay, it’s only three times a year when there are really a lot of people here: Chinese New Year, Holy Week and New Year. The island really is full and crowded,” says Alfonso Chusuey, Chief Operating officer of the Boracay Gardens Resort.

It’s during New Year’s Eve when revelers look forward to the resort’s grand buffet feast and, by 12 midnight, a 15-minute fireworks display mounted on a barge fronting sister resort Boracay Regency.

5. Mountain View Nature Park in Cebu. Most clubs and bars in Cebu are closed during New Year’s Eve. However if you want to enjoy the fireworks without so much noise, then your best bet would be at the Mountain View Nature Park in Citio Garahe, Busay, Cebu. It offers an astounding view of the city just over looking Mount Busay. Rooms cost from P500 to P2,000. Better book early as Mountain View Nature Park is jampacked during the New Year season.

6. Makati Shangri-La Hotel. Enjoy a lavish feast and musical concerts as 2012 sets in. The country’s queen of bossa nova, Sitti, Joey Lee de Guzman with EV Band, and Highway 54 will be performing at the Lobby Lounge on December 31. The performance will be capped off with a grand fireworks display. Regular seats are at Php 5,000+++, while VIP seats are at Php 5,500+++ and Php 6,000+++. Balcony seating is at Php 20,000+++ per table of four.

Also, in Makati Shangri-la, a Brazilian themed celebration for the New Year at Conway’s bar with it’s Samba de Carnivale, featuring a raging performance from Escola de Samba de Manila. All for P500 net consumable.

Guests can eat away as they can choose from an extensive menu planned out at the hotel’s various restaurant outlets. Book a room through (+632) 813-8888 or reserve a table at Restaurant Reservations and Information Centre at (+632) 840-0884. For more info, log on to www.shangri-la.com.

7. The Peninsula Manila. Glam up your celebration and greet the New Year as The Pen’s celebrated lobby becomes the venue of a glitzy countdown with the Sparkle Ball and big band music. And, as the clock strikes at 12 midnight, say “cheers!” with your glass of champagne as balloons and confetti rain down on merrymakers.

Executive Chef Patrick Boucher serves a dinner buffet that starts at 9pm until 12mn. After the countdown, the revelry goes on at Salon de Ning with Hyperbeat and Main Avenue. The Lobby New Year's Eve Sparkle Ball
is priced at P 6,200++ for adults and P6,700++ to include a glass of champagne. For children under 12 years old, dinner buffet price is P 3,700++. Midnight
entertainment is from 9 pm to 2 am. The Salon de Ning After Party
is from 7 pm to 2 am
(P1,500++ for minimum consumption). For more details, (+632) 887-2888, extension 7401 (Festive Desk) and 6694 (Restaurant Reservations).

8. Eastwood Mall. Bring your family at the mall’s open park and celebrate the coming of 2012 with a free concert featuring Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano and his sons Paolo and Gab Valenciano along with other artists like Billy Crawford, Urbanation, Amber Davis, and The Dawn. A grand fireworks display said to top its weekly fireworks show happens at midnight.
For inquiries, (+632)

9. Power Plant Mall in Rockwell. Party till sunrise is what Rockwell’s new and reinvented “31 to 1: 100% Rockwell New Year Party” is all about. After midnight, don’t miss the After Party from 1 am till sunrise. Get into the beat with the metro’s best DJ’s like Cao Ocampo, Yoshi Uy, Amber Davis, David Ardiente, and DJ Buzz at the Rockwell Tent. Tickets at P550 per person with unlimited drinks. For inquiries, call 0906-336-0797 or 0917-533-1464

10. Crossover buffets in hotels. Then again, if you’re a great believer of the saying, “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow is another day,” then get your appetite going at the city’s various five-star hotels where grand crossover buffets in its various restaurant outlets are the way to say goodbye to 2011. Among these hotels are the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City (+632 238-8888) and the Manila Hotel (+632 527-0011).

Happy New Year!

Now hear this--it's Deafness Awareness Week

BY Ana Valenzuela Published November 8, 2011

MANILA, Philippines - By age one, six out of ten infants would have had more than one episode of an ear infection. By age three, 4 out of 5 children would have experienced at least one ear infection. By age seven, at least one of three children would have had at least six ear defects.

These children would add to the number of people suffering from hearing disabilities. Twenty-eight percent of the Philippine population is suffering from hearing impairment. This chunk of our population is just part of the 287 million individuals, reported by the World Health Organization, who have hearing problems.

"We want to pick up hearing loss at an early stage so that we can rehabilitate as early as possible," stresses Dr. Gretchen Navarro Locsin, a pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat specialist at St. Luke's Medical Center, as she spoke at the launch of Deaf Awareness Week, which is sponsored by the Metro Manila Federation of Agencies for the Deaf in cooperation with Glaxo Smith Kline and other institutions.

Hearing loss can occur as early as infancy, so the Metro Manila Federation of Agencies for the Deaf is pushing to educate the public early on. The federation also aims to encourage Filipinos to utilize the hearing screen that is packaged in newborn screenings in hospitals.

"In 2009, it already became a law, that newborn screening would also include hearing screen. In fact, newborn screening now is packaged by Philhealth. It would be significantly helpful to children who have the potential to have hearing loss," said Locsin during the kick-off of Deaf Awareness Week on November 6 at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City. Hearing screen would assist in learning if the baby has congenital hearing loss that may be caused by maternal diseases or genetics.
There are signs if your child might be experiencing hearing loss.

Locsin says parents should pick up certain indications such as the child's performance in school and socialization skills.

"The mom or the caregiver should see the cues," says Locsin. "Why is the baby not yet speaking? For example, if your child is two years old, that is already delayed. The child should have been talking at a much earlier stage. He should have been babbling by the age of eight months. Even more so, if the child is not startled or surprised, or if your child's head is not turning. Head control develops by the age of four months. So, parents should take notice of that."

"There are [types of] hearing loss that are associated with genetic abnormalities, but there are also cases that up to now, we still do not know what is the cause," says Locsin.

"About half of the known causes of hearing loss are actually preventable. If we look at the data, a lot of the cause is wax, but a significant number of hearing loss is caused by an ear infection which is known as Otitis Media. Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is acquired when you have infection and inflammation of the middle ear," shares Locsin. "AOM is one of the leading ailments among Filipino children. In fact, it occurs in three out of four kids aged three and below.

"The problem is that if your acute ear infection is not treated properly or does not go away spontaneously, then it goes on to develop into a more chronic severe form of disease," says Locsin. "You go on to have luga (AOM), which could go on to hearing loss, and lead to other diseases that are greater than hearing loss." The WHO reports that in a year about P5.7 billion is spent for the care of children who are suffering from AOM.

Apart from those mentioned, the other causes of hearing loss are Otitis Externa, infectious conditions, non-infectious conditions, intake of certain medicines and old age. There are ways to prevent acquired hearing loss---immunization for mothers and children, immediate and appropriate management of ear disease, and avoidance of exposure to loud noise.

Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK), one of the supporters of Deaf Awareness Week, offers vaccines to help prevent hearing loss.

"Among those vaccines offered by GSK is the pneumococcal vaccine (for pneumonia) which can help prevent infections that could lead to hearing loss. We also have the Rubella vaccine (German Measles). Rubella can cause deafness in the unborn babies if pregnant women are sick with it. We also manufacture flu vaccines. Influenza, unknown to some, could also cause ear infections," shares Derrick Sim, vice president of Glaxo Smith Kline for Commercial Vaccines.

"Some vaccines only require one shot, while others require two or three shots. The vaccines stimulate the body to produce antibodies to fight the infection so that the body can protect itself."

Immediate and appropriate management of ear problems or diseases is also important to prevent hearing loss.

"The mother would tell us there is no problem, but that does not mean the patient is alright, that just means that maybe the mom does not see anything. That does not mean that the wound would heal itself. The child or the adult would still go into complication," says Locsin.

What she advises is to have a check-up.

Another way to prevent hearing loss is by avoiding loud noises.

"How would you know if the volume on your MP3 or IPod is too loud?" asked Locsin.

"If the person beside you could already hear it, that is too loud," she says. "You are the only one who is supposed to hear the music especially if you are using insert earphones. If you are exposed to long and abnormally loud sounds, in a long period of time, it causes hearing loss."

For some, silence might be golden, but for others it is a burden as they live in a world without sound.

"A large number of deafness is preventable. Glaxo Smith Kline is interested in educating people to avail vaccinations. Vaccination is a good way to prevent the disease, including those diseases which can cause deafness," says Sim.

As part of GSK's advocacy on deafness, GSK gave out 300 pneumococcal vaccines to Better Hearing Philippines to help in its commitment to protect Filipino children and prevent potential hearing loss.

During Deaf Awareness Week, activities such as seminars, dance competitions and ear check-up are offered at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center and the University of Santo Tomas.

For more information on Deaf Awareness Week, please contact Better Hearing Philippines at (02) 406-1611.

Ten good things to do for the long weekend break

ANILA, Philippines - Flowers? Check. Candles? Check. Now that you're all set for the annual ritual of honoring your dearly departed, but are still opting to stay in the city over the long holiday, you could still have that relaxing, fun weekend break anyway. Here are some ideas to keep you going.

1. Get shokot to the max. Can’t get enough of the hit film Zombadings? Now, enter the Zombadings Shokot House at Eastwood City Walk. This house of horror will either scare you so much that you would race for the exit or make you laugh like the movie did. Open until October 31, from 5PM to 11PM. Entrance fee is P100. Midnight screenings are also scheduled at the Eastwood Mall Cinema on October 28 to 30, go if you haven’t seen it yet or go and watch it again and again! For more information, call 709-0888.

2. Much ado about Resorts World. What? You haven’t been to Resorts World Manila? Well, this weekend is the time to satisfy your curiosity to find out what’s all the fuss about Resorts World Manila. Check out its high-end bars, casinos and luxury malls, and while you’re at it, visit the Newport Mall for its Halloween Cocktail, held daily until November 15, and Grand Masquerade on October 30.

Talk about responsible drinking, in Halloween Cocktails,11 participating restaurants have concocted drinks---and a portion of each sale will go to Alay sa mga may Kapansanan Association Inc. Feeling thirsty now? Get the gang together for drinks tonight and go resto-hopping for drink like Johnny Chow's Bloodfire, Crisostomo's Sisa's Ghost, New Orleans Diablo Mojito, and UCC Cafe Terrace's Vampire's Kiss, to name a few. Resorts World is located at Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Cybertourism Zone, Pasay City.

3. Hide in style. Stop worrying about household stuff (yes, washing dishes or making up your bed for a change!) and pamper your family with a stay at a luxury hotel like Acacia Hotel. The newest five-star hotel in Alabang comes with all the deluxe amenities you’ll ever need; reviews have raved about its efficient and warm service. The swimming pool, gym, and spa areas, however, are still non-operational. Till end of October, the hotel’s deluxe rooms are at P4,888 nett or 55 percent off the published rates. On October 30, the hotel has planned its Creep-tacular Forest Halloween Party at its new Samanae activity center. Acacia Hotel is at 5400 Asia Drive corner Commerce Avenue, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinglupa. For inquiries and reservations, call (632) 720-2000 and (632) 588-5888.

4. Get lost in space. Explore outer space at the Hotel InterContinental Manila’s Grand Ballroom and party with extra-terrestrials and space heroes. The hotel provides a lot of games, activities---trick or treats to arts and crafts--and of course, good food. The hotel is located at 1 Ayala Avenue, Edsa. For information call (632) 793-7000.

5. Sit back, relax, watch a movie. Scare each other’s wits out, and go see the horror and suspense flick that topped the US Box office weekend (and toppled Hugh Jackman’s latest starrer, Real Steel) Paranormal Activity 3. Although it is the third movie from the franchise, it is actually a prequel as it is set 18 years before the first two films. Paranormal Activity 3 is sure to be a spine-tingling treat for the Halloween. If a scary movie is too much, then the Three Musketeers would fill your weekend. The movie stars Orlando Bloom, Mila Jovovich, Luke Evans, and Logan Lerman.

6. Watch The Sound of Music. The Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) at Resorts World Manila is alive with the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, as it stages the well-loved and award wining Broadway musical. Joana Ampil and Cris Villonco star as Maria, while Audie Gemora alternates with Ed Feist as Captain Georg von Trapp. The show will run until December 11, 2011. Show times are 8 PM on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 3 PM and 8 PM on Saturdays and 3 PM on Sundays. For ticket reservations and inquiries, visit any Ticketworld outlet or the Resorts World Manila Box Office.

7. See Peter Pan fly. Catch some fairy dust at the Meralco Theater, Ortigas as Repertory Philippines and Stages presents Peter Pan. In the lead role is Sam Concepcion, who plays the boy who never grows up. He shares the stage with Menchu Lauchengco, Jaime Del Mundo, Tippy Dos Santos and Cara Barredo, among others. Show time is on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM, with a matinee show on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:30PM. The play runs till October 30. For more information call Repertory Philippines at (632) 571-6926 or (632) 571-4941.

8. See a concert. Spend the night of October30 listening to the relaxing music of international superstar, Jason Mraz. The singer-songwriter will have a one-night show at the Araneta Colisuem where he will perform hits like “I’m Yours” and “Lucky”. Tickets are priced at P800 to P3,500. For more information call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

9. Listen to orchestra music. The Cultural Center of the Philippines presents Greenilda versus the Litterbugs: A Halloween Family Concert on October 30, 2:30 PM at the CCP Little Theater. The concert features the Metro Manila Concert Orchestra led by Josefino Chino Toledo. Let your kids learn about orchestra music and environmental conservation. For more information and ticket reservations, call the CCP Marketing Office at 8321125. Students can enjoy a 50-percent discount while seniors get 20 percent off. Ticket prices range from P500 to P800.

10. Can’t beat ‘em, then party! But, of course, if you enjoy the thrill of seeing people in their scariest costumes and just having a good time, then join the parties scattered all over the metro. One big gig to go to is Black Party Manila 2011 at Orosa corner Nakpil Streets in Malate, Manila. Fun starts at 10 PM.

Families advised to keep Saints, Souls’ day solemn

MANILA, Oct. 30, 2011—A priest reminded people going to cemeteries to light candles and pray for their beloved dead on All Saints and All Souls Day to express their Christian faith meaningfully.

La Loma Cemetery chaplain Fr. Leo Gilbero said he is proud of this unique Filipino tradition of gathering the whole family during this time of the year to pray for their loved ones, but he also stressed the importance of keeping the faith within character.

“We should also set boundaries to keep with our faith, like for example the bringing of food [and partaking of meals] in the cemeteries. What is that for?” he asked.

Filipino families traditionally gather in cemeteries every All Saints and All Souls Day to light candles and pray for their deceased family and friends.

But the gathering involves not just about lighting a candle, it also serves as a kind of small family reunion among family members and friends, where they not only pray but also eat together.

“All Saints’ Day is a family tradition. In a sense, it helps the family,” Gilbero said. “Even though it is because of a death of [a] loved one, [but] it helps bring the family together.”

“According to Church teachings, every time we visit the tomb or grave, and every time we pray for the dead, we gain a partial indulgence,” Fr. Gilbero pointed out.

“For us, there is a meaning to each visit that gives us indulgence. Maybe there is significance for the family — the reunion that happens around the tomb — but the Church teaches us that when we visit the dead we can gain partial indulgence with the conditions that we visit the grave or pray for the dead,” he explained.

The priest said efforts had been done to address the practice of bringing food in the cemetery but to no avail so far.

“Maybe it is due to the culture and the influence of other cultures,” he pondered. (Ana Valenzuela)

Tears of the Sun

by Ana Valenzuela

Caroline Mae Jenairo was like any other college senior. She had grades to maintain, papers to pass, professors to please, but unlike girls her age who were learning about the newest makeup products and how to curl her hair, she had to learn about power tools and how to use them. And not just your ordinary screwdrivers, mind you, but welding tools, as this girl was already building a car. Not just any other car but a solar-powered car.

Jenairo, a fourth year Mechanical Engineering student of De La Salle, is part of the team that built the Sikat II set to compete in the World Solar Challenge in the Australian Outback from Oct.16 to 23. The team consists of 22 students and three professors from De La Salle University Manila’s Mechanical Engineering and Electronics and Communications Departments. The product of the team's hard work was recently unveiled to a chosen number of the media at the campus grounds.

Harnessing the sun

Solar energy in terms of economies of scale is a relatively new technology. “People will come out with better manufacturing processes, higher yield. In the future it will become part of the power generation, not exactly solar powered cars but part of energy and powering portable equipment like cell phones and batteries,” predicts Jack Catalan, team leader and faculty adviser.

“The motivation for building a solar car is for the Philippines to field an entry to the world’s solar challenge. The idea is to have a Filipino car join the race,” says Jack.

The team started working on the Sikat II early February of this year. The Philippine team has a good chance of winning, as the organizers have cut down on the allowed space grade cells. “The organizers are cutting down on the performance versus the resources. They cut down the allowed size of the space grade cells; these are the type which is better performing more endowed teams are able to afford. Chances of getting to compete with richer teams are better compared to previous competitions,” says Jack.

As for technological improvements, it seems to be starting now as the team proudly introduced a few upgrading in to the design of the new solar car as compared to the predecessors Sinag, which also competed in the World Solar challenge in 2007 finishing 12th overall, and the Sikat 1, which travelled from Mindanao to Luzon.

“The flaws that we saw in our previous designs, we corrected in Sikat II. We used better composite materials. Unlike before, we used PVC comb so now we used lightweight carbon fiber-honeycomb composite for it to be lighter,” said student Caroline Mae. Indeed, the new material makes Sikat II is ten kilograms lighter than Sikat 1.

Aside from the weight, they were additional adjustments made to the car.“Sikat II’s solar panels are better. They are better in terms of encapsulation, if you can remember Sikat1’s solar arrays are bright. If we used the old materials it is very difficult to maintain, a little scratch, a little dust would affect the performance. But this one we respect that it would fare better in performance and maintenance,” says Jack.

“All the other components are inherited from Sikat1, but given all the improvements plus the method we used to construct it, we trust that Sikat II is a far better car. It is lighter, has better aerodynamics, its shape is better than Sikat1 that its air resistance would be lower. New materials and new techniques make it sturdier and lighter,” says Jack. With all the developments, the team hopes that Sikat II will have a great finish in the coming 3,000 kilometer run. Sikat II is faster than its predecessor able to run at a top speed of 110lph with its two kilowatt motor. When running on its 4,000 watt hour Lithium-ion battery and solar array power at a speed of 85 kilometer per hour, Sikat II can travel more than 800 kilometers.

The team has learnt much to set up the best car possible for the upcoming cross-continent World Solar Challenge. Apart from that Jenairo shares what they learnt, “Time management also. We worked day and night, so we had to do a lot of catching up in our academics, we have to sacrifice a little of our sleep, and a little of our social activities. But this is a once in a lifetime experience so for me this is really worth it.” She says with a smile.

No Other Woman (review)

The story has been told more than a thousand times, happened in the real world more than a million times, yet this movie gives it a unique kick that makes it worth watching. What more the stars give it a different twist. Though hunky Derek just have to be himself, the sexy star Chrisitne Reyes plays the angelic perfect wife while the ever bubbly Anne Curtis is the mistress. It's the perfect of kind of miscasting. They do pull it off really well, peppered with punchy one liners that would surely be quoted for years to come.

Kudos as well to Carmi Martin, as the Nouveau rich mudrabells of Christine reyes, who completes the movie.

Some Like You (review)

Nope this is not a review of Adele's famous song, which I love by the way, but of a movie released in 2001 with the same title that stars Ashley Judd, Greg Kinnear and Hugh Jackman.

It is not just about the usual romance, nor the comedy, but what we get from the plot. I believe some of us know of it already, but often times we needed to be reminded.

You would think that Jane Goodale (Judd) has everything going for her. She is a talent scout in a popular talk show which has recently gone nationwide and their new dashing executive producer, Rey (Kinnear) has her asked out. What makes her life more unbelievable is that Rey has said I love you only after six weeks, and has asked her to play house with him.

After picking out the right apartment, wanting to sign the contracts and having her current place rerented, Rey suddenly backs out, not answering any of Jane's calls

Enter womanizing colleague Eddie, who had asked Jane once before if she would think about being his roommate, and there right in front of Rey, Jane says she will move in with Eddie.

Jane then now has a new place to live, and also a hobby to pursue on which is why men are the way they are. Apparantly, less than five pecernt of the male species are monogamous. And she also come up with a theory called the new cow. A bull makes love to a cow only once. Even if that cow's smell may change, the bull knows who that is.



Her bestfriend Liz turns this hobby in to a living by proposing she becomes a columnist in the men's magazine that she is working for. Jane then becomes an overnight sensation, with the penname Dr. Charles.

Not knowing of her journalistic success, Rey tries to make peace with her.

Jane is a cynic, and with all her cynic ways she then finds out that not all men are alike. As clicheish as it may sound. You can find the nicest guy in the unexpected places---like in a hospital room, telling his wife how beautiful she is even after an accident.

I did get to watch this great film in the movie house and I have it on VCD. I recommended it on my friend who is still hung of on her ex, and I do hope that she did get to learn a thing or two from this flick.

Selfish

Why are people selfish? It is not just all about the excess love of oneself. It is a different kind. The lack of concern for someone. We see it. Yeah maybe, that they are giving to others, but then to us there is always a barrier of what it is they give. They expect so much from us, be it in material things or emotional investment. They always expect us to bend over backwards---to always admit to them that they are always the ones who are right, to give what should have been ours, because after all we earned it. We sacrifice our own happiness just to see that certain person smile. But, then we do not even think about how many times have that person done the same for you?

Horrible Bosses (review)

Admittedly, I am a Jen Aniston Fan. So, I have been waiting for this movie ever since IMDB said pre-production. Even more so, when it had gotten good reviews from the critics, and Jen receiving praises for her performance.

But this movie is not just all about Jen, who plays Dentist Julia Harris. This movie also features Jason Bateman, Jason Sudekis, Charlie Day, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx.Horrible Bosses as the title implies is all about three friends (the two Jasons and Charlie Day) who have bosses (Jen, Kevin Spacey and Colin Farrell) making their life miserable. So they plot out to kill their bosses. They look in the internet for murderers. Then they go to a bar, where eventually they find a murder consultant ( Jamie Foxx).

So do they succeed in ending their misery? You have to watch the movie and find out for yourself. I swear you'll have your money's worth just laughing off at these three guys antics and what happened to them.
As for Jen, I can understand why it was such a positive response. It was a new character fo her. No only because oof the dark hair, but also the way she played it, You would see her in wearing nothing but her panties and her lab coat. I do wish that she would do more movies like this, well not exactly playing a maneater, but more of those which are outside her comfort zone.

I do hope that Wanderlust, the one that she is shooting with her boyfriend Justin Theroux would be as good or even better than Horrible Bosses.

Work Hard, party harder

by Ana Valenzuela

Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work, your judgment will be surer.” Studies and surveys show that productivity level of employees increase when they return to their jobs after enjoying time off—be it a simple dinner with the family or meeting friends after office hours.

However, most people do not get the chance to recharge and bond with their loved ones. They sometimes have to render overtime, often blaming the bosses who would first put into consideration petty stuff or staff members who always seem to have excuses. But, are you sure you should be blaming your bosses and employees and not the machines you use at work?

Canon recently launched a new range of business solutions designed to make work simpler, thus achieving a better work-life balance.

“What we’re trying to give our consumers and users is a balance in the work life,” says Jose Abelardo Bolima, director of Canon‘s business imaging solutions group during Canon’s latest press launch held at White Space.

“When people are stressed, they can't give quality time for family and friends. With this kind of automation in your office, it cuts your work time.’’

“Usually, there is a lot of overtime in the workplace because the work has not yet been done, but with the new automatic system, it saves a lot of money and increases the productivity of the people. You become more efficient and productive without really suffering,” he shares.

The automation that Bolima speaks about is Canon’s Business Imaging Solutions which are technologically-advanced machines designed to enhance an organization’s manpower efficiency and productivity, which, in turn would improve both the company’s revenue without sacrificing employee satisfaction.

Canon’s Business Imaging Solutions has four product groups to fit the company’s requirements; these include multifunction copiers, laser multifunction and single-function printers, imaging managing systems, and production and graphic arts.

As every company has different needs, Canon sets out to visit the offices to do an in-depth analysis of the workload and recommend what systems would help save cost and increase productivity.

One of these products is the image ClassMF8350. This is a cost effective print, copy, scan and fax machine that is already network ready. It can surely save time at the office as it prints page at eight seconds per page, and fax documents at three seconds per page. Another would be the image PRESS C7010Vp which produces exceptional image quality.

“As we install every machine to client’s premises, we conduct end-user training for several employees to properly orient them on proper usage, basic troubleshooting and other canon solution features that would help them in their daily grind. All these are for free,” says Tin Dolovino, assistant manager for marketing of Canon‘s business imaging solutions

Bolima stresses that Canon’s new devices would surely assist companies, even those who are into cloud computing. “Integrators who are offering services through the web like Google apps among others, this kind of solution is the in thing now, as it helps save a lot of money especially for the SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and even for the big companies. With cloud computing, you have to put up your system in the net and access it through our machines, meaning you can access your files from the copier, you don’t need another computer connected to the internet and print it from our machine,” he says. “You can never equate it with value, because what we are selling is work efficiency.”

Canon Marketing (Philippines) president and chief executive officer Alan Chng adds, “More than just high quality equipment, Canon’s advanced simplicity transforms the way people work in order to create more leisure time for a healthier, more productive workforce, which translates to productivity.”

Now, there is no need for overtime, as you are using top of the line machines that seem to multitask like you. The only thing you need to do is clock off and unwind.

Forget My Fries Not

Fast food is everybody's go to food stop anytime that they are hungry and could not decide what food to eat. So, I guess it is only right for me to commend these establishments which have been working on their customer service.


Earlier on during the day, I met my friend Ms. Lulu at a Jollibee near our house. Sitting waiting for me, she was already done eating. But before I can take a seat next to her she diverted my attention towards a piece of paper on her table. Apparantly it was a survey form of the fast food chain aimed at improving their services. However, Lulu did not want to answer it as it contained personal information such as: Saan ka nangaling? Saan ka pupunta? How is my answers going to improve their services, she asked. Well, I thought it was more a marketing survey for the company to know what type of market are they catering to. Somehow the answers would lead for the comapny to find out about its customer's financial situation. Still, she refused, leaving it unanswered and gave back the paper to the one in charge when he checked on her.

Also, during the day, my mother was surprisingly asking me if I wanted some burger mc do. Of course, yes. I also loved the cheeseburger, I mean who wouldn't as my brother did say Mc Do's cheese burger is the best. Apart from the cheese, it has pickles on it. But, this is not about the cheeseburger. Why of all a sudden would my mom ask all us if we wanted some McDo?

Apparently, she's going to send my little sister on an errand at this fast food joint. My sister is not just going to buy us food, she's going to pick up something which is some forgotten fries.My mom went to Mc Do , yesterday or the day before that, and had her meal upsized. According to her she asked the girl for some extra ketchup, which the girl said, meron na daw.
The girl may not have forgotten this condiment, but she sure did forget my mother's fries. So my mom called up the customer service( not 8mcdo), the number found in the receipt and reported the incident.

The Customer Service Assistance was very apologetic about the situation, as my mom said they even offered to have that certain fries delivered. But, as you know my sister picked it up.

Live and Let Live

by Ana Valenzuela
Published Manila Standard Today September 8, 2011

When looking to buy property there is an age old rule: Location, location, location. This means one must consider a property’s accessibility to main thorough fares, proximity to school, churches and hospitals and shopping outlets, and whether or not it is in a flood-free area.

However, for many of us it isn’t just a dwelling place that we are looking for but also for breathing space. As the metro gets jammed, developers show their resourcefulness with condos that offer lush greeneries for tenants. Nowadays, it isn’t just a condo unit with a pool and gym but with green, open spaces with lush, shrouding trees, jogging paths that allow your kid to run around, and often even clubhouses to enjoy life. One such developer is SOC Land’s Anuva at Muntinlupa, which offers 80 per cent of open space for greeneries, and other amenities such as a lazy river, lagoon, lake, themed parks and gardens, and a yoga meditation garden.

“We have 80 percent open space. What does this mean? We are actually three times the industry standard of 30 per cent standard,” says John Paul Reyes, SOC Land president. SOC, maybe a newbie in the Real Estate biz, but it has all the backup it needs, as it is a subsidiary of South China resources, an affiliate of construction companies such as Puyat Steel Corporation, International Pipe Industries Corporation, and Puyat Flooring products.

Anuva is strategically located in Muntinlupa, along the east service road of SLEX, one kilometer from Sucat Interchange and about 10 to 15 minutes away from Makati and Alabang. Recently, the condo project had its ground breaking, vice president and Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) chairman Jejomar Binay was present at the event.

He says, “It is nice to know that here is a developer who invests in high rise. Our (HLURB) idea is that from Pampanga to Manila, Manila to Calamba is that the development would be medium rise so that the land would not be put to waste. If you build single detach, the land would not be maximize. But if you go with medium rise or high rise with open spaces and basic facilities are added then land would not be put to waste.”

Also present was renowned landscape architect Paulo Alacazren who is working on Anuva.

“For Anuva we started with understanding what cosmopolitan Filipinos needed and wanted, and what would make the project distinctive and delightful at the same time. The formula we developed includes the ingredients of extensive green spaces, expansive water in ponds, pool and fountains, and extremely fun and fascinating amenities,” he shares.

“The extensive green includes over 300 shade trees and palms, close to 100,000 shrubs and close to 3,000 square meters of lawns and ground covers. The expansive water includes several fountain, ponds and pools totaling 1,800 square meters. The extremely fun and fascinating amenities including play courts, playgrounds, jogging paths and lanais and al fresco nooks in between buildings cover another 2,000 square meters or so of wonderfully open space accessible and distributed among all the units of the development,”adds Alcazaren.

Aside from the open spaces, Anuva would have its distinctive look as it would be in tandem style, 14 and 20 floor residential towers. The units would range from 22 square meters studio units to 54 square meters two bedroom units. “The second biggest feature that we have, if you noticed some developers give you a rectangular shaped unit, what we have are square units. It makes for an easier problem, if you want to call it that. The problem of furnishing, it’s difficult to find good furnishings at an affordable price, and then you also have a problem with furnishing your unit,” says Reyes.

The square units provide better ventilation and would be a lot easier to furnish as condo units would be delivered to buyers bare. This, according to Reyes is another advantage of the projects. Clients can choose the interiors that are more suited to their needs, plus it would not be part of their mortgage, unlike in furnished condos.

Space is now something to consider when signing for a check for a real estate buy. Picture your children frolicking around the condo’s amenities without you having to worry while relaxing in a comfy residence. Spacious indeed.

Friends with Benefits (review)

Some may think that this might be a rip-off of the Ashton Kutcher-Natalie Portman starrer as it involves two friends casually having sex, no strings attached, ehem. The main story line might be similar, but how the plot and the story runs are completely different.


Dylan (Justin Timberlake) is a top art director who is headhunted by Jamie (Mila Kunis) to work for GQ in New York. Being new in the city, the only friend he has is Jamie. They somehow agree on having a relationship based on friendship and sex, without comprising and overlooking the former. To the point that they even went out with other people.the chemistry between the two leads give the movie a whole different twist. The Ashton movie involves him having feelings from the start with Natalie, however, the two leads here only realize their emotions after a series of events.

Patricia Clarkson, Jamie's mom is a delight. I've first noticed her in Easy A, where she took on another mother role, but hey, this is another mom role, where in she is a whole different person. She makes you guessing (or maybe not) and laughing on who Jamie's father really is.

The on going plotlines of friends casually having sex, only reflects on how today's society works. Somehow, it is like that. There are people who operate like that who do not have that five date rule and would call on a friend when he or she is in need of a good time. Well, this may not be the first time this happened, as one character commented, 'this is like the 70's'. Free love.

One Day (Review)

This is the story of a boy and a girl, Dexter and Emma, who after graduation met, had an intimate time, but then decided to be friends, or to be more exact the best of friends. Scenes are shown through out the film centering on the improvement or the pitfalls of the two leads in one day (July 15th) for every year since that day they met.

Since the poster clearly suggests it to be a romance, me as an audience would always wonder when would they get together? Would it be when they vacationed, just the two of them? They went skinny-dipping. Would it be when Dex's (Jim Sturgess) career hit a snag?

When the two leads do get together, it somehow made me think that it is for ever after. Well, that's what my friend thought and she quickly commented," that's it, corny."

But then, it does not end with the big kiss. All there is a foreshadowing of things to come, but still an awfully big surprise of how things end up with Emma (Anne Hathaway, who played the part British).

I guess somehow, the movie gave me a few realizations of my own, that cliche-sh time is gold. Apparently, love does figure in that age old saying. No one wants to be lonely, maybe that's why sometimes we pretend to be happy--with ourselves, or even with someone. But the at the end of it, we are yearning for something else. You may never know it, but the one who's meant for you maybe your bestfriend and you might be taking him or her for granted.

Loving Indonesian fare

by Ana Valenzuela

Published Manila Standard August 24

An archipelago located south of our country, Indonesia offers the same variety in taste and flavor as the Philippines. “Indonesian cuisine is similar to that of the Filipinos—mostly in the taste and in the use of rice,” says Sous Chef Ovan Prahoro during the recent media launch of Diamond Hotel’s Indonesian food festival Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best.

Chef Ovan, together with two patisserie chefs, Chef de Partie Asep Marthy and Chef de Partie Agus Setiadi are in the country until 28th to serve the best Indonesian cuisines. The three masters of the kitchen flew in from Indonesia specifically for the food festival hosted by Diamond Hotel. This is part of the hotel’s plan to hold an international cuisine festival every quarter. The Indonesian food fest, Selamat Menikmati: A Culinary Journey of Indonesia’s Best coincided with Indonesia’s celebration of Independence Day last Aug. 18.

“Indonesian cuisine is unique because of the rich use of herbs and spices,” says Chef Ovan. “This is also what makes it different from Filipino dishes, because it is a lot spicier. Filipinos do not like spicy foods that much.”

“Since I come from West Java I think the the mie goreng jawa, gado gado, and the rendang daging are the best,” Chef Ovan says when asked which food should we try. He assures us that these dishes would fulfill our stomachs to endless delights. Mie Goreng Jawa is fried noodles, gado gado is vegetable with peanut sauce, while the Rendang Daging is beef simmered in Coconut Milk.

As for the desserts, Chef Agus quickly suggested surubaya, “It came from Surubaya, Indonesia’s second largest city. It is a layer of Sponge cake,” the chef says and guarantees that it would bring no less than smiles as it his specialty.

Chef Ovan also said that it would be a sin for our taste buds not to try the oxtail soup. Apparently this dish is popular in Indonesia, “Go to any place in Indonesia and you will find it,” the sous chef chuckled.

“What we want the world to see is Indonesia and its cuisine,” says Chef Ovan who honed his cooking skills in countries like Riyadh, Dubai and Bahrain. “We want to make Indonesian dishes more popular. There are plenty of Indonesian cuisines. I simply cannot choose just one.”

Selamat Menikmati would be featured at Diamond Hotel’s Corniche restaurant until the 28th of August and could be availed for a buffet. Some Indonesian dishes are available at the Diamond Hotel’s a la carte menu.

Colombiana (Review)

A young girl, Cataleya ,who once wanted to be like Xena, warrior princess has a change of dream to a killer when she witnesses her father and mother murdered. Zoe Saldana played this role beautifully. I always thought that she is African-American. Then Cataleya is Colombian which got me to thinking what her ethnicity really might be. It turns out she's perfect to play a Latin American. Her dad is Dominican while her mom is Puerto Rican. All throughout Zoe oozes charm with minimal makeup (just dark eyeshadow) and her natural beauty stands out.

This isn't your usual hitman for hire movie. The trauma of how Cataleya could not live to get close to any body even her boyfriend (played by Michael Vartan) was shown. Michael Vartan's age is also evident (although probably not intended), as the guy isn't as hot as before (Monster-in-Law, Alias).

Cataleya, seeks the help of the US embassy in Columbia so that she gets her passport to the US. After reaching the US, Little Cataleya escapes the authority to her uncle in Chicago, and then grows up to be stone called assassin. The movie is filled with action sequences, that is played beautifully Although the last gun shooting scenes lacked impact. where and then out of nowhere was Cataleya in the back. The fight scenes and assassination sequence were better though. Inside a jail, she had to kill a conman eluding the police guards and the camera. Plus, she did not only use guns to kill. She used her wit, sharks to kill her prey.