Hokkaido Ramen Santouka brings warmth, comfort with Rainy Day Promo

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s Tokusen Toroniku Ramen

Feel the warmth and comfort during the rainy season as Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, a legendary brand that lives by the same family recipe since 1988, offers rainy day promos that let you enjoy authentic, passionately-cooked ramen.

Visit the nearest Hokkaido Ramen Santouka branch to get a taste of Japanese culture in a bowl with its wide selection of ramen. Santouka’s ramen are all carefully prepared with fresh ingredients, seasoned using minimum salt to make it healthier and delicious to the last drop.

  

There’s more! Dine in for a minimum of P3,000 and take home a free Santouka umbrella to protect yourself from the rain; or dine in for a minimum of P4,000 to pair your hot bowl of ramen with a free plate of Tori Karaage. Redemption period is until 60 days from end of promo period upon presentation, and same branch redemption only.

Lastly, enjoy your Santouka experience with a companion and take home a P500-worth Santouka gift certificate when you dine in for a minimum of P5,000. The Santouka gift certificate is valid for one year upon issue and must be used on your next visit.

Santouka’s rainy day promo must not be in conjunction of other promos, and minimum purchase must be on a single transaction only. So get your rain gears on and avail of Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s rainy day promo valid from Mondays to Fridays until August 31, 2017 only.

For more information, follow Santouka’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/RamenSantoukaPH and Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/SantoukaPh/ or visit Hokkaido Ramen Santouka at these branches: Glorietta 4, SM Mall of Asia, Promenade Greenhills, Trinoma, Eastwood, Alabang Town Center, Solenad 3 Nuvali, SM City Clark Pampanga, or SM City Pampanga.

Shared Service Centers to play a key role in Digital Banking

Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed (3^rd from left), Corporate Banking Head Vikram Singh (2^nd from left), and Treasury and Trade Solutions Head Arlene Nethercott (2^nd from the right), with forum speakers (L-R) Steffanus Widjaja, Swati Mitra, and Narayan Kannan.

The country’s largest foreign bank recently presented groundbreaking digital solutions to clients during its Citi Shared Services Center Forum for 2017.

“Our goal is to be the world’s leading digital bank and deliver a remarkable banking experience to our clients across retail and institutional banking. Rapid disruption is happening and as a bank, we want to make sure that we stay relevant to our clients and their needs,” said Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed.

In his welcome remarks, Ahmed added that digitization plays an important role in shaping the future of the Shared Service Centers (SSCs). “The Philippines is home to a growing Citi Service Center that provides a wide range of voice and non-voice services to our global network.”

Swati Mitra, Citi’s Global Sales Leader for Emerging Market Corporate Clients & Digital Client Advisory for Treasury and Trade Solutions echoed this during her keynote presentation. “The key macro trends impacting the shared service centers include globalization, digitization, innovation, regulation, volatility and the banking environment.”

The forum which attracted nearly 100 clients that decision makers from Accounts Payable, Human Resources and Procurement, once again provided a platform for thought leaders to share experiences and best practices in supporting global and regional SSCs.

Cross-Currency Payments Product Sales Narayan Kannan shared how the constant changes in business, tax and the global regulatory landscape are driving modifications in the way organizations manage their foreign exchange payment processes towards delivering efficiency. As part of Citi’s commitment to continue to expand its foreign currency footprint, clients in the Philippines can now transact in more than 130+ currencies as part of their cross border payments. This is the latest payment innovation and solution Citi developed to strategically be aligned with our customers treasury policy and to improve client’s efficient working capital. eFX Solutions, Corporate Markets and Securities Services Viriginia Yu demonstrated how the CitiFX Pulse online trading platform and Straight through Processing (STP) enable corporate clients to simplify the execution of Treasury flows, improve process and increase the efficiency of their regional and global centers. Finally, Regional Channel Product Manager for Treasury Trade and Solutions Steffanus Widjaja showcased the common modes of connectivity between corporates and their banks, including the latest client trends and e-banking tools to improve SSC efficiencies.

In 2016, Citi’s Treasury and Trade Solutions processed more than $1.8 trillion globally in client transaction value on CitiDirect BE® Mobile and CitiDirect BE® Tablet. This institutional e-banking platform was ranked #1 in Greenwich Associates' Digital Banking Benchmarking study for the 11th consecutive year.

Citi Philippines’ Treasury and Trade Solutions Country Head Arlene Nethercott credited this to the strong partnership that Citi has with its clients, “This has enabled us to improve the efficiencies on Shared Service Center processing. We are seeing an exciting evolution of the payments landscape in Philippines, which will drive more efficient payment options in the future.”

BP Valenzuela and Sandwich chill out to a new rhythm at Coke Studio

Manila, August 12, 2017 – Coke Studio is the new stage for OPM artists, where legends perform with rising stars and musical genres are blurred. There is no better example for this than the collaboration of BP Valenzuela and Sandwich – the fusion of smooth and hypnotic techno sounds with edgy rock music make for an unexpected yet exciting performance.

”We’re gearheads!” exclaimed BP Valenzuela, finding common ground despite coming from two seemingly opposite ends of the music spectrum. During the collaboration, this fondness continued, proving that differences in genre never hinder mutual respect between artists.

Members of Sandwich even shared their admiration for BP and her music. “She is the future. And it’s so exciting, I am so happy that we get to do this. We really like to see the young artists and from the first time we saw her, we knew,” said Myrene Academia, the band’s bassist.

Prior to the collaboration, two of the band’s members, Raymund Marasigan and Diego Castillo had written letters of recommendation for BP’s application to the music program of the College of St. Benilde.

“I wrote that if I were still working with a recording label, that I would sign her up in a heartbeat,” added Diego Castillo, lead guitarist and former recording executive. In response to the band’s words, BP admitted that the recommendation letters made her cry. 

The relationship between the pairing shows a side of the OPM industry where veterans uplift and support upcoming artists and by doing so, elevating the entirety of the local music scene. With this good natured relationship already established, the studio session came along easily.

According to Sandwich drummer, Mike Dizon, “We’re chill but it’s about getting it done, while still being chill.” BP continued by describing the outcome of their efforts saying, “There’s a story to it, a narrative, and it’s got more layers.” The collaboration brought about the possibility of a full album to which Raymund replied, “That’s not just a could, or a would, but a should.”

Watch these icons of the past and the present come together to bring the music of the future at Coke Studio. Catch it on August 19, Saturday at 7 p.m. on TV5 or on www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH. 

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and nearly 3,900 beverage choices. Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company's portfolio features 21 billion-dollar brands, 19 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options. These brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No. 1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages. More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates. For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

PAGLIPAY

PAGLIPAY (International title “Crossing”)                                                                                                                           (09 AUGUST 2017)

Philippine release date: August 16, 2017 (Wednesday)

Director, Writer, Editor: Zig Dulay

Line Producer, Producer: Jed Medrano

Executive Producer: Dr. Milagros Ong-How

Cinematographer: Albert Banzon

Production Designer: Aped Santos, pdgp

Music: Gian Gianan

Sound Designer: Andrew Milallos

Production Manager: Lucky Jay de Guzman

Stars: Garry Cabalic, Anna Luna, Joan dela Cruz, Norman King, Natasha Cabrera, Gigi Locsin, Joel Saracho, Marinella Sevidal, Kenken Nuyad, Upeng Fernandez with the special participation: JC Santos

Genre: Romance Drama

Synopsis :

‘PAGLIPAY’ is a Sambal Ayta term being used by Aetas when crossing the mountain river going to lowland town in search for alternative source of income.

The narrative opens as we follow Atan’s fulfillment of his arranged marriage with a fellow Aeta, ANI. He has to pay a dowry (bandi) or bride’s price to Ani’s parents. Atan needs to cross the mountain river going to Banwa, the town where he could earn the necessary amount for the bandi however he meets RAIN, student from Manila that would make his life turn upside down.

MTRCB Rating: PG (Parental Guidance)

Running Time: 1 hour 38 minutes

Released by: Universal Harvester Inc. thru Solar Pictures

Solar Pictures is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @solarpicturesPH

Link to view TRAILER on YouTube: http://bit.ly/PaglipayTrailer

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paglipay2016/

Official Hashtags: #Paglipay #PPP2017 #PistaNgPelikulangPilipino

Winner: TOFARM Film Festival 2016

Best Picture

Best Director

Best Cinematography

Best Actor - Garry Cabalic

Best Supporting Actress - Anna Luna

Audience Choice Awards

Nominations: Gawad Urian 2017

Best Picture (Pinakamahusay na Pelikula)

Best Direction (Pinakamahusay na Direksyon) - Zig Madamba Dulay

Best Actor (Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor) - Garry Cabalic

Best Supporting Actress (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres) - Joan Dela Cruz

Best Supporting Actress (Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktres) - Anna Luna

Best Screenplay (Pinakamahusay na Dulang Pampelikula) - Zig Madamba Dulay

Best Cinematography (Pinakamahusay na Sinematograpiya) - Albert Banzon

Best Production Design (Pinakamahusay na Disenyong Pamproduksiyon) - Aped Santos

Best Editing (Pinakamahusay na Editing) - Zig Madamba Dulay

Best Music (Pinakamahusay na Musika) - Gian Gianan

Best Sound (Pinakamahusay na Tunog) - Andrew Milallos

Nominations: Star Awards for Movies

Indie Movie of the Year

Indie Movie Director of the Year - Zig Madamba Dulay

Indie Movie Screenwriter of the Year - Zig Madamba Dulay

Indie Movie Cinematographer of the Year - Albert Banzon

Indie Movie Production Designer of the Year - Aped Santos

Indie Movie Editor of the Year - Zig Madamba Dulay

Indie Movie Musical Scorer of the Year - Gian Gianan

Indie Movie Sound Engineer of the Year - Andrew Milallos

International Awards: 

1. Platinum World Award for International Feature Film for the World Film Awards

2. International Award of Excellence - International Film Festival for Environment, Health, Culture (IFFEHC)

3. Best Director - Canadian Diversity Film Festival 2016

Pauwi Na

PAUWI NA (International title “Pedicacab”)                                                                                                                      (14 AUGUST 2017)

Philippine release date: August 16, 2017 (Wednesday)

Loglines/Taglines/Quotes:

·         Ito ang pamilyang Pilipino

·         Magsisimula na ang biyahe

                               

Director: Paolo Villlauna

Producer: Ellen Ramos

Executive Producer: Dr. Milagros Ong-How

Screenplay and Editing: Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos

Cinematography: Sasha Palomares

Production Design: Maoxie Mao Fadul

Sound: Andrew Milallos

Music: Paolo Villaluna, Pike and Veena Ramirez

Stars:

Bembol Roco as Mang Pepe

Cherry Pie Picache as Aling Remedios

Merryl Soriano as Isabel

Jerald Napoles as Jp

Chai Fonacier as Pina

Jess Mendoza as Jesus

Shamaine Buencamino as Doray

Jack The Dog as Kikay

Genre: Family Comedy/Drama

Synopsis 1:

Follow a pedicab driver, a thief, a laundrywoman, a dog, a blind pregnant woman and Jesus Christ – shod in basketball sneakers – as they make their way from poverty in the city to the imagined paradise of the countryside.

MTRCB Rating: R-13 (Restricted for 13 years old and above)

Running Time: 2 hours 3 minutes

Released by: Universal Harvester Inc. thru Solar Pictures

Solar Pictures is on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @solarpicturesPH

Link to view TRAILER on YouTube: http://bit.ly/PauwiNaTrailer

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauwinathemovie/

Official Hashtags: #PauwiNa #PPP2017 #PistaNgPelikulangPilipino

Synopsis 2:

Pauwi Na (PEDICAB) follows a pedicab driver, his sharp-tongued wife, their petty thief son, a blind, pregnant young woman – who happens to see Jesus Christ – and a dog named Kikay. This is the story of a family on a journey from poverty in the city to an imagined paradise in the countryside. 

Broke, desperate, and with little more than the clothes on their backs, the family decides to pedal their way thousands of miles on rickshaws in a tragicomic exodus to the green fields of the provinces.

With a powerhouse cast led by Philippine cinematic icons Bembol Roco (Manila By Night, Lino Brocka) and Cherry Pie Picache (Foster Child, Brillante Mendoza), and directed by noted Filipino filmmaker Paolo Villaluna, PEDICAB is a quirky road trip whose unapologetic look at family, class, poverty and faith “reminds one of the overriding role of art—to be a channel of critique and change.” (Manila Times, August 2016)

Synopsis 3:

Follow a pedicab driver, a thief, a laundrywoman, a dog, a blind pregnant woman and Jesus Christ – shod in basketball sneakers – as they make their way from poverty in the city to the imagined paradise of the countryside.

Inspired by a news article featured in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (“Family pedals way back home to Leyte,” Sept. 7, 2003), Pauwi Na (PEDICAB) follows Mang Pepe and his family as they pedal on pedicabs (cycle rickshaws) the thousands of miles from Manila to the farmlands.

The ailing Mang Pepe, his wife, Remedios, their daughter Pina, their son JP, his wife Isabel and their dog Kikay live together in a shanty in the slums. Survival is hand-to-mouth. Mang Pepe drives his rusting pedicab to deliver goods to the market. Aling Remedios washes laundry for her neighbors. JP steals, Pina sells cigarettes, and Isabel, blind and soon to give birth, believes she can see and speak to Jesus Christ.

Mang Pepe convinces the family that life will be better farming in their home province. Without the money to pay for bus fare or the means to survive on the road, the family piles into a pair of pedicabs, determined pedal their way home. 

After a 7-year absence from filmmaking, noted Filipino filmmaker Paolo Villaluna returns with a quirky philosophical treatise on the Filipino family that “reminds one of the overriding role of art — to be a channel of critique and change” (Manila Times, August 2016). The film is “transformative, heartbreaking as it is inspiring” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 2016.)

With a powerhouse cast led by Philippine cinematic icons Bembol Roco (Manila By Night, Lino Brocka) and Cherry Pie Picache (Foster Child, Brillante Mendoza) PEDICAB is a road trip that becomes an unapologetic look at family, class, poverty and the role of faith in Philippine society.

Film Reviews:

"For the humanism and universality of the story, for the simplicity of the style and realization — for the non-conformism with which it represented our desire to believe that there is a sense in this universe, the award for the best film goes to Pedicab, from the Philippines.”

-Cristian Mungiu, Palme D’or Winner

“Strong social critique barbed with black humor distinguishes the Philippine drama, Pauwi Na…a big pay-off with a deeply emotional finale.”

-The Hollywood Reporter

“The film is extraordinary for the treatment of its material…It is a triumph of masterful direction further enhanced by the sheer virtuosity of its assembly of competent actors.”

-Nonoy Lauzon, Manila Times

“Mesmerizing performances. Masterful direction. This film shows us a Filipino family as we have never seen it before”

-Ricky Lee, screenwriter and playwright

“Pauwi Na is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring…even transformative. You don’t want to miss it. Pauwi Na is one of the year’s finest films. Villaluna and Ramos have yet to disappoint us and their latest is no exception.”

-Rito Asilo, Philippine Daily Inquirer

 “Rendered with powerful performances of the ensemble cast and effectively executed by the director’s precise film language.”

-Raymond Red, Cannes Palm D’or Winner

“It is the best of the festival for me…It is philosophical and lyrical. It is indeed a beautiful Filipino film to watch!

-Joel Lamangan, director

“This is a film filled with lovely moments.”

-Philbert Dy, Click the city

“Pauwi Na embraces its characters and story that it delivers a depressing, heartbreaking, confusing and fun film all at the same time and it gives some of the genuine comedic scenes in recent memory…A genuine treat”

-Nazamel Tabares, moviesinthephilippines.com

“The sense of authenticity in this film is distinct that it manages to be artful without being arty…it eventually transforms into a fascinating, emotional narrative with more layers than we might have expected. Four stars!”

-My movie world

“!”

-Engelbert Dulay, cinecritic.com

“Pauwi Na is a fulfilling journey... This is probably the most unique comedy of the year! Watch it.”

-Nood.ph

“Magical!”

-Nap Jamir, cinematographer

“Villaluna weaves in the story of hope amidst the desperation this journey the Filipino nuclear family takes. A masterclass in acting from Picache, Soriano and Roco…Pauwi Na will definitely leave you talking about it more and more after watching the film. It is quite an important film.”

-Ricci Chan, theater actor, writer and critic

Awards and Nominations:

SHANGHAI INT’L FILM FESTIVAL 2017

The Golden Goblet for Best Film, Winner

GAWAD TANGLAW 2017

Presidential Jury Award, Winner

Best Supporting Actor / Jess Mendoza

TOFARM FILM FESTIVAL 2016

Special Jury Award

Best Actor / Bembol Roco

Best Actress / Cherry Pie Picache

Best Story / Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos

Best Editing / Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos

Best Production Design / Maoxie Fadul

URIAN AWARDS 2017 Nominations

Best Director / Paolo Villaluna

Best Actor / Bembol Roco

Best Actress / Cherry Pie Picache

Best Supporting Actress / Meryll Soriano

Best Screenplay / Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos

Best Editing / Paolo Villaluna and Ellen Ramos

Best Music / Paolo Villaluna, Pike Ramirez and Veena Ramirez

FAP LUNA AWARDS 2017 Nominations

Best Actor / Bembol Roco

Best Actress / Cherry Pie Picache

Best Actress / Meryll Soriano

Best Supporting Actor / Jerald Napoles

Best Cinematography / Sasha Palomares

"For the humanism and universality of the story, for the simplicity of the style and realization — for the non-conformism with which it represented our desire to believe that there is a sense in this universe, the award for the best film goes to Pedicab, from the Philippines.”

-Cristian Mungiu, Palme D’or Winner

“Strong social critique barbed with black humor distinguishes the Philippine drama, Pauwi Na…a big pay-off with a deeply emotional finale.”

-The Hollywood Reporter

“The film is extraordinary for the treatment of its material…It is a triumph of masterful direction further enhanced by the sheer virtuosity of its assembly of competent actors.”

-Nonoy Lauzon, Manila Times

“Mesmerizing performances. Masterful direction. This film shows us a Filipino family as we have never seen it before”

-Ricky Lee, screenwriter and playwright

“Pauwi Na is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring…even transformative. You don’t want to miss it. Pauwi Na is one of the year’s finest films. Villaluna and Ramos have yet to disappoint us and their latest is no exception.”

-Rito Asilo, Philippine Daily Inquirer

 “Rendered with powerful performances of the ensemble cast and effectively executed by the director’s precise film language.”

-Raymond Red, Cannes Palm D’or Winner

“It is the best of the festival for me…It is philosophical and lyrical. It is indeed a beautiful Filipino film to watch!

-Joel Lamangan, director

“This is a film filled with lovely moments.”

-Philbert Dy, Click the city

“Pauwi Na embraces its characters and story that it delivers a depressing, heartbreaking, confusing and fun film all at the same time and it gives some of the genuine comedic scenes in recent memory…A genuine treat”

-Nazamel Tabares, moviesinthephilippines.com

“The sense of authenticity in this film is distinct that it manages to be artful without being arty…it eventually transforms into a fascinating, emotional narrative with more layers than we might have expected. Four stars!”

-My Movie World

“!”

-Engelbert Dulay, cinecritic.com

“Pauwi Na is a fulfilling journey... This is probably the most unique comedy of the year! Watch it.”

-Nood.ph

“Magical!”

-Nap Jamir, cinematographer

“Villaluna weaves in the story of hope amidst the desperation this journey the Filipino nuclear family takes. A masterclass in acting from Picache, Soriano and Roco…Pauwi Na will definitely leave you talking about it more and more after watching the film. It is quite an important film.”

-Ricci Chan, theater actor, writer and critic

Charo Santos is the new face of MyDiamond.

 With the theme “Brilliant At Every Stage,” MyDiamond recently introduced Ms. Charo Santos as their newest brand ambassador. 

 As a multi-talented and accomplished woman of substance---with her success in the fields of entertainment and media—Charo’s multifaceted persona is the perfect embodiment of ‘True Brilliance’ that MyDiamond jewelry conveys. Photo shows Charo Santos (right) during her launch as the newest MyDiamond endorser with MyDiamond Marketing Manager JP Paglinawan.

SUN LIFE Promotes Healthy Lifestyle by hosting the First Ever Sunlife AQUATHLON

Eager to support the growing interest in multisport competitions and in its bid to promote health and wellness among Filipinos, Sun Life Financial Philippines, the number one life insurance company in the country, is hosting the first-ever Sun Life Aquathlon on September 17, 2017.

“Our mission is to help Filipinos achieve lifetime financial security and live healthier lives. While we believe that one of the keys to a brighter life is financial security, we also know that one can enjoy his life better if he is in the best of health. This is why Sun Life has committed itself to helping them lead healthier lives as well,” Sun Life Chief Marketing Officer Mylene Lopa said. "Through the Sun Life Aquathlon, we can help budding athletes boost their fitness journey, and also inspire others to discover the physical activity that works best for them.”

The Sun Life Aquathlon is designed to be the perfect race for the newbie who wishes to get his/her feet wet in multisport, while it gives the race-honed triathlete a variation in his/her training program. There will be two categories: the “Aqua Full,” which features a 400-meter swim and a 5-km run; and the “Aqua Lite,” which consists of a 200-meter swim and a 3-km run.

The race will kick off at the Makati Aqua Sports Arena (MASA), where aquathletes will start with the swim in the 50-meter long MASA pool, before heading to the transition area to don their running gear. After crossing the overpass that links MASA to the University of Makati (UMak), they will then complete the run in UMak’s track, before finally making their way to the finish line.

Registration for the Sun Life Aquathlon opened only last June 1 and will last until August 15 or until slots last. Organized by one of the country’s trusted and leading multisport event organizers, Bike King Philippines, the Sun Life Aquathlon also gives participants in the “Aqua Full” category the chance to earn points for Bike King’s annual campaign dubbed “Multisport Athlete of the Year,” a series of awards given to men and women who have excelled in Bike King’s different multisport events.

The Sun Life Aquathlon is also supported by Speedo, Gatorade, Timex and Gardenia. To find out more about the event, visithttp://bit.ly/SunLifeAquathlon