Reviews
Aljur Abrenica
Aljur Abrenica,Starstruck Batch 4 Ultimate Hunk is one of GMA’s fast rising star, is all out to prove that he is not only the boy-next-door image among the artist center’s; but a real thespian.
He’s now physically trim and ready to portray adult roles.In fact Aljur and screen partner Kris Bernal has just finished filming “Nandito Ako…Nagmamahal Sa’yo, helmed by award-winning director Maryo delos Reyes, and was shot in picturesque Bohol.
With Aljur’s lean body, people even think that he is ready to bare it all, as well. As a Bench “Overhauled Jeans” endorser, he is groomed to join the underwear fashion statement, the much anticipated underwear fashion show, slated on July, 2010. But according to the young actor, he wouldn’t want to think about it yet. He would want to focus his attention on his projects.
The year 2009 has been a good year for both Aljur and Kris.After the critical success of their afternoon soap “Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin”, GMA gave them the chance to star in the primetime soap “All My Life”, which is also receiving ratings success.
Starstruck Batch 4 Ultimate Hunk
People think that their reel tandem would lead to a real partnership. Considering that in the above mentioned film, the film’s trailer on cinemas and tv screens shows Aljur and Kris in an entangled passionate kiss in the middle of a forest.Aljur admitted that there was an electricity when they did the scene. However, he vehemently denied doing it off cam.But the ultimate hunk confessed that if he gets a girlfriend it would definitely be Kris. Without batting an eyelash he also said that Kris is his first serious relationship after his non-showbiz girlfriend.
Aljur Abrenica
When Aljur was asked if he is ready to strip down to his briefs…..
‘I really can’t talk about that yet. it’s too early. But if you’re going to ask me if I could do it now, I don’t think I’m ready at all. Besides, I’m still working on my built.regarding the Bench underwear fashion show, that’s on 2010 and people would just know when climb up the stage and do the catwalk. It’s still nice to excite the fans. I don’t easily give it all. I want it to be slowly but surely,” he enthused. (Story by:Rey Pineda)
The ultimate shopping experience is now in Pampanga!
The first Ayala Mall in Central Luzon opens on September 23, 2009. MarQuee Mall offers a totally different shopping experience with more than 300 stores that range from the popular to the most unique but affordable international brands, according to Ms Norie Ubalde-Raniel, Deputy General Manager of MarQuee Mall.
Discerning Kapampangan shoppers need not have to travel all the way to Manila to visit their favorite international brand shops like Marks & Spencer, Lacoste, Aerosoles, Nine West, Beauty Bar, Charles and Keith and Swatch.
Marks & Spencer is one of United Kingdom’s leading retailers that sell stylish, high quality, great value clothing and home products. It is a top choice among fashionable shoppers. Aerosoles is another favorite among women that offers high quality, comfortable and fashion-right shoes and boots at affordable prices. Just like the world renowned Charles & Keith, which sells the finest ladies’ footwear and accessories.
Meanwhile, Beauty Bar showcases innovative and non-traditional international brands of cosmetics, skin care and beauty products that are not available anywhere else in the Philippines. Beauty Bar is the first and only specialty personal care concept of its kind, where niche brands and products are presented as new alternatives to traditional cosmetics and body care ideas– from simple lip glosses to more intricate potions for beauty and relaxation.
At MarQuee Mall, everyone will surely find a match. Popular local brands that are even more affordable are also lined-up. Bench, Kamiseta, Bayo, Kashieca, Human, Penshoppe, Folded & Hung are just few of the most-frequented shops that offers comfy, quality and chic wear.
Folded & Hung, is case you missed it, is an original line of clothing by a proud Kapampangan doctor Ronald Pineda. He was named as a Most Outstanding Kapampangan in 2005.
Some of the stores at Marquee Mall
And there are stores that give great value for the shoppers’ money. True Value, from Robinson’s group of companies, is known for its broad and diversified variety of merchandise in the home improvement line, lawn and garden tools, automotive supplies, electrical materials, hand & power tools, building materials, decorating accessories, lawn & garden furniture & accessories, bathroom fixtures, paint & sundries, and odorless and lead free True Value paints.
There is also Saizen, another store from the Robinson’s Group. An authentic hyakuen that sells the same wares available in the Harajuku stores in Japan. Saizen sticks to the Japanese principle of offering all merchandise at just one price. Everything in the store no matter how miniscule or how large is just PhP85. Other shops include Abenson, Toys R’ Us, and Wilcon Home Essentials.
And for the trendy, happy and high-spirited circle of friends and families, MarQuee Mall has the great western and oriental restaurants like T.G.I. Fridays, Itallianni’s, Red Kimono, Xtremely Expresso and Sumo Sam.
Aside from the famous restaurants that offer international cuisine, MarQuee Mall also houses the best homegrown stores and restaurateurs.
Ikabud, one of the leading restaurants in Angeles City introduces new and exciting food items and other sumptuous cuisines coupled with an environment promoting a unique ambiance for romance, festivity, and happiness.
Aling Lucing, the birthplace of Pampanga sisig. Kabigting’s is the new choice for halo-halo in Pampanga! It is run by a husband-and-wife team and started as a cafeteria near the Arayat Public Market. What makes this one great is its utter simplicity. It only has milk, corn, beans and homemade pastilles de leche. These basic ingredients though make up a milky and creamy delight.
Susie’s has gone from being a simple eatery to being a staple pit stop of foodies from all over Luzon. Customers from Manila come in droves for their kakanins, specifically Pampanga’s prized delicacy – tibok-tibok or maja blanca. Other bestselling treats include mochi – a finger shaped rice cake with sweet monggo bean filling, cassava cake and pansit palabok.
Nathaniel’s Bakeshop is another divine Pampango kakanin store. It offers cassava cake, siomai puto and buko pandan drink and dessert. The buko pandan dessert is unlike any other, as its cream is immaculate white with the addition of gatas damulag (carabao milk).
And finally, the Metro Department Store and Supermarket is at the heart of MarQuee Mall. An original company from Cebu, Metro offers quality and a variety of merchandise that are highly competitive and reasonable.
Everything you want is at MarQuee Mall, the favorite gathering place in Central Luzon.
It is located right at Angeles Exit of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)
Ara Mina
No doubt! Ara Mina’s versatility as an actress is inevitable. Since she started her career at 14, as one of those, in a pool of “the who’s” in “That’s Entertainment”, she has gone far beyond her expectation. Like any other alumna of the youth-oriented show she was trained in numerous artistic crafts, like singing, dancing, acting, and hosting. Yet, despite her exposure her career never took full flight.
When sexy roles poured in, she grabbed the opportunity. She started appearing in X-rated movies like Tag-ulan,Sagad Sa Init, Pahiram Kahit Sandali, Tatlo Magkasalo, Banatan, Phone Sex, and Maldita. Ara also became a famous covergirl among Men’s Magazines like FHM.
Her (Ara) luck turned positive when she was offered the role of a Chinese woman named Richelle Go who fell in love with a Filipino man (Played by Richard Gomez) in “Mano Po”, were she bagged the Best Actress Award in the Metro Manila Film Festival and Best Actress for the Golden Screen Award for her subtle and yet intense performance. It was followed by another Best Actress Award in “Huling Birhen Sa Lupa”, and Best Supporting Actress for Golden Screen Awards and a Best Supporting Trophy for “Minsan Pa” in Star Awards.
Ara Mina
Showcasing her brilliance in acting Ara is currently doing another non-prime soap with GMA, “Tinik Sa Dibdib” as a non-exclusive contract star. With her schedules, she had to close down her cafe business in Marikina, and, realizes that it’s not her cup of tea.
As one of the siblings of Chuck Mathay, a Quezon City representative, she opted to join politics in the 2010 elections. With Ara’s sincerity to really help people a seat in the council is not far from what she aspires for.
Basically, Ara is a homebody. When at home, she surfs the computer, watch dvd’s, fix her things and get long hours of sleep. She also loves to cook and has her own pasta recipe. When Ara is not in front of the camera, se doesn’t wear make ups.However, when she wears it she makes sure to remove it before she retires at night. Her beauty secret lies within the hands of Dra. Cathy Valencia’s papaya soap. A vegetable lover, she also drinks a lot of vitamins and drinks wheat grass. According to Ara, wheat grass is a good source of chlorophyll, amino acid, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes.
A real thespian in the real sense of the word, Ara will continue to entertain her avid fans and serve people specially the needy ones.(Story by Rey Pineda and photos courtesy of Ara Mina)
PTA Gen. Manager and CEO Mark T. Lapid
“We have stepped up our development program to focus on the youth. “
Thus, said Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) General Manager and CEO Mark T. Lapid in his recent speech at the 3rd Annual Tourism Students Congress in Olongapo City . The event was organized by the Union of Filipino Tourism Educators.
Being one of the major thrusts of the Philippine Tourism Authority for this year, this plan geared to the launch of KABARKADA SA TURISMO last June 25 at the Manila Pavilion. The project focuses on elevating local tourism appeal to the academe, with the aim to provide the students the opportunity to widen their knowledge about the Philippines thru low-budgeted tour packages on the properties under the Philippine Tourism Authority.
GM Lapid sees the essential role of the student traveler in contributing to the development of tourism here in the Philippines .
Considering the wide market base of student sector in the country, there is a great potential in maintaining a long-term partnership with the educators vital to the success of this endeavor. He also aims to have a stronger support on the domestic tourism from the students by giving them a chance to experience first hand the beauty of our tourism spots owned by the Authority. With this, its is expected to draw more attention from the foreign visitors in the coming years in effect not only promoting tourism locally but also to the world.
Improving marketing and fiscal management
The Philippine Tourism Authority under the term of acting General Manager and CEO Mark T. Lapid reported to earn almost P7.1 million from June to August in 2008 alone.
Gardens of Malasag Eco-tourism Village
Topping the list of the PTA entities that are earning more were Club Intramuros, which has earned approximately P5 Million, followed by the Banaue Hotel and Youth Hostel with roughly P1.5M in the said period while the rest selling more than a hundred thousand pesos each.
Amidst the political chaos in Mindanao , the Philippine Tourism Authority remained devoted to its thrust to nourish and beautify its properties, develop tourist zones and operate and maintain tourist facilities. The Authority’s unwavering efforts to promote its local properties continually draw local and international tourists.
The move to push local tourism for higher development is one of the challenges that GM Lapid is willing to take. Successfully finishing a number of Tourism-related projects for his hometown as the former Governor of Pampanga, he is well ready to lead Philippine Tourism to the next level. (Story and photos courtesy of PTA)
