Featuring the Force Awakens at the new Gateway Dolby Atmos Cinema

It was the perfect movie to mark the grand launch of the biggest Dolby Atmos Cinema in the country located at Gateway Mall, Araneta Center.

Featuring a revolutionary audio platform that creates powerful, moving audio using audio objects and overhead speakers, Gateway Mall’s Dolby Atmos Cinema boasts of sounds that come from all directions, the dialogue and music of the onscreen story move all around the audience in three-dimensional space, transporting them into the scenes and putting them in the middle of the action. Definitely the most suitable venue for the much-awaited movie, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“We are very excited to screen Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Gateway Dolby Atmos Cinema 5. With its revolutionary sound technology, the theatre will be filled with breathtaking audio and the audience will feel like they are inside the Star Wars universe. This will definitely be a fantastic and world-class movie experience not just for Star Wars fans but for the whole family,” says Araneta Group CEO Jorge Araneta.

Compared to regular theatres, Dolby Atmos Cinema has the most number of speakers with a 53.5 sound system (53 individual surround channels and 5 subwoofers). Each speaker is powered independently and gets its own separate audio feed. In effect, the movement of every sound in the scene is reproduced in all three dimensions.

The Dolby Atmos technology gives content creators unprecedented control of the placement and movement of sound within the movie theatre. Sounds can be placed and moved anywhere in the cinema’s three-dimensional space. The Dolby Atmos Cinema processor then determines which of a cinema’s huge array of front, back, side, and overhead speakers it will use to recreate this lifelike movement.

With sounds coming from all directions, the cinema is filled with astonishing clarity, richness, detail, and depth. This creates a multidimensional sound system that makes audiences feel as if they are inside the film and not just watching it.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the seventh installment in the Star Wars film series and the first to be directed by J.J. Abrams. Set around 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi, the sequel follows the adventures of new lead characters Finn (John Boyega), Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as they join forces with original characters Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) to fight Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and his broadsword lightsaber. The film also features Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma, Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux, Andy Serkis as Supreme Leader Snoke, and Lupita Nyong’o as Maz Kanata.

Don’t miss the chance to have a 360-degree experience of the glorious Star Wars saga. Catch Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Gateway Mall’s Dolby Atmos Cinema!

For more details and the latest updates from Araneta Center, visit their official website at www.aranetacenter.net and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/AranetaCenter.

This holiday season, the awe-inspiring Disney On Ice returns for another spectacular performance on ice at Araneta

For kids and kids at heart, Christmas is never complete without the colorful, magical show that makes Christmas dreams and fantasies come to life—Disney on Ice.

Now on its 33rd show worldwide, Disney On Ice presents Magical Ice Festival will once again capture the hearts of the Filipino fans—both parents and their children—who will watch the show at the Big Dome.
This year’s grand production will wow viewers as it features Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast, and – for the first time – the Academy Award winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Frozen!

“We are taking a fresh new spin on how we’re presenting the Disney stories. We are weaving together the four worlds of royal sisters Anna and Elsa, Ariel, Belle and Rapunzel as they each embark on their own epic journey,” says producer Juliette Feld.

Disney on Ice presents Magical Ice Festival showcases a medley of splendid set elements, impressive light display and costume pieces, along with show-stopping performances by a cast of world-class skaters!

“Everyone will be in awe as they watch Ariel slowly pulled upwards and then rapidly twirl above the ice. This is the first time that we’ve captured her transformation like this in a production. That’s what makes Magical Ice Festival different, we selected scenes we’ve never done before and then took our time on the details to make them truly special,” says director Patty Vincent.
Sure to amaze and delight kids and young at heart, Disney On Ice will take you to an unforgettable magical journey as you get whisked away into the wintry world of Disney movie’s Frozen!
“In our more than 30 years of producing Disney On Ice shows, Feld Entertainment has been waiting for a film like Frozen,” says producer Nicole Feld.

“By pulling together moments from classic Disney stories to the newest feature film sensation Frozen and combining them with elements of comedy and music, we developed a truly unique way to re-tell each fairytale,” says producer Juliette Feld.

Celebrate Christmas with your family and Disney favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy, together with Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, and sisters Anna and Elsa in the enchanting world of Disney on Ice presents Magical Ice Festival.

The show runs from December 25 to January 3. Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit TicketNet website or call 911-5555.

Avida introduces the South Park District Central Park

Avida opens up a new chill out spot in the southern metro with the Central Park, one of the biggest park spaces in Muntinlupa. The Central Park anchors the residential, office and retail areas of South Park District, Avida’s first mixed-use development in this side of the city.

South Park District is one among the other projects that Ayala Land, through its subsidiary Avida, developed to help form a new vibrant community in Muntinlupa. This district integrates establishments necessary to build an efficient and livable community replete with well-thought-of residential buildings like Avida Towers Altura, its own Ayala-operated South Park Mall, retail and business clusters such as the South Park Corporate Center, and a transport terminal within the development.

These steps are similar to what Ayala Land has taken to help shape the Ayala Alabang of today, highlighting its expertise on the needs and demands of southern living. And it intends the South Park District to reap the same success in the near future.

Avida held a Chill Fest to celebrate the public launch of this sprawling space that is the perfect place for convergence. The outdoor festival combined proudly local performances from the artists behind Tunog Natin! and a special performance from Enrique Gil, delicious Filipino cuisine, bigger than life activities and even bigger discounts on bazaar items from active lifestyle brands.

Chill Fest captured the exciting extent of affairs that the expansive, mixed-use development can hold. Its blown-up lawn family activities gave attendees a glimpse of the lifestyle that the new urban park offers to the residents and the surrounding community.

Situated along National Road in Muntinlupa, the Central Park is an ideal venue for family leisure activities, weekend markets and other community-wide events. The three-part park is made up of the plaza, private residential park and grand lawn, all shrouded in greens and the scenic beauty of nature.

The plaza is decorated with shrubbery and palm trees, further accentuated by a water feature that enhances vibrancy in the place. It is a wide-open space that is perfect for strolls and venue for a weekend food hub and other public events. Meanwhile, the more private residential park is there for the exclusive use of Avida Towers Altura residents.

The centerpiece of this urban park is the grand lawn,with its wide space perfect for both active and passive activities.

It also features iconic interactive sculptures of world-renowned sculptor Reginald Yuson as points of interest and landmarks. Yuson is responsible for the art installations and fountains in Greenbelt 3 and Bonifacio High Street, among others.

Central Park is the heart of the development, meant to be the place of convergence for people of all ages while enriching the community as it serves as a city retreat highlighting the laid-back Southern lifestyle. More events such as the Chill Fest and other activities can be expected at the Central Park all-year-round.

About Avida Land

An Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) subsidiary, Avida Land provides thoughtfully-designed yet affordable homes in secure communities that offer value for money and convenience all within reach. With the five pillars of accessibility, unique features and amenities, quality assurance, stress free buying and relaxing living experience integrated in all its condominium and house and lot properties, Avida Land has become the developer of choice among the rising middle class as it continues to expand its product offerings across the country.

See more my photo coverage:

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Living in the South through Terrazza de Sto Tomas Batangas

We had a chance to go to Sto Tomas Batangas and experience the ride using the from the (SLEX) South Luzon Expressway. From the hassles of Makati City to Sto Tomas , we only spent less than an hour and it is one of the most convenient way to travel from office to home and vice versa having to have a stress free going to an exclusive kind of housing Ovialand had. It’s one of the most affordable yet high end place to live in with the kind of luxurious type of housing matched with its exclusive clubhouse built to make it more special.

There is a tendency in modern society to prefer city living over a more rural way of life. The narrative for this is simple: Cities are where all the happenings are, whether these are developments that shake the country or lifestyle opportunities that keep people in their toes.

Metropolitan life, however, has its fair share of flaws. The chronic traffic, flooded roads, and pollution are proof that the city is now supporting more than its capacity. As these challenges show no sign of letting up, more and more people are asking, “Is there an alternative to city living?”

“It’s all about options,” answers Fatima Olivares-Vital, Business Unit Head of Ovialand Inc. “The government is actively looking for ways to make these citywide problems more bearable and one of the options they are looking at is to decentralize the congestion in Manila by directing growth to other areas.”

The South is a strong contender for this, with Sto. Tomas, Batangas as one of the most promising provinces. Olivares-Vital explains, “The province can definitely keep up with the progress of big cities while still retaining its rural charm.”

Ready for the modern Filipino

Often, the primary drivers behind the enthusiasm of people to live in big cities are the opportunities available and their proximity to them. According to Olivares-Vital, living in the South also offers these and so much more.

“Sto. Tomas has the infrastructure and the resources to support the demands of the modern Filipino. There are hospitals, schools, and entertainment hubs that are at par with those in the metro.”

Career opportunities are also transforming the once rural town into a competitive job market. The fast moving growth in technoparks which are home to over 300 multinational corporations—including Fortune 500 companies—and the increasing number of large companies relocating to the South set the groundwork for a stable employment environment.

Additionally, Sto. Tomas is steadily gearing up as a promising landscape for entrepreneurs. As progress in the area continues, so is the demand for more providers who can support the widening needs of its population.

Live outside-the-box

Dubbed as the gateway to the Southern Metro, Sto. Tomas offers the best of both worlds. While the city is competitively keeping up with the conveniences of the Metro, it retains a rustic, peaceful charm signature to the Southern brand of living.

Olivares-Vital says, “In Sto. Tomas, the lifestyle starts with the quality of living. Imagine not having to feel nervous every time it rains because of the reliable drainage systems or knowing that you can go home on time to your family because you won’t have to worry about the traffic. This is how you can really enjoy life.”

The activities available within the vicinity also ensure that everyone can find something that will cater to their interest. Beaches, hiking spots, and lifestyle centers are always teeming with activity and are sure to entertain the most outgoing of souls.

Terrazza de Sto. Tomas, a property developed by Ovialand Inc., is a premier development that is set in the heart of these attractions. The 5.8 hectare property aims to provide an exclusive reprieve as well as easy access to the province’s center of activities. The master-planned development is close to industrial parks and companies, schools, churches, and medical institutions.

Olivares-Vital gives one last advice for those looking for a different brand of lifestyle, “You have to look for options. Changing your lifestyle means you have to try and solve the problem using new ways. How we live and how we hope to live should not be different things. Think—and live—outside the box.”

ABOUT OVIALAND, INC.

Ovialand, Inc. a subsidiary of MCDC, with over 28 years of experience in housing development. No project undelivered in the history.
• Every experience is an opportunity to keep improving ourselves. Our goal is to provide accurate, precise and timely delivery of our promises. We want you to be satisfied with our commitments.
• We understand that each purchase of a house and lot is a milestone, and we are committed into turning this milestone into a memorable and pleasant experience that will be a preview of your happy memories and memorable new life in our projects.
• We are committed to giving our market the best value-for-money NOT JUST house and lot but DEVELOPMENT. We understand that you are buying into a lifestyle and into a community, not just a house and lot.
• From your house purchase all the way to the property management, we strive to do our best to give you the quality and lifestyle you deserve.

Two Special Celebration for Baskin Robbins

Baskin-Robbins (BR), the world’s most beloved ice cream brand, marks two significant milestones as it celebrates its first year in the Philippines and simultaneously 70 years since its birth in California in 1945. These major events inspired the launch of the BR 31 Smiles Project – a CSR campaign providing free cleft lip reconstructive surgery to 31 children in partnership with the renowned charitable foundation, Operation Smile.

“This is a very special celebration of 2 important anniversaries. We’d like to express our deepest thanks to our loyal customers for supporting the brand throughout its first year in the Philippines,” says Michael Dargani, president IceDream Inc., the company that exclusively operates Baskin Robbins in the Philippines. “In line with our commitment to serving fun and smiles for seven decades, Baskin-Robbins is truly proud to welcome the 31 beneficiaries of our BR 31 Smiles Project” added Dargani.

BR 31 Smiles Project is a campaign intended to bring back the smiles of children with cleft lip and cleft palate through free reconstructive surgery, funded by Baskin-Robbins Philippines. The number 31 is symbolic of the brand’s heritage as it is known for carrying 31 flavors of ice cream at any given time – one for every day of the month. The amount needed for the 31 surgeries was raised through various promotions at the store level as well as at special selling events.

One of the beneficiaries of the cleft lip surgery is Wivina ‘Vina’ Marie Maninang, age 5. Due to her cleft lip condition, Vina was unaccepted by other children in her community and was often bullied. Under the BR 31 Smiles Project, Vina was selected by Operation Smile to undergo free reconstructive surgery at Sta. Ana Hospital. Many have witnessed Vina’s touching story in the You tube video created by Baskin Robbins at the start of their campaign in June this year.

“Kitang-kita ko po ang malaking pagbabago sa aking anak na si Vina pagkatapos ng maoperahan sya,” shares Maritess Maninang, Vina’s mom. “Kung dati po na madalas syang umiyak sa akin kapag natutukso ng mga kalaro nya, ngayon po ay mas lumakas ang loob nya na harapin ang mga ito,” she adds.

Vina dreams of becoming a professional dancer someday. And now that she has been given a brand new smile, there is no stopping her from making this dream a reality.

“On behalf of Operation Smile, I would like to thank Baskin-Robbins for this wonderful project. Your ‘BR 31 Smiles Project’ has not only brought back the smiles of 31 children
but also helped their families and restored the enthusiasm and happiness of these wonderful kids,” shares Anne Gonzales, vice chairman of Operation Smile Philippines.

And the happiness doesn’t stop there. Baskin-Robbins has just introduced a delicious new lineup of indulgent Cookie Sundaes, premium Baskin-Robbins ice cream paired with warm, chewy cookies and topped with sundae toppings. Starting October, guests can create indulgent sundaes customized to their liking by choosing from a selection of warm and chewy White Chunk Macadamia, Dark Chocolate Chunk and Double Fudge Cookies to serve with up to two of their favorite Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors. The Warm Cookie Ice Cream Sundae can be topped with hot fudge, praline caramel sauce, candy pieces, cookie pieces, whipped cream and cherries.

Over the past 70 years, Baskin-Robbins has brought its famous 31 ice cream flavors to the world. While the brand started as a neighborhood ice cream shop in California in 1945, it now has more than 7,500 locations in nearly 50 countries worldwide.

Baskin-Robbins was founded by two ice cream enthusiasts and brothers-in-law who shared a dream to create an innovative ice cream shop that would be a neighborhood gathering place for families. Over 300 million people visit Baskin-Robbins each year to sample from more than 1,200 flavor creations available in its ice cream library. Baskin-Robbins offers guests around the world a wide range of hard scoop ice cream flavors, along with custom ice cream cakes, delicious frozen beverages, ice cream sundaes and take-home frozen treats.

For more information about Baskin-Robbins, log on to www.baskinrobbins.ph or check out their Facebook (facebook.com/baskinrobbinsph), Twitter and Instagram (baskinrobbinsph) accounts. Or visit Baskin-Robbins shops at the Central Square, Bonifacio Global City; Greenbelt 5 and Glorietta 5 in Makati; Fairview Terraces and Trinoma Mall in Quezon City.

Blue Water Day Spa Therapeutic Colonic Massage: Detox for Faster Weight Loss

As we become more and more exposed to toxins – from the unhealthy food that we eat to the pollution we encounter on our daily commute across the metro, our body becomes heavy because of the buildup of waste, leading to a loss of energy and an uncomfortable disposition.

Detox and regain your energy through Blue Water Day Spa’s Therapeutic Colonic Massage, the newest and most effective detox management treatment used by celebrities like Christian Bautista, Miss Universe 2013 Third Runner-Up Ariella Arida, Ken Alfonso and Wynwyn Marquez.

Combining medical science with Blue Water Day Spa hospitality and relaxation, the Therapeutic Colonic Massage helps gently remove excess toxins from your body, starting with those that have accumulated in your digestive system.

The treatment concentrates on the core (abdominal area), loosening the hardened blockages in your system through massage. The body then naturally expels these wastes through normal body function.

Enjoy the full-hour treatment, made more relaxing with the use of chamomile oil, in the calming ambience of the Blue Water Day Spa suites. Though the massage on the abdomen itself takes approximately 20 mins, you will enjoy lasting results.

In as little as one session, find relief from common digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, gas, and abdominal pains and cramps. The gentle boost on your digestive tract realigns organs and also helps your body cope better with hard-to-digest food. Regular, weekly treatments offer long-term benefits that include improved sleep, more defined abdominal muscle tone, and restored energy.

As you detox, the treatment also primes the body to respond better to diet and exercise, helping you lose weight faster and safely. Say goodbye to stubborn love handles, as you welcome a shapelier and more defined figure.

Christian Bautista, popular singer/actor, an avid fan of the Therapeutic Colonic treatment, shares, “As a performer, my schedules are hectic and always changing, so I have to be in the best shape possible to meet all the demands of my work. The long nights and late meals do take a toll on my body. With the BlueWater Day Spa Therapeutic Colonic Massage, I feel better and have more energy. It’s a gentle detox that serves a dual purpose, because it helps you lose weight, too!

Ariela Arida, Miss Universe Third Runner Up 2013, visits Bluewater Day Spa whenever she has the time. She pampers herself with a relaxing and beautifying Collagen Facial Treatment from Bluewater Day Spa to keep her skin looking youthful with that special glow.

Actress Winwyn Marquez keeps herself physically fit with various exercise regimens. But when it comes to looking her best, she visits Bluewater Day Spa for her Photo Therapy Flash (IPL) Treatment. Using a highly advanced yet safe laser technology, this removes unwanted hair permanently.

Actor/Singer/Host Ken Alfonso indulges in Bluewater Day Spa’s Revitafirm and Revitashape Treatments. Using the technology of heat through the RF machine, this treatment tones your face and body and melts away excess cellulites. It helps Ken achieve those perfect abs.

Jumpstart your journey to a healthier, sexier, and more energetic you with Blue Water Day Spa Therapeutic Colonic Massage.
BlueWater Day Spa has branches in Ortigas-Greenhills (Tel No 7278420), Makati (Tel No 8173126), Capitol Hills (Tel No 4730455), Eastwood City (Tel No 9151247), Tomas Morato (Tel No 4865455) , Cotabato City (Tel No 09228399751) and Naga City (09177391822). For franchising information please call 6951820 or 6691634. www.bluewaterdayspa.ph