SBNLifestyle

May 27, 2019

Miss Universe Catriona Gray is the Face of the New Smart Signature Plans

Catriona Gray's journey to the Miss Universe crown is an inspiring story of a woman who has reimagined herself to win the most coveted beauty pageant title, bringing pride and honor to our country.

Make no mistake about it, Catriona could have simply rested on her laurels with her Top 5 finish in Miss World 2016, plus a flourishing career as a commercial model. But, fueled by the support of family and friends, the now 25-year old beauty queen decided to embark on a much bigger dream that revealed the goal slayer in her – someone who is confident with her vision, and put every ounce of her energy to realize it. The rest, as they say, is history.

"Catriona's inspiring story and her disposition as the ultimate goal slayer makes her the perfect ambassador for Smart Signature, a new mobile experience that prioritizes customers," said Oscar A. Reyes, Jr., PLDT-Smart SVP and Consumer Business Market Development Head.

"Designed to cater to a new generation of goal slayers like Catriona, Smart Signature keeps up with the fast-paced digital lifestyle of our customers and empowers them as they tick off more milestones in their career or life," he added.

"I'm very goal-oriented, and once I've set my mind on something, I put my heart and soul to it, and make sure I have all the tools to make it happen," said Catriona, whose dedication showed in her hands-on approach to preparing for an international title: from putting together her own team or designers, trainers and creatives to displaying her proud Filipino heritage in her captivating national costume and now iconic gowns.

"This is why I am thrilled to represent Smart Signature, which empowers everyone with the digital experience they need to achieve more and realize a much better version of themselves. With Smart Signature, we have one less thing to worry about while pursuing our goals and making a difference."

Tech-savvy beauty queen

Catriona uses digital platforms not only to connect with family, friends, and fans, but as an effective way to get her voice out there as an advocate for educating the youth and raising HIV/AIDS awareness.

But what else does the most beautiful woman in the world do when she's online? For starters, she listens to music. "I never like it when it's quiet. So, I stream music all the time," she shared. She also enjoys watching videos, especially during her downtime. Here's a fun fact: She likes watching beauty and make-up videos online, and even trained to do her own make-up as part of her preparation for the MISS UNIVERSE® competition.

As an only child who lives away from her parents, and with a hectic travel schedule, she also heavily relies on mobile apps to constantly keep in touch with family and friends.

Always a go-getter, Catriona is ready to embark on her new role as endorser for Smart Signature. It's going to be a hectic reign, but it's a journey that she has prepared for all her life, and one that she hopes will inspire more Filipinos.

"I would love to share to people that my story is not an overnight success, and there were years that I really struggled. But I never gave up," she revealed. "I always play to my own strengths. You need to find a circle of people that believe in what your goals are. And in this digital age, you need a mobile partner that will always prioritize your needs."

Smart Signature

Smart Signature prioritizes subscribers on the Smart LTE network, the country's undisputed fastest mobile network as awarded by world-renowned firms including Ookla, OpenSignal, Tutela, and P3. This prioritized network experience makes sure that you can enjoy consistent data to connect to their favorite apps, sent messages in real time, and make uninterrupted calls - even during peak hours.

Smart Signature comes in four plans – Plan S, Plan M, Plan L and Plan XL – with generous data allocation; worry-free unlimited calls to Smart, Sun, and TNT; worry-free AnyNet call minutes to PLDT landline and other networks; and unlimited texts to all networks – so you never have to worry about connecting with family, friends, and colleagues on any network.

Achieve more with Smart Signature Plans now! Sign up as a new subscriber, or upgrade your current Smart Postpaid Plan for free, at select Smart Stores nationwide.

Learn more about the Smart Signature Plan perfect for your lifestyle atwww.smart.com.ph/signature.

By: JENG On 5/27/2019 12:16:00 AM

Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal Start Global Tour for “Spider-Man: Far From Home”

The global press tour for Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man: Far From Home kicked off in Mexico recently. Take an inside look with Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal in the video below and watch Spider-Man: Far From Home in Philippine cinemas July 3^rd.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/7UreETACrEM

Spider-Man: Far From Home is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

By: JENG On 5/27/2019 12:12:00 AM

UAAP Volleyball Soars Anew in Twitterverse, Bringing Fans Together Online

The UAAP wrapped up a phenomenal volleyball season last Saturday (May 18) with the Ateneo Lady Eagles reclaiming the Women's Volleyball championship after a masterful performance against a determined UST Golden Tigresses in the Game 3 of their Finals series.

Once again, the match was the most talked about in the country on social media, particularly on Twitter, with words related to UAAP Volleyball taking all the top 20 spots in the trending topics list for the Philippines.

The hashtag #LiveTheDreamAteneo secured the number one rank during and even after the match, with over 200,000 mentions as the Ateneo Faithful cheer on their squad to notch the school's first title in the post-Alyssa Valdez era. Coming in second was #UAAP81VolleyballFinals, which was used by netizens as they shared their thoughts on the game online, and had over 50,000 mentions.

UAAP Season 81 MVP Sisi Rondina of UST and Ateneo's sensational middle blocker Maddie Madayag drew the most mentions among players as both their first names and last names trended on Twitter. Other keywords that made it to trending topic list are "CHAMPIONSHIP POINT," "FINALS MVP," and "Bea De Leon." UAAP Volleyball also dominated the trending topics on Twitter during games 1 and 2 on May 11 and May 15.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Sports made the Finals experience even more fun and engaging online for UAAP Fans---the best-engaged fans in the Philippines---with special content especially made for them posted on its official Twitter account. The teaser video posted before the Finals series began got over 126,000 views as it hyped the battle between the two squads. The poll for the do-or-die Game 3, meanwhile, received over 16,000 votes, with "Ateneo got this" winning 65% of the votes while "UST all the way" settled for 35%.

Fans also liked ABS-CBN Sports' Bea De Leon and Finals MVP graphics as they gave these 1,000+ retweets and 5,000+ likes and 3,000 retweets and 13,000+ likes, respectively. Similarly, the One Big Fight graphic and Score Card also amassed thousands of retweets and likes, as fans used these to show their support for their team and also inform others of the statistics on the match-up.

With 1.2 million followers on Twitter, ABS-CBN Sports is the most popular Filipino sports media organization on the social media platform as sports fans rely on it for the latest news, real-time updates, and special content on their favorite sports, leagues, and athletes. Its parent company ABS-CBN, the country's leading media and entertainment organization, is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among local media networks and a growing list of digital properties.

For sports news, visit sports.abs-cbn.com. Follow @ABSCBNSports on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or visit abscbnpr.com.

By: JENG On 5/27/2019 12:09:00 AM

Mayonnaise Stages First Major Concert "Akalain Mo 'Yun: Mayonnaise Live at the Music Museum"

Veteran OPM band, Mayonnaise, is staging its first major show and opening this year's One Music concert series with a blast with the "Akalain Mo Yun: Mayonnaise Live at the Music Museum" on June 29 (Saturday).

Fresh off the band's recently released album, "Gusto Ko Lang Kasama Ka Palagi Pero Hindi Pwede," and nationwide tour, the pop-rock group culminates its 17th anniversary in the industry with a headliner concert filled with their greatest hits and other musical surprises.

"When Gabi Na Naman and One Music emailed us, I was like wow. . . . It felt good because when we usually produce a show, we know what to expect. We sell ourselves. Now, the fact that a certain entity is wiling to risk and produce our concert, it is just surreal," Monty Macalino, the lead vocalist, shared.

He also revealed the reason why it took them 17 years to hold the much-awaited concert."Some people say we are an underrated band. Everybody loves an underdog story. We were known as a band who plays in the bar gigs, fairs, and music festivals, I guess we are just waiting for the right time," he said.

Mayonnaise—which has released seven studio albums and three EPs and topped the charts with smash singles "Jopay," "Bakit Part 2," "Paraan," "Tayo Na Lang Dalawa," and "Kathryn"—is all set for this one-night show that will feature exciting collaborations with some of the biggest names in Pinoy rock, as well as special numbers backed by The Manila String Machine.

"Akalain Mo Yun: Mayonnaise Live at the Music Museum" is co-presented by Gabi Na Naman Productions, a company behind memorable concerts in the last three years, from Johnoy Danao, Ebe Dancel and Bullet Dumas' IISA concert at the Kia Theatre to the collaborative show of Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal entitled Secrets.

ABS-CBN's music portal One Music PH continues to connect the multi-talented Filipino artists and their fans in the digital world. One Music's concert series kicked off in June 2016 with Yeng Constantino, who celebrated her 10th anniversary in the music industry and performed her greatest hits on the One Music stage. Since then, KZ Tandingan, Ebe Dancel, Janella Salvador, Inigo Pascual, Darren Espanto, Ylona Garcia, The Dawn, and the quartet of Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, Sue Ramirez, and Kristel Fulgar have followed suit, each coming out with a different set, theme, and special guests.

One Music is only one of the digital initiatives of ABS-CBN, the Philippines' leading media and entertainment company, which is rapidly transitioning into an agile digital company with the biggest online presence among all media companies and a growing list of digital properties.

Don't miss "Akalain Mo 'Yun: Mayonnaise Live at the Music Museum" this June 29 (Saturday). Tickets are now available via bit.ly/AkalainMoYun2019.

By: JENG On 5/27/2019 12:06:00 AM

May 26, 2019

Filipinos Come First for DZMM’s “Magpayo Nga Kayo,’ “Sagot Ko ‘Yan,” and “Fastbreak”

The voice of the people is heard loud and clear even on weekends on DZMM, with anchors of programs like "Magpayo Nga Kayo,' "Sagot Ko 'Yan," and "Fastbreak" on board.

Every Saturday at 9:30 am, the tried and tested tandem of May Valle-Ceniza and Atty. Joey Lina offer Filipinos the opportunity to speak their mind about issues close to their heart, recognizing the wisdom that they can offer to our country's leaders and policy-makers.

Joey's other weekend program on DZMM, "Sagot Ko 'Yan," airing every Sunday at 8 am, has a similar interactive format, where viewers and listeners are encouraged to participate in the discussion, and start something like a Barangay Hall assembly live on air, after the former senator explains to them the issue at hand.

Meanwhile, well-loved sports anchors Freddie Webb and Boyet Sison work hard to fulfill the requests and wish lists of sports fans, who tune in to their program Fastbreak" every Saturday at 3 pm for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and analysis in the world of sports.

DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo recently held a presscon for these three long-running shows at Novotel Manila Araneta Center today (May 24) to reveal each program's new offerings and extend their gratitude to its loyal viewers, listeners, partners, and supporters throughout the years.

For May and Joey, the strength of their program remains its emphasis on making the people think and propose solutions to issues that may directly affect them or their families, such as the rice shortage, minimum age of criminal responsibility, or whether to allow your kid to undergo immunization, and even the changing the name of the country to Maharlika.

"Sagot Ko 'Yan," the Best Radio Public Affairs Program at the 8^th Makatao Awards for Media Excellence, meanwhile, is known for bringing together ordinary Filipinos and people of authority to engage in more personal and deeper conversations on how to help society live a better life. As Joey would say every week in the show, "Para sa Diyos, Para sa Bayan, Sagot Ko Yan!

On the other hand, "Fastbreak," continues to bank on the credibility of its power duo of Freddie, a basketball legend and former senator, and Boyet, a veteran sportscaster, to keep the people tuning in. The free-wheeling format of the 25^th Golden Dove Awards' Best Radio Sports Program, where the anchors get to interact like friends with guest analysts and athletes, makes for a light and enjoyable, but also informative and inspiring sports experience during the weekend.

Catch May Valle-Ceniza and Atty. Joey Lina on "Magpayo Nga Kayo" every Saturday at 9:30 am, Freddie Webb and Boyet Sison on "Fastbreak" every Saturday at 3pm, and Joey Lina once again on "Sagot Ko 'Yan" every Sunday at 8 am, all on DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 and DZMM TeleRadyo.

For news, follow @DZMMTeleRadyo on Facebook and Twitter or visit dzmm.com.ph. For updates, follow @ABSCBNPR on Facebook and Twitter or visit abscbnpr.com.

By: JENG On 5/26/2019 10:37:00 PM

James Gunn Selects Two Pinoy Artists as Winners of the “Brightburn” Fan Art Competition

From over six hundred submissions worldwide, Brightburn producer James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy, upcoming The Suicide Squad) has selected five winners in the "Brightburn / Talenthouse Fan Art Competition" with no less than two Filipino artists in the champions circle.

They are millennial artists Jaye Atienza from Mabalacat, Pampanga and Dennis Radaza of Rodriguez, Rizal. They are joined by co-winners Adam Stephens (United States), Kumail Shareef (Pakistan) and Liza Shumskaya (Ukraine).

Besides receiving $2,000 each, the artists' winning artwork will potentially be featured across the film's marketing campaign, including social accounts, print materials and merchandise.

Get to know the prize-winning Pinoy artists as they discuss the competition below.

Question: What motivated you to join the Brightburn/Talenthouse contest? Is this your first time to join? If not, how was your past experience(s).

Jaye Atienza: I am a big fan of art and movies. I've been joining art contest in Talenthouse since 2017. This is not my first time to join and win. Last year, I was blessed enough to win 4 creative campaign invites by Talenthouse (Rampage, The Nun, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, and Aquaman).

Dennis Radaza: Talenthouse is a great community and a big opportunity for artists around the world. It's my 11th time to join the contest and this is my second time to be selected. It's a blessing and a great experience for me and I thank God for it.

Q: What can you say about the caliber of the Brightburn entries? Did you expect to win after seeing the submissions?

Atienza: A lot of entries are complex and deeply thoughtful. I did not expect to be selected.

Radaza: There is a lot of awesome entries but this didn't stop me to create what's on my mind and focus on my artwork. I didn't expect to win. I just want to create and share my artwork, winning is God's work.

Q: What was your reaction when you learned that it was producer James Gunn himself who chose your artwork?

Atienza: I'm on cloud nine! I was at work when I received the email from Talenthouse, and a week after James Gunn announced it on his instagram account.

Radaza: When I saw James Gunn's name, I was shocked because he's the director of Guardians of the Galaxy!!!

Q: How did you conceptualize your entry? What is the story behind it?

Atienza: I watched the trailer a lot of times. I wanted my entry to be different, something that is not totally shown on the trailer. That's where I decided to use an image of the swing. The rest is history.

Radaza: I wanted to make it as a minimalist flat-looking mask of Brandon and I used the logo/symbol as a shoelace on his mask.

Q: What are you going to do with the prize money?

Atienza: I'll save the money for the future needs of my wife and three-year old daughter, Maria Hermione.

Radaza: Help my family and support my studies. My girlfriend and I are thinking about some business too.

In Philippine cinemas May 29, Brightburn: Son of Evil is distributed by Columbia Pictures, local office of Sony Pictures Releasing International.

By: JENG On 5/26/2019 10:33:00 PM

May 25, 2019

KBO Offers KBO99 for Father’s Day Celebration this June

Treat your fathers to a whole month of movie viewing with ABS-CBN TVplus' KBO new offering, KBO99 this June.

For only P99, viewers can now watch 4 weeks worth of TV premieres and well-loved blockbuster movies.

Don't miss Arjo Atayde, Ketchup Eusebio, Joross Gamboa, and Jessy Mendiola's fun movie, " 'TOL." Watch the story of best friends, Lando (Arjo), Arthur (Ketchup), and Dimitri (Joross), whose friendship gets tested when their first love, Elena (Jessy) gets back to their lives. See if their friendship remain or will Elena cause their bond to break this May 31 to June 4.

Join Karla Estrada in her first lead role in "Familia Blondina" from June 7 to 12. She plays Cindy who married an American and had three children. But what she thought would be a fairy tale love story ends badly, so she goes back to the Philippines, with her kids in tow. Here, she meets Jobert Austria's character who will try to open her heart once more.

Meanwhile, teaming-up for the first time in the big screen in Enzo Pineda and Winwyn Marquez in "Time & Again," airing from June 14 to 18. Meet Apol, a writer and waitress who falls in love with her customer, Ozi (Enzo Pineda). Using the watch the can turn back time, she tries to be close with Ozi.

Aside from the three fresh movies, Bayani Agbayani's "Pansamantagal" and Teddy Corpuz's "Papa Pogi" make their first TV airing this June. Also included in the line-up are films of acclaimed actor, Aga Muhlach, "Sana Maulit Muli," "May Minamahal," and "Seven Sundays."

To avail this promo, simply register using any prepaid or postpaid SIM and text KBO99 JUN <TVplus box ID> to 2366.

By: JENG On 5/25/2019 01:00:00 AM

May 24, 2019

Moira dela Torre to Launch International Album, Stage First Solo Concert at the Big Dome

Moira dela Torre has revealed two big projects coming her way this year—her first-ever concert at the Big Dome and an exciting new album slated for international release.

"I know that God allowed me to reach this stage in my musical career to give inspiration to all of you, that nothing is impossible, that there is so much hope. I am just so grateful," Moira enthused, thrilled about her upcoming album to be released under ABS-CBN Music International.

The "Idol Philippines" judge is only one of the Kapamilya artists who is slowly breaking into the international music scene as ABS-CBN continues to champion Filipino talent on the world stage.

Touted as 2018's biggest Pinoy artist with several nods under her belt, Moira won Mellow Video of the Year for "Tagpuan" directed by John Prats and Collaboration of the Year together with OPM band December Avenue for the song "Kung 'Di Rin Lang Ikaw" in the recently concluded MYX Music Awards.

During the ceremony, she also walked away with the Most Streamed Local Artist recognition with 400 million streams from the popular music streaming subscription service, Spotify.

Don't miss the singer-songwriter's "Braver 2019" concert at the Araneta Coliseum on August 17 (Saturday) and watch out for her upcoming album which will soon be released in digital stores. For more details, like Star Music on facebook.com/starmusicph, and follow it on Twitter and Instagram @ StarMusicPH.

By: JENG On 5/24/2019 10:40:00 AM

May 23, 2019

Sharon Cuneta, John Arcilla, Stars of Hit Thriller Movie “Kuwaresma” Urge Audience to #PlayItRight

Since the latest horror movie Kuwaresma premiered, Globe Studios and Reality Entertainment has given the Filipino audience a new take on thriller narratives. Top-billed by the country's own megastar Sharon Cuneta and multi-awarded actor John Arcilla, under the direction of critically-acclaimed filmmaker Erik Matti, Kuwaresma has garnered praise and recommendation with people flocking to the cinemas to get in on the surprising twists and turns of the movie.

Her first horror movie in a 41-year career run, Sharon reminds movie goers to "be sure to #PlayItRight and stop piracy". Similarly Arcilla also urges fans to say no to piracy and only watch films through legitimate means.

The whole cast and crew of Kuwaresma lauded #PlayItRight, the anti-piracy advocacy of Globe encouraging everyone to support the local entertainment industry by watching local films from legitimate sources only. Matti invites horror fans and moviegoers to go to movie houses with their friends and family.

The film revolves around the family of husband and wife Arturo (Arcilla) and Rebecca Fajardo (Cuneta). Their son Luis, portrayed by newcomer Kent Gonzales returns to their old house with a dark past to unravel the true reason behind the death of his twin Manuela (played by Kent's real-life sister Pam) who mysteriously died on the second week of Lent. The cast also includes former child actress Guila Alvarez who plays Salve, the medium who warns Luis about him returning back to their old house.

Kuwaresma is now showing at cinemas nationwide and moviegoers can easily catch the movie by easily booking in advance via the GMovies app.

To learn more about the anti-piracy advocacy visitwww.globe.com.ph/play-it-right and follow GlobeICON on Facebook.

By: JENG On 5/23/2019 10:21:00 PM

America’s Got Talent Season 14 Returns with a Bang Starting May 30 on AXN

America's top variety competition series, America's Got Talent, is set to hit the screens with its 14th Season at the end of this month.

A stark departure from its previous seasons, fans of the global ratings juggernaut are in for a big surprise as the upcoming season will bring with it a few changes including a fresh host and two new judges.

"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" star Terry Crews will take over Tyra Banks as host of the hit series, a role he is familiar with, having emceed the highly rated spinoff "America's Got Talent: The Champions". Meanwhile, award-winning actress, author and producer Gabrielle Union as well as actress, dancer, singer and Emmy Award-winning choreographer Julianne Hough will debut as the series' new judges, alongside executive producer Simon Cowell and fan favourite Howie Mandel, to shake up the judges' table.

Union and Hough will replace singer Mel B and model Heidi Klum who had both been sitting on the judges'panel since Season 8. Together, the refreshed panel of judges will sift through hundreds of auditions nationwide in search of the most unique, jaw-dropping and show-stopping performers worthy of the chance to be crowned as the ultimate winner of America's Got Talent.

"The Got Talent is indeed a successful reality format due to its ability to move and bring fans and participants together despite of cultural and geographical differences. This year, we're looking forward to the new and bold changes that America's Got Talent Season 14 has to offer. It'll be another season of surprising highlights, wild and unimagined discoveries and tons of chatter. Seasons after seasons, we will continue to build AXN as the Home of Talent," said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Distribution and Networks, Sony Pictures Television.

Once again, this year's series promises to be a season of spectacular talents and extraordinary participants. Fans can catch the brand-new season of America's Got Talent from Thursday, 30 May 2019 at 6pm (5pm JKT/BKK) on AXN, within 48 hours of the U.S. telecast. Same-day encore telecast is available at 8pm (7pm JKT/BKK).

For the latest videos and updates on America's Got Talent, subscribe to @AXNAsia YouTube channel and follow @AXNAsia on Facebook.

By: JENG On 5/23/2019 10:12:00 PM