IMATION FOR GREEN FIERCE

Leading Digital Storage Provider, Imation, Goes “Gaga” Green

Imation, a world leader in providing digital storage products, gears up for the final stage of Green Fierce (Wham Up The Glam In Green)—a fashion design competition that makes use of recycled Imation products to create a Lady Gaga-inspired fashion statement. The Grand Finals, featuring a fashion show that will showcase the original designs of the finalists, will be held on May 28, 2011, 3:00 pm, at the Glorietta 5 Activity Center, Makati City.

To join the contest, participants had to buy featured Imation items such as the Wired Optical Mouse, 8X External DVD Writer, 4GB and 8GB Pocket Flash Drives and Recordable CDs and DVDs. The fashion show finale caps the competitive three-part process that aspiring amateur fashion designers had to go through.

Semi-finalists will be judged based on creativity, aesthetic appeal, relevance to the theme and utilization of scrap Imation materials. The final five, who will be chosen on the day of the fashion show, will compete for the top three prizes and awards. The winning fashion designer will take home P50,000 worth of Imation products, a copy of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” album, a sash and a trophy. The winning design will also be displayed in select Astro Vision outlets. Audience members who come in their best Lady Gaga-inspired outfits can also get the chance to take home special prizes from Imation. Fashion model and television star Solenn Heusaff will be present as special guest.  

Aside from its array of topnotch digital storage devices, Imation is also a global leader in developing and marketing audio and video accessories as well as other consumer electronics. Imation is the same global powerhouse behind Memorex, TDK Life on Record and XtremeMac. Its business partners include notable industry names such as IBM, Sun Storage Tek and HP. Founded in 1996, Imation is a spin-off of another multi-national conglomerate, 3M. The US-based company has been involved in the development of many technological developments in data storage which led to revolutionary and innovative products such as USB flash drives and Blu-Ray, high definition recordable optical media. Today, Imation is present in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Green Fierce is the company’s unique way of addressing the international call for businesses to be more eco-friendly, inspired by the powerful influence of global music sensation and fashion icon, Lady Gaga. This green and glamorous fashion event is presented by Imation in cooperation with MCA Music, Astro Plus, Astro Vision and The Drive 99.5 RT.

CIRQUIE DU SOLEIL "VAREKAI"

Written and directed by Dominic Champagne

For the first time ever!

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL VISITS MANILA !     

Premieres June 22, 2011 for a limited engagement

Under the Blue-and-Yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top)

at the Luneta, across Quirino Grandstand    

                        

TICKETS AVAILABLE AS OF MARCH 4, 2011

Manila, 03 March, 2011 – For the first time in its history, Cirque du Soleil will visit Manila with its live touring production VAREKAI premiering June 22, 2011 for a limited engagement under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) located at the Luneta, across Quirino Grandstand.

Tickets will go on sale starting 12:00 midnight of Friday March 4, 2010 through our online box office at www.hoopla.ph or www.cirquedusoleil.com. For inquiries, call 775-0939, 881-0947, 0919-4508125 and 0917-4436463.

About the show

Deep within a forest, at the summit of a volcano, exists an extraordinary world a world where something else is possible. A world called VAREKAI.

The sky lets go a solitary young man, and the story of VAREKAI begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest, a kaleidoscopic world imbued with fantastical creatures, a young man takes flight in an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. On this day at the edge of time, in this place of pure and undiluted possibility, begins an inspired incantation to a life rediscovered and to a newly found wonder in the mysteries of the world and the mind.

The word VAREKAI (pronounced ver·ay·’kie) means “wherever” in the Romany language of the gypsiesthe universal wanderers. Written and directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays tribute to the nomadic soul, to the spirit and art of the circus tradition, and to those who quest with infinite passion along the path that leads to Varekai.

VAREKAI emerges from an explosive fusion of drama and acrobatics. The impossible become

possible in stunning displays of skill and power set against innovative music and otherworldly sets, interwoven with vivid choreography that speaks to all in the universal language of movement. The

pendulum of time sweeps backward, paying tribute to the ancient and rare circus traditions of Icarian games, water meteors and Georgian dance. VAREKAI then catapults to the future with revolutionary twists on such acts as Russian swings, body skating and triple trapeze. Cast and acts VAREKAI introduces an international cast of more than 50 artists representing 23 nationalities: Argentina, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Serbia, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, Ukraine, Creative Team From the imagination of a 15-member creative team comes VAREKAI: Guy Laliberté: Guide; Dominic Champagne: Writer and Director; Andrew Watson: Director of Creation; Stéphane Roy: Set Designer; Eiko Ishioka: Costume Designer; Violaine Corradi: Composer; Michael Montanaro: Choreographer; Bill Shannon: Choreographer; Jaque Paquin: Rigging Designer; Nol Van Genuchten: Lighting Designer; François Bergeron: Sound Designer; Francis Laporte: Projection Designer; Cahal McCrystal: Clown.  ActsDesigner (duos); Nathalie Gagné: Make-Up Designer; André Simard: Aerial Acts Designer.

Performance schedule
DAY                                       DATE                    TIME
                                                                                

Wednesday                          22-Jun-11                7:30 PM
Thursday                              23-Jun-11                7:30 PM
Friday                                  24-Jun-11         3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Saturday                              25-Jun-11         3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday                                26-Jun-11          1:00 & 5:00 PM
Tuesday                               28-Jun-11                7:30 PM
Wednesday                          29-Jun-11                7:30 PM
Thursday                              30-Jun-11                7:30 PM
Friday                                   1- Jul-11                 7:30 PM
Saturday                               2-Jul-11           3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Sunday                                 3-Jul-11           1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Tuesday                                5-Jul-11                  7:30 PM
Wednesday                           6-Jul-11                  7:30 PM
Thursday                               7-Jul-11                  7:30PM
Friday                                   8-Jul-11                  7:30 PM

Co-Presentor

Manila Hotel is co-presenting Cirque Du Soleil in line with its tradition of excellence and industry leadership. This will serve as its launching event in a series of build up activities for their forthcoming 100th anniversary celebration which will culminate in October 2012.

Cirque du Soleil

From a group of 20 street performers at its beginnings in 1984, Cirque du Soleil is a major Quebéc-based organization providing high-quality artistic entertainment. The company has 5,000 employees, including more than 1,200 artists from close to 50 different countries.

Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to close to 100 million spectators in 300 cities on five continents. In 2010, Cirque du Soleil, will present 21 shows simultaneously throughout the world. The company has received such prestigious awards as the Emmy, Drama Desk, Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux, Félix, and Rose d’Or de Montreux. Cirque du Soleil International Headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.

For information about Cirque du Soleil, images and additional information on the show, please visit:

http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/pressroom/default.htm

CONVERSE : SCHOOL SAVVY

School-Savvy Converse

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Schools are no longer as simple as before. Unfortunately, there are not many bags that can handle both – style and function that is, until Converse releases its back-to-school bag collection!

Inspired by function, fueled by passion for fashion, this Back-to-School season, Converse stands out with a selection that’s all about clean lines, edgy appeal and multi-functionality all in one stylish package.

The Converse utility bag gives a new spin to the word utility. Slightly bigger than your palm, this bag can carry your basic essentials, from your iPod gadgets, cellphones, keys and wallets, down to your make-up essentials. Its multi-pocket design allows for organization, while its long adjustable strap makes carrying it around a breeze! Cute and stylish, the Converse shoulder bags are pretty functional – big enough for your notes and everyday carry-ons, but adequately small for easy traveling. A big front pocket allows for easy access to your change, your IDs, car keys and even your mp3 player without having to open up the main compartment.

Since its inception, the messenger bag had nearly everyone hooked! Be it black, navy or gray, the potentials are endless for a Converse messenger bag – from just carrying your stuff to being a substitute pillows during those long breaks.

And a bag collection will not be complete without backpacks! Built-in document divider makes it easy to organize your files, and its roomy interior allows you to pack not only your notebooks, but also a couple of your books. Multiple pockets make reaching for your pens and coins easy and its streamlined design makes it stylish without being too loud. Amp up your choice with another equally stylish bag that adds a pocket or two for your mp3 player and even side mesh pockets for your water bottle and umbrella. Laptops are a must these days, and Converse definitely have that need covered with a backpack that have a laptop-divider and padded straps aside from a handy kit pouch. More than that, it also comes with the option to customize with the varied designs of Converse utility bags. Catch the back-to-school fever only at Converse! Like us on Facebook for daily dose of Converse goodness and don’t forget to log on to www.converse.com.ph for other Converse products.

CONVERSE X MARIMEKKO

Converse Celebrates Independent Women with Marimekko!

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Conceptualize and establish by a woman in post-war Finland, Marimekko stands tribute to the bold and adventurous streak of women everywhere. And what better way to show how proud you are of being a woman than wearing a Converse X Marimekko pair of Chucks?

Born in the aftermath of war in 1951, Marimekko opened the stage for designs that revolutionized pattern-making up to this date. Introducing fresh new ideas, bold colors, and appealing patterns, Marimekko played a big part in the rehabilitation of the fashion from the 50s, fashion innovation in the 60s and so on and so forth. Truly a leader with a great creative imagination, Marimekko brings countless of designs to life.

Marimekko’s works of art are no longer limited to clothes and bags, as they teamed up with Converse to bring to your feet, their own passion for fashion! Straight from Marimekko’s considerably large archive, Annika Rimala’s 1965 looped fascination Kirppu is brought to life with an understated air for the abstract on a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor Hi. Lauded as one of the most influential designers in the world in 1967, Annika Rimala’s modern and original designs for Marimekko were featured on the covers of various international fashion magazines since the early 1960s.

A playful take on color and shapes, the mother-daughter team of Maija and Kristina Isola developed Pikkusuomu in 1980 graced the beloved Chuck Taylor in Hi and Ox cut. Prior to collaborating with daughter Kristina, Maija Isola was herself considered an important reformer and forerunner in the industry, having designed over 500 intriguing fabric designs for Marimekko throughout her career, including the Pikkusuomu.

Women of grace, substance and abundance of creativity are the visionaries behind Marimekko – designing for women, loved by women. Grab your own pair of Marimekko Chuck Taylor today and get into the Marimekko spirit for P 3,180 a pair! Don’t forget to check out www.converse.com.ph for other cool Converse styles and look up Converse Philippines on Facebook for daily dose of Converse goodness!

CONVERSE : HERO INSPIRATION

Hero Inspiration

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The world may not be populated with superheroes like the ones written about in comic books and adapted into film and TV series, but their inspiration remains the same despite their larger than life characterization, and DC Comics is behind many of these superheroes. In collaboration with Converse, DC Comics is once again set to inspire a legion of kids both young and old who’re in need of hero inspiration.

Homage to the indisputable man of steel, the red blue blur suits up on the canvas of your own pair of Converse X DC Superman collection. A vibrant choice in red, a taste for the classics in parchment, or a timeless embroidered logo of Superman – it’s a collection that comic geeks will definitely envy.

For the fans of the cape crusader of Gotham City, Converse offers more than Batman himself; Converse also introduced the popular villain Joker in several prints, some as a solo act, and others in a tandem that had stood for ages.

As DC Comics expanded its superhero line-up, so does their storylines converged – thus the league of superheroes was born, or more commonly known as the Justice League. Converse offers one style that features some of the most popular characters to come out of the DC universe for fans to enjoy.

DC Comics may be around almost as Converse has been, and it’s not only the adults who fancied them in their youth who can enjoy a pair from the Converse X DC Comics collection, kids are also in a treat as a number of these styles are also available for the kids.

Superheroes may not be among us, but Converse X DC Comics can inspire the hero within us to come out and do our share to save the world. Check out more cool styles at www.converse.com.ph and don’t forget to visit Converse Philippines on facebook for your daily dose of Converse goodness.

CONVERSE BASKETBALL: THEN AND NOW

Converse Basketball: Then and Now

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Sicks and Triumph in Converse Sicks (P 5,430) and Converse Triumphant (P 3,990).jpg

Star Tech Revival (P 3,750).jpg

Converse has come a long way from starting its company in 1908. Now, after more than a century in the business, Converse has created countless shoes worn by countless big name basketball greats and Converse is in no way stopping itself from developing shoes to play and feel the court with!

From its first inception, Converse basketball technology has developed itself to be at par with the rest of its competitors and its latest performance release is sure to be a hit on court! Built with Converse renowned FEEL technology, the Converse SICKS Mid is the latest to come out of the Converse basketball lab. A profusion of mesh and leather makes its upper stylish and fashionable and its inner workings transform this shoe to a killer on the court!

A basketball release will not be complete without paying homage to the iconic shoes of yesteryears and Converse understands this with a great basketball shoe line-up for 2011. A release endorsed by Dr. J, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson in the 70s, the Star Tech appeal is more pronounced than ever. Featuring uni-saddle construction, the Star Tech is true to its predecessors in its make, but updated with new colorways that are just dying to hit the street – cool classic green, snazzy navy and gold, and the unassuming white and navy.

Not to be forgotten, the Poorman Pro Team joins this year’s heritage release. Flexible and durable, the shoes had stood the test of time on and off the court. Still featuring the same look and function you loved before with an all new colorway and materials, the Poorman Pro Team is out to do it again.

From sports to fashion, the Converse Triumphant makes the distinction almost impossible with its sleek black leather look. Sporting the same construction that won the hearts of basketball players of yesteryears, this pair is out to wow the youths of today, whether it’s for a pick-up game or as a fashion statement.

Converse got game and it’s bringing its own brand of basketball back into play with this year’s releases. Check out other cool Converse styles at www.converse.com.ph and don’t to look up Converse Philippines and like our page on Facebook for your daily dose of Converse!

CONVERSE BLOCK PARTY

THE CONVERSE BLOCK PARTY:

SUMMER’S LAST, BIG BLAST WITH GAMES, MUSIC AND DANCE!

CONVERSE BRINGS AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY  together for an entire day of street games, basketball-skateboard-and-dance exhibitions, musical performances and the chance to win fun prizes—it’s time for the converse Block Party at the SM Mall of Asia! The Converse Block Party unites our community to celebrate and achieve worthy goals.

A Block Party, like the Fourth of July Block Parties in the United States, is more then just a street party. It’s about community members rediscovering and relating to one another in unity and mutual understanding.

From this unity, we discover the power of the friendship and camaraderie so that we can act, as one community for our benefit. Essentially, we are tapping into the same spirt of bayanihan that Filipino communities of old mobilized to help each other.

Street Cred

Converse is a much-loved, long-established leader in casual street-wear. The brand is already an iconic part of our lives. The block party is not just a perfect showcase for Converse as the preferred urban outdorrs apparel—it is also an opportunity to show the not-so-obviuos but ever-present reality: a community is most united when its member gather outdoors.

When families and individuals stay at home, they are all separated from each other by theri respective domiciles. When they gather outside in the streets, this separation disappears and they go a step closer to uniting as a community. The Converse Block Party wants to dissolve the barriees that separate us and help us find the qualities that make us one community.

Converse’s iconic street-wear status bridges the gap between individuals. It’s so easy for people wearing Chuck Taylors or sporthing the Star Chevron logo to strike a conversation. In a way, wearing Converse represents a commong attitude, a shared act that, when enough people together, transforms into a communal gathering. That’s where Converse’s “street cred” comes from.

Basketball, Skateboarding

The Converse Block Party brings together the community through activities that Filipinos enjoy. Every community in the Philippines has a basketball court. Big or small. That’s why the block party includes basketball exhibition games and shooting competitions, as well as other basketball-related contest that give away exciting prizes.

Besides basketball, skateboarding is also featured in the event. Skaters have the chance to do their own thing during the Open Skate session. Skateboarding competitions promise exciting prizes. Old and new skateboarding tricks wow the audience while a skate clinic welcomes all who wish to improve their skills on the board.

Electrifying Performances

The block party features music and dancing from some of today’s top performers. The Philippine All-Stars and Krumpinoy gets everyone moving to the beat of their amazing street-dance moves.

Callalily and Gloc 9 with Pointblanc rock the house while Beatbox Philippines show off their skills onstage. A beatbox contest lets winning participants perform onstage with Beatbox Philippines. Visual artists create some cool graffiti and chalk art.

The Converse Block Party is the perfect send-off, the best hurrah for the summer, as we celebrate friendship, great memories, Life and Freedom. Let’s Party !!

     MAY 28, 2011 "SM MOA" 

MARA CLARA FINALE

                               
                               MARA CLARA FINALE, A HISTORICAL TV EVENT

The wait is finally over, ABS-CBN puts a halt to all guessing as the 'Mother of Pinoy Teleseryes,' "Mara Clara", steps on to its grand finale this week.

A Historical ending awaits the viewers of "Mara Clara", as revelations unfold right before their eyes.

As a gift to all avid followers of Mara Clara, ABS-CBN offers a grand finale viewing experience by bringing big LCD screens to key cities in the metro where in they can watch the concluding episodes of the top-rating series.  The dates and locations are as follows: May 30 - San jose Del Monte, Bulacan; May 31 - San Mateo, Rizal; June 1 - Dasmarinas, Cavite; June 2 - Mandaluyong City; and June 3 - Plaza Miranda Quiapo, Manila.  As each episode ends, a surprise lies ahead sure to entertain all the " Mara Clara " fanatics.

"Ibang klaseng ending ang inihanda ng buong Mara Clara team para sa mga viewers," Kathryn Bernardo shared in an interview. "Hindi lang yung mismong kwento ang dapat abangan ng mga tao kundi pati yung mga pinale events na pinag handaan naming lahat," she added.

On the other hand, Julia Montes mentioned that though "Mara Clara" is ending, fans are sure to see more of them outside, "May mga mall tours pa po kami kaya di po sila dapat malungkot."

"Mara Clara" has been a consistent top-rater since it started airing on free television.  It has continuously dominated the nationwide rating, trouncing its rival programs in other television stations according to Kantar Media.  Last Monday (May23), Mara Clara earned a national rating of 33.1% beating GMA 7's'I heart you Pare' which only got 13.2%.

Get ready for an explosive ending. Don't miss the final week of "Mara Clara" on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida after "Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin."  For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow abscbndotcom on Twitter.

TIMEX BRAND AMBASSADORS - JESSY MENDIOLA & JOSEPH MARCO

Oldest TIMEX Watch Found Alive & Ticking

Timex Ambassadors Joseph Marco & Jessy Mendiola award $1000 reward

World-renowned watch makers and global icon, Timex recently brought to life the TIMEX® Originals, an exciting new collection that features vintage designs inspired by TIMEX products throughout the decades, as well as modern updates to classics still in the line today. The line celebrates the brand’s 156 years of watch-making experience; a homage to its heritage of authenticity.

Coinciding the launch of this new set of superior quality watches last January, TIMEX initiated a massive countrywide Hunt-down for the Oldest TIMEX Watch. The brand raised a $1000 reward up for grabs for anyone in possession of an authentic TIMEX watch with working, intact and complete parts. After a month of search, the shortlist of 20 entries with an original Timex, alive and ticking were finally bared.

Last May 25, 2011 at SM Makati, Timex gathered them all for a special moment to award the owner of the oldest Timex watch and celebrate with the rest of the partakers of the exciting promo. Joining the day were the new Timex brand ambassadors and two of the fast-rising young stars of today, Joseph Marco and Jessy Mendiola. Together, they took guests to an afternoon of rediscovering the brand’s amazing history and its prized time-trackers. “We are very happy with the response of the consumers to the Oldest Timex contest. We got really great entries which all demonstrated the incomparable quality, functionality and sturdiness every Timex watch possess. And it is something unique to our brand, something we are very proud of,” said Timex marketing director Gemma Pagsibigan.

Besting hundreds of entries to claim the top prize was Armando Paez and his 1894 Waterbury pocket watch (grand prize). The Waterbury watch, a sister company of Timex, manufactured the first inexpensive mechanical pocket watch in 1880 and quickly sold more than any other firm in the world. "The Waterbury" is known for its extraordinarily long, nine-foot mainspring and was assembled by a predominantly female workforce whose dexterous fingers were prized for the close and exacting work.

“Known as the "The Watch That Made The Dollar Famous", my Waterbury Pocket Watch came from my father as a gift on my college graduation which in turn was also was given to him by my grandfather. Up until now, this classic watch still ticks and shows no sign of stopping,” said Armando Paez when asked about the watch that won him the $1000 cash prize. Top two winners were Daniel Cheng and his 1897 Ingersoll Buck pocket watch (top 2) and Aileen Cheng and her 1931 Ingersoll “Yankee” pocket watch 1931 (top 3).

The contest’s grand winner and the top 21 shortlisted participants also each received a Timex® Modern Originals Camper, a watch inspired by a men’s military watch first launched by Timex in 1918. This new version is oversized and has convenient features like an INDIGLO® night-light and an interchangeable, slip-through nylon strap. It has the ever-reliable date feature and 24-hour markings and is water resistant up to 50 meters.

The TIMEX Originals

Those wanting to have their very own vintage original TIMEX like the promo’s winners need not fret. The celebrated brand’s latest time-trackers, with sheer look and feel inspired by the glory years, are now available in stores, ready for picking. Not only are they up-to-the-minute to complement new-age fashion but they’re also equipped with unique design details that take us back to the magnificent eras they were “born” in.

First are the TIMEX Originals with the 1900's Inspiration. With a creatively crafted dial inspired by the original Yankee pocket watch from 1896, this watch maintains a clean, sharp, minimalist impression. To give that bit of classic ruggedness, both the stainless steel case and the vintage construction expansion band and genuine leather strap have time-worn finish. Watches from this bunch are enhanced with the date feature, INDIGLO Night-Light and mother of pearl dial options. Plus they’re also water resistant up to 50 meters.

Next are the timepieces with the 1940's Inspiration. A certified stunner, this watch takes the simplicity of 1940s timekeeping and introduces 21st century colors and materials. Having the same basic features as the ones from the previous set, one can choose from either a nylon canvas strap or a vintage construction expansion bracelet.

In the 1970s, Timex introduced ultra-precise quartz technology to the mass market at an affordable price. The custom of the time was to call out “Quartz” on the dial, letting consumers know what they were getting, just as you see with 1970's Quartz watch, its contemporary rendition. Coming in either a classic stainless steel expansion band or genuine leather strap, these fashionable pieces are perfect for work time down to the happy hours.

And last but not the least are the most iconic wristwatch, the Timex Modern Originals Easy Reader. This time, this classic time-teller gets a makeover in a bigger size and new colors, including fashion-forward shadow models in black and white. The eye-catching oversized stainless steel or brass case matched with genuine leather strap fits just right for any occasion day or night and simply projects its wearer’s unfussy yet impeccable taste.

Go to www.timexstylewatch.com/originals/for more information. TIMEX Originals are distributed by Newtrends International Corporation. It’s not original unless it’s a TIMEX.

     MAY 25, 2011  "SM MAKATI"