SM City Manila's 3-day Sale!!! March 1 - 3, 2013

 SM City Manila's 3-day Sale!!

March 1 - 3, 2013

Up to 70% on great finds

Get a chance to win 1 of 3 Devant 50" Smart 3D TV.  Please click on this link for promo mechanics: http://www.facebook.com/SMCityManila/app_151503908244383

MALL HOURS:
March 1 - 9am-11pm
March 2 - 10am-11pm
March 3 - 10am-10pm

3-day sale also happening in SM Cubao, Southmall, Fairview, Taytay, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bacolod and Gen. Santos.  Are you ready to shop your heart out and enjoy great discounts and win fabulous prizes? Go ahead and take advantage of this great discount offer!

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Free Rudy Project Premio watch from Citibank

Get this Rudy Project Premio Watch FREE!!

Want this?  Just apply for a Citibank credit card until March 31, 2013 and get this Rudy Project Premio watch worth P2,500 FREE!

APPLY for a Citicard now!

*Valid only for applicants without an existing Citibank credit card.  Approved cardholders can avail of the watch using the card for a single or accumulated purchase of at least P5,000 within 60 days from card approval date.

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FIRST FAMILY, A FEW MILLION YEARS AGO: “THE CROODS”

Get ready for a million adventures when “The Croods” 

opens March 22 in 3D in cinemas nationwide.

THE CROODS is a 3D comedy adventure that follows the world's first modern family through the journey of a lifetime. When the cave that has always been their home is destroyed – with the rest of their world not far behind it – The Croods are forced to set off on the first family road (or path) trip. Rocked by generational clashes and seismic shifts, The Croods discover an incredible new world filled with fantastic creatures, and a future beyond any they imagined.

The Crood family dynamics, though unfolding a few million years ago, feel like they could come from your own household.  Like most fathers, family patriarch Grug (Nicolas Cage) is fiercely protective of his wife and three kids. His hyper-vigilance has kept his cave-bound family safe, secure and....super- bored.  Grug’s strong and dutiful better half, Ugga (Catherine Keener), accepts her husband's "fear is good; change is bad" mentality, as does their son Thunk (Clark Duke), who’s content with the static status quo.  Feisty mother-in-law Gran (Cloris Leachman) never tires of needling (or sometimes assaulting) Grug; and stone-tough toddler Sandy might be the fiercest Crood yet.  

But leave it to a rebellious teenager (is there any other kind?) to stand up to parental authority.  Grug's sole focus is survival, but Eep (Emma Stone) wants to actually live, and her curiosity about the world outside their cave collides with her dad's primitive rules.  (Ever the defiant outsider, Eep gets her own ledge to sleep on while the rest of the Croods pile on top of one another for some family shut-eye.)

A cataclysmic event forces the Croods to venture into parts unknown and rethink their way of living.  En route, they encounter Guy (Ryan Reynolds), whose dazzling new discoveries – like fire...and shoes – shake up the Croods in unexpected ways. Most of the family (especially Eep) is open to Guy’s vision of a new place called “tomorrow,” but Grug sees the biggest calamity yet: a charming teenage boy from which he must “protect” Eep.   The Croods soon realize that if they don’t evolve…they’re history.

The movie presents an age known as the Croodaceous Period, which, says filmmaker DeMicco, “fell between the Jurassic Age and the ‘Katzenzoic Era’– at least according to DreamWorks archaeologists.” It is a world of visual splendor and grandeur that holds innumerable challenges for the beleaguered clan. 

From DreamWorks Animation SKG, “The Croods” is directed by Chris Sanders and Kirk DeMicco, and produced by Kristine Belson and Jane Hartwell.  The screenplay is by Kirk DeMicco & Chris Sanders, with a story by John Cleese, Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders. The music is by Alan Silvestri.

“The Croods” features a stellar voice cast headed by Nicolas Cage as Grug, Ryan Reynolds as Guy, Emma Stone as Eep, Catherine Keener as Ugga, Clark Duke as Thunk, and Cloris Leachman as Gran.

Take a peek at “The Croods’” hilarious adventures at 20thCenturyFoxPh YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqtHYom6MNo&list=UU-JrjBL_iZAn5wjEsw9nRYA

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THE PREDATOR IN MATTHEW GOODE: “STOKER”

Matthew Goode in Stoker

On her 18th birthday, India Stoker’s (Mia Wasikowska) father dies in a tragic car accident.  Her only source of strength and comfort now gone, India now finds herself lost and unable to connect to the people around including her unstable mother Evie, played by Nicole Kidman.  On the day of her father’s funeral, her father’s long lost brother Uncle Charlie surfaces and decides to stay with them.  At first doubtful of her Uncle Charlie, Mia surprisingly finds herself drawn to him in a fascinating way she never thought possible.

As Uncle Charlie reveals himself to her, India becomes increasingly infatuated with her charismatic relative and comes to realize that his arrival is no coincidence. With her uncle to guide her, she is about to find out that in her blood runs a stream of evil that her father had long protected her from.

The enigmatic man at the center of the family conflict is played by Matthew Goode, a British import previously seen in Tom Ford’s critically acclaimed “A Single Man,” opposite Oscar® winner Colin Firth, and as the Greek god-like super hero Ozymandias in “Watchmen.”  “Matthew is just so much fun,” says Wasikowska. “Our relationship off-screen was the polar opposite of what it was on screen. He can be really goofy, so it was a challenge to keep a straight face working with him.”

Uncle Charlie is shrouded in mystery throughout the film. His motives remain hidden until nearly the end. “The audience never knows for sure what goes on in his mind,” says director Park. “He loved his brother so much, and his love for his brother is transferred to India.  He is a mentor figure who turns up to complete India.  Matthew matched the image I had in my head—the innocence, humor, elfishness.  He has the mischievous sparkle and elegant delicacy of someone who can’t hurt a fly.  These are all the perfect qualities for Uncle Charlie.”

Goode was equally certain that he wanted to be part of Park’s English language debut. “This is an example of Hollywood drawing on the best talent from all around the world, which I think is a brilliant thing,” Goode says. “Director Park is a master of psychology, which is one of the reasons his films are so intelligent and believable.”

“This kind of script doesn’t come around every day,” Goode continues. “It has all the right ingredients to move an audience, as well as to scare and provoke them. It’s a beautiful love story, in a twisted way. Charlie has been waiting for years, keeping in touch with Mrs. McGarrick, the housekeeper, to learn all about India.

At first you think you know who Charlie is, but as the story evolves, you realize he’s extremely complicated and dangerous,” he says. “Nothing is what it appears. He wants to be around his family, so he uses Evie. He can’t really stay there unless she is attracted to him. But Charlie is extremely unbalanced and he has feelings for India that are not at all uncle-like. The challenge for me was that rather than being simply evil, he has to have a center to him that we like, which is disorienting and quite scary.”

“Matthew is compellingly attractive as Charlie,” Kidman adds. “That’s really such a good thing for Uncle Charlie to be. You believe that Evie would desire him and want his attention. He’s the first person for a long time to give her attention. And then Matthew, of course, has such talent. I expect to see him become a huge star.”

“Stoker” opens March 1 in cinemas nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

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AirAsia Philippines goes live

Philippines’ AirAsia introduces new customer-friendly services with new hotline and cash payment partners

Philippines’ AirAsia, the low cost carrier with the youngest fleet, today announced significant changes in its customer call center. Starting February 25, Philippines’ AirAsia’s new customer hotline number will be 742ASIA or 742.27.42.

Now flying can never be better, thanks to Philippines AirAsia.

“To provide optimum customer care service for our guest, AirAsia is launching two new significant innovations. We have a new customer hotline that is easy to remember and we are also rolling out our cash payment partner with 7-Eleven store for our passengers who want to avail of our online promo and other privileges but would like to pay in cash instead of using their credit cards,” AirAsia Inc. Commercial head Freddy Herrera said.

AirAsia's payment partner service provides the convenience of using cash when paying for AirAsia promo fares and other online purchases at www.airasia.com 

The payment partner service covers all Philippines’ AirAsia flights from its hub in Clark International Airport to Taipei, Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur including domestic flights to Davao and Kalibo (Boracay).
 

“We are expanding our payment partners service to include other outlets in the coming weeks so that more and more people will benefit from AirAsia’s awesome low fares and extensive route network covering 80 destinations in 20 countries,” Herrera said.
 

More than 800 7-Eleven stores nationwide will start accepting cash payments for AirAsia on February 28. AirAsia’s new Philippine hotline number, +632.742.2742, meanwhile, will start on February 25. It will be open daily, from Monday to Sunday, at 8:00AM – 9:00PM.

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Win a Rudy Project Stratofly with your Perseverance story

Submit your own story of Perserverance 

for a chance to win Rudy Project prizes!

To Register and join the contest, go to the Project Perseverance Facebook App at https://www.facebook.com/RudyProjectPH/app_355715621191886

Get to win a Rudy Project Stratofly.  Ten (10) lucky winners get to bring home a Rudy Project Stratofly each.  Submit your entries starting Feb. 15, 2013.  Last day to submit entries is on March 31, 2013.

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An Exclusive Preview to the Mega Shoes and Bags Sale with Citibank credit cards

Exclusive access to the Mega Shoes and Bags Sale

at SM Megatrade Hall with Citibank credit cards

On February 28, Citibank cardholders can take first pick at the Mega Shoes and Bags Exclusive Preview Sale at SM Megatrade Hall 1 and 2. Get up to 50% off on great selections from Nike, Adidas, Crocs, Converse, Puma, Samsonite and more. Shop to your heart’s content and pay in affordable installments via 0% PayLite for 3 months with a minimum spend of P5,000.

Don’t have a Citibank Credit Card yet? Apply for one at Mega Shoes and Bags Sale. Take advantage of a limited offer to get an Android tablet for free with an approved application for your first Citibank card and Ready Credit. Choose your preferred Citibank Credit Card that will suit your lifestyle and enjoy a variety of perks from shopping and dining discounts to cash rebates to gas rebates to travel miles. Then avail of Ready Credit, a no-collateral loan facility which gives you a credit line that you can use for any purpose. Once your applications are approved, use your new Citibank Credit Card for at least P5,000 within two months and you can get a free Android tablet.

The Mega Shoes and Bags Sale is open to the public from March 1 to 3, 2013. For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph.

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Mia Wasikowska : Innocence ends in "Stoker"

Mia Wasikowska stars in Stoker

The highly-anticipated thriller “Stoker” starring Nicole Kidman, Mia Wasikowska and Matthew Goode tells of the bizarre coming-of-age of India (Wasikowska) as she enters womanhood written by Wentworth Miller and filmed by Park Chan-Wook.

Helmed by Korean director Park which is also his debut movie in English, the movie introduces India Stoker as she loses her beloved father and best friend Richard (played by Dermot Mulroney) in an unexplained car mishap on her 18th birthday.  Upon her father’s demise, India’s life is suddenly shattered in their very secluded estate.   Left with her unstable mother Evie (Kidman) and Uncle Charlie (Goode), her father’s brother who mysteriously showed up during her father’s funeral, India experiences an unraveling of herself that surprises and frees her at the same time.

Exquisitely sensitive, India has since exhibited an impassive demeanor which masks the deep feelings and heightened senses that only her father understood.   While she initially finds herself mistrusting her uncle, he fascinates her as well and she begins to realize how much they have in common.  As Charlie reveals himself to her little by little, India becomes increasingly infatuated with her charismatic relative and comes to realize that his arrival is no coincidence. With her uncle to guide her, she is about to fulfill her unusual destiny.

“She is an introverted girl confined in a suffocating house, unable to mix with anyone outside,” says director Park. “She is very rebellious as she bears the pains of adolescence. Her father’s death, her uncle’s arrival, as well as the conflict with her mother and her peers, bring her to a realization about her true identity.”

Finding an actress who could embody the contradictions of the character while making India’s transition to womanhood graceful and natural was critical to the film’s success. Park selected Australian actress Mia Wasikowska, whose delicate beauty and solemn serenity had already won the 22-year-old leading roles in films including Tim Burton’s “Alice In Wonderland” and Cary Fukanaga’s “Jane Eyre.” 

“Mia has the natural liveliness of a young woman,” he notes. “But she is also composed and has internal maturity. To portray a girl who is neither a woman nor a child, but at an awkward in-between stage, Mia was the most suitable actor. She has a level of restraint surprising for someone her age. She is almost completely still when she is acting. But when you watch her on film, you realize that all the necessary emotion is there. She is very subtle and skillful in a way that I expect only from older actors.”

For her part, the actress says she found much to like about the project. “It is such a strong piece of writing. Director Park and the creative team are brilliant. The story is something I have never seen before. The dynamic between the characters is quite mysterious. India is a really complex young woman. Without her father, she is completely disconnected from the world. She’s an outsider by nature, closed off from the rest of the world. She is still a young girl, but she’s becoming a woman with dreams and fantasies, although they’re of a different nature than other girls’ dreams.”

“It’s completely confusing and really intriguing,” Wasikowska further says. “She’s trying to figure out what role he has in her life and it’s far bigger than she ever imagined. She’s not sure what he wants from her at first, and as she slowly finds out how much alike they are, it’s both terrifying and appealing. There’s a definite sexual tension between Charlie and Evie, as well as Charlie and India, so it’s up in the air as to who and what he’s really there for. You are never really sure—until you are.”

Working with Park was a constantly evolving, and always stimulating experience for the actress. “Even on weekends, we would meet for lunch and continue discussing the character and the story,” Wasikowska says. “Ideas would snowball, becoming more and more complex and interesting. During shooting, he let us sit for long moments in silence where seemingly not much was happening, but there was always strong underlying tension. That approach was perfect for this material.”

“Stoker” opens in cinemas March 1 from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

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“A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD” TOPS PHILS. BOX-OFFICE AT P45.5 MILLION

Bruce Willis’ highly-explosive actioner “A Good Day To Die Hard” spiraled at the top of the local (Phils.) box-office with a total of P45.5 million on its opening weekend (Feb. 13-17).

The fifth installment of the blockbuster “Die Hard” series has shattered (local) records making it the Biggest Opening Weekend of all Die Hard movies and has now climbed up as this year’s Biggest Opening Weekend for a Fox film so far surpassing the highly-acclaimed “Life of Pi” by Ang Lee (released in January).

As evidenced by its opening weekend box-office, the fifth installment of the Die Hard series packed in a hefty volume of the movie going public who flocked into theaters to enjoy the wild and unbelievable action scenes with cars and choppers explosively flying all over the film’s new setting in Moscow.

With its high-octane action series, “A Good Day to Die Hard” is best viewed on the big screen - Ayala Cinemas’ Trinoma theater recorded highest at P2.24 million that drove in 11,354 admissions over the movie’s opening weekend, followed by SM Mall of Asia at P1.98 million in receipts. Still within the top theaters that tapped into attracting the most of the movie’s audience are Glorietta4 (P1.66million); SM North Edsa (P1.63million); Greenbelt3 (P1.55million); Powerplant (1.42 million); Newport (P1.41million); SM Megamall (P1.32million); Alabang Town Center (P1.29million) and SM Cebu (P1.07million).

Upping the ante of “A Good Day To Die Hard” is the introduction of McClane’s estranged son Jack played by Jai Courtney.  Opening a much wider audience base is Courtney’s inclusion in the movie which also explains further influx of women apart from its core male audience in the following theaters that also made it to “A Good Day To Die Hard’s” top 20 cinemas on its opening weekend: Eastwood (P954, 123); Gateway Cineplex (P 846, 956); SM Clark (P 797, 838); Ayala Cebu (P762, 960); Robinson’s Ermita (P 757, 660); Theatremall (P 755, 162); Market!Market! (P 753, 536); Shang Cineplex (P 640, 699); SM Fairview (P632, 196) and Filinvest (P 615, 726).

Now showing across the Philippines, Bruce Willis reprises his iconic role as police detective John McClane in “A Good Day to Die Hard,” set against the backdrop of deadly corruption and political vendetta in Russia.  McClane arrives in Moscow to track down his estranged son, Jack, (Jai Courtney), and is stunned to discover he’s working undercover to protect a government whistleblower, Komarov.  With their own necks on the line, the McClanes are forced to overcome their differences in order to get Komarov to safety and thwart a potentially disastrous crime

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GET FRESH THIS SEASON WITH NEW COLORS FROM URBANEARS

Urbanears presents the 

2013 Spring-Summer collection

Urbanears is proud to introduce its 2013 Spring-Summer collection, welcoming new and refreshing colors perfect for the season – Olive, Coral and Petrol. These colors, and the rest of the Urbanears collection, are now available at the Urbanears store at the Podium and in Urbanears retailers nationwide.

Petrol – Less green and decidedly more gray than its aquamarine buddy Teal, Petrol is a rich, saturated shade of blue that’s more reminiscent of peacocks than the type of petrol you buy at the station. Whatever your association, Petrol is always versatile, adding a bit of full-bodied color without ever being too loud or showy.  

Olive – No matter what your taste buds say, this yellowish-green shade feels remarkably fresh this time of year. Its soft, warm tones go with just about everything, making it an appetizing addition to your headphone collection. We’re always on Team Olive.

Coral – Feel the tropical vibe with this lively orange-y pink shade. It’s the kind of bright, sunny color that makes us want to bust out our Hawaiian-printed shirts and sip a cool cocktail poolside. Preferably one with that comes with a little umbrella in it.

Digits Trading is the exclusive distributor of Urbanears in the Philippines. It is available at the Podium, Astrovision, Automatic Center, Avant, Beyond The Box, Bratpack, Buzz, Complex, Digital Hub, Digital Walker, Egghead, Electroworld, Gadgets in Style, Gui, iCenter, iGig, iStudio, Mobile 1, Power Hub, Power Mac Center, ROX, Switch, Technoholics, Toby’s Arena and Urban Athletics.  For more information about the product, visit http://www.facebook.com/digitstradingor follow us at https://twitter.com/digitstrading. 

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