Poison Ivy by Indrajeet Dasgupta - An Excerpt.

A poem is an excerpt from the book ‘Borderless’ of Indrajeet Dasgupta which will be launched by September this year.

1.    Poison Ivy

You are brought up to be mannered, yet bred for the kill,
Never too protected, barring mama's waffles and grill.
Horses, tennis, and violin by six, athletics, piano too in the mix,
Regimented, disciplined – like that old song on bricks.

They soon call your sarcasm, and your attitude cavalier,
You never cared… Oh, the drugs – they have no fear.
The schools are few, the dreamers many,
Your first day at Ivy but an epiphany.

Small dorm rooms, dining hall food,
Track and field, campus girls in the hood.
You had your fill early, though not wise,
Found divinity, in the devil's disguise.

You start work, with the famous six-figure,
Eighteen hours, luncheons and dreams bigger.
On your thirtieth, passed out in a drunken bout,
Trembling on the high rise ledge, a classic burnout.

The Ivy is clingy, yet symbol of eternal life,
Your life's worth is much more – than a career and strife.

“Poison Ivy” is a lyrical poem with four stanzas (quatrains). Every verse is intertwined which is a great way to recite poetry. This is how the author gives the poem its own melody or rhythm. The poem is written in the first person or could be a narrator. The Author used common words to delight the readers with a pattern of rhyming words more so, to arouse their emotions. 

The poem is not about sufferings. It tells us that even at an early age we can decide on our own be it good or bad which could lead to our life success or destruction respectively. 

The poem symbolizes the Ivy, like these vines people may have different personalities varies in the environment where we grow. But what matters most is how we live and how we should spend our life to become the kind of person you are. 

Sindak 1941- Philippine Stagers 18th season offering.

The fear that was felt in the hearts and minds of every Filipino during the pearl harbor attack until the Japanese occupation of the Philippines during the WWII that led to treason, cooperation with Japanese just to survive with the oppressions. It is the story of the lives of an ordinary Filipinos who risked their lives for freedom.  Moreso, Sindak 1941 reveals the controversial story of Douglas Mac Arthur during the siege of Corregidor in Bataan. A reality that we should have learned not only with today’s youth but for every Filipino who knew that this American General is our heroes during the Japanese Regime.

Sindak 1941 Gen Douglas Mac Arthur - Kuya Manzano

"Sindak 1941" depicts the life of Nestor and Felipe and their love interest Emilia and Sofia narrated by Tata Edong, a mute vagrant.  Nestor was successful in school and eventually became to be successful in shoemaking business while his brother Felipe, remain ignorant and peasant. True to his promise he always thinks the welfare of his brother Nestor. They parted ways because of the challenges brought by the war. One becomes a traitor and the others fought for our freedom.

The Philippine Stagers Foundation talented pool of performers showcases their talents led by Atty. Vince Tañada as Felipe. They perfectly give the emotions and characters needed in every role assigned to every actor in this musical play. The entire productions were really amazing, no dull moments, and every performance deserves applause.

Please visit Philippine Stagers Foundation Facebook Page for more information on Show and Tickets Schedule. The 18th Season Offering of Philippine Stagers Foundation, "SINDAK 1941" is shown from
JULY 2019 to MARCH 2020.

#SINDAK1941, #ANGARTISTA

Guaranteed Success With Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry

Laundromats have actually been in existence since the 1930s in the United States: a row of fully automated self-service machines where people brought their own detergent and waited for their laundry to finish.  For The Philippines, laundromats actually only started becoming popular in the late 90s and these were full service in nature. People came in and dropped off their laundry and picked them up at a later time already packed and folded. But a few years back, we started seeing the growth of self-service laundry shops and these have become so popular that you can now see one in every corner of the neighborhood.

The proven advantages of the laundry business consistently makes this industry a solid business choice. Experts say that the combination of flexibility and high demand appeals to aspiring entrepreneurs since these factors raise the probability of success.  Besides this, it is also an advantage that laundry shops are recession-resistant as clean clothes are considered a basic necessity. Unlike other industries, the targeted customers are not restricted to certain age groups; everyone needs clean clothes so everyone is a potential customer.

As a cash business, there are minimized struggles with accounts receivables and low capital investments can even bring high rates of return. Where else do you have the possibility of earning back one million investments in just 18 months? And where else can you operate a shop where your customers do their own work?

However, we must remember that success only comes with choosing the right equipment. Durability and dependability are a must before making decisions. And with Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry, these are not just words but commitments to their partners and customers. This is why more than 1500 laundromats in the country have chosen the brand as their partner in the laundry industry.

Whirlpool-Maytag offers an extended line of commercial and industrial laundry equipment such as washers, dryers, and stackable units for you to select from that offer reliable performance and high-energy savings. They are equipped with an Inverter Drive Technology that ensures energy efficiency and high extraction speeds which lessens the wear and tear on its components. These models also have advanced software that tracks payments, wash cycles, and settings so both the customers and owners can relax without worrying about their security.

You can rely on Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry to work with you in determining the right solutions for your needs. From equipment selection and installation, you’ll have the knowledge and experience of an industry leader behind you through the business seminars they offer nationwide.  You can profit from both our legendary reliability and the ongoing support of the world’s #1 preferred laundry brand.

Filipinos trust Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry to make their lives easier and their businesses more profitable.  It's that trust in the Whirlpool-Maytag brand that has helped build customer loyalty year after year because you can guarantee that you have a brand that’s ready to support you every step of the way. 

The laundry industry has a lot of untapped potential waiting to be discovered. Should you decide to start your own laundry business, Whirlpool-Maytag Commercial Laundry is ready to help you get started. To schedule a consultation, you may contact Ms. Windy Punzalan at (0917) 8236285 or at mpunzalan@exatech.com.ph.

For more information, you can drop by their showrooms located in Quezon City, Cebu, Davao, IloIlo, and Bacolod, or visit their website at www.whirlpoolmaytag.com.ph.

Dani Girl: Reimagining and Re-staging Hope

 

When Dani Girl first premiered in Manila back in 2014 as The Sandbox Collective’s maiden production, the show received wide acclaim from both audiences and critics alike. Stage actress Lea Salonga called it “perfection” in its simplicity and execution, while METRO Magazine praised it as a play that “refreshes the mind and soul and touches your heart and spirit.” 

This exhilarating musical by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond follows a girl’s magical and transformative journey. Far from sitting back and letting cancer take over, 9-year-old Dani Lyons sets off on a whimsical quest to find her hair and figure out the answer to the question, “Why is cancer?” Together with her fellow warrior and best friend Marty, they go on a journey of lightsaber duels, imaginary game shows, blasting off to outer space, and all the silly games in between—proof that a child’s imagination and fighting spirit have no bounds nor limits.

But what makes the re-staging of Dani Girl different five years down the road?

While the production is thrilled to bring back members of the original cast, it is also pleased to welcome fresh, new faces to the stage. Joining the cast is theater veteran, character actor, singer and voice talent, Juliene Mendoza who alternates with Lorenz Martinez in the role of Raph, Dani’s imaginary friend and guardian angel. Mendoza was last seen in Air Supply’s All Out of Love and a musical adaptation of Lualhati Bautista’s Dekada ‘70. 

Known for playing the titular role in the Asian premiere of Matilda and Young Nala in the first international tour of The Lion King, Felicity Kyle Napuli also joins the cast as young Dani Lyons, while Daniel Drilon, known for his performance in Fun Home and Newsies, alternates as Dani’s best friend and fellow warrior, Marty. “Having actual kids alternating as Dani and Marty adds a new, vibrant, creative energy to the show. It also invigorates with a wondrous perspective from actors who are closer to the age of the characters they’re playing,” shared Dani Girl director Toff de Venecia who returns to the director’s chair after 2015’s No Filter 2.0.

A new emphasis on hope is also unique to the 2019 re-staging of Dani Girl. In a world seemingly dominated by pain and suffering, the show aims to uphold the presence of hope amidst struggle. The show hopes to remind audiences that human beings have the innate ability to cope and overcome, and that hope can sometimes take on a different form, one that isn’t readily available to the naked eye. With hope as a thematic cornerstone, this season’s re-staging of Dani Girl is poised to serve as a beacon of light in a seemingly bleak world.

As The Sandbox Collective marks its fifth year of producing new, groundbreaking and cutting-edge theatrical work, Dani Girl also serves as a celebration of the childlike innocence, wonder, imagination, courage, and hope that people often forget and lose as full-fledged adults.

Similar to the social and community aspect of Every Brilliant Thing, The Sandbox Collective will be working hand in hand with institutions and organizations specializing in cancer care and awareness. Working with warriors, survivors, doctors, and specialists will lend a more truthful, timely and relevant perspective to the show’s cause.

Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope will star Philstage Gawad Buhay awardee, Rebecca Coates in the title role of Dani. She is set to alternate with Felicity Kyle Napuli. Luigi Quesada will return as Dani’s best friend and fellow warrior, Marty. He will be sharing the role with a new cast member, Daniel Drilon. Returning cast members include Awit award-winning actress Shiela Valderrama-Martinez and Pam Imperial who will be alternating as Katharine Lyons, Dani’s mother. Meanwhile, stage veteran Lorenz Martinez returns and alternates with new cast member Juliene Mendoza in the role of Raph.

Toff de Venecia makes his much-awaited directorial comeback in this re-staging of Dani Girl. He is at the helm once more as director and executive producer. Joining him is Sab Jose as assistant director and marketing and public relations director. Completing the artistic team is Ejay Yatco as musical director, Stephen Viñas as a choreographer, Faust Peneyra as scenographer and costume designer, Miggy Panganiban as the lighting designer, Joee Mejias as projection & video designer and Myrene Santos as hair and makeup designer

Santi Santamaria leads the production team as co-executive producer (9 Works Theatrical). Rounding out the production team are Anna Santamaria as operations and finance director, Maine Manalansan as design director, Elliza Aurelio as associate producer, Pauline Gaerlan as production manager, Myka Cue as marketing and public relations associate, Jonjon Martin as public relations manager and Anissa Aguila as head stage manager.

Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope will open on August 10, 2019, and will have a limited engagement until September 1, 2019, at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Tickets are now available through Ticketworld online.

Dani Girl: A Musical About Hope is co-presented by The Sandbox Collective and 9 Works Theatrical, together with Make-A-Wish Philippines. Special thanks to Privato Hotel Group, official hotel partner, Toy Kingdom and St. Luke’s Medical Center; institutional partners Carewell Community Foundation, Inc., Childhaus, Make-A-Wish Philippines and Cancervants; community partners Pineapple Lab, Classic Chef, K Best, and DC Superheroes Cafe; official media  partners Theater Fans Manila, Young Star and Art+ Magazine.

★★★★★

To say it is good for the soul is an understatement. 

In its simplicity and execution, it was perfection. — LEA SALONGA

★★★★★

“A play that refreshes the mind and soul and touches your heart and spirit.  Dani Girl just hits you spot on.” — METRO MAGAZINE

★★★★★

A humorous and heartwarming musical about faith, hope, and love. Why we shouldn’t be all afraid of death. And if you ever lost someone at some point in your life, this is definitely going to uplift you. 

— MEGA MAGAZINE

DANI GIRL

by Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond

With music by Michael Kooman and book and lyrics by Christopher Dimond, Dani Girl: A  Musical About Hope is presented through special arrangement and licensing with Samuel French. 

  Facebook: The Sandbox Collective  and  9 Works Theatrical  Twitter and Instagram: @thesandboxco and @9wtonline

For inquiries, please contact: 

SAB JOSE at +63 917 8877225 or sab@thesandboxco.com

JONJON MARTIN at jonjon@9workstheatrical.com  

#DaniGirlMNL

Experience Customized Shaving from SCHICK HYDRO 5 SENSE

2019 marks a very important year for SCHICK PHILIPPINES, as it launches it’s latest and most advanced razor to date – The Schick Hydro 5 Sense.

Chit Itchon, Global Marketing Director for Men’s Shaving at Edgewell Personal Care said: “We know that not all skin is the same and that guys take pride in finding products that address their specific skincare and grooming needs.”
 A guy’s grooming routine is more art than science, and no one’s grooming routine is the same.  The new Schick Hydro® 5 allows us to provide maximum comfort while helping to protect from irritation in a truly unique and customized way.”  Itchon added.

The New Schick Hydro 5 Sense, the next generation of Schick razors is packed with five (5) unique and useful features designed to create a personalized shaving an experience like never before.

The unique “Shock-Absorb Technology” enables the razor to give an incredibly close shave. The mechanism inside “senses” when pressure is exerted on the skin while shaving and basically auto-adjust to the pressure.  The razor blades backs off when you apply too much pressure and adds pressure back when needed.  It allows you to shave the right amount of contact and pressure. When the pressure goes away, the razor returns to its original state. Schick Hydro 5 Sense is also designed to adjust to the contour of your face and your personal shaving style.

The “Lock-out Button“ is another special feature.  It is located at the neck part of the razor. The button enables and disables the shock-absorb function as simple as sliding it up and down.

The Schick Hydro 5 Sense comes with the US made 5 slim surgical steel blades with Skin Guards on top of each blade. This doubles the number of point of contact between the blades and the skin between the blades; which is designed to help control the skin flow to reduce skin irritation. 

It also has the unique 7 Hydro-Glide Gel Pool designed with herbal extracts that protect and instantly hydrates skin for a smoother glide while shaving.

Last of its feature is the “Flip Back Trimmer”.  Schick Hydro Sense 5 instantly transforms into a trimmer with simply flicking back the top of the razor.  This help gives precise trimming.

SCHICK HYDRO 5 SENSE is the first and the only razor customized for him.  Based on Consumer Insights: 43% liked on how razor automatically adjust based on how you shave.  31% liked the idea of the hydrating gels and lubricating gels, 31% liked the idea that the razor is customized to their skin and their routine and 32% liked the promise of the confortable shave with less irritation.

With the New Schick Hydro 5 Sense, having a smooth and comfortable shave is now a reality.  An innovation that is set to change the playing field of the razor industry. Schick Hydro 5 Sense is a global brand manufactured by Edgewell Personal Care and being imported, marketed and distributed in the Philippines by Getz Healthcare.

Maxi-Peel Encourages Women with Troubled Skin:“Wag Mong Isuko Ang Laban!”

Have you ever been judged because of your looks? Or rejected because your skin wasn’t perfect? The 4 women you are about to meet experienced negativity that have impacted their lives in a lot of ways simply because of a skin condition — acne.

We see it every day, a lot of us have had acne at some point in our lives, but for these women, it’s the source of an undying insecurity, causing them pain that goes beyond skin deep, scarring not only their faces, but also their self-esteem.

And in a society where looks and aesthetic is very influential, the fight for respect and equality is a lifelong struggle for people with pimples. But that fight is a fight that Maxi-Peel is unwilling to give up. The brand’s mission is to amplify the voices of those who have been misjudged, ridiculed, and discriminated because of their acne through their newest campaign — “'Wag Mong Isuko ang Laban”. (Don’t Give Up the Fight)

Maxi-Peel puts their brand on the line with a documentary campaign that follows 4 women from different walks of life in a 60-day journey with Maxi-Peel Exfoliant Solutions, capturing real progress, with real results in real time. The campaign begins with a heart-wrenching 60-second testimonial video of these 4 women telling everyone what society tells them every day. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8Y2RbkvDD4)

“Alam mo Kata, mas maganda ka sana kung kasing kinis ng legs mo yung mukha mo.” Kata San Mateo, a digital marketing head and an aspiring artist, recalls a painful moment during her acne breakout. Teary-eyed, she continues, “Siyempre tatawa-tawa lang ako pero sa loob loob ko, sobra na.”

“Bakit siya ‘yung napiling host, eh ang dami niyang pimples?” Andrea Roces, a retail manager and an active humanitarian says pimples have affected her work and her credibility, damaging her self-esteem and self-belief, “The confidence I’ve built for many years, it all goes away.”

“Honestly, lately hindi ako lumalabas ng bahay. There’s this misconception na ‘pag ma-pimple ka, madumi ka kaya sometimes I feel hopeless.” A former special education teacher, now a full-time mom, Angeline Carandang powers through the negativity, despite an overwhelming feeling of insecurity, “Behind this face, I can be a great mom… matatapos din ‘to, ngayon lang ‘to.”

“Nakulam ka ba… Naagnas ka na” Joepy Libo-on, a cum laude graduate who is now working as a marketing manager, still remembers some of the most painful things people have told her. “Before n’ung sobrang lala talaga ng pimples ko, there was a time na sobrang bumaba ng self-esteem ko.”

Through real stories from real people, Maxi-Peel aims to open our eyes and minds to the truth behind acne. That removing pimples is not just about being beautiful, or achieving smoother skin, or to gain more followers, those are just the aesthetic effects. The real purpose of the brand is to help Filipinos treat and cure an actual skin condition, boost their self-confidence, revive their self-belief, and empower them to have a fighting chance against prejudice and discrimination.

This fight isn’t just about the face, this fight is about facing challenges head on, and acknowledging that it’s only just a phase. Never quitting, never stopping. To all Filipino women out there who have lost their confidence, hope is not lost. You can get past this, in your fight against acne and all its inherent negativity, “Wag Mong Isuko Ang Laban”.

#WagMongIsukoAngLaban

The 18-year-old UMak student crowned Miss Makati 2019

PRESS RELEASE

Makati ICRD, 8998938 

June 22, 2019 - The 18-year old student of the University of Makati (UMak), Micah Beatrice Santos from Barangay West Rembo, has been crowned Miss Makati 2019, besting 23 other candidates at the Coronation Night held Friday at the Makati Coliseum. Accompanied by Miss Makati 2018 Karla O’Hara and Congressman Luis Campos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay crowned Miss Makati 2019.

Mayor Abby Binay said the newly-crowned Miss Makati 2019 impressed the judges with her striking beauty, self-confidence, and intelligence, which have made her an ideal partner of the city government in promoting a “smart, sustainable and future-ready Makati”.

Santos is also the current titleholder of Miss UMak 2019. She stated that her advocacy is to campaign against bullying, having been a victim of bullies herself, and vowed to help fellow victims overcome adversity.

“Miss Makati 2019 has risen above the challenges she has faced and turned these into opportunities to grow and become a stronger and better person. I am confident that she will be able to fulfill her crucial role in accelerating Makati’s transformation as a Smart City,” Mayor Abby said.

The mayor said Miss Makati 2019 will serve as the City’s Ambassador of Goodwill while inspiring fellow young Makatizens to strive for excellence and take an active part in city-building, as defined by 2019 pageant theme, “Creating the Future Now”.

Mayor Abby, Mayor Abby also congratulated the other winners, Miss Makati Tourism 2019 Kristina Cassandra Bahaj and Miss Makatizen 2019 Venice Kayla Barrameda.

“Both Miss Makati Tourism 2019 and Miss Makatizen 2019 have shown that they are up to the task of helping us promote innovations that will empower and inspire the citizens of Makati,” she stated.

Bahaj, 22, a resident of Barangay Sta. Cruz said that she was motivated to join the pageant by her personal experience with taking care of a family member suffering from dementia, her own grandmother. This led to her advocacy for making Makati the first “dementia-friendly city” in the country.

Barrameda, the 21-year-old resident of Barangay Guadalupe Viejo, who also won as Miss CEU 2016 at Centro Escolar University, is an advocate of good oral health. Her goal is to promote oral health by providing dental missions for the less privileged to give back to the city.

Miss Makati 2019 took home P200,000 cash prize, a crown, a sash, a gift pack from Home of Beauty Color (HBC), and P50,000 worth of gift certificates from iSkin Aesthetic Lifestyle.

Miss Makati Tourism 2019, on the other hand, won a cash prize of P150,000, a crown, a sash, an HBC gift pack, and P50,000 worth of gift certificates from iSkin Aesthetic Lifestyle. Miss Makatizen 2019 bagged P100,000 cash prize, a crown, a sash, an HBC gift pack, and P50,000 worth of gift certificates from iSkin Aesthetic Lifestyle.

Bahaj was also named “Miss Air Asia” while Barrameda won the titles “Miss iSkin Aesthetic Lifestyle” and “Miss Balmain”. The title “Miss Congeniality” was won by Gianelle Anne Balaton, 22, of Barangay Valenzuela, “Miss Photogenic” went to Micah Beatriz Santos; and “Best in Long Gown” was Renee Rose Tirones, 23, of Barangay San Lorenzo.

Now on its 29th year, the Miss Makati 2019 coronation night was hosted by Mikael Daez and Issa Litton. The pageant was part of the month-long celebration of the 349th Founding Anniversary of Makati with the theme, “Makati 2025: Fast-tracking Progress”.

The board of judges in this year’s pageant was chaired by Albert Andrada, designer; together with Sheila Romero, CEO Air Asia; Kate Pagkalinawan, CEO iSkin Aesthetic Lifestyle; George Royeca, CEO/owner of Angkas; Franco Laurel, singer, and actor; Ruffa Gutierrez, actress, and beauty queen; Tim Yap, host and media practitioner; and designers Anthony Ramirez and Paul Cabral.

Entertainment numbers were provided by Air Dance, Nexus (Makati Dance Challenge 2018 Champions), and balladeer Michael Pangilinan.

The other 21 finalists included Charlene Marie Inonog (Kasilawan); Stephanie Isabelle Aquino (Poblacion); Sophia Michaela Leanne Aguado (Pio del Pilar); Alliaa Nicole Diputado (Tejeros); Gianelle Anne Balaton (Valenzuela); Patricia Rose Pangan (San Isidro); Bianca Gabrielle Abaya (Poblacion); Lailah Guiuan (Pembo); Kaoru Aseana Pimentel (South Cembo); Jan Karen Esguerra (Bel-Air); Monica Acuno (West Rembo); Hannah Patricia Beatrice Kristiansen (Northside); Desiree Harriet Alyanna Gamboa (Guadalupe Viejo); Charlyn Joyce Barrientos (Southside); Ma. Anna Clarisse Villavicencio (San Antonio); Marie Gabrielle Brillantes (Poblacion); Princess Vinia Putulin (South Cembo); Renee Rose Tirones (San Lorenzo); Elliah Kate Nicolas (East Rembo); Jeanne Pauline Suplente (Guadalupe Viejo); and Erika Mae Salvador (Comembo).

The candidates were adjudged with the following criteria: Intelligence, 40 percent; beauty, 40 percent; and personality, 20 percent.