Disney Infinity - Marvel Super Heroes 2.0 Edition Launch

Mike Schneider Senior Producer Disney Interactive

I've been playing consoles since I was a kid. I journeyed far and beyond Manila to get a decent challenger in some of the games I play and have championed some of them. I got pretty rusty already because the usual games I played became outdated in a couple of years and it was pretty hard to learn new ones later on. I still have a my Playstation addiction and can play a mean round or two of any game of your choosing. I can easily adapt because I am a gamer no matter how new these console goes out in public.

/*Image from Disney.com and not mine.

One of the innovations on these consoles that got my attention lately is this game in particular called Disney Infinity. I haven't played the game yet but when we got to the launch a few days ago, they were already releasing the second edition. Think of multi-player, then use characters from Disney and Pixar. Think of the game play that would come out in their various skills and superpowers done in spectacularly designed environments made by professional ones or community members who even give their designs away for free via Toy Box. You can just imagine the possibilities. The recently launched one includes The Disney Infinity Marvel Super Heroes Starter Pack version 2.0 includes the game software, the Disney 2.0 Base, The Avengers 3 piece character set (Iron Man, Black Widow and Thor), two toy box game discs, your own game web code card and Toy Box 2.0 software too. They also released Spiderman and Guardians of the Galaxy play sets so you can mix them up if the game allows it. You would need to play specific quests in order to make that available in the game. 

In the Disney Infinity Marvel Super Heroes 2.0 Edition, they are bringing more fresh content and story lines. They also believe that they'll be impressed with how these new characters would be involved inside the story doing flying, web swinging, crawling, smashing a lot more. The Toy Box 2.0 was also improved by a mile making it easier and efficient in making random or designed pieces wherever and whenever they are in the country. Characters can also be updgraded in skill so don't fret if you're going to need the playset 2.0 to mix with first edition ones. They'll be mixing and matching them as long as you do the special quests in the game. The all natural games  will surely make adventure lovers love it even more when it arrives on your doorstep. Last year's event got us excited over the developments coming to the version 1.0, now that they've got 2.0 and pretty impressive characters in the story. 

Gameplay is nice. I played an hour or so on my first try. I loved how free the environment was because you can fly, you can change characters by placing a different one on the Disney Infinity pad. You can also use the game discs to boost the powers of your characters as if it wasn't powerful enough. The graphics, it has more to improve but I think the thing to consider is that it's made cartoon-ish so don't expect life like characters. They also needed to make them equate with the other characters from other shows and that is a bit complicated. You also need to do special quests in order to use the other characters. Aside from that, skill upgrades are available while inside the game so your superpowers improve as you get further in the story. I like the modes where you can also ride a motorbike and roam around the city that way or be in versus mode to battle for the best time.

What I like is the fact that it is now here in the Philippines. In the past we always had to import things like these just to get it. It's presence along may spur gaming trends because it's not like the oridnary consoles we had these past few years. It's a new technology, it's got a Toy Box and a lot of gaming opportunities. I wish I had compatible consoles but it's a good thing you can play this on the PC by downloading off their website. Register now and make your own Disney Infinity a reality!

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Moonshine Bar in Jupiter Street Makati

Tucked away in Jupiter street in Makati is this quaint little oasis full of gourmet cocktails and hearty comfort food. It's perfect for the yuppie crowd or just anybody from the area. After a hard days work, all you need is a cold drink and really good food to make your stress go away. It was raining a bit when I arrived and it felt perfect to be there even if I didn't know a lot of people from this place - it's got a lot to do because the bar is conducive for talk. So when you're there, stay nice and wear a smile and grab one or more Mason jar cocktails; and enjoy letting lose every once in a while.

Moonshine Bar is the child project of college friends (TITAN Restaurant Group) Chef Jehrad Dolino, Chef Rain Barbers, Renz Mediarito, Chef Jared Sto. Tomas, and Gian Mathay (who's based in Cebu). They were the naughty and notorious bunch in college, they were the ones that were more known for getting drunk before, while and after class. They were kind of frustrated seeing some businessmen that didn't even have culinary background, but have built pretty great restaurants. They knew they could do it, maybe even better. In the beginning. they didn't get to storm ideas that well because everyone wanted to trump each other - not surprised since they're all alpha males. They got together and butted heads one day, 3 off of 5 agreed with a more "Speakeasy" concept. It's a retro 1920's vibe, wherein movies, are usually seen where gangsters hang out.

The Interiors

Yes, the concept's quite great. I love the few unique pieces they have on the lot like this light fixture on top of the table we dined in.

It's made of exposed light bulbs, glass jars and wrought iron whilst the tables were a mix of wood, upholstery with leather and a couple of  bunk chairs. 

Seating can probably go around 50-70 people including the ones outside the porch. Just like you I can't take away my eyes off the mirrors and brick walls. It's not too fancy shmancy and they've got a great bar whipping up some great cocktails and drinks this side of town.

The lighting is perfectly set for that "secretive" kinda place that "no one knows" feel they were going for. There's not much people around this area which would be perfect for the intimate gatherings you might want to have with friends, officemates and even family. There's a slight drawback on the brick walls though because once that other tables become a bit rowdy, you'll hear them quite much. Since you probably go here for fun, you wouldn't really notice it and might actually think they're you're friends too.

 We went there on California Wine Night so there were a ton or two of our foreign friends from Europe, US and Asia having fun with the multitude of wines they have inside the store. Still, nothing fancy but more relaxed.

It's very near the Buendia MRT station, I literally walked from there. It's in front of the Car shop and about 5 buildings away from the street corner beside a little known Persian restaurant if my memory serves me right. Ladies, you are STRONGLY encouraged to go to this place not just for the drinks but the hearty food choices they have that you'll see in a bit. I didn't even know I'd meet really good people in this joint but I did so if you're alone, don't despair, you can meet people here. The place is tops for those who don't want ultra commercial places that charge an arm and a leg on drinks and chow, which gets us into our next piece. 

Saving Can Start Early with Electrolux Appliances

Good morning guys! Today we're bringing you the Electrolux Save and Share Blog Series which is part of the Electrolux Delightful-E campaign which aims to help you save money and precious time by making everyday tasks simple and easy. Remember about my article here for saving just by washing clothes? Today, we get to ask Electrolux brand ambassadors about creative and effective ways to save household expenses, to ultimately share blessings to other people who enjoy their Electrolux appliances. In this one, we get to talk to my favorite Chef in the world, Chef Bruce Lim and Mommy Mundo's Janice Villanueva about how they battle day to day's quirks.

At home, just like you... we often think of ways on how to get bills taken cared of. Utilities comprise a big part of the budget and if you get to efficiently use it while lowering costs, you end up using the money you save on more important things. My water bill is crazy, so is electricity. I always end up complaining when I see the numbers at the end of the month when I should have done the deed while we were in the middle of everything. We asked Chef Bruce and Ms. Janice some simple questions to see how they do it and what they do to not have bill shock especially on regular things like utilities. They gave their two cents about how they do it in their homes, you can do this too. Listen up!

Hi Chef Bruce and Ms. Janice! What do you do to ensure that utility bills (especially electricity and water) do not spike up?

Chef Bruce says "I have a family of boys who get dirty a lot and they can change clothes up to 4 times a day. So I have to make sure that my appliances is energy saving like my Electrolux washing machine it has energy saving features that I love! My air conditioners are all Electrolux inverters that also help me save on the energy bill!".

Ms. Janice on the other hand says "My household consists of 8 persons- 5 family members and 3 household staff and keeping utility costs down all boils down to education. For my husband and I, the homeowners, choosing energy efficient appliances, using the right settings for specific situations, and knowing how to use appliances properly are the key. Trickling this down this knowledge to the household helpers and kids is also important. To give an example with the use of airconditioners: 

1) Buy an energy efficient aircon by checking the EE rating, make sure you buy an aircon with capacity that matches the size of the room. 

2) For the helpers, teach them how to keep the aircon filters clean, and how to turn the aircon on and off and set proper thermostat setting. 

3) For the kids, teach them that airconditioners consume a lot of electricity so every hour you save from aircon use can be a big deal. Tell them for example that turning on the aircon at 7pm instead of 6pm everyday, will save you a lot when you multiply each day by 30 days in a month.

Teaching kids is also based on age appropriateness- like for teens, you can teach them to use the timer already. For school age, teach them how to turn and set the thermostat knob to keep aircon energy efficient. For younger kids, teach them to use the fan when it’s possible and the aircon only when really really needed already. When talking benefits, you can even say that cost of that extra hour of aircon use amounts to the price of their favorite toy. Speaking in kids’ terms helps them understand better and allows them to be more involved."

I see Chef Bruce, I too believe in technologies such as inverters would really make energy monster appliances like airconditioners to be efficient. Imagine how much you would be able to get if you use them almost everyday. Inverters make aircon compressors only work when you have already achieved the specific comfort and coldness. It can get you at least 30-50% cheaper on the regular bill because it consumes less power. Even if it costs more, you get some kind of return in investment because of the savings you get from it. Pretty neat stuff. 

Ms. Janice also made some points on the value of teaching kids how much they spend on electricity. Some simple things and adjusting specific times on when to turn appliances ON and OFF or when needed is key. I delved more on on that part on my second question.

Since you are both parents, do you find it important to share the value of savings to your kids? If yes, how do you do it? At what age is it best to start introducing the value of money and saving? Any tips on how other parents can creatively do this to their kids?

Chef Bruce says "Yes, as early as you can. I always explain to my boys about the value of a buck. I teach them about not wasting food and how to make use of the leftovers. Like a roast chicken will be dinner then breakfast will be a chicken sandwich and snack time will be chicken noodle soup.

My family and I all have reusable water bottles, we stay in one room when its play time so we use just one air conditioner. Piggy banks are the way to go as well. So all the change I have in my pockets goes into a family piggy bank. Then when its full I we change it in the bank and I show them how much we saved. Then it becomes a play day with daddy!"

Ms. Janice adds "Like in anything, early education is important. Making saving a habit and instilling this in our kids early is the first step towards their financial wellness. The most basic is to open a bank account for them. If they are of age, involve them in this process. Bring them to the bank with you, show them how you fill up the form and deposit slip, give their money to the bank teller and show them their passbook. Money gifts from birthdays and Christmas make good seed money for their first junior savings account. Show them how their money earns interest every month. Then every time they get money gifts or their weekly allowance, provide them with healthy reminders and prompts to make them decide to keep the money in the bank than to spend it.

Besides this, you can also have concrete activities to provide a bit more “instant gratification” and let them reap rewards of saving money. When my kids want a new toy and we will not buy it for them because there is no special occasion, they will save up for the toy and earn money by saving their allowance in school, doing chores at home (we have a rate card for different chores), make crafts to sell to their lolas, uncles and aunts and our family friends and even at some of the mini markets/ bazaars that I organize. They also sometimes work at our kid-friendly events as staff and earn an allowance which they also put in their savings fund."

You get it fresh from these people who live pretty successful lives. It does matter when you've got your family involved in using appliances efficiently and have savings off of it whether you are an advocate of using electricity and water like they do. I learned quite a lot just by asking them a couple of questions and got answers just like what experts do. They want you to have the same things they enjoy while hoping you'll live life to the fullest at your homes. It's easy if you get to know how to integrate key Electrolux appliances too. To know more, please follow @ElectroluxPH on Twitter and Instagram. Or like their channels below. You can start early, trust me it's easy!

  

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Smart Ways to Stream on Blink Without Credit Cards

I've used this app several times to watch live TV and several NBA games as it's pretty handy on my iPhone and Android devices. The Blink App which is available in the Apple Store and Google Play is the best local video on demand streaming service in the country. Add to that the site www.blink-now.com and a gigantic array of Hollywood movies, TV series and live cable channels, this is just something you can't live without if you're indulgent in watching shows. The problem though lies in paying for it, but I think this news might be just the answer to your questions.

The country's biggest network Smart Communications has just recently partnered with Solar Entertainment so that you would be able to  access their services even without the need for credit cards. How? That's easy. Grab your smartphones and Text the keyword BLINK 60 for catalog movies, BLINK 90 for new movie releases and BLINK 250 so you can have unlimited access to all TV series to 3161 for Smart and TalkNText or 2354 for Sun. After texting, you'll receive a confirmation for the purchase and the ePIN which you can use as a promo code. Proceed to the www.blink-now.com website or your Blink-Now App and watch your favorite shows wherever, whenever. This means, you don't need a credit card to purchase it and just get access paying with your prepaid load or postpaid bill instantly. Convenient, I know. The deal is, can you see the possibilities now that you can do it on these channels?! Exactly.

If you are in EDSA and stuck in traffic, or chilling at home while it's raining, even when there's no electricity... you can only think of one thing if you want streaming right. Go make yourself useful and make your smartphone your window to the world. It's this easy because it's Smart! Check out their BLINK offers here!

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Charee Pineda's Surprise Birthday Party

We traveled all the way to Valenzuela City Hall up north to find Charee Pineda. She's a recent addition to GMA's stable last year as she came from the other channel. What we didn't know was how busy she is these past few years, not just with shooting shows but also serving the people of the 2nd District of Valenzuela. She's a Councilor, and she's well loved by her peers, the Mayor and her constituents. So when they planned to do a surprise party, they did it in style! They had a workshop and leadership training seminar that morning for the scholars under her office. It was also facilitated by World Youth Alliance which is an NGO that she also helps. She thought that she was going to be interviewed about it only with one camera crew but was shocked when she came inside the venue. Surprised as she was, she cried because she didn't know it was going to be her birthday celebration that was going to happen that afternoon. GMA Artist Center, prepared everything including some goodies that they gave away to the youth of Valenzuela City.

Charee here with the representative from World Youth Alliance, wishing her happy birthday.

Mayor Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela City and Charee's co councilors were also there to celebrate with her.

She was so happy because she didn't expect anything on this day but a simple dinner with family. Celebrating it with the people who care for her meant a lot to Charee and she says "I'm a crybaby even if I'm watching TV I cry a lot. I didn't expect this and I was really touched by this gesture. My staff didn't give me any clues. My scholars, the Mayor, it just feels so good to belong with the best people just to surprise me. I was supposed to go to Manaoag but I begged off because of the traffic and only planned to be with family later. I miss showbiz and miss shooting. Hopefully soon I would be able to work in a soap, time management, I hope GMA Artist Center takes care of that even if I'm still in school and with Valenzuela. My love life is so good and it's nice because he's not from showbiz. He's from Valenzuela and he also grew up here so he understands what I do. I want to be a councilor again, it's my first term but I want to learn a lot so that once I get to be in a higher position I would be well equipped. It's the same reason why I'm taking up Political Science. I wish that I could take time and get to appreciate everything that I have right now".

A Song Of Praise Music Festival Year 3

A Song Or Praise Music Festival marks it's third year now in the Philippines. Standing strong with 12 finalists that made 12 inspiring songs to give thanks and glory to God, they are eager to showcase their songwriting prowess on UNTV 37 and streamed live internationally at UNTVWEB.COM and heard on UNTV Radio La Verdad 1350KHz on the dial. It's a great opportunity for undiscovered but talented composers  who aspire to be victorious in the music industry. ASOP has already produced three albums in the past and has proven well in sales as they have featured equally great artists from the local music scene.

This has been running for quite some time now and they've given away thousands of cash prizes weekly, monthly and now the finals. They also conducted a few workshops and songwriting tips for well regarded people in the industry so they really make them better at this craft.

Bobby Delos Santos

The Grand Finals will happen this September 23, 2014 7PM at the SMART Araneta Coliseum and no more than music greats will be on stage. Bobby Delos Santos of ASOP says "We're excited to see you in the finals as we aim to make more music for praise since we don't usually hear them anymore on the airwaves. Hopefully with this contest, we would get more material and have it heard with a larger audience too."

The finalists include "Hangga't May Tinig Ako"(As Long As I Can Sing) which is composed by Jinnie Adilan and interpreted by Daryl Ong, "Awit ng Puso Ko" (Song of my Heart) composed by Empol Balbin and interpreted by Bo Cerrudo, "Pagpupuring Walang Hanggan" (Unending Praise) composed by Cesar Montano interpreted by Mcoy Fundales, "Sa Bawat Araw" (In Every Day) composed by Marlon Nabia interpreted by Shanne Velasco, "Ikaw ang Tangi Kong Minamahal" (You Are My Only Love) composed by Ralph Lauren Refil and interpreted by Gail Blanco, "Biyaya" (Blessings) composed by Meldin Nabia and interpreted by Bayang Barrios, "Tanging Gabay" (Only Guide) composed by Amiel Mendoza and interpreted by Rachel Alejandro, "Kislap" (Shine) composed by Oliver Narag interpreted by Jessa Mae Gabon, "God Will Win Our Fight" composed by Ricardo Sanchez interpreted by Jek Manuel and Jason Fernandez, "May Awa ang Dios" (God is Merciful) composed by Louise Lyle Robles and interpreted by Beverly Caimen, "You Are Lord Of All" composed by LILET and interpreted by Ava Olivia Santos, and "Panginoon Kay Buti Mo" (God You Are So Good) composed by Jesse Bayodoc and interpreted by Walton Zerrudo. If thes lineup of composers and singers don't impress you on stage, we don't know what will.

80's Iconic Singer Superstar Lilet

My favorite so far? Of course it's childhood crush LILET. I told Lilet that I used to go to her class room when I was 10... we went to the same school in Elementary, I always wanted to see her. I asked if how she feels joining this contest and she said "I'm both nervous and excited but more than the competition, the most important thing is the reason why we are doing this. We are doing this for the Lord!". The contest actually accepted entries from different religious groups and not just ones from UNTV's lineage. They welcome everyone says Mon Del Rosario, one of ASOP's judges. Mon Del Rosario also added that the other judges will remain a secret but their style will all be specific on the way the song is interpreted and written. They are going to be very detailed on how you'll see it. It's okay to be non conforming so people would be able to appreciate it, much like commercial songs. He's got favorites now and he can't wait to see them do it in Araneta this Tuesday.

We also asked Ricardo Sanchez about his song because he's the only one who had two interpreters and he said that he made this specifically for two people and with the Euro type of vibe it's the perfect way to hear it. The event is free but I think tickets have already been given to audiences. Aside from that, the album is also free, please do visit their social network channels so you can get a copy of it. You can also download it off their website, all free as well. If you want to hear and feel praise music like in our country, please don't forget to watch the show in UNTV live. We're looking good in this part of the world, we do sound definitely good as well.

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Exclusive BTS Photos for G.I. JANE: Jane Oineza x BUM

I know you guys are very excited to see what Jane Oineza has been doing these past few weeks right after she got a Runner Up spot in popular reality show Pinoy Big Brother. I must say, she did lost a lot of weight from the last time I saw her. She did probably work out prior to this shoot which is kind of momentous since she's actually releasing her own line called G.I. JANE together with BUM the country's premier street wear brand. 

Photographer Ash Reginald Evasco with Jane Oineza and the BUM crew during the shoot.

The concept  was easy but it basically had to be in tune with Jane Oineza's personality. She has proved a ton of things during her stint in that show and now it'll be all embedded on the clothing, bags and accessories she'll be releasing together with BUM in stores nationwide. We've seen a couple announcements on this tie up and I find that it did personify who she is that afternoon. It's like a series of statement shirts, and as you can see she did have a hand on the merchandise. It's something positive and it'll be something to reward her after all that stress and learning experience she had during the show. You'll know what I mean when you see it, so enough of the words... let's see her shoot! :)

The IPANEMA Selfeet Campaign

It was fun and colorful at the new IPANEMA concept store in SM North Edsa-Annex last week when they launched their new Selfeet campaign. Selfeet mainly means selfie with your feet and that starts right in the heart of Manila today. Just go to Robinsons Ermita today and you'll see James Reid and Nadine Lustre having fun with you through games, shows and a couple of #Selfeet on social media because they promise to get you to win Punta Fuego Batangas trips if you participate. Isn't that neat?

Aside from that. they'll do the same activity in Ayala Center in Cebu come October 12 and Abreeza Mall Davao on November 16. It'll be so much fun with the Ipanema endorsers and lovely people to help you choose the perfect pair if you're there.

Their brand of flipflops are really good, a tad more affordable too.

 I must say this aggressive marketing campaign by the brand just spells the flip flop industry in the Philippines must be really getting tough. It's a good thing. They also said that IPANEMA is surely going to open more stores before the year ends and even more next year. They don't really have a problem with building them but they just need more space. SM just doesn't have them anymore would you believe? :) But surely they will be seen in more locations nationwide so don't fret if you haven't experienced Ipanema yet, because they will be there.

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Miguel Tanfelix's Touching Birthday with Special Kids

Yesterday, we went all the way to Dasmariñas Cavite to visit a publicly funded Dr. Jose P. Rizal Elementary School. It's right off the beaten path of Cavite which is very near Technological University of the Philippines in Dasmariñas. The school offers the regular Elementary curriculum and Special Education courses designed for kids that are differently abled or with special needs. We're here to celebrate the birthday of one of GMA's prized possessions and star of Niño, actor Miguel Tanfelix. His show battled with a real tough one over at the other channel but his show really held up mainly because the story was new and who wouldn't love an adorably guy playing it right? He chose to celebrate it with special people because just like his show, the cause somehow is really close with him. Other than that, it's worth the trip to his hometown because he lives quite near the school. It's his birthday but he wants to be the one to give gifts to the kids. Isn't that sweet?

The kids, their teachers, some with their parents and family patiently waited for the program to start. This is one of the few public schools that have special education facilities. It's not often that it happens and they're more lucky because even if it's not in Metro Manila, they have this.

The kids had so much fun going up on stage and playing some games with Miguel Tanfelix. His best friend who is also part of the show Renz Valerio came along to show his support. We talked to him after the show and he told us how important it is for him to be here. He's not just a friend while on cam but he makes it a point to be there for Miguel more if he's doing things like these off cam. He knows how kind hearted his friend is and he wants to be there in important occasions.