Aspiring Ice Athletes Assured of full support towards winter Olympics Dream

SM Skating, a major patron in the country’s ice sports program, has vowed to continue developing the talents and skills of young, aspiring athletes, to keep alive dreams of qualifying and making a strong finish in future winter Olympics games and other tournaments.

 
SM Skating executives reiterated their commitment to provide training and offer world-class ice skating facilities to Filipino ice athletes after welcoming home figure skater Michael Christian Martinez at the Olympic Size rink inside the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

“We are grateful for the sacrifices made and dedication shown by Michael Martinez in the just concluded winter Olympics. He has become not only a source of pride but also an inspiration especially for the budding ice athletes who, I believe, will carry our country’s colors in future international competitions,” said Herman Emiliano Medina-Cue, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. chief operating officer.

Martinez represented the country in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea where he came up short in his bid to advance in the men’s single figure skating event. Despite the setback ,the winter Olympian is honoured to be give the chance to compete once more in the global ice tournament.

“Competing at that level of the winter Olympics, in the company of world-class figure skating talents, and performing in front of the world, is already a reward. I am honoured to have represented the country in that tournament and hope I have become an inspiration to the next generation of ice athletes,” said Martinez.
Martinez was welcomed home by his family, supporters and fans. He was also presented with a certificate of recognition for his efforts in representing the country and heralding ice skating in the Philippines to new heights.

Martinez had a relatively short time to prepare as the Philippines was only advised and allowed to compete as a first alternate after Olympic qualifier Sweden withdrew in January. Prior to his return to the winter Olypics, Martinez won the silver medal in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.

Home of the Country’s Ice Athletes

SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. has been supporting the development of Filipino ice athletes, including the Southeast Asian Games gold medal-winning Philippine Ice Hockey Team, and various ice sports in the country by implementing the SM Ice Skating Sports program and maintaining Olympic-size ice skating rinks in Metro Manila and Cebu City.
Some of the young athletes who train at SM Skating are figure skaters Jules Alpe, ALisson Peticheto, Smantha Cabiles and Sofia Guidote. The ice skating rink at the SM Mall of Asia can host not only recreational and competitive figure skating and speed skating events but also ice hockey games.

Located at the main mall’s third level, the 1,800 square meter rink boasts of complete facilities for hockey games such as a digital scoreboard, player’s boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes as well as two locker rooms with hot and cold shower.

Visitors can conveniently watch practices, trainings, exhibitions, shows, games and tournaments at the 200-seater stands located around the rink. Those wanting to take a quick bite can head to the snack booth for hotdogs, burgers, nachos, popcorn, coffee cakes, pastries and ice-cold beverages.
The ice skating rink also has a spacious lobby and multi-purpose rooms for sports training, meetings, and social functions while a clinic provides immediate first-aid assistance for any minor sports-related injuries

Meet the FBOIS of Squad Goals; Julian Trono, Vitto Marquez, Andrew Muhlach, Jack Reid and Dan Hushcka...
JULIAN TRONO #FLYBOI
Julian Trono broke into showbiz in 2009 as a host in the values-oriented children’s show Tropang Potchi. In 2010, he joined Party Pilipinas where he wowed audiences with his dance moves, earning him the title "Prince of the Dance Floor”. Not one to limit himself, he tried out acting and appeared in several TV shows, such as Amaya (2011), Anna Karenina (2013), Niño (2014), Buena Familia (2015), and Dear Uge (2016). In 2017, Julian played a significant role in Viva Films’ horror movie Ang Pagsanib Kay Leah Dela Cruz. Not long after, he finally got his first leading role in the romantic comedy Fangirl, Fanboy,opposite Ella Cruz. And while honing his craft as an actor, Julian was also enjoying being a recording artist under Viva Records. His original songs include Balang Araw, Isang Tingin, and Tumalon.
This year, Julian has the pleasure of showing both his dancing and acting chops in the movie SQUAD GOALS He plays Benj, an Engineering student who is a secret dance guru called “Young D”. He wears a mask in his dance videos on YouTube to hide from his father who frowns upon this passion of his. He took up Engineering to be able to help out in their family’s failing business. As if juggling his studies and interest is not hard enough, Benj finds himself in some misadventures with his friends. Will he be able to dance his way out of trouble?

VITTO MARQUEZ #FITBOI
Vitto Marquez surprised his mother Alma Moreno when he told her his desire to join showbiz. The actress described her son with Joey Marquez as “shy”, but she knew he’d build his confidence under the management of VIVA. In 2016, Vitto auditioned for ABS-CBN’s boy group Hashtag, and a year later, he was officially launched as one of its members.
To this day, Vitto is seen regularly on It’s Showtime. From the small screen, Vitto gets his first break in the big screen with the movie SQUAD GOALS that’s coming out this summer. He plays Tom, son of a retired basketball player and a model/actress. He is an HRM student and a varsity team captain who also happens to be a three-time MVP. It is not surprising that he is hailed as the “It Guy” in the university. But like a typical teen, he gets into various mischief with his friends. Will he stay popular for the right things or be talked about for the wrong ones?

ANDREW MUHLACH #FUNNYBOI
Andrew Muhlach pondered on joining showbiz when he was in high school. The desire to entertain grew even stronger when he reached college, so he decided to pursue it even with his busy schedule in school. His decision was fully supported by his family, especially his brother Aga Muhlach. In 2016, he starred as the son of Herbert Bautista and Maricel Soriano in the movie Lumayo Ka Nga Sa Akin. In 2017, he worked with Jack Reid for the *rst time in the horror +ick Darkroom.
This year, Andrew aptly plays the role of a class clown by the name of Nat in SQUAD GOALS. He is the best friend of Tom (Vitto Marquez). He comes from a middle class family, with his father earning a living by driving for Uber while his mother is a2liated with a networking company. Quick though he is in coming up with pranks, he is very slow when it comes to expressing his feelings for the girl he likes. As he tries to *gure out these matters of the heart, he engages in crazy antics with his friends. But the consequences will prove to be no laughing matter.

JACK REID #FASTBOI
Jack Reid is on his third year in showbiz, and this Fil-Aussie has been working hard since to be recognized for his own capabilities and not just for being the youngest brother of James Reid. In 2016, he was cast in the TV series Ang Panday and the game show Happy Truck Happinas. Last year, he starred in the horror flick Darkroom. His good looks and fashion sense have scored him a clothing endorsement contract.
This Summer, Jack will surely have girls swooning over his character in SQUAD GOALS. Jack plays Pads, a Mass Communication student who works part time as a bartender. This makes him drowse off during class. Born and raised in Australia, he is yet to speak Tagalog fluently. He is tutored by a girl who seems to be the only one not affected by his charisma. Pads lives with his older brother, but he has also found some cool “bruhs” in the university. In times of adversity, to what extent can their brotherhood help him?

DAN HUSHCKA #FUNKYBOI
Dan Huschka was first known as a member of a boy group “Sugar High” in 2013. Singing was his reason for entering showbiz and his 14-year-old self once said that it’s what he’d want to do for the rest of his life. The boy turned into a young man, and now this Filipino-German is also into acting. In 2017, he was cast in Taddy Taddy Po, a family comedy on Sari Sari channel.
This year, Daniel widens his acting experience with the movie SQUAD GOALS. He plays Hans, a shy type music genius who keeps getting gigs as a DJ. In the process, his studies are taken for granted. He has a set of friends, but he tries not to be attached to them as he knows he and his mom will go back to Germany anytime to see his father. This became exceptionally di2cult to do when he met a girl who shares his musical interest. In the midst of his personal issues and academic struggles, will Hans open up to his friends after all?
#FBOIS ON TOUR
Catch the #FBOIS on the following dates and venues:
February 24 (Saturday) - SM City Bacoor
March 04 (Sunday) - Ayala Malls Cloverleaf
March 10 (Saturday) - Ayala Malls Feliz
March 11 (Sunday) - SM City San Pablo
March 17 (Saturday) - SM City Iloilo
March 24 (Saturday) - Ayala Malls Harbor Point
March 25 (Sunday) - SM City Pampanga
April 07 (Saturday) - SM City Tarlac
April 08 (Sunday) - SM City Rosales
April 09 (Monday) - Fisher Mall
April 14 (Saturday) - Ayala Malls Legazpi
April 22 (Sunday) - SM City Bicutan
April 28 (Saturday) - SM City Novaliches
April 29 ( Sunday) - Gaisano Starscene Davao
FOLLOW THEM! For more info on #FBOIS and their upcoming shows, follow their official social media accounts: Facebook : facebook.com/VIVAFilms : facebook.com/SquadGoalsMovie Twitter : @VIVA_Films Instagram : @viva_films Produced by VIVA Films, SQUAD GOALS opens nationwide this summer.

A third wheel, am pretty much sure no one wants to be that one. We all want to the one and sometimes trying to find that one we all ends up into a relationship that is different. Now on this particular movie, well,
Yassi Pressman and Sam Milby reunite in "Ang Pambansang Third Wheel", a romantic comedy movie produced by VIV Films and The IdeaFirst Company.



Yassi plays Trina, a receptionist turned copywriter in an advertising agency. She has a very active imagination and believes that every person is destined to meet someone thatwill keep her or him company in this life's journey. Already in her 30s, Trina is yet to find that one person for her. She's had her heart broken thrice, and has long accepted the awkward status of being a third wheel to her dating friends. She swears she won't fall for a guy until she's sure that he meets her standards.



Sam plays Neo, an art director who gets partnered with Trina in an advertising project. Beyong his good looks, Trina finds something in him that make her break down the wall she's built to protect her heart. Neo admits that he has loved three women, but his revelation about having an 8 year old son devastates Trina. To make matters worse, the boy's mother still maker her presence felt.

Now third-wheeling between NEo and his son, does Trina stand a chance of being Neo's "Only One"

Playing the role of Murphy, the attention-seeking son of Neo, is Alonzo Muhlack, while Monica, Neo's ex-wife, is played by Sam Pinto.

Directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, "Ang Pambansang Third Wheel" is getting positive reactions from netizens because of its storyline and the chemistry between the lead stars who both starred in the movie Camp Sawi.


In explaining Yassi's character, Director Payawal said "Gusto niya s'ya iyong priority pero dahil in-accept na itong lalaki na ito sa buhay nya, kailangan nyang mag-adjust".

Sam is coming off the success of "Doble Kara", an afternoon soap on ABS-CBN that ran for more than year, while Yassi is currently enjoying her role as Alyanna in "Ang Probinsyano" the no.1 teleserye on Philippine Primetime TV.





Just recently, Pressman and Milby leveled up the public's excitement as they were caught giving free hugs around the metro.

"Ang Pambansang Third Wheel" opens in cinemas nationwide on March 7.

For more updates, like, follow, subscribe to official social media accounts of Viva Films.

As part of SM’s Nationals Arts Month celebration this February, SM Supermalls invites everyone to Synthesis: an exhibit on Architectural Photography by Ar. Marc Henrich Go from February 28 to March 8 at The Upper Ground Atrium of SM Aura Premier.



Showcasing the harmony between two arts, Synthesis features both the talent of Marc Henrich Go, and the worksof renowned architecture and design firm Budji+Royal, underscoring the intuitive collaboration of creative minds.
A first-of-its-kind demonstration at SM Aura Premier, the evocative photos are set to indulge with meaningful spatial experiences of atmosphere and emotion through architectural photography.

A multi-awarded photographer, Ar. Marc Henrich Go is a talented lensman who has won numerous competitions and completed many international commissions. Specializing in architectural, travel, and commercial photography,his works have been featured in the covers and pages of major publications and magazines such as the Philippine Tatler, People Asia, Bluprint, and Cocoon. He recently topped the January 2018 Architect Licensure Exam. Being both an architect and photographer, his approach is a fusion of both professions that enables him to capture the essence of architecture and design through his own extraordinary perspective.



Budji+Royal is design firm led by the visionary tandem of Budji Layug and Royal Pineda, who together conceived a Total Design approach where architecture, interior design, furniture, styling and landscaping are planned into an integrated whole, specifically for the unique needs of each project.
A very inspiring kind of exhibit. My hubby loves this kind of exhibit, especially he is into painting and at the same time photograph.  He tries to learn more by practicing and enrolling through online classes and of course through experiences.





Seeing this exhibit made me realized what I want for my kids. Of course that's what I dream for them. I like my eldest to be an Engineer because he loves math subject. While my youngest son I want him to be an Architect because he loves art, those are my dreams for them, but me and my hubby would let them decide whatever they want to pursue someday.
One of this days, if we can, I will let my sons visit this exhibit to make them aware on architectural design and on photography. Mommies, show it also to your kids when you visit the SM Aura Premier, to let them appreciate the beauty of this exhibit.

The SM Executive, the Mentor of Arch Go, Go Family, Dra. Vicky Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho together with their daughter Scarlet Snow Belo-Kho were present during the ribbon cutting of the exhibit.

Don’t forget to catch other art events and activities you can discover in SM malls near you, including the Pagbubunsod 2018 in Angono (Feb 27 to Mar 3), the Cordillera and Panagbenga Art Exhibit in Baguio (until Mar 16), and the Art All Over exhibits and workshops in Seaside Cebu (until Mar 31).

Beginning February 26, GMA Network proudly unveils its first-ever "advoca-serye" in Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka, topbilled by Yasmien Kurdi, Martin del Rosario, Jackie Rice, and Mike Tan.

This Afternoon Prime soap, which tackles one of the most serious and fatal diseases in the world, brings to light the struggles of a woman who is HIV positive and how she battles her own frailties and demons in life.
Yasmien breathes life to Thea Balagtas, a simple provincial girl with a promising career as a public accountant. She falls in love with Marco and marries him. Eventually, they are blessed with fraternal twins whom they love very much.
Martin is Lawrence De Leon, Thea's college friend from a well-off family. Secretly, he is in love with her even though he dates a lot of women and develops HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) from this.

Jackie is Ava Imperial, Marco's beautiful and socialite ex-girlfriend. She shuffles to and from the United States for pleasure and business. Even though she flirts around, she is still bent on settling with Marco.
Mike is Marco Angeles, a handsome and charming lad who falls in love with Thea and marries her despite his mother's refusal. He remains independent and grounded even though he was born rich.

Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka follows the life of Thea who, after marrying Marco and raising their fraternal twins together, her blissful life shatters when she tests positive for HIV. Without knowing who she got it from, Marco is led to believe that she cheated on him and files for legal separation, taking their kids with him. Her disease worsens and she loses her will to live. But when she unexpectedly meets her daughter a few years later, she finds it in herself to fight more than just HIV--her greatest opponent, herself.

Joining them in this ground-breaking project are multi-talented and versatile artists: award-winning film actress and TV director Gina Alajar as Adelaida Angeles, Marco's elitist and territorial mother who always resorts to schemes in order to get what she wants; Shamaine Buencamino as Magda Balagtas, Thea's superstitious mother who will fight with her through and through; Charee Pineda as Anna Balagtas, Thea's older sister who deeply cares for her mother and sibling; Ina Feleo as Sofia Angeles, Marco's older and principled sister who is a doting aunt to the twins; Mike "Pekto" Nacua as Tantoy Cruz, Thea's cousin who will fight for her; Catherine Rem as Olga Cruz, Thea's feisty cousin who works and resides in Manila; Caprice Cayetano as Angela Angeles, the daughter of Thea and Marco who grows up as a daddy's girl; Seth Dela Cruz as Maurice Angeles, Thea and Marco's son among the fraternal twins.
The series aims to raise HIV awareness and educate viewers on its effects upon a person's life through an intriguing drama--that even in our weaknesses, strength can be found if we only rise and have the courage to fight for our loved ones and ourselves.
Behind this engrossing drama is the creative team composed of Creative Director Roy Iglesias; Concept creator Zita Garganera; Headwriter Suzette Doctolero; Creative Head for Afternoon Prime Block Dode Cruz and Creative Consultant Kit Langit.
The program is another original creation of the GMA Drama group under the supervision of Senior Vice President for Entertainment Content Group Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; and Program Manager Anthony Pastorpide.

Under the direction of Neal del Rosario, don't miss Hindi Ko Kayang Iwan Ka beginning February 26 after The Stepdaughters on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Sponge Cola has renewed their recording contract with Universal Records. The contract signing was held on February 28, 2018 at the Universal Records office in Quezon City. Present during the signing are Universal Records Executive Vice President Ramon Chuaying, General Manager Kathleen Dy Go, Operations Manager Peter Chan, Head of OPM Production Ito Rapadas, and Sponge Cola: Yael Yuzon (Vocalist), Gosh Dilay (Bass), Erwin Armovit (Guitar), and Ted Mark Cruz (Drums).
Sponge Cola released 'Transit' their first album under Universal Records in 2006. Since then, they have produced hits such as 'Bitiw,' 'Tuliro,' 'Puso,' 'Di Na Mababawi,' 'Tambay,' 'Kay Tagal Kitang Kitang Hinintay,' 'Bahaghari,' and just recently, 'Tempura.' In addition to their numerous hits, their fourth album 'Araw Oras Tagpuan' was awarded as a Diamond Record in 2011. Their new single “Kunwari” is currently on Spotify’s Top OPM chart.

Sponge Cola is also recording heir latest album, to be released this 3rd Quarter of 2018.

When it comes to exciting flavors and great snacks to share with friends, Jolly Crispy Fries never disappoints. Crispy and flavorful in every bite, it can easily bring barkadas together and make them savor every fun experience. And for this season, Jollibee launches its exciting new fries flavor—Wasabi! The Wasabi Fries gives that surprisingly delicious kick for those daring adventure seekers.

“Wasabi Fries is the latest addition to our growing menu which continuously adapts to our customers’ evolving taste preferences. This season, we wanted to turn up the heat with this intriguing and adventurous new product,” Jollibee Senior Marketing Manager for Complementary Products Kay Segismundo said. “Our research and development team balanced the flavor in a way that would cater to those with medium to low tolerance for spice, while still being enjoyable to those who yearn for that kick. It’s perfect for group sharing, especially for friends who continue to look for variety and excitement in food and in everything they do.”

When you’re out unlocking achievements, ticking off bucket list items or simply lounging around with your friends, pair the experience with the flavorful Jolly Crispy Fries in plain (Php 35, Php 57 and Php 67 for regular, large and jumbo sizes, respectively) or Wasabi (Php 40, Php 65 and Php 80). Jolly Crispy Fries isavailable for dine-in, take-out, delivery and drive-thru transactions. For more information on your Jolly favorites, like Jollibee Philippines’ Facebook page and follow @Jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

*Prices may vary across different locations.