Magic and Drama Make an Awesome April on AXN

 

This April on AXN, magic hits the streets while thrilling adventures continue to unfold. Explore the world of underground street magicians in the magic show Don’t Blink; and America’s favorite hero embarks on her most dangerous mission in the new season of the drama thriller Quantico.

Don’t Blink

Don't Blink takes viewers inside the world of underground street magicians as they mesmerize onlookers, including stars from favorite films and television shows. This half-hour docuseries features some of the greatest masters of magic in the world - experts who have perfected the nuanced art of sleight of hand and understand what it takes to wow their fans. For the first time, these renowned magicians will stun and amaze without the veil of secrecy, uncut and unfiltered.

 

Don’t Blink premieres on April 2, and airs from Monday to Wednesday at 7.25pm.

Quantico Season 3
The world of secrets and spies continues in season three, as Alex Parrish (Priyanka Chopra) is forced to leave behind a peaceful and anonymous life somewhere in Italy to join Ryan (Jake McLaughlin) in rescuing Shelby (Johanna Braddy) from a notorious international arms dealer known only as The Widow, who is holding her hostage.

To help them in their cause, they recruit their former colleagues in the CIA - Owen (Blair Underwood) and Harry (Russell Tovey) to rescue their friend and defeat their common enemy. Owen even brings in former FBI agent Jocelyn Turner (Marlee Matlin), who has her own dark past with The Widow, and CIA case officer Celine Fox (Amber Skye Noyes).
 

Faced with their most daunting challenge yet, Alex and her newly-formed elite black-ops task force work together as a team to uncover another conspiracy, while a whole new future lies ahead of them.

Quantico Season 3 premieres on April 27, and airs every Friday at 9:45pm, first and exclusively on AXN.

 

AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 49, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

 

 

 

About AXN

AXN is Asia’s leading general entertainment channel featuring exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs and ground-breaking original productions. The channel appeals to a discerning audience seeking content that is smart, intriguing and unexpected, all delivered close to U.S telecasts. From SEAL Team and MacGyver, to The Amazing Race Asia and Asia’s Got Talent, AXN is defined not by a genre, but by an attitude that truly redefines action.

Launched first in Asia in 1997, AXN is a global channel brand with a presence in Latin America, Africa and Europe. In Asia, the channel is enjoyed in 126 million households across 19 territories and is available in both SD and HD.

 

AXN Asia is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates leading channels including Animax, Sony Channel, ONE and GEM.

 

Forum highlights growth potential of microinsurance



(L-R) Citi Philippines CEO Aftab Ahmed, Rimansi president Pelagia Mendiones, Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa, Canadian Ambassador John Holmes and CARD MRI founder and chairman Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip

 

Despite the lack of financial literacy and lack of insurance penetration in the Philippines, more and more low-income Filipinos are leveraging microinsurance thanks to the collaboration between government and the private sector.

The Microinsurance MBA Association of the Philippines (RIMANSI) recently held the 2018 National Microinsurance Forum, in observance of National Microinsurance Month, at the grand ballroom of the Century Park Hotel in Manila. 

The event, which was supported by Global Affairs Canada, was attended by more than 200 of the country’s microinsurance stakeholders from microinsurance mutual benefit associations (Mi-MBAs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs), regulators, promoters and supporters of microinsurance.  This year, the gathering of key microinsurance players and stakeholders provided the venue for discussions on the gains, challenges and prospects of expanding the reach of microinsurance, which included presentations on developments in regulations, outreach, market penetration, non-traditional products and distribution.

Citi Philippines chief executive officer Aftab Ahmed outlined the bank's initiatives in promoting greater financial inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in the Philippines. Ahmed said, “Financial inclusion is a subject which is very dear not only to the government in terms of wanting to enhance financial capability in the country but it’s one initiative that Citi too is highly committed to. Over the last 5 years, Citi Foundation has invested over $50 million in financial inclusion efforts across Asia Pacific, where in 2017 alone, we invested $6 million in 10 countries, which supported 65 financial inclusion programs and positively impacted close to half a million people. Last year, Citi committed around P25 million in the Philippines and we have been supporting RIMANSI’s capacity-building program for Mi-MBAs since 2016. Now on its second phase, Citi Foundation’s grant supports the growth strategy of Mi-MBAs with the aim of impacting 5,000 households through the development of new distribution channels.”

Keynote speakers of the forum were Canadian Ambassador John Holmes and Insurance Commissioner Dennis Funa. They talked about Canada’s support for the rehabilitation and recovery of supertyphoon Yolanda-hit provinces through microenterprise and risk protection development initiatives; and on the positive growth of the insurance industry based on all indicators, including microinsurance coverage of now 32 million Filipinos and the issuance of an enhanced framework for insurance providers to use mobile applications in the distribution of insurance products.

The forum featured panel sessions on the future directions of MFIs, pilot initiatives of Mi-MBAs in reaching hard-to-reach areas, non-life calamity microinsurance and the government’s subsidized agricultural insurance program. 

The discussions highlighted the growth potential of MFIs. The more than 5 million unserved households were potential sources of the growth of microinsurance providers, especially Mi-MBAs. Partnership with non-traditional channels of microinsurance distribution was also promising but could face the challenge of operational systems and efficiency.  However, while a wide range of life, non-life, pre-need and agricultural microinsurance and risk protection products were available in the market, consumer education and literacy, efficient distribution, and connectivity, among others, remained as key challenges to be overcome by the microinsurance sector.

MiMAP (RIMANSI), a microinsurance resource center, is an association of 19 Mi-MBAs regulated by the Insurance Commission of the Philippines. MiMAP members have a combined coverage of 5.34 million households nationwide, insuring 17.92 million people through its basic family life insurance program that covers at least four members of each family, which pays only a single premium.

In 2017, Mi-MBAs’ contributions and premiums reached P3.68 billion; reserves, P1.52 billion in equity value, and paid claims benefits totaled P908 million.  The Mi-MBAs have a shared mission of reaching 12 million members and insuring 48 million people by 2024.

For more information, log on to www.citibank.com.ph.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



SM Skating MOA to host Ice Hockey Challenge Cup of Asia, April 3-8



 

The Philippines will host the 2018 Challenge Cup of Asia from April 3-8, 2018 at the SM Skating Mall of Asia in Pasay City. This is the first time that the country will sponsor the annual international ice hockey tournament that is sanctioned by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

 

“We are very proud and excited to host, for the first time, the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia which has been held in different countries since it was founded in 2008.” ~Chris Sy, Federation of Ice Hockey Philippines president

 

The 2018 Challenge Cup also marks the first time that the Philippines will compete in the men’s top division of the annual tournament among some of the best ice hockey teams in the region.

Riding on the momentum of its gold medal victory in the first-ever ice hockey event of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Ice Hockey Team, backed by the SM Group, hopes to make a podium finish in the 5-nation Challenge Cup of Asia as it plays against Thailand on April 3, Kuwait on April 5, Mongolia on April 6, and Singapore on April 8. All games of the Philippine team are scheduled at 7PM.

 

Other Challenge Cup of Asia games will feature Singapore vs Mongolia on April 3 (3:30PM), Mongolia vs Kuwait on April 4 (7PM), Thailand vs Singapore on April 5 (3:3PM), Mongolia vs Thailand on April 7 (3:30PM), Kuwait vs Singapore on April 7 (7PM), and Kuwait vs Thailand on Aril 8 (3:30PM).

 

During the Challenge Cup, the Olympic-size ice skating rink at the SM Skating Mall of Asia will be the battleground of the competing ice hockey teams. It is equipped with complete facilities such as a digital scoreboard, players’ boxes, scorekeeper and penalty boxes, locker rooms, and a 200-seater stands located around the rink.

 

“We are honored to be a part of this wonderful opportunity to host the first official IIHF event in the country. This shows how the Philippines can truly be at par with its Asian neighbors not only in terms of the quality of its sports programs and athletes, but also in the quality of its sports facilities.” ~Herman Medina-Cue, COO of SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc., the only company in the Philippines to carry Olympic size ice rinks

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team hopes to make the country proud as it competes against Thailand, Kuwait, Mongolia, and Singapore in the 2018 IHHF Challenge Cup of Asia at the SM Skating Mall of Asia. All Philippine team games are scheduled for 7PM.

 

 



ROLLS REPUBLIC - KANIN AT ULAM SA ISANG HAWAK

My first time to experience a variety of rolls with a twist of  Filipino cuisine like Adobo, Tortang Talong, Salted Egg w/ Tomato & Dilis, Longganisa and many more. This is 100% Freshly made so you can be sure of its quality.

Aside from Sushi, Rolls Republic offers Rice Meal and Ramen Combo which is budget friendly and yet belly fulfilling.

The Rolls Republic is also known and visited by some actor and actresses. It was featured also in one of the morning news television show.

The staffs here are very accommodating and friendly, always ready to serve and provide all your needs.

They are ready to serve you even on big occasions and party needs. Arrange in pyramid shape like a cake, very presentable and luxurious look for more appetizing cravings for everyone.

Owned and Operates by Ms. Monica by coincident her restaurant is located at Sta. Monica St. Ermita Manila 

Come and have a taste of this extraordinary twist flavors of sushi and maki and satisfy your cravings with the wide range of choices they offer. Order now or visit their shop.

Their Beef Tapa is the best flavor for me and indeed their best seller too.

The Rolls Republic is located on the ground floor of Avenue of the Arts residential building, Roxas Boulevard corner Sta Monica St., Ermita, Manila. 

Across the footbridge from the US Embassy where Coffee Bean and Army Navy are located.

For Inquiries and delivery, you can contact them on +63-916-237-0073 

SM WOMAN Collaborates with the World of Women Exhibit by Niccolo Cosme

March 22, 2018 at Sm Megamall Fashion Hall - in celebration of Woman's month at Sm, an exhibit by renowned photographer Niccolo Cosme of Headshot Clinic, demonstrate empowered females who have made a difference in the lives of Filipinos through their chosen advocacies. 

It's time to get #WhatWomenWant at SM WOMAN! March your way now to SM Supermalls because it's a #WorldOfWomenAtSM this Women's Month! 

Below are the portraits of chosen Woman among our society.

Please click the link to see other exhibit photos https://imgur.com/a/oYAlr

This March, SM is all about lauding every woman from all ages, sizes, shapes, and background this Women's Month - the perfect season for SM Supermalls to join hands with SM Woman for a celebration designed for women, by women in 68 malls nationwide.

In a media launch on March 8 held at SM Mall of Asia, the collaboration unveiled fun activities to treat all women and to thank and empower them with summer shopping thrills and great deals on their favorite items.

Exciting events in the malls include the much-awaited Women's Sale on all Wednesdays of March, where ladies can get up to 70% off on exclusive deals and fabulous finds every week of the month. While beauty junkies can go on a beauty spree for discounts and bundles on beauty must-haves, ladies can also indulge in pampering promos from beauty and wellness stores. There is also the Ladies' Wellness Camp for tips and hacks from style gurus on wellness, nutrition, and fitness. 

Summer Collection, featuring stylish swimwear and resort wear with hot trends fresh from the runway. From hyper botanicals, fun and flirty ruffles, classic black and white suits to sleek and sexy metallics, and suede numbers - all this when you shop at the women's section of The SM Store. 

For the entire month of March, SM Woman is giving "What Women Want" with the best of the best offers starting with up to 50% off on great selections, buy 1 get 1 deals, and gifts from participating brands. Also not to be missed is the 2018 Summer Fashion Show and Coco Cabana's 2018.

SM Supermalls is on the lookout for beautiful, strong, confident fierce and driven women who believe, support, and empower other women, standing tall amidst all challenges that come their way. Women of all ages, sizes, shapes, background, and profession are encouraged to join this women empowerment movement for a chance to win stunning prizes! Plus, winners will each receive a power portrait taken by Niccolo Cosme that will be showcased through an exhibit at SM Megamall on March 22. Visit www.smsupermalls.com to know more. 

For exclusive news about SM Supermalls, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow SM's official social media account on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and get an insider access to all the fun happenings at SM Supermalls nationwide through SM's Viber Public Chat. Tweet your thoughts upload and share your photos about your memorable moments at SM, then use its official hashtag #EverythingsHereAtSM.

Three Philippine Team finalists to join Youth Co:Lab Regional Summit in Bangkok

Pamela Nicole Mejia of Phinix



 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi Foundation are staging the Youth Co:Lab Regional Summit in Bangkok from March 26 to 28, 2018.

 

Launched in 2017 by UNDP with support from Citi Foundation, Youth Co:Lab is a regional program that aims to tackle social and unemployment challenges by harnessing youth leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation. Youth Co:Lab is Citi Foundation’s flagship Pathways to Progress program in the region.

 

Data released by the International Labor Organization states that the global youth unemployment rate is currently over 13 percent, translating to about 71 million young people, aged 15 to 24, worldwide. About half or 33 million of these people live in Asia Pacific.

 

 

 

By engaging young people with policy makers and private sector partners, Youth Co:Lab serves as a platform for networking, idea-sharing, mentorship and collaboration through local National Dialogues and Social Innovation Challenges.

 

The inaugural Summit in Bangkok will comprise a Regional Dialogue on March 26 and a Regional Social Innovation on March 28. A total of 21 teams, including three from the Philippines, will pitch their social enterprise models at the Challenge for a chance at additional capacity-building opportunities.

 

Proudly representing the Philippines are Alex Austria of LawKo, a legal literacy initiative that aims to bridge the knowledge gap between a complicated legal system and the Filipino public; Pamela Nicole Mejia of Phinix, which upcycles old clothes and fabric scraps into footwear and accessories; and Samantha Sanchez of Arooga Health, which provides convenient access to emotional and wellness care providers.

 



Alex Austria and Keisha Mayuga of LawKo

 



“We feel quite lucky to be a part of the Summit,” says Alex. “Since we just got into the start-up scene less than 6 months ago, we're overwhelmed and grateful because we didn't even expect to end up here in the first place,” she added.

From its initial incarnation as a chatbot, LawKo has evolved into a legal literacy initiative thanks to the guidance of mentors from Rappler, QBO Philippines, and UNDP. It harnesses the power of technology and social media to help educate the public about government and legal processes.

 

For her part, Mejia feels just as honored to represent the country in the Youth Co:Lab Summit and is pleased with what Phinix has achieved thus far. “We intend to employ economically vulnerable women such as out-of-school girls, single mothers, and unemployed women in our textile recycling facility,” Mejia says, adding that “we have partnered as well with a community of PWD weavers for our textile upcycling and weaving production.”

 

Phinix is a textile recycling center that collects textile wastes and transforms them into higher valued products such as footwear and accessories. It is packaged as a fashion social enterprise that aims for the triple bottom line – for the planet, for the people, and for profit.

 

Meanwhile, Samantha says that the positive response to Arooga Health “is an inspiring validation that mental health matters and seeking help for mental wellness is not a sign of weakness.”

 

Arooga Health is a platform that provides employees and companies convenient access to trusted care providers for their emotional and mental wellness and needs. Arooga Health matches a user with trusted care providers based on their objectives, preferred schedule, and mode of interaction.