by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 10, 2016 | Stories
Firefly Mobile took the smartphone industry by storm through launching their flagship unit they call AURII Envy. It has been hugely successful in the Philippine market as over 320,000 Filipinos have liked the product on Facebook. And now, Firefly Mobile has released their latest hit model, the AURII Secret Lite available at Lazada.com.ph.
Its first impressions are striking. The attractive colors and metal design will surely captivate you. If you’re up to some classic looking hue, then the Icy Champagne color is for you but if you are fascinated with darker shades, the Deep Ocean color would be a perfect choice.
My personal take …
- Deep Ocean for the gentlemen
- Icy Champagne for the ladies
Design-wise, its compact body sports a curved back making it easier and more comfortable to hold. With OGS (One Glass Solution) technology, the 5.0” HD Display is fused with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for added protection and an immersive view.
Deep in its heart lies a 1.3Ghz Turbo Quad-core processor that runs with 1GB DDR3 RAM promising smooth, fast and lag-free performance. It comes with an 8GB Flash Memory expandable up to 128GB through MicroSD. Surprisingly for its price at Php 3,499, the phone is powered by a very feature packed and streamlined Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
And of course, the most raved camera. Its 13MP rear camera is powered by SONY IMX149 Exmor image sensor that comes with Dual color flash ensuring clarity and brightness for more accurate colors and details. For selfies, the front camera works with a 5MP wide-angle lens and on-screen flash.
Firefly Mobile’s Aurii shares it’s power with other phones
What’s more amazing is the Power Bank Feature of its fast-charging 3450 mAh Lithium Battery. This means that with a USB OTG connector, you can transform the phone into an instant power bank to charge up other smartphones and devices.
The Aurii Secret Lite is priced at P3,499 is available at Lazada. It comes with a free protective Armor Case and Tempered glass.
Visit www.lazada.com.ph or download the mobile app now for free. Check out the Durability Test Video:
This is an official press release.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 8, 2016 | Stories
I confess, I am a big fan of James Reid. Not only for his looks but also for his abilities as an actor.
But then, I am also a HUGE fan of Century Tuna. My all-time favorite is the Century Tuna Hot and Spicy Tuna (a favorite of my family as well). We have it over rice, with pandesal, on a salad, made into a sandwich spread, eaten as a viand AFTER it was made into a spread, lol! The list goes on. But my favorite baon treats are the Century Tuna Vienna Sausage and the Corned Tuna.
Century Tuna products
So when I was invited to the presscon of Century Tuna I immediately said yes. And when I found out that James was going to be there, I decided to arrive at the venue early. 😀
After a big reveal that showcased a body reinvented by Century Tuna, stopped EDSA traffic, and sent fans on a social media frenzy, top actor James Reid appears anew in a TV commercial that gives a glimpse on how thinking like a champion has brought him to where he is now.
There’s no denying that James Reid is one of the hottest young actors today. He’s a social media phenomenon—with millions of followers online, not counting the various fan accounts that his devoted followers set up.
The highly bankable love team JaDine, in which he is paired with his reel and real life partner Nadine Lustre, has sent their legions of fans in a frenzy, whether in mall tours, concerts, meet and greets, and even online where they are constant trending topics.
There are his chart-topping albums including Reid Alert which hit certified platinum level status last May. Then there are his box-office film successes—the 2014 romantic comedy and his launch movie Diary ng Panget; and Talk Back and You’re Dead, the teen romance flick that followed a year later. No doubt, his biggest hit to date is On the Wings of Love, the top-rating primetime series with Nadine that kept viewers glued to their TV sets until its sensational finale.
Clearly, James Reid is on a winning streak and his steady career path is one that is marked by a succession of winning moves. Recently, he joined the ranks of Anne Curtis and Derek Ramsey as endorser of Century Tuna, the country’s number one tuna.
Derek Ramsey and Anne Curtis – celebrity endorsers of Century Tuna
#BodyoftheCentury James Reid stars in the newest commercial of Century Tuna now airing on primetime TV.
Becoming part of the Century Tuna family has certainly paid off for the young hunk. He is presently at his fittest—sculpted abs, toned muscles, firm biceps—which can be attributed to a rigorous fitness regimen and a proper diet consisting of good protein that Century Tuna can provide.
It’s no surprise then that James headlines their latest campaign, where he appears in a series of sizzling television commercials: the first, a TV spot focusing on metamorphosis that sent his fans in a frenzy and created a sensation; the second, which is presently airing, revolves around the idea of commitment and loyalty.
Century Tuna couldn’t be happier for having James in its roster of celebrity endorsers. From the very beginning, they already saw a champion in him. “His story is truly inspiring,” said Greg Banzon, Century Tuna General Manager. “It speaks of transformation, the relentless desire to improve oneself. It’s a winning formula that brings many positive lessons for everyone: perseverance, keeping the faith, while staying humble and true to yourself—qualities that make James a true role model.”
Meanwhile, for James, it’s really all about trust. “I liken it to a championship game,” he reveals. “If you want to win, you naturally want to surround yourself with a teammate you can put your total faith into. That to me is Century Tuna, and I can’t think of any other name that I’d trust to keep my body fit.”
With bated breath, we watch as James continues to transform—from a teen heartthrob to a more mature actor with the determination, the attitude and the body to conquer and win in the challenging world of show business.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Sep 2, 2016 | Health Tips
As we get older it becomes more and more difficult to lose weight. It often feels as if we are constantly losing the battle of the bulge – especially once we hit our 40s and our metabolisms become slower and slower and slower. More than a few just give up and accept their “more curvaceous” selves.
Despite our best intentions we just can’t seem to lose weight. Perhaps at this point it is our mindset that is holding us back. In this day and age, when there’s a plethora of unhealthy food to consume and unhealthy lifestyle choices to make, it can be difficult to follow a diet program. But if we have the right attitude to lose weight and maintain our ideal weight, nothing is impossible.
Sheryl Garcia, who weighed 152 lbs., reached her healthy weight of 112 lbs. in just six months.
Francis Salazar started the program in 2011 weighing 325 lbs., and in eight months, he lost 153 lbs.
Sheryl Ehmene Uy-Garcia and Francis Salazar, two Cohen’s Lifestyle Program graduates who have maintained their healthy weight for more than three years, can attest to the effectiveness of conditioning one’s mind to lose weight.
Before adapting their new mindset, Uy-Garcia, an advertising sales unit head in her mid-30s, and Francis Salazar, a technology consultant, both suffered from asthma and obesity.
They turned to the Cohen Lifestyle Program, a rapid weight-loss, and wellness program through nutrition. Salazar started the program in 2011 weighing 325 lbs., and in eight months, he lost 153 lbs. Garcia, who weighed 152 lbs., reached her healthy weight of 112 lbs. in just six months.
Salazar and Garcia share the following “mental diet” tips that they learned from joining the program:
Assess your relationship with food.
Before you can effectively lose weight, you have to understand and deal with the root cause of your problem first –your relationship with food. The two Cohen clients reveal that they were emotional eaters before trying the program. Salazar shares, “I ate when I was happy; I ate when I was sad.” It’s important to be aware of why you may overeat and to stop feeding your emotion in order to successfully maintain your ideal weight.
Always remember your weight-loss motivation.
Losing weight can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be, especially when you focus on why you want to lose weight. “During one of my monthly ER visits, the doctor warned me that my asthma was fatal and I would expire early if I didn’t take care of myself. I enrolled in the Cohen’s Lifestyle Program because their approach is very personal. They made me focus on my ‘why’ – to live longer for my husband and kids,” shares Garcia.
As for Salazar, his family’s medical history compelled him to finally say goodbye to obesity. “A couple of my uncles died due to diabetes and stroke, and my mom knows that my current situation is a ‘ticking time bomb.’”
Have a support system.
There may have been times when you wanted to give up, but with the help and support of your family, you can push through with your weight-loss journey and reach your goal.
Garcia and Salazar stayed committed to the Cohen Lifestyle Program with the help of their families. “A key factor that helped me stay committed to the program is my supportive husband who encouraged and cooked for me whenever he could,” shares Garcia.
In addition to family support, it is also important to have the support of others who understand what you are going through and are supportive of your desire to lose weight and be healthier. Cohen Consultants often meet with their clients, such as Francis and Sheryl, to help them on their weight-loss journey.
Set realistic expectations.
Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight. You have to work for it, including sacrificing some indulgences. “Before Cohen, I only ate pork, rice and soda, no vegetables and fruits, but now, my plate always has salad with protein,” Garcia shares.
Sometimes no matter how hard you try to stick to your diet program, setbacks happen which can slow down your weight-loss progress or even increase your weight. The most important thing is you do not completely let go of your goal and you get back on track with your weight-loss program as soon as possible. Before you know it, you can reach your goal.
Salazar says, “Now that I no longer need to lose more weight, it is okay to indulge once in a while, but not overindulge. It’s okay to enjoy food. We eat to live, not live to eat.”
Change your perspective on food and diet.
Your mindset on food and diet is an essential factor in losing and maintaining weight safely and effectively. Salazar shares, “I learned that food is not supposed to run my life. That food is there for nourishment, but not to control me. I learned to be a more moderate and responsible eater.”
Garcia reveals, “It’s time to think of my family, not just my comfort. I eat to survive and only occasionally, eat to enjoy. Cohen teaches the discipline and the tools on how to make the right food choices, and I haven’t had any asthma attacks from the first day I started the program!”
To know more about Cohen’s Lifestyle Program, visit www.CohenLifestyle.com.ph, or visit http://www.facebook.com/CohenLifestylePhil on Facebook and http://instagram.com/cohenlifestyleph on Instagram.
If cooking is not your thing and you are more of a delivery kinda guy or gal then check out this post on Cohen’s Meals on Wheels … healthy food delivered right at your doorstep.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 18, 2016 | Stories
This week in Wheels, join the audacious team of motoring journalists Matteo Guidicelli, Kap Maceda Aguila, Manny Delos Reyes, Ulysses Ang and Angel Rivero as they take some of the country’s ultimate expedition rides for a spin on the open road.
Uly takes in the beautiful sceneries of Samar aboard the robust Nissan X-Trail and Juke. Explore the automobiles’ superb features and discover why they’re the ideal vehicles for outdoor adventures.
The Nissan X-Trail and Juke
The Chevrolet Trax
Matteo visits his adorable furry friends at the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and takes them on a ride with the Chevrolet Trax. As he test drives the Trax, witness the compact SUV’s swift performance and streetwise features and technologies.
Meanwhile, Kap exposes some of the bad habits of Pinoy drivers that should be avoided to prevent road rage. He will also share the consequences of aggressive driving and tips on dealing with it.
Finally, Manny discovers a new line of watches from Ferrari. Know how these refined and exclusive collection of timepieces were crafted, the Ferrari style.
It’s all these and more on the fourth season of Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane. Catch it every Thursdays, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel. For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on facebook.com/PhilStarWheels, @PhilStar_Wheels on Twitter and @PhilStarTV_Wheels on Instagram.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 18, 2016 | Food & Beverage
Dairy Queen, your favorite ice cream brand, introduces its latest addition to its soft serve offerings that will surely satisfy your craving for good quality dessert! Treat yourself with Dairy Queen’s Blizzard of the Month, the all-new Nestle Crunch Blizzard!
To me this yummy dessert is happiness in a cup. 🙂 This mouthwatering dessert comes in three exciting and unique flavors.
The Crunch Blizzard Trio
Almond Crunch Blizzard is made with delectable Nestle Crunch &. almond blended with Dairy Queen’s signature soft serve for that ultimate nutty and flavorful taste.
To all chocolate lovers out there, chomp on the new Overload Crunch Blizzard! This second variant is made with cookie crunch, Nestle Crunch and Dairy Queen’s soft serve with swirls of cocoa fudge that melt perfectly in your mouth.
And what’s not to love about the exciting strawberry-flavored blizzard! Strawberry Pretzel Crunch Blizzard is made with deliciously sweet strawberry toppings and crushed berry knots blended with Dairy Queen’s soft serve that is really worth a try.
3 cups of guilty pleasure 😀
I had the pleasure of trying them all. Initially I thought I would like the strawberry crunch the most and then later I realized that the chocoholic in me would not be stopped … the overload crunch is my favorite. 😀
To be fair, it isn’t just the chocolate that drew me, it was mostly the crunch. I like texture in what I eat and the overload crunch had the most texture. To improve it I would most likely ask them to add almonds and pretzels in it. Hey, I did say I like texture. 😀
Dairy Queen’s Nestle Crunch Blizzard is available for a limited time only, so head over to Dairy Queen stores now! Follow Dairy Queen Philippines on social media and visit www.dairyqueen.com.ph for more details.
About Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen® is one of the largest ice cream chain in the world … It offers a lot of variety presentations of delicious soft serve, like class_!c and dipped cones, shakes, sundaes, Royal Treats, Moolatte, Blizzard®; and DQ® Cakes. The Dairy Queen system has more than 5,700 locations operating throughout 24 countries including the Philippines.
In the Philippines, Dairy Queen is owned and operated by the Philippine Pizza, Inc., the same franchise owners of Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.· It currently operates 80 stores that are strategically located all over the country.
Dairy Queen is proud to be different, unique, and fun, because it has an optimistic ambiance that encourage you to love life to the fullest. Whether it be any celebration, a family day, a self-indulgent moment, or a mere break to satisfy one’s dessert craving, the Dairy Queen experience makes you always come back for more.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 12, 2016 | Stories
ELRO Retail Corporation, a leading player in the footwear retail and distribution industry in the country, proudly took home a string of prestigious awards, both local and international, that recognizes their marketing and sales leadership in the Philippines and across the region.
ELRO is Number 1
Francisco R. Elizalde, ELRO Retail Corporation President and Magno Kleber de Freitas, Grendene Export Manager
ELRO was hailed as the Number One Sales Producer for the Oceania and Asia Region, in the recently concluded Grendene World Sales Convention held at the Sofitel Rio De Janiero in Brazil.
The Grendene World Sales Convension is organized by Grendene S.A. – manufacturer of Ipanema, Grendha, Rider, and Zaxy brands of footwear – as the company’s way of recognizing the initiatives and accomplishments of its global distributors and international representatives.
It acknowledges not only the attainment of sales goals and targets, but also recognizes how the brand promise of Grendene’s portfolio of footwear – known for their strong personality and brand recognition – is maintained in various markets around the world.
Bambu receives accolades
Meanwhile, Bambu retail store, home of the famous Brazilian footwear brands Ipanema, Grendha and Rider, was recently bestowed the Marketing Excellence Award for its hub located at the Ayala Harbor Point Mall in Olongapo City. With this year’s theme “Designing for Retail Tomorrow, Today,” The Ayala Merchants Rewards Program recognizes the achievements and innovations of Ayala Malls’ merchant partners who have made significant contribution in the retail industry.
Furthermore, Bambu received the coveted Most Outstanding Retailer of the Year Award, Fashion Shoes and Bags – Small Category, during the 2015 Outstanding Filipino Retailers and Shopping Centers of the Year Awards Night held at the Marriot Hotel, Manila. This prestigious award, given out by the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), the largest organization of the country’s top retailers and prime movers, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), cites the outstanding performance of local retailers that exemplify the best business models as well as good ethical practices in their operations.
From left: Belinda Benghui, PRA Auditor; Adrian Cristobal, DTI Secretary; Francisco R. Elizalde, ELRO Retail Corp. President; Wricks Recario, ELRO Retail Corp. Sales Division Head and Arthur Coronel, PRA Vice President
“These awards bestowed on us by Grendene, AyalaMalls, and the Philippine Retailers Association, serve to inspire us to further push the brands that we carry,” states Francisco R. Elizalde, ELRO Retail Corporation President. “It forces us to remain innovative and dynamic as we respond to changing customer needs.”
ELRO Retail Corporation, founded in 2005, is an established player in the footwear retail and distribution industry in the Philippines, and is committed to providing excellent service and uncompromising professionalism to all its customers.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 8, 2016 | Tech Tutorials
The favicon is, perhaps, one of the most neglected web element by most students learning how to design/develop websites. I guess the first thing we need to do is define what a favicon is. When there is no favicon all we see on the browser tab is a file icon.
What is a favicon?
In simple terms it is that tiny icon you see on the tab of your browser when you visit a website. It is the logo of your site but in a very small format. Here on my site it looks like this. See how tiny it is? But how do we make such a tiny image?
What is the file extension of a favicon?
Once upon a time the only extension to identify a graphic as a favicon was .ico. Nowadays, though, we can also use .png.
How do we make/create a favicon?
There are many online apps available that you could use to make a favicon but you don’t really need any of them so long as you have a graphic software installed in your computer such as Adobe Photoshop.
Here are my recommendations on how to make/create a favicon:
- Make sure your image is a square.
- Start with a large image. Even though your final output is small there is no need to design small. It is easy enough to make it small later. At the very least I would say 100×100. Personally I usually start at 144×144 or 300×300.
- Keep in mind that the favicon includes the ENTIRE image, including the space you put between the icon itself and the edges. Therefore, maximize the space. To illustrate, I have placed a border around my image. In actual execution there is no border.
- Once you’ve completed the design for your favicon go to FILE > EXPORT > Save for Web (legacy).
- On the upper right choose PNG-24.
- On the dimensions below change your height or width to either 16×16 or 25×25. Click on SAVE.
- Save the file to the root folder of your website with the filename favicon.png. If you prefer to use a .ico file then you can just change the file extension from the Finder (on Mac) or File Explorer (on Windows).
It’s that simple! So simple you really shouldn’t forget to do it. 🙂 If you have any further questions on the topic feel free to leave me a message below.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 4, 2016 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
Sign up with UBER and enjoy the comfort of UBERPOOL (carpool/ridesharing service), UBERHOP (point to point), UBERX (private standard car), and UBER BLACK CAR (private luxury car).
Note: These promo codes are officially released by Uber and are posted here simply for the purpose of helping out in disseminating the good news to my fellow UBER riders.
Why UBERPOOL?
With the traffic congestion we experience every day living in Metro Manila ride sharing with UBERPOOL is definitely one of the best solutions to traveling in comfort and style and still within a reasonable budget.
Some people have expressed concern about ride sharing or carpooling so let’s give it a little thought …
- when we ride a passenger jeep that is a shared ride.
- when we take the train that is a shared ride.
- when we take a bus that is a shared ride.
- when we take a tricycle that is a shared ride.
And for most people taking those modes of transportation is not a problem, so how is this any different? Ok, maybe the cost of the trip is more expensive … but it is still less expensive than getting a car on your own.
So if we want to help in decongesting the traffic in Metro Manila, let’s give UBERPOOL a shot.
Here are the promo codes for August 2016. I will update this post as news of new promo codes reach me.
It’s not too late to join a squad! #poolsquad
PROMO CODE: MOVEMANILA
PROMO CODE: IMPACTMANILA
PROMO CODE: CHANGEMANILA
On this last week of the #poolsquad promo they have a special treat for Uber Riders. SUPER MEGA DIRTCHEAP TRIPS!
Valid from August 29 to September 4, 2016
Use the promo codes: CHANGEMANILA, IMPACTMANILA, or MOVEMANILA and pay only:
- P99 each for the first 3 trips
- P50 each for the 4th and 5th trip
- P20 each from the 6th trip onwards
Think of the savings, think of the fun! Carpool now and help put less cars on the streets by putting more people in each car. #poolsquad
UPDATE PROMO CODE: CHANGEMANILA
UPDATE PROMO CODE: IMPACTMANILA
UPDATE PROMO CODE: MOVEMANILA
Uberpool up to 3 rides per day for a flat rate of P99!
For people like me who travel from Quezon City to Manila almost everyday this comes as a very welcome surprise.
Valid from August 23 to 26, 2016
Tip: If you chose one squad before and the promo code does not work anymore then choose another squad. I promise you, it will work. 🙂
#POOLSQUAD – UBERPOOL PROMO CODE: MOVEMANILA, CHANGEMANILA, or IMPACTMANILA
This is a different kind of promo because it really depends on which “squad” you choose. No discount is given for using the promo code but riders can win free Uber rides and credits when they choose to share their ride on UBERPOOL.
PROMO CODE: MOVEMANILA
MOVEMANILA Squad is composed of the following “ambassadors”:
- Arci Munoz
- Jake Ejercito
- Kim Baranda
- Mark Agas
- Raquel Daquis
PROMO CODE: CHANGEMANILA
CHANGEMANILA Squad is composed of the following “ambassadors”:
- Ara Galang
- Bang Pineda
- Iza Calzado
- Karylle Yuzon
- Mari Jasmine
PROMO CODE: IMPACTMANILA
IMPACTMANILA Squad is composed of the following “ambassadors”:
- Daniel Matsunaga
- Denise Lazaro
- Dianne Medina
- Will Dasovich
- Phem Baranda
Choose wisely! The first squad you pick is the one you’ll be assigned to for the the duration of the campaign.
- Take as many uberPOOL trips as you can from Monday, August 15th until September 4th. As an extra treat, uberPOOL trips taken on August 15th will cost a flat fare of ₱50!
- You can track how many cars each squad has gotten off the road via uberpoolsquad.ph. You will also receive a weekly email update on which squad is leading, how many trips you’ve taken, and if you, yourself, are part of the top 20 riders.
Amazing prizes will be given away by Uber on September 4. to thank us, their riders, for helping decongest Manila.
Don’t you think this is excellent motivation to carpool? 🙂
UBERPOOL PROMO CODE: MOVEMANILA, CHANGEMANILA, or IMPACTMANILA
Valid on August 15, 2016 in Metro Manila only
All UBERPOOL trips will be charged a flat rate of P50 only.
#100DAYCHALLENGE – UBERPOOL PROMO CODE: 100DAYCHALLENGE
Valid on August 5, 2016 in Metro Manila only
All UBERPOOL rides will be charged a MAXIMUM of P100. If your fare is less then pay the lower fare.
- Promotion is valid on all UBERPOOL rides only within the coverage area above from 6am – 12MN
- Each request can have a maximum of 2 riders per pick up. You will be matched with another requester, for up to 4 riders in total in the car
- Limited to 2 UBERPOOL rides per rider
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 4, 2016 | Stories
This page will not list any promo code for Grabtaxi because, well, I rarely take a taxi nowadays. 🙂 I will update it as new promos reach me.
PROMO CODE: GRABANDRIDE
Valid until September 2, 2016
Get a 90% discount on ONE Grabcar ride (up to P200) this week with the promo code GRABANDRIDE.
PROMO CODE: GCNOW
Valid on August 24, 2016 only
Get P50 off ONE Grabcar ride from 12pm to 5pm today with promo code GCNOW.
PERSONAL PROMO CODES
Have you been checking the notifications of your Grab app and your messages and emails from Grab? If you’ve been ignoring them I think you should reconsider and take a look at them now.
- from August 23 to 25 they have a P50 discount for up to 2 grab rides
- from August 16 to 18 they have a P100 discount for up to 2 grab rides
PROMO CODE: GRABVISA
Valid from August 15 to September 15, 2016
Get P200 off when you register your Visa debit or credit card to Grabpay. Use the promo code GRABVISA and go cashless to avail.
This promo is only valid for your first Grabpay Visa transaction.
PROMO CODE: MIDDAY
Valid on August 19, 2016 from 12pm to 4pm only.
Use this code and get a discount of P50 off your total bill.
PROMO CODE: Z3N
Valid from August 12 to 18, 2016 for one use only.
Use this code and get a discount of P50 off your total bill. This promo can only be used by the first 1,200 users.
PROMO CODE: GRABNAIA
Valid from August 10 to October 10, 2016
Special promo for our travelers!
Whether it is you or your loved ones who arrived you can claim a discount of P200 for one ride only when you are traveling from any NAIA airport to your home.
- Valid for one ride, when you select any Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal as your ride’s pick-up point.
- Valid for cash, debit, and credit payment methods.
- Valid for GrabCar, GrabCar Premium and GrabCar 6 Seater services.
- Valid whether you book on the Grab mobile app, or at the Grab booths at each of the NAIA terminals.
This is just for ONE RIDE so don’t forget to tell your family and friends who are flying in to make use of it. After all, can’t we all use the P200 discount? 🙂
PROMO CODE: HALFTHEPRICE
Valid from August 13 to 15, 2016
For Manila, Cebu, and Bacolod Grabbers: Enjoy 50% discount up to P200 on one GrabCar ride. This promo code is valid for both cash and credit card transactions.
PROMO CODE: POKEMON
Valid from August 6 to 12, 2016
POKEMON GO IS NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES! Make sure to Grab ‘Em All!
For Manila, Cebu, and Bacolod Grabbers: Use this promo code on your way to catch one. Hurry! Get P50 off on one Grabcar ride valid for both cash and grabpay transactions.
PROMO CODE: GRABFRIDAY
Valid on August 5, 2016
For Manila Grabbers: Get P100 off on one Grabcar ride when you go cashless. Valid for GrabPay transactions only.
Dine and Ride with Grab at BGC
Promo period: August 1 to 31, 2016
This promo is open to all customers of Bonifacio Stopover, Park Triangle and Crossroads merchants. Click HERE to find out how to avail of this promo.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Aug 4, 2016 | Book Reviews
This blog post about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a review, of sorts. I will try my best to avoid spoilers when I can help it so that those of you who intend to read it can still enjoy it spoiler-free (from me, at least).
When the last movie version of the Harry Potter story, The Deathly Hallows Part 2 hit the theaters there were rumors about another story in the making, presumably the Cursed Child. Some said it was going straight to film, while others said it would be a short story. There have even been rumors of a play and even animated shorts. But the one thing everyone was clear on was that JK Rowling did not intend to write another book that involved her much-loved character, Harry Potter. After all, if I recall correctly, JK Rowling herself said so. 🙂
But the epilogue of The Deathly Hollows left her fans expecting more.
Nineteen years after the Battle at Hogwarts, we see Harry married to Ginny, and Ron to Hermione. We see that all of them have children, including Harry’s school nemesis, Draco Malfoy. We discover that Neville now teaches in Hogwarts. But what brings our tiny hearts a-skipping is this scene …
We get to see Harry’s son! And he was blessed/cursed with:
- having Harry for a father, and
- being named after two of the biggest heroes in the history of the wizarding world: Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape.
And right then and there we just know that the story has not ended … but in what medium it will appear, we still didn’t know.
The Cursed Child
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series
JK Rowling did not disappoint her fans. She later announced that, yes, there will be another Harry Potter installment … but it will be a stage play. This news was met with mixed emotions.
Those who resided in the UK and those who can afford to go to the UK had no problem (other than how much the tickets would cost). For the rest of the world, though, we mostly felt sadness and regret and resigned ourselves to the fact that it may take years before we would be able to enjoy The Cursed Child ourselves.
And then, sneaky JK, announced in Pottermore that they will be publishing the script of The Cursed Child. Oh, gladness! Yes, I realize she said SCRIPT, not book, but for bookworms like me who grew up reading Shakespearean plays it didn’t really matter. Reading a book for me is like watching a movie in my head. And reading a script actually helps me in blocking my characters in the scenes in my head.
Of course, I realize that JK didn’t write the script herself (it was actually Jack Thorne who wrote it) but JK was part of the process from the beginning. After all, this is her “child” we are talking about. Additionally, the finished product has her stamp of approval and that is good enough for me. 😀
The Cursed Child Unboxed
So on July 31, 2016 (Sunday PHT) Harry Potter fans from all over the world prepared to go to their favorite bookstore for the worldwide unboxing of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child … which opens at the same time as the play itself!
In the Philippines, Scholastic (the U.S. Publisher) partnered with National Bookstore for local distribution. And it was at the Glorietta branch of National Bookstore that Hogwarts Philippines (the official fan club of Harry Potter in the Philippines) invited Potter fans from all over the metro to join in the fun and excitement of being the first to own and read this much-awaited publication.
Fully Booked also came out with their copy of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child but, apparently, they are the distributor of the UK Publisher, Little Brown UK.
My personal opinion …
My sister and I split the cost of the book and bought it and then tried to take turns reading it as we had free time since she worked at night and I worked during the day. My sister actually started reading the book immediately while I was buying a cool beverage. 😀
I do not recommend that you do that, by the way. It is difficult to read a play unless you read it all the way through. It’s like stepping out of the theater for a potty break and then coming back a few minutes later and missing your place.
As I said at the beginning, I will try my best not to post spoilers but I cannot always tell if what I will say is a spoiler or not so if you are unsure then you can stop reading right now. 🙂
Ebony wand pen and bookmark were giveaways at the unboxing event.
It is a script of a stage play. Transitions are fast and it lacks the setup narration of regular books but, as I said … it is a stage play. The script of a stage play usually just gives a brief description of the scene, then focuses on the dialogue of the characters plus some direction on what possible action/emotion the character is supposed to portray. This is so that the directors and the cast have leeway to infuse the story with their own special brand.
For people who are unused to reading plays, this book will be confusing. They will go, “Wait! didn’t he just get on the train as a first-year? How come he is a second-year a page later, and THEN a 3rd-year another page later? Where are all the Hogwarts years?”
Ok, my first advice to this person would be “catch a play sometime”. I don’t mean to be rude. It’s just that understanding it is a play and knowing the mechanics of a play would make them understand the transitions better.
My second piece of advice would be “don’t fixate. It only means the ‘action’ does not happen until later so there is no need to take the slow route.”
Friendship
Scorpius and Albus
Just as with the original Harry Potter books, the main theme of this story is friendship. And in this story, centers on the friendship between Albus Severus Potter (Harry’s second child) and Scorpius Malfoy (Draco’s son).
They create a bond from the very beginning … on the Hogwarts Express as they share a compartment on their way to school. Because of his parentage, Scorpius is shunned by his peers as most are under the impression that his real father was Voldemort. Albus, on the other hand, is burdened by his legacy … of being the son of the famous Harry Potter.
Hermione, Harry, and Ron
It also shows us how the friendship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione has grown over the years as they assume their roles as responsible adults and parents.
Harry and Hermione work at the Ministry of Magic (only to be expected, don’t you think?) and Ron, well, I don’t want to spoil it so let me just say Ron is doing something else.
Father and Son
Harry and Albus
It also tackles the relationship between Harry and Albus. Think of Albus as the rebel — the misunderstood kid that his parents couldn’t understand. Because, in a nutshell, that is what he was. He didn’t fit in at home, he didn’t fit in at Hogwarts.
Where his dad, Harry was Mr. Popularity, Albus’ only friend was Scorpius.
Perhaps it is because they are so alike that made it difficult for them to understand each other. And just like his dad, Albus wanted to do the right thing and right a wrong that happened many years ago even before he was born.
If at first, you don’t succeed, try and try again. And THAT is how the trouble began.
As I continue reading, though, I found myself wondering who was really the cursed child. Initially, of course, I assumed it was Albus, because, the title did say Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which kind of implies it would be his son. But then knowing Scorpius’ story I couldn’t help but think that is it possible that it is actually him?
I got choked up
Call me sentimental but my heart soared at the cameos of some of my favorite, much-loved, or even drool-worthy characters. I laughed, I cried, and I had to pause to wipe my tears. My heart was squeezed in a giant fist and seeing new heroic moments in my head was just phenomenal! Even if they turned this play into a movie, it just won’t be the same without them.
In conclusion …
I loved it! I had to repeat it from the beginning and then read it straight through to the end for five hours straight. I only took short breaks in between to shift position on the bed and to go to the toilet. Would I read it again? Absolutely! But I will wait until the rest of my family has read it, too. 🙂 We are mostly theater enthusiasts so I am confident they will enjoy it as well.
I do hope the play comes to Manila, too.
How about you? How did you like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Share your thoughts below.
- All photos from the play were taken from Rappler.com.
Its first impressions are striking. The attractive colors and metal design will surely captivate you. If you’re up to some classic looking hue, then the Icy Champagne color is for you but if you are fascinated with darker shades, the Deep Ocean color would be a perfect choice.
Deep in its heart lies a 1.3Ghz Turbo Quad-core processor that runs with 1GB DDR3 RAM promising smooth, fast and lag-free performance. It comes with an 8GB Flash Memory expandable up to 128GB through MicroSD. Surprisingly for its price at Php 3,499, the phone is powered by a very feature packed and streamlined Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
And of course, the most raved camera. Its 13MP rear camera is powered by SONY IMX149 Exmor image sensor that comes with Dual color flash ensuring clarity and brightness for more accurate colors and details. For selfies, the front camera works with a 5MP wide-angle lens and on-screen flash.
Sign up with UBER and enjoy the comfort of UBERPOOL (carpool/ridesharing service), UBERHOP (point to point), UBERX (private standard car), and UBER BLACK CAR (private luxury car).
We get to see Harry’s son! And he was blessed/cursed with:
You must be logged in to post a comment.