Your guilty (viewing) pleasures

The best of home and TV is now in your hands as iflix, a giant virtual library of videos on demand, partners with PLDT HOME and Smart, two of the country’s biggest multimedia networks.

The Philippine launch of iflix came at a spot-on timing as it recently secured topline content deals with giant Hollywood studios like The Walt Disney Company, 20th Century Fox Television Distribution, BBC Worldwide and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution on top of existing over 11,000 hours of TV serial titles and updated catalogue of Hollywood, European and Asian releases.

PLDT EVP and consumer business group head Ariel Fermin said, “This is literally entertainment everywhere. With all of these titles bannered under PLDT HOME and Smart’s power-packed lineup of reliable Internet services for families and individuals, your choice of entertainment device deserves its own star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

“You already have the device that has the capability to showcase your guilty viewing pleasures — whether it’s a smartphone, a tablet, laptop, desktop computers and even TV screens. All you need is that one movie, that particular episode or even an entire season that you’ve had on your must-watch list. From small escapes like whenever you’re stuck in traffic, to binge-watching rare moments when time is on your side, subscribers now have the access to the widest library of entertainment content with iflix.

“It gets so much better because you are able to gain access to these titles through PLDT HOME and Smart’s strongest and largest multimedia platforms wherever you are in the Philippines.”

Patrick Grove, iflix chairman, added, “In PLDT we have found a like-minded partner who is committed to changing the way entertainment content is consumed in the region. We look forward to building an extraordinary business in the Philippines together.”

iflix also eliminates streaming setbacks because it’s available through PLDT and Smart. The service also liberates users from incompatible streaming due to regional conflicts.

It will soon be available in other countries including the United States, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Thailand and Tokyo.

(Register an account via www.iflix.com and instantly enjoy a complimentary 14-day trial of the service. Download the iflix app via Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. For more information, visit www.pldthome.com or www.smart.com.ph.)

Narrating history through the arts

One of the most creative ways to pass the stories about Philippine history, culture and tradition from one generation to another is through the arts.

Tesoro’s, home of quality Filipino handicrafts, kicked off the event series “Disenyo at Talento” to recognize and promote artists who demonstrate our rich cultural heritage through their chosen craft.

Tesoro’s group CEO Maria Isabel “Beng” Tesoro said, “We are after new interpretations, innovative designs that acknowledge and define our being Filipino. Tesoro’s seeks to inspire all artisans, and we promise to champion their artistic efforts through publicity — hence the fruition of Disenyo at Talento.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Tesoro’s renovated Arnaiz Avenue store was spearheaded by Department of Tourism regional director Rebecca Labit, assisted by Philippine Tour Operators Association president Cesar Cruz.

The store initially showcased Casa San Pablo Clay Storytellers, crafted by former corporate publishing executive and now clay artisan An Mercado-Alcantara. Her creations mostly reflect the culture and the people of her husband’s birthplace, San Pablo City in Laguna.  Alcantara’s favorite subjects include the Virgin Mary in several incarnations. She surrounds these main subjects with storytellers and tablets featuring festive processions and villagers.

From Casa San Pablo, Laguna, Tesoro’s now offers the Clay Storyteller Dolls in all its branches. Part of the sales will be donated to the care of abandoned and abused children at the San Francisco Terraces Orphanage.

Tesoro’s other outlets include A. Mabini Street in Manila; the Filipiniana section of The Landmark in Makati City; Bungalow at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, Mactan Island, Cebu; Golden Bamboo in D’Mall, Boracay, Aklan; and the pre-departure areas of NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, the Clark and Boracay International Airports.

Change your skin

In a challenge called “Change Your Skin,” Kiehl’s entertained some of its special friends to a fun afternoon at 12/10 Japanese-fusion joint on Guijo Street in Makati City.

Celebrities, bloggers and members of the media were invited for lunch as Kiehl’s Philippines’ exclusive and intimate way of asking them to do the challenge. Guests also enjoyed a one-on-one skincare consultation. With the brand’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, bestseller Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF PA+++ and Ultra Facial Cream at the helm of the campaign, everyone was given the chance to experience Kiehl’s formulations.

Spotted at the event were Monika Sta. Maria, Charina Sarte, Maggie Wilson-Consunji, Bubbles Paraiso, Liz Uy, Isabelle Daza and Elmo Magalona.

(Kiehl’s branches are at Greenbelt 5, Mall of Asia, Alabang Town Center, TriNoma, Powerplant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Aura, Ayala Center Cebu, SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall and SM Makati.)