Anito Kristo

Celebrated Filipino artist Ronald Ventura released the first limited edition of his designer toy called “Anito Kristo” at Secret Fresh’s new gallery at Magallanes Center in Makati City. The six pieces of sculpture came in gold, silver, black, white, red and wood.

Anito Kristo was unveiled in the presence of the artist as guests clicked away with their cameras when the set of six designer toys in a large acrylic case was presented to them.

That same night, Ronald also released his Anito Kristo prints, which were printed in Germany. The large prints come in five colors — black, white, red, gold and silver. Only numbers one to 10 of this 13-piece limited edition prints will be for sale. The black Anito Kristo print is reportedly going to be sold only in Europe.

Before the unveiling of the much-awaited and sold-out Anito Kristo designer toys, Ronald Ventura fans and art aficionados enjoyed cocktails at the gallery’s al fresco area filled with Sixinch furniture (which has a showroom also in the same building). Hennessy cocktails were served together with food from Bizu.

(For inquiries, e-mail [email protected].)

Get hooked on HOOQ

HOOQ, the award-winning start-up venture among Singtel, Sony Pictures Television and Warner Bros. Entertainment, signed a landmark co-production deal with Globe Telecom and independent studio Reality Entertainment to produce an original mini-series based on the acclaimed Erik Matti movie On the Job, with production of the six-episode story to start this month.

“It’s about time that we expand the themes that we started in the original On The Job movie. Creating a mini-series exclusively for a video-on-demand service like HOOQ will allow us to explore unique stories that will be sure to pull in viewers who will want to get more immersed in this compelling world we’re building,” Matti said in a statement.

Asia’s first and largest premium video-on-demand service is also set to release the first digital footage of Hollywood comedy classics Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II. Viewers will be able to access interviews, extra footage and deleted scenes from the movies, first time on an SVOD (streaming video on demand) platform — all exclusive for HOOQ subscribers.

HOOQ empowers customers with unlimited online streaming access and an offline viewing option to top Hollywood and Filipino movies and television content, on any device including computers, smartphones tablets and smart TVs via Google Chromecast.

HOOQ holds the largest catalogue of Filipino content of any video-on-demand service from top local studios like GMA, Viva Communications, Regal Entertainment and ABS-CBN. Included in its catalogue are Pinoy box-office hits like One More Chance, My Neighbor’s Wife, The Gifted, My Binondo Girl, Poor Señorita, Zombadings, Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros and Sonata.

A first-of-its-kind price plan will also be introduced inclusive of Hollywood content. The 7-day sachet, already launched in Indonesia, is expected to be available in the Philippines for a certain price by the third quarter of the year.

Chief executive officer of HOOQ Peter Bithos said, “From our beginning, we have been committed to tailor our service to the emerging markets. Our goal is to ensure that everyone across Asia can access entertainment at an affordable price. All across emerging markets, goods and services are offered in ‘bite-size sachets’ and we believe entertainment should be no different. Our new weekly pricing is designed solely for the emerging market customer.”

Country manager of HOOQ Philippines Jane Cruz-Walker added, “We are so proud to be the No. 1 paid video-on-demand service in the country with over 180,000 subscribers. We continue to hold true to our promise of bringing the best of local and Hollywood entertainment to our customers.”

(Sign up today for a seven-day free trial on www.HOOQ.tv.)

Look good & feel better

Here’s a new “mandate” for the Filipino male: to step up his style in the grooming department.

And that “order” came from Watsons, Asia’s leading beauty and health retailer. The retailing brand has a special section in its stores dedicated to men called “Mandated.” The designed section intends to help men “look good and feel better.” At the Mandated line, men will find pampering and hygiene essentials such as shampoo and hairstyling products, deodorant, shaver, shaving cream and aftershave, cologne and razors.

Mandated section displays a wide range of items such as Nivea, Pond’s Men, Axe, Old Spice, Gillette, Vaseline Men, Master, Adidas, Safeguard and Rexona. There are also  products stamped with the reliable Watsons name, such as twin and triple blades; extra comfort cotton disposables, five-blade razors with cartridges; men shaving gel; men shaving foam; nose pore strips; deep cleansing facial wash, oil-control facial wash; and water gloss hair setting lot.

With Watsons’ Mandated section, there’s no more excuse for men not to look his best.

(Follow me on Instagram @pepperteehankee.)