Christmas Countdown: Poinsettia

There are twelve days remaining before Christmas, and that number is significant to poinsettia as December 12 is National Poinsettia Day in the United States. Considering American influences on Filipino culture, poinsettia is well-known in the Philippines.

What is poinsettia?

The poinsettia is a plant species typically used in Christmas floral displays in many countries, including the Philippines, because of its green and red foliage. It is named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant into the U.S. in 1825.

Movie Ads: "P/Maj. Napoleon Velasco: Kumander Kalbo" (1993)

P/Maj. Napoleon Velasco: Kumander Kalbo, an action film starring Eddie Garcia opened in theaters on February 24, 1993. This Emperor Films presentation also stars Gloria Diaz, Aurora Sevilla, George Estregan Jr., Gino Antonio, Lito Legaspi, Eric Francisco, and Efren Reyes. Segundo Ramos directed the film:

Rebisco Crackers with Whole Wheat

Rebisco Crackers with Whole Wheat is a brand of crackers manufactured by Republic Biscuit Corp. Advertised as "Eat Good, Feel Good!," the product claims to contain fiber. Each 32-gram-package, which contains four "Big Pcs." constitutes one serving. 

Front portion of the packaging

Health Claims:

"We all know that whole wheat is rich in fiber, and that fiber is good for digestion. But did you know that fiber-rich foods can also have other health benefits such as:

reducing the risk of heart disease

preventing some forms of cancer

helping reduce calories

REBISCO CRACKERS with WHOLE WHEAT is made with whole wheat kaya may fiber! BIG in size. BIG in benefits. Sarap maging healthy with REBISCO CRACKERS with WHOLE WHEAT. BIG in benefits!" [Note: Nutrition facts follow]

Flashback: Manny Pacquiao vs. Fahsan Por Thawatchai

Exactly eight years ago today, Filipino boxing icon Manny "PACMAN" Pacquiao defeated Fahsan "The Thai Destroyer" Por Thawatchai in a match titled "Yanig sa Taguig" held at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field. Pacquiao stopped his Thai opponent via technical knock out 1:26 into the fourth round.

As a result, Pacquiao retained The Ring magazine featherweight title and won the International Boxing Featherweight eliminator for the No. 2 contender spot. Following is an advertisement for the match promoted by Murad Muhammad M&M Sports and Rod Nazario in cooperation with Solar Entertainment Corp.:

Movie Ads: "Tikboy Tikas at mga Khroaks Boys" (1993)

On January 27, 1993, Tikboy Tikas at mga Khroaks Boys was shown in theaters. Under the direction of Willy Milan, this First Films presentation has Zoren Legaspi in the lead role. The movie also stars Smokey Manaloto, Banjo Romero, Edmon Ramos, Tyron Sason, Dennis delos Santos, and Raymond Bagatsing. This is a newspaper advertisement for the film:

VTB Leather Belt

About six weeks ago, I chanced upon sidewalk vendors selling clothing accessories at bargain prices along the foot bridge near the intersection of EDSA and Quezon Avenue in Quezon City. I bought the China-made VTB brand of leather belt for only twenty pesos. The vendor can also be asked to add additional holes along the belt to facilitate proper fit around the user's waist.

Here is a picture of the belt, while its buckle is still inside the packaging.

A Film by Celso Ad Castillo: "Isla: The Young Version" (1996)

[NOTE: As a tribute to the late film director Celso Ad Castillo, we will be presenting some newspaper movie advertisements that are part of our collection.]

Isla: The Young Version, Celso Ad Castillo's remake of his 1985 film Isla, opened in theaters on July 31, 1996. This Four Aces Films production introduces Via Veloso in the title role. Other cast members include Tonton Gutierrez, Anthony Cortes, Ronaldo Valdez, Rachel Lobangco, Jean Saburit, and Anna Capri.

"Hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay ganito ang uri ng pelikula" (Not at all times you can witness this kind of movie), says the tagline of  Isla: The Young Version. Following is a newspaper advertisement for the film: