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For the past 21 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.
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SAN FRANCISCO– Xoom.com, the fastest growing online money transfer company, and Philippine banking giant, the Philippine National Bank (PNB), have announced a partnership that makes possible unprecedented speed in sending money to the Philippines. Money transfers that used to take days to bank accounts will now usually be available in minutes. With Xoom. com’s secure website, OFW’s all over the world can send money to their beneficiaries’ PNB bank accounts hasslefree and at very affordable rates.
“PNB is always on the lookout for strategic alliances with partners that will further improve our banking services to OFWs. Xoom’s revolutionary online remittance service assures seamless cash transfer to their beneficiaries’ PNB bank accounts,” said PNB President and CEO Omar Byron T.Mier.
Likewise, Xoom President and CEO John Kunze said that, “Given PNB’s strong franchise in the OFW market, the tie-up provides an excellent opportunity for Xoom.com to further improve its own services for the Filipino community. With this arrangement, more overseas Filipinos can enjoy superior service, fast money transfer and low prices.”
Remitting money to a PNB account with Xoom.com is easy. Simply visit www.xoom.com/philippinesenter sender information, the recipient’s PNB account details and the amount to be remitted. Then, choose a payment method – bank account, credit/debit card or PayPal – and click “send.” The money will be available in the recipient’s PNB account usually in minutes. It is also easy on the budget – transfer money for as low as $3.50* and send $300 to $2,500 denominations for an incredibly affordable rate of $7.99 when paying with US bank accounts.
“The usual inconveniences associated with long queues and limited hours of operation of traditional remittance outlets will be completely wiped out through this service,” remarked Gene Gutierrez, Xoom.com Regional Vice-President for the Philippines. “Efficiency and convenience is thus assured.”
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Twins that share the same body and the same affections for one man, mystical creatures that inhabit the night, potentially cataclysmic clashes between humans and Engkantos, and a love that may conquer all – Heart Evangelista has her hands full with Luna Mystika, her second project for GMA.
LUNA Mystika is a home-grown and original tale full of enchantment, revelations, transformations, and that most potent magic of all – love.
The brand-new GMA Pinoy TV show was inspired by stories of the mythical creatures called Engkantos and their mystical world from Philippine folklore. The show’s casting is similarly exciting and intriguing as it features the country’s most promising stars in plum roles. Leading the powerhouse cast are two of GMA’s most bankable and sought-after stars – Heart Evangelista and Mark Anthony Fernandez – who are paired as love teams for the first time on television.
Heart plays the dual title roles of Luna, a kind-hearted girl born with a hideous face, and her mystical twin sister Celestina; while Mark portrays Dexter, a blind lad who is torn between the love of Luna and Celestina.
Completing the cast are Dante Rivero as Joaquin Sagrado, Chanda Romero as Benita Alejandro, Sheryl Cruz as Alice Sagrado, Romnick Sarmienta as Dominic, Rita Avila as Diana Sagrado, Gardo Versoza as Dante, Ariel Rivera as Simon, Mark Herras as Kamilo, Luis Alandy as Andoy, Kris Bernal as Malou, Aljur Abrenica as Libado, Iwa Moto as Donita, John Lapus as Karya, Beth Tamayo as Lanie, Pauleen Luna as Adita, Michelle Madrigal as Anata, Hero Angeles as Alguwas, Mosang as Piryang, Marky Lopez as Efren, Bearwin Meilly as Bikodong, Jade Lopez as Susira, Paolo Avelino as Johnny, Prince Stefan as Henry, and Jace Flores as Lucas.
The story begins in the outskirts of Baryo Mausok where the town folks still believe that Engkantos dwell deep within the forest. There lives the affluent Sagrado Family – Joaquin and Benita, and their two beautiful daughters Alice and Diana. Diana attracts more suitors and this earns Alice’s ire; especially after Dominic, her lover, also falls for Diana. Diana, however, is in love with Simon, a disfigured young man who is believed to have descended from the Engkantos. Diana’s parents try to end their romance but they discover that she is already pregnant. Diana, with Dominic’s help, runs away from home to escape her parents who want her to get rid of the baby. Unknown to Diana, aside from the human baby Luna, she also gave birth to a baby in the form of a shadow. Diana leaves her baby in Dominic’s care to go looking for Simon. Luna, who is disfigured like her biological father, grows up an outcast. Celestina, her twin shadow, is her only friend. Around this time, Luna will meet Dexter, a blind boy who detests the Engkantos. When Luna turns seven, Dominic decides to bring her back to her relatives in Baryo Mausok. Luna’s nightmare begins: Alice and her equally cruel daughter Donita torment Luna every chance they get. When the twins become teenagers, Celestina begins to yearn to have a body of her own. On their visit to the forest, Luna eats a fruit from an enchanted giant tree. This fruit turns out to be key to their mysterious origins. When the moon shines brightly at night, Celestina transforms into a fairskinned and alluring woman and Luna becomes her shadow but during the day, Luna will once again regain her body and Celestina returns to being a shadow. Dexter returns to Baryo Mausok searching for Luna, his first and only love. Fearing Dexter’s rejection, Luna hides her horrible appearance from Dexter and waits for the night to come so she can appear to him as Celestina. Eventually, Celestina falls for Dexter. In no time, Dexter sees through the deception and he discerns who the real Luna, the woman he loves, is. Following Dexter’s rejection, Celestina schemes to destroy her twin sister. Will the twins’ common affection for Dexter destroy their relationship as sisters? How far will Celestina’s selfishness drive her to evil? Will Luna ever get a chance to be with the one she truly loves? And will Celetina’s wicked plans prevail?
Experience love, magic, and transformation with LUNA MYSTIKA only on GMA PinoyTV. Call your preferred pay TV operator now to subscribe. (30)
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