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Thursday, August 31, 2017

City of San Jose Del Monte lights up the whole city on Sept 8 for the Tanglawan Festival


At the mention of “sustainability”, environmental awareness and conservation comes to mind. While these concepts are well and good, the City of San Jose Del Monte (CSJDM) believes that another ingredient is needed to achieve complete sustainability: a sense of community fostered through cooperation.

Last year, CSJDM launched the Tanglawan Festival. The festival’s name, which is derived from the root word “ilaw” or light, celebrates the genuine cheerfulness of the residents as they work together towards becoming a “Sustainable City”. Now on its second year, the message is no different, but it will be delivered with more festive and meaningful activities throughout the eight-day festival.



The festivities start off on September 3, 2017 with a Mass in honor of the Lady of Lourdes, a famous religious icon in the city. It will then be capped off by an Animation Light Show and a performance by Parokya ni Edgar on September 10, 2017. In between, there will be various activities like livelihood workshops, performances, cooking demos, and many others.

Also, on September 8, 2017, the city will attempt to break the Guinness record for the World’s Largest Lantern Parade, which is expected to be a glowing spectacle of lights and creativity. Singapore currently holds said record with a total of 10,568 participants.

“Through the [Tanglawan Festival’s] activities we hope to enrich the lives of our city’s residents and to foster a culture of cooperation,” said Hon. Florida “Rida” P. Robes, District Representative of CSJDM.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to get together and show that San JoseƱo’s can do great things, like become a sustainable and cheerful city, if we do it together,” she added.

The Tanglawan Festival will be held in many different venues in the city on September 3, 2017 unitl September 10, 2017. More information on the Tanglawan Festival and its activities are available on the CSJDM Official Website (http://csjdm.gov.ph).

“TRIP NAMIN NI NANAY” WINNERS FINALLY ARRIVE



LAST July 28, 2017, classes in all levels were suspended. Government offices had to close down due to heavy rains in Metro Manila because of Typhoon Gorio. But this did not stop the winners of “Biyaheng Proud Nanay, Trip Namin ni Nanay” selfie contest to troop to Manila to receive their prizes.

The selfie contest which follows the theme of "mother and child" is a collaboration between Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation, Inc. and Genesis Bus Transport Service. The selfie should be taken inside the bus with a caption that answers the question, “Why do you consider this travel unforgettable?” MYNP received 50 entries from different destinations of Genesis and Joy Bus.

Ms. Bemz Benedito, MYNP Managing Director, Gizella Martinez, Sarah Grace Codilla, Dr. Boy Abunda, Filipinas Bagorio, Ms. Loren Zubia, Assistant Marketing Manager of Genesis Bus Transport Service


Filipinas Bagorio is a 39 year old mother from Baguio City. When she heard that she won the contest, she immediately called the office of Joy Bus to make a reservation. Filipinas has three kids and she works in an insurance company for motor vehicles. “Tuwang tuwa po ako na ako’y nanalo dahil sa dami ko nang sinalihan ay ito ang pinaka una kong panalo,” Bagorio said.

Another winner is a CCTV and telephone operator of an electronic company from Cabuyao, Laguna. Nanay Gizella Martinez is 34 years old and has three children. She said that upon seeing the flyers inside the bus about the contest, she immediately posed with her daughter and sent it to MYNP and wrote a caption coming from her heart “Unang pag bisita sa pamilya at mga kaibigan sa norte. Salamat Genesis Bus sa safe na biyahe.” She added that she chose Genesis because she feels safe and comfortable.

On the other hand, another mother from the summer capital of the Philippines was very lucky during the rainy season as Genesis officials picked her entry. Nanay Sarah Grace Codilla, 25 years old has two children. She’s a native of Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao but settled in Baguio. Her work entails travel from Manila to Central and Northern Luzon as an insurance broker. She admits that there were times when she had to bring her daughter to her trip, Manila especially, where she has relatives too. “Genesis is always my travel buddy,” Codilla quipped. “Accomodating pa ang mga staff sa loob ng bus,” she added.

The awarding of prizes to the winners were attended by Make Your Nanay Proud (MYNP) Foundation, chairman Dr. Boy R. Abunda, MYNP Managing Director, Ms. Bemz Benedito and Ms. Loren Zubia, Assistant Marketing Manager of Genesis Bus Transport Service.

The three winners received a good for two all-expense paid vacation at Costa Pacifica Resort in Baler, Aurora and Php10,000.00 cash. The winners were very excited to their getaway vacation to rejuvenate with nature in picturesque Baler. After all, moms need a break, too.





John Herrera collaborates anew with EPSON PH featuring his "Armada" Spring/Summer 2018 Collection



It was truly John Herrera's lucky year when he won Britain's Top Designer (BTD) 2017 in London, England showcasing his "agila" collection inspired by the Philippine Eagle and tribal art. It was a winning collaboration with EPSON PH. 



This time around Epson PH collaborates anew with award-winning designer John Herrera in creating “Armada” - a 30-piece apparel for women for his Spring/Summer 2018 collection.  John Herrera showcased some of the Armada collection on August 29 at TWG Teahouse Shangri-la Plaza.

The newest John Herrera creations will be globally presented during Fashion Scout in September 2017, the international showcase for fashion pioneers and UK's largest independent showcase for emerging and established design talent during the 2017 London Fashion Week.


“The inspiration for the Armada collection came from the very first map in history that included the Philippine islands. This map by Diogo Ribeiro shows the world circa 1529.   With the help of Epson’s digital textile printing technology, I was able to render parts of this medieval map and present designs on opaque and translucent fabrics.  The combination of sheer and stiff materials with soft fabrics create new silhouettes will remind us of sailing to new worlds,” explains John Herrera.


Fresh off his win as  Britain’s Top Designer 2017 (BTD) at the 5th season of fashion’s finest event for emerging talent in British fashion for his Aguila collection, his first collaboration with Epson, Herrera delves back into history and Philippine pride in creating these new digitally-printed masterpieces.



Before heading to London for Fashion Scout, John Herrera will officially be sent off courtesy of Epson Philippines at the TWG Tea Salon & Boutique in the East Wing of EDSA Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City. Special guests and close friends of John Herrera, as well as invitees from the Philippine lifestyle media were able to show their support and send their well wishes as he showcases his newest collection, Armada.






In a nod to the Spanish colonial heritage, Herrera also enhanced the collection by integrating in the design elements of costume and fashion from the era of King Phillip of Spain, the monarch whom the country was named after.  Hues of sepia and brown were combined in the digitally printed fabrics to infuse the feel and look of this historic time.




“This is the second time that John Herrera has tapped Epson’s digital textile printing technologies to create a totally different concept in fashion and design, and we are very happy to collaborate with him once again.

As the brand ambassador of Epson Philippines’ Professional Printers Group, he has truly given us the world’s attention with his ingenious marriage of art and technology. This latest collection called “Armada” is John’s  avant-garde  take on our history and roots; a creation that we are confident will put the Philippines on the map once again,” said Ed Bonoan, Senior General Manager and Marketing Head, Epson Philippines.

Epson’s digital textile printing technology enables designers to achieve their artistic vision with advanced technology that understands the intricacies of fabric and design.  With this innovation, world-class designers like John Herrera, have successfully translated their vision onto high quality digital textile prints driven by Epson’s PrecisionCore printhead technology, one of the fastest inkjet delivery technologies in the world. Its print nozzles deliver ultra-precise control of ink droplets for superior image sharpness across a wide range of ink and media, producing outstandingly vivid and unique prints.

The complete John Herrera Spring/Summer Collection will be globally showcased in London’s Fashion Scout in September 2017.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Aiko Melendez and her trending memes



This is my 2nd time to meet Ms. Aiko Melendez aka as Emilia Torillo in Wildflower, in person.  She talks fondly about her son, her memes, her ketogenic diet and the role she plays as Emilia on a fun afternoon on Aug 24 at Limbaga Restaurant.

For Aiko Melendez, who plays Emilia in the hit drama “WildFlower,”she finds her trending memes very flattering.

“I find them flattering, even though some of them are aimed at bashing me,”  Aiko told media  in a recent lunch meet organized by Asian Artists Agency  a talent and booking company.



Aiko’s Emilia Ardiente-Torillo, is the conniving  and attention-seeking archnemesis of lead character Ivy Aguas (played by Maja Salvador).

“Emilia’s reactions are often big and exaggerated, that’s why people like toying with her. I even have some of the memes saved in my phone,” Aiko said showing us some of the photos.





“The one where the cast members are pointing guns at each other and asking: ‘Who farted?’ and the one with her supposedly asking: ‘Nag-deo ka ba? Ang baho eh!’” are among her favorites.



“Grabe yung effort na ginagawa nila to make these meme’s and I think it just shows na people are watching and are interested in the show, and that they appreciate Emilia.

Aiko said she is having the time of her life portraying Emilia.  “I wanted to put a different twist to portraying a kontrabida. Emilia is a villain you will hate, but, at the same time, laugh at. I also want people to pity her because, if you trace her backstory, her father and husband never
 really loved her. Kaya ganun ang nangyari sa kanya.




Aiko only has good words for fellow actress Maja Salvador even if they often have physical confrontations and Maja already injured her eye.  “I  think we’re soulmates, when it comes to acting, because we can read each other’s minds with just one look. I have high regard for Maja—she’s always ready with her lines, and is even conscious of the colors of both our nails for continuity’s sake. She’s amazing!”

As to the eye gouging incident, Aiko shared “Maja was supposed to smear the cake I was holding on my face. We were both wearing high-heeled shoes, and we slipped because of the icing on the floor, and she hit me by accident.”

 Aiko was brought to the hospital, where doctors said she sustained a blood clot. She added that the injury was only a dot away from her cornea, which, if damaged, could cause her to go blind.

“We still got to finish taping the scene. I guess it’s because of adrenaline, but I didn’t feel pain until Wendell saw the redness in my eye,” When Maja learned about it she cried pa nga because she felt guilty–pero accidents happen kaya now we have this joke na kapag may confrontation scene dapat may nakastand by na na ambulance.



Meet the stars of “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical”



The  much awaited  “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical” will be staged on September 30, 3:00pm and 8:00pm (Gala), October 1,2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm October 4, 2017 8:00pm, October 5, 2017 8:00 pm, October 6, 2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm at Kia Theatre. 

The musical is directed by award winning director Joel Lamangan and stars by Sheila Valderrama-Martinez,  Lara Maigue. alternating as Ligaya Paraiso and Arman Ferrer as Julio Madiaga.



“Maynila… The Musical” was a brainchild of Lamangan and Gantimpala Theater Foundation.




It is but fitting that award-winning auteur Joel Lamangan is helming the stage musical version of the Edgardo Reyes novel which spawned the Lino Brocka classic film version that starred Bembol Roco and Hilda Koronel.





Based on the Edgardo Reyes novel and inspired by the Brocka film adaptation, the initial challenge for Lamangan and his artistic staff was to synthesize the prose into a two-act, two-hour play featuring soaring music and brilliantly choreographed dance routines. “Dapat ‘yung mga tauhan ay lumabas na mga tunay na taong may puso, kaluluwa, at damdamin na kumakanta at sumasayaw,” shares Lamangan. “Dapat na maramdaman ng mga manonood na nagkukuwento sila ng ukol sa kanilang mga agam-agam, hinaing, siphayo, at pangarap.”



To realize his vision of a realistic depiction of the great, if doomed love story of Julio Madiaga and his inamorata Ligaya Paraiso, Lamangan gathered an artistic staff composed of people that he trusts can deliver the goods: Von De Guzman (Composer and Musical Director), Jose Victor Torres and Em Mendez (Libretto), Joey Nombres (Lights Designer), Douglas Nierras (Choreographer), and Jun Flavier Pablo (Production Design). Full House Asia Productions, Inc. acts as line producer.  



Musical Director Von De Guzman has collaborated with Lamangan in many of the latter’s film projects. He has done musicals meant for school productions but “Maynila…” will be his first mainstream musical of this scope. “Direk Joel wanted memorable melodies for the play,” relates De Guzman, “so the ballads will have the feel of a George Canseco and/or Willy Cruz composition, the fast numbers we have incorporated very Filipino elements of singkil, ati-atihan chants, mostly percussion-driven kind of music. And then we have the strains of kundiman in the other numbers.”

De Guzman adds, was to merge OPM romanticism with the orchestral power of a Stravinsky. De Guzman also utilized Filipino instruments that we seldom hear like the banduria.

The next step was to find powerful singers from the leads to the chorus. “They have to have lungs of steel,” notes De Guzman.





Valderrama-Martinez and Maigue are alternating as Ligaya Paraiso. “I was excited to join this production because I wanted to work with Joel Lamangan whom I’ve never worked with before,” says Valderrama-Martinez. Maigue is burning the midnight candles, so to speak, to bring justice to her interpretation of Ligaya Paraiso, a victim of circumstance. “I’ve been watching Hilda Koronel in the Brocka movie over and again and I’ve been talking to friends from UP where they worship before the shrine of ‘Maynila Sa Mga Kuko Ng Liwanag."

 “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical” is a musical theater event that shouldn’t be missed and worth saving the ticket price for. “It’s a musical told from the point of view of the novelist,” says Lamangan. “It features wonderful composition from Von De Guzman, topnotch dance from Douglas Nierras, three-dimensional characters, heartfelt moments, stirring scenes meant to enthrall and entertain.” 


In restless times like the one we are living through, “Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical” resonates even more. “It shows that in the midst of the squalor, despair, and violence, pure love still exists like the one shared by Julio Madiaga and Ligaya Paraiso,” says Joel Lamangan. 

Giving life to the other important characters in the 
musical are Floyd Tena (Pol), Noel Rayos (Atong), Rafa Seguion-Reyna and Joseph Puducay (Imo), Aicelle Santos and Rita Daniela (Perla), Jim Pebanco/ Joseph Billezar (Mr. Balajadia), Khalil Kaimo (Gido), Jeffrey Camanag (Omeng), Romcel Binquis (Benny), Randy Rey (Frank), and Dulce and Ima Castro alternating as Mrs. Cruz.

Performances are scheduled on September 30, 3:00pm and 8:00pm (Gala), October 1,2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm October 4, 2017 8:00pm, October 5, 2017 8:00 pm, October 6, 2017 3:00pm and 8:00 pm,  Venue is at the KIA Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. 

Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag, The Musical” is made possible through the generous support of KIA Theater, Cibo, Epson, Erase Placenta, SvelT’I Health & Beauty Centre, and Mr. Swabergers.

For ticket inquiries, contact Ms. Bards Lapid at mobile number -09178466704, landlines 897 7142. 890 0853, 890 6067 or Ticketnet -9115555.



Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Goldilocks Foundation partners with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.’s (ALKFIs) for "Kabuhayan Bakery"




While Lobo, Batangas has earned a reputation as a hotbed for mining, the municipality is likewise home to a rich marine sanctuary. Unfortunately, excessive mining has threatened this ecology, and efforts have been made to reduce Lobo’s dependence on the income from mines.



Goldilocks Foundation, in partnership with ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation Inc.’s (ALKFIs) Bantay Kalikasan and Nutrition Center of the Philippines, took part in this endeavor by donating a fully-functional “Kabuhayan Bakery” located in Masaguitsit-Banalo National High School.

In order to create a ripple effect of livelihood opportunities, the bakery will be managed by the locals, who were given the appropriate training to make a variety of breads and simple pastries. These products can then be sold either on a retail or wholesale basis.


“My dream is to eradicate poverty in Lobo, while keeping the environment and Lobo’s natural resources as healthy as possible,” noted ALKFI Managing Director Gina Lopez. “I hope that the teachers will teach their students how to love one another and also Mother Nature. Let us be responsible and commit to being earth warriors,” she added.

On the part of Goldilocks, the country’s number one bakeshop intends to make the Kabuhayan Bakeshop an integral part of its Foundation’s advocacy. “This is the first Kabuhayan Bakery that we launched, but it certainly won’t be the last. We hope to replicate this model in a number of key locations, and expand this program in the coming years,” said Cherry Caluya, Marketing Director of Goldilocks.




Other sponsors include Honda Motors Philippines, who donated a motorcycle to help the community in delivering bread all around the city, San Miguel Mills, and the Local Government Unit led by Lobo Municipal Mayor, Atty. Gaudioso Manalo.



For more information about the initiatives of Goldilocks Foundation, follow Goldilocks on Twitter or Instagram at @GoldilocksPH, the Goldilocks Facebook page, or at the official Goldilocks website at www.goldilocks.com.ph.




Monday, August 28, 2017

Avida Land partners with Yummy.ph in welcoming new homeowners of Avida Towers Altura







Avida Land, one of the leading mid-market real estate developers in the country, launched a handy cookbook in partnership with Yummy.ph to welcome new homeowners of the recently completed Tower 1 of Avida Towers Altura.

Chef Francis Lim

We got to try out their new dishes and participated in the cook off with Mystery Box Cooking Challenge where we created quick-fix meals using only the ingredients inside the box. We cooked banana cake using the rice cooker. It was tasted good and I should try this out at home. Chef Francis Lim together with Yummy.Ph top executives, and new homeowners witnessed the cooking challenge.





The cookbook titled “40 Best Quick-Fix Recipes for Your New Home” collates easy-to-do recipes of homemade comfort food, some of which are shared by Chef Francis Lim of Tipple and Slaw fame, and includes a map of Avida properties and the nearby groceries and shopping centers. The cookbook will be given as part of the turnover kit for new homeowners to enable them to create delightful experiences at their new home at Avida Towers Altura.




The launch was held on August 19, 2017 at the Avida Showroom South Park District and was followed by an interactive cooking demo of comfort dishes by Chef Francis Lim. Attendees also got a chance to participate in the. Attendees were also able to appreciate a dining room set-up that exhibited a beautiful way to present your home cooked meals for special occasions. They also received special gift baskets from NutriAsia containing iconic Filipino sauces and condiments that would complement any food preparation or meals at home.



“In any Avida community, we always aim to provide our residents with avenues to experience a more fulfilling lifestyle. We know that moving into your new home can be challenging especially for the newly independent ones. Our collaboration with Yummy for this cookbook will be a valuable tool in our residents’ day-to-day living, with easy recipes that any newbie home cook can follow to create delicious meals they can enjoy at home,” says Tess Tatco, Avida marketing head.




Avida Towers Altura is the latest addition to the vibrant South Park District, Ayala Land’s master-planned, mixed-use development, located in the relaxed yet dynamic environment of Alabang, Muntinlupa. With Tower 1 units now ready for turnover to its residents, as well as the top-off of Tower 2, a comfortable and holistic southern living experience awaits those who choose to reside in this convenient, practical and fun environment. Avida Towers Altura Tower 1 units are included in the overall total of 3,062 units to be turned-over by Avida this year.





Anyone will be able to experience rest and relaxation at Avida Towers Altura. The thoughtfully designed units, ranging from studio to one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, provide utmost comfort which matches the peaceful outdoor environment. The condominium’s amenities, specifically designed to encourage interaction and a healthy lifestyle among homeowners, include a clubhouse, swimming pools, a children’s play area, and an outdoor gym.




Beyond the residential towers, not only will Altura residents be met with a different kind of Southern lifestyle, but they will also enjoy the various establishments that make South Park District a sustainable community.


The 6.6-hectare district perfectly bridges urban city life with the necessity for nature. It has  well-planned residential buildings, its own Ayala-operated South Park Mall where residents can effortlessly shop and dine, South Park Corporate Center with BPO offices for those who want to work closer to home, an operational transport terminal that makes it easier to access various locations in the Southern Metro, and a not-to-be-missed expansive Central Park featuring iconic art pieces from world-renowned sculptor Reginald Yuson including a large steel composition of interconnected conical forms, and a sprawling composition of free-flowing 3-dimensional tubes reminiscent of doodles which inspire vibrancy, movement and playfulness while keeping a sense of peacefulness and tranquility.

Various weekend activities are also scheduled at the park such as the Mobile Flea Market held every payday weekend between 12 noon and 9 P.M. With all these, South Park District is poised to become an ideal enclave for comfortable and convenient living in the South.

South Park District is located along the National Road of Alabang, less than a kilometer away from the South Luzon Expressway.

*Event partners for the cookbook launch event include NutriAsia, Robinsons Supermarket, Unifab and Uratex.


Saturday, August 26, 2017

Althea Petal Velvet Powder Unboxing



As the old saying goes;"They say It takes a village to raise a child."

And would you believe that age old proverb is also kinda applicable when choosing makeup?

I guess it also takes a village or maybe even a city to try and test out a product first before I finally decide if its worth trying.




I'm not just talking about lab testing but rather the collective comments and reactions of the people who have been able to try the product first--and not just from those so-called experts whose only basis for rave reviews are the number of free product samples they've been given.

That's why I try to read real consumer reviews as skin care products don't come cheap. And why I'm also sharing my thoughts on the products I use--and buy.

Some of the products I am really careful about buying are liquid foundation, powder foundation, concealer and a blot powder. I "google" reviews first before even checking it out at the mall.










If I am really itching to have the product, I'd try it out, walk around for a few minutes and get a feel for it. And if I like the effect that's the only time I'm going back to buy it.. (A word of advice though, make sure to ask the sales assistants to reserve one or hold it for a few hours just to make sure you still have something to come back to.)


Just so you know, I'm  NC-25-30ish and have a combo skin type. I have an oily T zone. That's why I always carry blotting papers inside my bag. The trick is just pat blotting papers instead of reapplying your powder. This is to prevent oil to accumulate in your face and not to caked.



My beauty regimen is just like everyone else's. Before going out, I put on my HG favorite toner (rose mamonde) , daily moisturizer, sunscreen, concealer and my liquid powder foundation. Then set it off with my new blot powder Althea Velvet Powder. 


Althea PH  recently introduces their first beauty product Althea Velvet Powder. It is a finely milled translucent loose powder. It goes on matte when you pat the powder in your face. The thing is, it conceals oiliness and imperfections when you use it as your finish powder. I always carry it in my bag and retouch after blotting. I love that it mattifies and soften my liquid powder foundation. It glides on perfectly and is affordable too.



Infused with oil from Althea seeds, this powder works to keep sebum production at bay without drying out the skin for a radiant, fresh look, all while giving out a gentle scent.


I had it swatch on  my upper left hand and see the difference it makes! I have been using it everyday.  I know I have to hoard this week and re stock.



If you are on the lookout for a blot powder that blurs out oiliness and imperfections then its time to purchase Althea Petal Velvet Powder from Korea.

Enjoy amazing K-Beauty products at the lowest prices, plus free shipping!
its available online at  http://ph.althea.kr/ .


Querubin Unveils Senate Platform Focused on Combating Hunger, Education Reform, and National Security

Ariel Querubin, one of the Philippines’ most decorated military officers and a Medal of Valor recipient, has officially entered the 2025 sen...