Author Darwin Mariano Talks About NAMWARAN and the Golden Tara

After being launched at the Manila International Book.Fair, they did a showcase at the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila as they launched a novel by Atty. Darwin De Jesus Mariano entitled NAMWARAN and the Golden Tara.

This story reminds us the importance of heritage, history and the connections they have with each other. It tells the story of a diverse people, like a museum to bridge the gap between us and the artifacts we had at bay. This can affect you and me, a generation who can be proud of their past and national identity. 

While this may be fiction, it mirrors the Filipino. It helps us understand the community that lived before us and how early society was done. Having this be shared to new folks would make them understand and be inspired with stories.

Atty. Mariano says "In the late 90's and 00"s, we started a group , a community of museum advocates. Life got in the way, but during those times, I saw dream weaving, bronze plates, it filled my fascination, things I didn't learn in school. I took notes, and felt it could make a good story. I couldn't write, didn't want to, but since I'm 50, we made it into a comic of sorts, then life happened again, then wrote the novel myself. I did a few hundred pages, told a story from this region of the world. I hope the book makes you feel there is so much to us, that we can be more connected, more than we could ever know."

He read to us a part of the first chapter, and it was excellently described, he was very intricate in introducing the characters. Here's the press conference on video:

NAMWARAN and the Golden Tara is available in leading bookstores, also in Centralbooks which has branches in QC, Makati, Cebu, Manila and Davao.

Orange Magazine PH Forges Juicy Partnership with LAKBAY Magazine

Two entities, one known for Publishing, Travel, Government and Business while the other delves into Lifestyle, Brands, Entertainment and everything Online. Orange Magazine PH is taking a leap into having their work published in well known LAKBAY Magazine (and vice versa).  

Orange Magazine PH and I go way back, not that I've worked there because this site is older. They're currently celebrating their 17th year and wanted publishing to happen. It's tangible, the stories are forever, not seasonal or plain trendy. Here's some of the things we talked about during the signing ceremony at the SAVEA Bay City Manila Hotel in Paranaque City. 

There wasn't much convincing involved, just good old recognition that they could benefit from this partnership. Lakbay Magazine has been distributed in various corporate settings, airports, local and international spots. Orange Magazine PH's online presence is huge, always in the hottest events and brand launches, including celebrities that mirrors what's happening in the country. These folks obviously know what they're doing, and with each others expertise they could help each other grow. While these may be a phase, they're quite eager to put their content on print and online, something Jeman Villanueva (who owns Orange Magazine PH) always dreamed of. This is a very promising start, and Lakbay Magazine will take charge on Travel content while Team Orange will concentrate on Lifestyle, like a working marriage.  

Honestly, I'm super happy for them. They get to help each other reach more people. 

Some of their supporters like Tai Chi (a cool stick and liniment brand) gave folks massages and loot bags with Guyasteen Coffee and Kuchi Kuchi Cooling Powder in them, and SAVEA Bay City (who's pretty new) actually helped them with the event and made things happen. I can't wait to see the actual printed magazine be done in a few moons. They're also testing the waters so if you're keen to support them, this is the right time to actually do it. Message Lakbay Magazine if you want copies as they do give these away for FREE. If you're interested to be part of it, contact them there as well. 

I'd like to take this bit to congratulate both LAKBAY Magazine and Orange Magazine PH for the wonderful work they're about to embark on. Thanks for including us on your special day!

SHUVEE ETRATA and ANTHONY CONSTANTINO Star on "From VLOG to LOVE"

We've been seeing them before and after the highly successful PBB Celebrity Collab Edition, and yes, they look so good together that people have asked, when can they have their own project? Fret not because here it is, it's called "From VLOG to LOVE" which will be shown every Friday and Saturday, 7PM via the GMA Network YouTube channel. 

This is a mini series, a formulated romantic comedy where a goody two shoes provincial maiden got the interest of a visiting Filipino American lad who's got a naughty plan in place (oh maybe it ain't love!).

The cast includes Sparkle stars Caitlyn Stave, Kiel Gueco, Christian Antolin, Marnie Lapus, Che Cosio, and veteran actress Ruby Ruiz. This is a mix of laughter and love for those who are looking for a kilig fix, so make sure you see once it comes out. This is set in 2026, so aside from the romance, there will be complications on how this will all play in the age of social media, the internet and reel or real relationships. 

Make sure you follow their story because who knows! This might just be the start of something good.

GARY VALENCIANO "Back at the Museum" This October

I distinctly remember the first time I got to watch Gary Valenciano LIVE. I turned quiet, jaw dropped, and didn't make sense when he started dancing. People lost it, I lost it, because the man just showed how God given his talent is. 

The Music Museum was full to the brim, and this October, he's going back there to do "Back At The Museum" which is a 10 night concert where he could bring the same quality of music, high energy dance and his story of triumph in the industry. This will all happen on October 1,3,8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29 and 31st. That's every Thursday and Saturday of October, part of the celebration of Manila Genesis Entertainment and Management Incorporated's 40th year in the business. The location is significant for Mr. Pure Energy as he's officially done over 103 shows here. It's very intimate as the audience sits very near, you can feel him talk, feel the wind when he moves and dances, which is why it's so apt to do it in this venue.

Pure Energy One Last Time 

They plan to have this as a documentary and show on streaming platforms, possibly next year and have it be included in festivals. This will have his story embedded in it, his music, and the love he poured into his career over the years. 

Gary adds "My dream was to have a one-day showing in a theater or a limited run but wherein I will personally invite people to come and see it. And in one showing, one day, a time slot where I want people from the entertainment industry, the media to come and see it. And it will only be you guys. So it will be a full theater of people who know me enough because you've known me for years. I'm really hoping that can happen!"

That's 10 shows this coming month, and he adores how the new generation still appreciates his music. He hopes they too get fueled with the same fire and passion to help OPM flourish, reach audiences beyond our shores and be felt by audiences today. He also plans to do a tour of this sort in other parts of the Philippines, visit educational institutions too. Here's hoping folks could experience what we've seen in his concerts and not do mobile phone recording all the time. In the concert, you will get to experience looking all over the venue, which he promises to try new things (a huge hint!).

 

The concert will be directed by his son Paolo Valenciano, and will be musically directed by Mon Faustino. His special guest include Frankie Pangilinan who's recently been doing good in music. This is for the benefit of Shining Light Foundation. You may get tickets via premier.TICKETWORLD.com. Email tickets@ticketek.com.ph or tickets@manilagenesis.com.ph or their number 0999 954 5922/0917 550 6997 all up to you!