I've been going to the German Club Manila's celebration for years now, and this time, Solaire Resort and the German Club Manila is hosting OKTOBERFEST celebrations at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire North this coming October 19th and 20. Solaire Resort North is pretty new, and they plan to put out the best of the best German dishes and the finest brews from Weihenstephaner, the official one for Oktoberfest. Music as tradition requires will be done by the folks from Bavarian Sound Express, and I know they'll be doing it all night at the venue. For sure, you're going to have to dance a bit, and do more later on in the evening of the 19th.
Meanwhile, if you're up for some real family fun, Oktoberfest for you at Solaire North will be absolutely awesome with a ton of activities designed for kids like the Bouncy Castle, German Costume Photo Booths, Face Painting Sessions, and Carnival Games at the hotel. Oktoberfest will also be overloaded with discount stays of over 20 percent (their Bed and Breakfast Rate on the 18th to 20th) that includes buffet breakfast at their signature restaurant FRESH.
At Oktoberfest, expect tons of breads, pretzels, Obatzda, Wiesen jause, Munchner Wurstsalat, Kartoffelsalat and German potato salad. I love my Rostbratwurst, Frankfurters, Goulash, Apple Strudel, and more! If you're raring to go, get your tickets now at Oktoberfest.ph to make sure your kind of Oktoberfest is authentic, and do it as the Germans do in the heart of Quezon City. I've seen it, done it, and I'm going back there for more on this weekend! You should too, take a well deserved break that is THIS fun!
I distinctly remember being seated beside this good looking lad at a concert in Mall of Asia Arena a couple of years ago. Even back then, he's one of the most adored artists of his generation, and I could reckon how he was at awe of how it must have been like performing on stage especially at this big venue. This year marks his 10th year in the industry and with all the pieces falling into place, it's the right time to hold his very own concert. They call it "JUAN KARLOS LIVE", happening this November 29 at the same venue.
JK
says "I'm excited, but nervous, but I'm working with amazing and
talented people so I'm concentrating on audio and visual aspect of the
concert. Nathan Studios is working on a lot of things. I never think of
it too much, it was never really set as a goal to perform in big stages,
it was more of contentment wherever I perform. I think it's just the
people I work with that makes it worth it. I have a song called KALAWAKAN, which is a nice song, but haven't performed it on stage yet
just like a few collabs I've done in the past. Sometimes I forget it,
but imagining performing those songs just have that cool aspect."
He adds "I don't think anyone could be ready for something like this,
but Tita Ibyang (Sylvia Sanchez) told me not to think of what to
perform, because this is for the fans that supported me all these years.
It's something that I have to do for the people who believe in me, it
is the direction I felt was right. With that, I just said "oo nga ano",
it is for them. I'm trying to balance selfishness and selflessness, to
try to balance the flow of the show that I'm just there to perform
rather that complicate it. It will be intimate, a jam session, it will
be an experience, no lessons, but the feeling of being in that capsule
to be able to relate to those songs, and the life we went through all
these years. I just feel like yesterday I was a bisaya that was just
playing on stage by coach Bamboo, not taking things seriously when I was
in Voice Kids as a bonding moment. I never dreamt any of these things,
now here we are because of that one decision I made to please my Mom.
For some reason, it was something she wanted, it made us happy. It's
beautiful because I've been through a lot to be able to get to where I
am now. To reflect on that, and be in this moment, it's beautiful. I am
lucky and blessed to be surrounded by people who believe in me."
For
him it was a no brainier for Nathan Studios to produce this because Ms.
Sylvia was a mother figure. She was the one who pushed the concert even
if the decision was made. He just said yes to it. JK also discussed
his relationship with his Lola, the one who pushed him to achieve
things. One that didn't talk too much, but is part of who he is. He says
the things she does is cute, and he's happy she is witnessing this.
JK
also lamented how he used to watch concerts, and believes how he should
be a consumer before becoming a performer. He felt he was able to get a
perspective of what he should see to enjoy a concert, and now that he
is doing this, he is finding solace in creating songs that the populace
will appreciate, make him feel good, because music was the thing that
made him feel constant even if he's going through a lot. This is for the
people who made him, and his songs, part of their lives.
Here's the full press conference on video, took a long time to upload this, please enjoy!
He
is honest, fragile and vulnerable, and wishes to write more songs in
the near future. He has a lot in his coffers, it's just the release part
that worries him and prolly his label. The viral version of "Through the
Years" may or may not be played on the concert too because a lot of
people are requesting for it. It's just going to be a surprise, so make
sure you get the few tickets left for the concert on the 29th! We heard
some sections are already sold out!
This concert is also directed by Paolo Valenciano. Musical Direction is by Karel Honasan. This is produced by Nathan Studios and fully supported by his label Universal Music Group Philippines.
Get your tickets at SM Tickets website smtickets.com/events/view/13698. He's a very cool guy, and I think I'm a fan. :)
It's been a while since I've last seen Ms. Marian Rivera-Dantes. I also missed the opportunity to watch her latest movie "BALOTA" which was showcased at Cinemalaya XX which won her the Best Actress trophy for obvious reasons. The film mirrors real life (although satire), of an educator who goes over and beyond her duty in the classroom. Teacher Emmy not only thinks about her future, but spins in the optimism of electing leaders, and finding out the grim reality of the human psyche.
In a mayoralty race of their quaint town, they had the choice between a land grabbing power hungry woman, or a former s3xy actor. Since she also administers a precinct during the elections, she gets caught in the action when the result meant people seizing the ballot box she carries in order to win. The woman with integrity didn't budge with any force, and baddies even became more eager to find or eliminate her, no matter what it takes.
Marian by any means still looked every bit beautiful even if she was de-glamorized. The chase brought her to vehicles, the forest, the querida's house, the s3xy actor's house, the boondocks, something you wouldn't think she'd have to do as a premiere actress yet here we are. Marian says "I couldn't explain how I felt after shooting "Balota". I even mentioned to Dong how fulfilled I felt doing it despite me being in the industry for a while now. It fed my hunger to do worthwhile projects like these. I felt inspired after that win given to me by the Cinemalaya community."
The exciting thing is, they will be having this released for public viewing this coming October 16. This is produced by GMA Pictures, written and directed by Kip Oebanda. The film also includes actors Will Ashley, Raheel Bhyria, Royce Cabrera, Sassa Gurl, Esnyr, Donna Cariaga, Gardo Versoza, Mae Paner, Sue Prado, Joel Saracho, Donna Cariaga and Nico Antonio. Apt for the times, great story line that is cohesive. It's genius. Having Marian Rivera-Dantes is a great reason to also watch this. It's our story.
Just got off the BUM Black Army 10th Year event at the Farmers Plaza Activity Center in Araneta City. They are celebrating 10 awesome years of providing Filipinos non apologetic street wear, something that I've loved over the years. I was witness to how they've consistently grown... experimenting on looks and setting the trend for teens, men, women, and for those who just love being unique, reeks of individuality, and authentic.
At the event, we saw several of BUM Black Army's executives, marketing professionals, influencers, models, bloggers and trad media. Folks who adore the brand also trooped to the lower ground floor of the mall to enjoy the pop up store's 10th Anniversary promo. Folks who purchase shirts, pants, caps, bags and accessories will get the change to have their own customized shirt, a 360 degree video, iced or hot coffee, free caps, shirts and hoodies. They really did take advantage of that, but that was just the tip of the iceberg.
BUM Black Army also showcased their latest BUM Black Army Holiday Collection featuring several shirts, camouflage and tactical pants, baseball tops, caps and hoodies. I will be purchasing the army pants (in green) plus the army green shirts which surprisingly fit me quite well when I tried it that afternoon.
We were also treated to the music of the 90's and early 2000's as one of their ambassadors called Lunar Lights Band. A lot of people started to fill the several floors overlooking the venue.
This was an awesome way to celebrate 10 great years of streetwear from BUM Black Army!
10 years is not a joke, it's valuable experience. Filipinos are social, but when one needs to express himself with fashion, BUM Black Army gives the pieces that exude confidence. I remember the years when they had goth and rock as their palette, but instead of being stagnant, they planned quite well to also grow with the generation that adored them. Now they look cool, still representing street wear, and still presenting color that can appeal to the generation today. For that, congratulations BUM Black Army! Here's to another decade or more of this excellence!
If you would love to see what they have up their sleeves, visit and like their social channels. They've got new stuff which you'll enjoy too.
It's been a while since I've seen Lovi Po, JM De Guzman and Jameson Blake in person. It's been years, but this new movie beckons not just a bit of discovery, but quite a lot of understanding. I couldn't say it's fully cerebral, but from what I heard during the mediacon, it deduces the female perspective, talks about their fantasies, their lives, the justice system, in this Regal Films and C'est Lovi Productions produced project called "GUILTY PLEASURE".
This movie also includes Dustin Yu, Sarah Edwards, Angelica Lao, Johhny Revilla, Soliman Cruz, Raf Pineda, Adrienne Vergara, Lorraine Wong, Christian Ty, Ella Cristofani, and Darwin Yu among others. This is Directed by Connie Macatuno, while the screenplay and script is by Noreen Capili.
Lovi was quite thankful for the help she got from Regal Films' very own Ms. Roselle Monteverde whom she was actually able to call anytime of the day (even after business hours) if she needs to ask something about production. Yes, Lovi is actually producing this movie too hence C'est Lovi Productions. Though new to the production world, you must understand how Lovi has literally lived all her life in making films. JM De Guzman on the other hand brings another interesting character, a superior from the judicial sector, but a lover that brings something different in closed doors with Lovi's character, Alexis. Jameson Blake on the other hand is more aggressive, loving, funny, a different partnership that provides a choice between two men.
Lovi says "Working with Regal was amazing. It was something risky which I found out after reading the script. This is not for entertainment, but something that will spark conversation. When we were doing the scenes, we trust each other. It also felt like a fashion show, but there were moments when I was comfortable. It was great though because the ones you see on the trailer is just the tip of the iceberg. This story is a lot deep, and I'm thankful for Direk who helped me. I'm just so grateful that everyone came to see us here, and I hope you could come and see us on October 16."
When I asked about her Producer hat, she said "What sparked this is my love for writing. I remember doing Seasons for Regal, I felt good being part of the process, and everything just came together. There are so many stories that I want to do after that, I hope I also get to do a lot of writing. My mentor is no other than Ms. Roselle Monteverde, and the fact that I can call her anytime, and also, my husband abroad who does this professionally in Hollywood, and that's awesome."
Here's what happened at the press conference:
If you find the topic interesting, go to theaters this coming October 16. It's going to be shown in SM Cinemas across the country. Accessible, interesting, and has a lot of taboo talk unearthed especially for women, empowered or not.
Growing a line of products and innovating at the same time must be hard for others, but not ASUS! Today we ventured to Silver city in Pasig as they showcased the newest version of ASUS ZenBook S14 and teased a few more like the ASUS VivoBook S14 and the ExpertBook P5.
ASUS SEA Regional Director Jimmy Lin says "We will lead innovation with ASUS Lumina OLED touchscreen. We have won awards and excellence over our competitors. This year, we had the first CoPilot PC's, and today we are launching the ASUS ZenBook 14. This is the most advanced AI PC and the most stylish too. Perfect for users on the go with the Ceraluminum material and premium look. This utilizes AI, and the newest generation of Intel processors apt for the laptop."
This is a new standard for AI innovation and design. Rachelle Lozares of ASUS Consumer PC adds "The ASUS ZenBook S14 is our most elegant AI powered machine, available in Zumaia Gray that mimics thin rock layers and crafted with Ceraluminum. It's very hard, tough, but very lightweight and designed timelessly. This would be a good choice for a long time investment. ZenBook's are not created the same, it's one of our thinnest at 1.1 cm., and weighs 1.2 kg with the best I/o inputs in the market. This is ultra portable but last up to 27 hours. It can also be charged 60 percent in a few minutes, using your power bank. This also utilizes Intel Core Ultra 7, very efficient and can perform with 32GB RAM because who doesn't want to multi task. It's stylish and professional, a dedicated AI chip and ASUS apps so you can have more time to do other things "
The ZenBook has a dedicated CoPilot key so you can easily access its features, faster and better than ever before. You can simply ask for things, like recall, Co Creator, Live Captions and Studio Effects. It also has Automatic Super Resolution for better graphics when you need to render or do games in your off times.
The ASUS Vivobook S14 on the other hand is more portable, made even slimmer, has advanced cooling, more I/o ports and made for productivity. It uses proprietary Ice Cool Technology, RGB keyboards and looks so stylish.
The ASUS ExpertBook P5 is designed for professionals who needs more of everything. It can make you work smarter, faster, in an aluminum body. With an Intel Core Ultra Processor, it can be powerful for all those apps and functions you need to do simultaneously. This uses Copilot PC, the most intelligent Windows PC ever. This has an immersive AI Expert Meet which can do meetings across all ExpertBook P5 devices in your network, this is the future of meeting technology in this category.
The new ASUS ZenBook S14 is priced at Php 109,995 , while the ASUS Vivobook S14 and the ASUS ExpertBook P5 price is going to be announced separately late this year. This comes with warranty, Microsoft 365 subscription and Windows office.
Though it looks pricey, you must count the inclusions and the trust you get from owning a unit from ASUS. It's an investment and certainly, a good one you could utilize for school, work or creativity. The thin profile, bigger workload it could do is well worth it!
More protection will now be possible for those who protect us in the country as PSMBFI (Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc.) signed with Medicare Plus Inc. this morning at Discovery Suites in Manila.
It was officiated by PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil, Jayjay Viray CEO of Medicare Plus Inc., Jason Jalandoni the Chief Business Development Officer, Benjamin Santos the Chairman of PSMBFI, and Emmanuel Peralta the President and CEO of PSMBFI.
Ms. Jayjay Viray says "When we proposed to take on the PNP, a lot of people discouraged us because they are high risk. Yet, here we are. Our commitment is solid, we are here to support you."
General Marbil says "Great morning everyone. I just want to say, there are two problems in the PNP. They are not protected. We are doing good but not protected. We can't put advances in funds, but have to reimburse things. Big time people, who have money, they have the best lawyers but we have in house ones for legal assistance. Our good lawyers can compete, but we also have those who get sick. So many policemen get in danger, but don't get great medical attention they deserve. It costs us a lot, and it comes out of our pockets unless from our hospital. We pay first, then reimburse, that's the system. It's debt that can be paid after six months. Aside from that, those who get sick can only get 300k, so getting sick is again expensive. More or less 420k per police men per year. A lot resort to borrowing money, also to loan sharks, but that's how the law works. We have to protect them in legal and health. I'm so happy that Medicare Plus took in the PNP. In the new Philippines, the PNP only wants you to be safe."
General Benjamin Santos adds "Our PNP Chief has been advocating this and those who are PSMBFI members are those we only could help. We were prudent in spending, we earned a lot but we want to give it back to PNP. During one of our sessions, we talked about hospitalization for our men and women, and the expansion of HMO was decided. From Legal and Travel assistance, 300 Million will be given in the next 5 years. The HMO, we allotted 601 Million for 1 year. Lastly, the IT system need to get our processes streamlined. We accomplished 2 things with the legal and this HMO, so Medicare Plus, thank you for being our partners. We want this to be a proof of concept, we don't know but we allocated a lot for this. If this is successful, we will expand this to other members. Soon, we can have the whole PNP. When we started this, we wanted to give the protection they deserve while they serve and protect us. With this, I hope those who are not PSMBFI members become members now. It'll be for the best and peace of mind."
This is a milestone for both the government and the new Medicare Plus members that this will entail. PNP members are highly encouraged to join PSMBFI as they continue to expand more benefits especially for those who protect us in and outside the country.
The newest member of the Honor pad series, the new HONOR Pad X8a was just launched in an exclusive Shopee sale at the Podium's well loved Cantonese restaurant Shanghai Saloon.
This is really made for students, especially for the Christmas season if their parents or well loved Tito's and Tita's are thinking of a gift during these times. It's going to be part of the 10.10 sale which is tomorrow as of this writing.
Digital Marketing Manager Eason De Guzman says "This is our most affordable tablet, 11 inch at this price point, 8,300mAh battery, Metal build, Magic OS8, you can use this on landscape and portrait. You can create content, do outdoors, immersive screen (full HD), and promises more time to enjoy in a tablet. It's also equipped with a powerful snapdragon processor, apps for school and stylus use is easy. Our Magic OS8 can do multitasking, making you maximize with other Honor devices paired with it. SRP is 7,999 in the market. Since we have Shopee, you can get it in a better price."
Erin Tagudin Head of Shopee Corporate Affairs says "Like Honor, we have our best offers in Shopee. During the upcoming 10.10 grand festival, we have this at 1000 pesos off, which means you can get this at Php 6,999. You can also use SPayLater at 0 percent, and first 100 customers will get a free stylus pen only this 10.10. We also have this with FREE delivery guarantee else get 50 peso voucher. Make sure you check out HONOR and your favorite brands at the Shopee Mall this 10.10, only authentic else we pay you 3x the amount."
With these assurances, low price, battery life, quality of hardware, plus a chance to get a stylus for the first 100, it's time to head on to the official HONOR Shopee store and get that Honor Pad X8a. You can save a lot, get one of the best tablets in the market where you can watch endless shows, be productive and enjoy life. Needless to say, I like what I saw there!
We celebrate good things, including this new run of "Tabing Ilog the Musical" run which starts November 8 up until December 1 this 2024.
PETA's
Melvin Lee says "Who would have thought the pandemic would become a
surprise fruitful partnership between a very seasoned theater group and
Star Magic. Even now, some of them have already done several
productions. Now we have them and more Star Magic artists in another run
of Tabing Ilog the Musical."
Tabing Ilog is something that I have religiously watched in ABSCBN to follow the lives of Eds and Rovic, Corrine and Badong, Fonzy and George, James and the rest of the friends who made life interesting in the early 2000's. They made it into a musical a couple years ago (during the pandemic). This year, the reprisal warrants a few changes in the story, the music and the cast. Although most of them have been in it, cast changes was seen something essential to tie in a lot of relationships in the story line, even if it means a couple veteran "Marites" would play the part.
I remember them teasing this back in the Star Magic Hot Summer event. During the mediacon, we saw Andi Abaya, Kiara Takahashi, Vino Mabalot, Jordan Andrews, Kobe Brown, Miah Canton, Anji Salvacion, BGYO Akira, Benedix Ramos, Sheena Belarmino, and Vivoree. Although BINI Jhoanna Robles wasn't there, she is going to be part of the cast, she just had prior commitments (we all know how busy they've been if you watch the BINI documentary). Adrian Lindayag was also there, something I was so happy about since he's done a LOT of good roles in movies I've covered.
Vivoree came in first, and obliged us with a few details about doing the iconic role of Eds in the musical.
Meanwhile, here's the mediacon proper with the rest of the cast. I could feel how excited they were and how much has changed since their initial outing.
A revamped cast that's full of confidence really would spell success, now that they're doing another installment, expect that they're going to do it a little different, with bigger and better music, plus really great acting improvements for most of them. If you're planning to watch it again, or just new to the scene, you can now get tickets at Ticketworld. There will be around 2 shows a day, and again, will run from November 8 to December 1st. Come reminisce with the cast and have fun at PETA Theater. Your Star Magic stars will be there, including remarkable PETA theater regulars to make sure you're going to enjoy every minute of it.
Popular Internet celebrity, YouTube Star, Businessman and Philanthropist Wilbert Tolentino aka "KaFreshness Sir Wil" just had a huge proclamation event at the Pateros indoor gym together with the whole AHON MAHIRAP slate. They represent the marginalized communities and aim to alleviate the lives of the poor through projects that promote social justice and equal opportunities for all. They also want to champion those who are unheard, which is why they have nominees from different industries that advocates the same rights, and help with the cause.
Together with Wilbert, is their second nominee Atty. Hassanal Abdurahim from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, their third nominee incumbent Pateros Mayor Hon. Miguel Ponce III, their 4th one Ms. Kristine Caballero-Aplal who is a Beauty Queen and GM of Miss Asia Pacific International, Mr. Rico Almonicar, a Businessman, their 6th nominee Mr. Angelo Zipagan who s a music producer, their 7th nominee businessman Erimar Ortigas, 8th nominee Director Noel Escondo who is also a Producer, Filmmaker and Artist, their 9th nominee Ms. Mary Letim who is also a Businesswoman, and their 10th nominee Ms. Melanie Cabalida who is also a successful Businesswoman. This was also a way to introduce them to the public, get to know who they are and what they could contribute and push for their initiatives. You could not believe how much people went there just to hear and see a glimpse of them.
Here it is on video, by the way... several celebrities came in to entertain them. We've seen world class singer Hannah Precillas, host and comedian Pepita Smith, Sugar Mercado, comic Jason Gainza, and the country's eccentric online seller Madam Inutz.
If you believe in social justice, financial literacy and economic empowerment, AHON MAHIRAP is pushing for this cause. They plan to put in social safety nets for the vulnerable ones in society, including the youth, LGBT and the marginalized ones. They also want to equip individuals with needed knowledge through financial education, and training. They are also keen in supporting SME's, have grants and a full blown mentorship program. This entails job creation and green projects. Though they admit, this wouldn't be successful without your help, but they believe that every Filipino have the capacity to succeed and live with dignity.
If you think they represent you, give them a chance to do so. Visit their official website ahonmahirap.co to know more about it.
I often pass by this branch in Gateway Mall when I have events in Marikina, Antipolo, Manila and Cubao area. It's spacious enough that I don't get bothered by people from other tables, to enjoy my soft or crunchy Taco Bell Beef Taco when I crave for it. Today (October 4th) is a special day for taco fans especially in the Philippines. Today marks NATIONAL TACO DAY and Taco Bell has an offer you can't resist.
On this day, when you buy their cult favorite Crunchy Beef Taco, you can get the second one at 50% OFF. This is only for today though!
This usually costs 99 pesos regularly, but since it's National Taco Day, you can get 2 of them for the price of Php 149. You get to save Php 49 if you avail of it today!
Best of all, you can get it though dine-in orders, or take out, and even in delivery services. This includes GrabFood, Foodpanda and Pickaroo, else, you can order via 8911-11-11 or through their official website tacobell.com.ph. Make sure you follow their social channels to know more about this offer and future ones they plan to release. I'm going there right now to get myself some Crunchy Taco fix!
If it ain't in my site, I usually say it didn't happen. This time, it did. A few stars came out to play at the recent Pinoy Drop Ball Launch in Grand Hyatt in BGC. They weren't joking too when they said they'll provide entertainment because one by one, they came on stage and proved why the Filipino artists are a force to be reckoned with.
The country's sweetheart Maine Mendoza, clad in a pretty purple jumpsuit said hi to the audience, took more than the usual photos with BingoPlus&DigiPlus executives as they launch the new game Pinoy Drop Ball. It's based on the nostalgic one you used to do in fiesta perya, and is said to be an advancement they accomplished ahead of the rest. This will now be part of the line of home grown games they have in their platform, but the entertainment value they promised didn't end there.
Aside from the appearance of Maine Mendoza, they also had one of the nation's hottest PPOP group ALAMAT. They're from different parts of the country, which would be a good place to have them use the platform, but then again, it's available globally so that's a given. Aside from that, they got one of my favorite artists Julie Anne San Jose, who literally sang across the room and proved why she's one of the country's most powerful singers. They have measures and quality assurance for the things they use with the games, fair play is expected as they are duly licensed too. Their platform is certainly promising, if you see its worth, go ahead and do it today!
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