ARJO ATAYDE Holds Emotionally Charged State of the District Address in QC

While the rest of the world is trying to solve the various international crises, I'm witnessing something good in my own turf. See, this isn't a common occurrence in this side of Quezon City, but the 1st District Congressman is telling us the state in his area. He's Arjo Atayde, and I think he's in a whole different league. 

Communication of his current projects, accomplishments and those that he's still working on was the topic during this event. Sadly, I don't see this happen in other districts so it was refreshing that he really made an effort to do so especially when people are asking for accountability.

The State of the District Address' call was still his priority projects in the matters of health, education, livelihood and his promise of doing it with the "Aksyon Agad" spirit in the 3 years he served here. He also is pushing for more reforms with regards to current mental health efforts, ways in youth development and social welfare for the most affected individuals in the barangays he carries out duties on.

Arjo says "With the regular talk with our residents, we get to act on things, their needs and the Aksyon Agad movement has resulted in actions that directly benefit our constituents. Life became easy for tax payers, it also saved government resources and improved health care systems. With our specialized centers, people from different regions now have access to it . We also want to stop those who manipulate prices, to provide affordable food. We imposed Student Loan Payment moratorium especially during calamities, ensuring academic recovery and to support them from elementary to college. We have also the Expanded VAWC act to give more protection for women and children. We also tackled the Eddie Garcia Law, Quezon City General Hospital to become a medical hub."  

He adds "We want to make sure people have food on their table and a brighter future. We are always ready to share our blessings to help more people. Aksyon Agad was aimed to help people with their lives, with training, with the help of government agencies, start expanding businesses and increase earnings. In health, we conducted medical and dental missions, it helped over 75 thousand individuals, 60 patients a day in our dialysis center, some free eyeglasses, guarantee letters for payments and on the go services for communities too. 4598 students have received support with the help of CHED, receiving scholarships, funding Senior High School students through the governments AKAP program. We are supporting sports programs like in the recent inter barangay sports meet. We will soon add other sports programs. We also are partnering with Gardner College to have 100 college scholarships and 200 for Senior High. We also participated in Kyusiklaban and it has expanded city wide, thank you to QC Mayor Joy Belmonte for that. We also have seasonal events, Passport on Wheels and government services, plus several barangay and SK council events. This sets 400 thousand people helped in 3 years, this makes sure that it directly affects you, from your taxes. Each of them to make you feel better, to make sure the city has a bright future with more efficient facilities. Education remains a top priority which is why we built several buildings for elementary and high schools in the district. We also had the rehabilitation of bridges, roads, to help in traffic and floods in our part of the city. We also have on going infrastructure developments in various barangays, improving accessibility for social services. We also aligned it with the QC flood control program, and also soon, our barangays will have Solar Energy. There will be more construction of Barangay Halls, Public Library, and Sports Facilities. This includes Culiat Bridge, Pasong Tamo, West Riverside Pumping Stations too. We want District 1 to be done fast, no drama, effective and have programs that directly serve our people. They shouldn't wait, it has to be resolved now without prejudice. I will not stop, we are data driven and it will change lives. We still have so much to do, but I promise to continue these in District 1. Seeing you all here, I am overwhelmed. Thank you for putting your trust in me. Thank you!"

An emotional Arjo Atayde during his speech 

There is flooding in parts of his district and appropriation of funds for the G Araneta Avenue detention basin, Talayan Flood Interceptor, he also took measures for a more sustainable solution for it. He took notice of needed infrastructure upgrades and sensible urban planning. He also sought stricter enforcement of environmental laws in his district. As of date, he has over 46 republic acts, 65 house bills co-authored, 174 House Bills filed as Principal Author and 78 resolutions passed in these past 3 years. He also has worked with several government agencies to implement sustainable livelihood programs, for those displaced workers, scholarships for his constituents, and those who are in crisis. He also took initiatives for free livelihood programs and created food carts to benefit MSME's. He also has taken action on matters that involve the youth, and did it with industry help with music, sports programs and various events for the community.

This is just his first term, and with the changes and initiatives he's set in his side of the world, it would be remarkable to see him transform his district to a better one with the laws passed with his Aksyon Agad principles set. I envy you folks in the 1st District. You've got Juan Carlos "Arjo" Atayde by your side!

Music Saves Rayver Cruz, Rhian Ramos, Glaiza De Castro, Arci Munoz and Matt Lozano in Upcoming Film SINAGTALA

Hearing their names during this press conference made me question myself, why didn't I think of that?

Dance phenom Rayver Cruz, gorgeous Rhian Ramos, rock chick Arci Munoz, talented singer actor Matt Lozano, and multi awarded actress - singer Glaiza De Castro will be starring in this movie called SINAGTALA. This is the handy work of Cinemalaya awardee Mike Sandejas who also did "Tulad ng Dati" and "Dinig Sana Kita".  

It was supposed to be made years ago but schedules made it difficult because much of the cast were doing projects that had continuity in it. The story revolves with the lives of band members who had very interesting lives beyond their usual work.  

Rhian says "You know, I've seen the trailer so many times, but it still gives me goosebumps because the meaning resonates with me. We hope this would touch lives, not just ours. We had already started working in Sanggre, then we got to work in Sinagtala. We will still do the Rastro movie, but I'm so glad that even if we are not together on screen, they still support us. We have more surprises this year. I think the pressure is different now, we are artists that need to grow. We are more mature, our closeness is different now and we hope that translates to a different chemistry now that we're doing this. Artists would relate to this because it's also about passion, to question yourself about the money, the fame, finding yourself and your center. To realize how lucky you are that you get to do your craft."

Glaiza adds "I am proud of this movie, proud of my co-stars because I feel it was fate that brought us together. There were tons of other artists that were considered for the roles but I think the Lord was responsible for this, in orchestrating forming us 5. Our schedules are crazy, but it was so surreal to see this happen. This isn't normal. I know much of them in the past, but haven't really worked with Arci and Matt, and I'm so proud to have had the privilege to work with Direk Mike Sandejas because this story is so personal for him. He wrote this a long time ago, and it now has a different meaning for him. We hope that reaches you somehow. Before this, Rhian and I were in Sanggre, when we learned about this project, I was happy because we were able to talk lengthily about the film. It's not something we expected to happen, and although there are plans to do another film, this is a bonus for Rastro fans. They'll get to see us in a different story, a different role. Rhian is actually very musically inclined, people don't know that she plays the drums and is pretty good at it. She'll surprise you with what she's going to do here. We don't talk about the usual stuff, we make candles, things that make us happy. We talk about personal things, and 10 years ago, that's a long time. We have different dynamics, it's not about just work, but life. When we were young, we dreamed of being stars, but now it has purpose. Through this film, you get to see that, you also have new dreams and see why you need to make an effort to achieve more."

Arci says "We are celebrating a very beautiful story of 5 people, connected with the love of music and love of God. Everyone had their struggles, they found their purpose and I feel people can relate to it because Direk Mike did a great job interpreting it. We hope to be able to save lives with this. I do have a band in real life, we've been together for 17 years and I think about the things we personally go through. It's not easy, you have to find your purpose, your reasons, and how to go through problems that are bigger than you. This also teaches you to be inspired. You will never fail as long as you have the Lord beside you."

Matt says "This film will touch a lot of people. I relate to this because as an artist, I sometimes don't deserve the success that I get. It will teach you about life, Direk Mike certainly worked hard with the story. The only thing I did to succeed was to hold on to God. My faith is a huge factor in everything I do."

Rayver says "I relate to this because we both are going through things. Music is something that makes me happy, when I was called for this role, we call each other bandmates. That makes me so happy even after the shoot."

Here's the press conference on video, get tissues because they've been quite emotional during this event!

This is certainly a very promising film to watch. I hope their individual fans would be able to watch the film because this is certainly something they'd love as a story. It comes out on April 2 under SINAGTALA FILMS. 

NINA Set to do "LOVE MATTERS" Concert at New Frontier Theater this Valentines Season

The one and only Asia's Diamond Soul Siren Nina has been heavily missed and this February 7th, she's ending that with her very own concert titled "LOVE MATTERS" which will be at the New Frontier Theater at Araneta City.

Nina says "You have to stay with your roots, it's challenging for an artist and singer. Even if it's your sound, you change it to what is current so you remain relevant. Folks should sing, interpret it the way the audience would feel it too. People listen, and it could be technical but they should know how to make folks people feel the love. My daughter has been noticing how people are approaching me and take photos. She's got clues now."

She adds "I haven't found any challenging song because I really do learn it first before recording. Maybe if I could do Through The Fire, put a spin on it that is more acoustic rather than belting. I still get nervous, I think every time I do get nervous because I always want to put out a great performance. I don't drink, nor smoke, so I take good care of my voice. I don't eat pork and beef, I eat everything else that makes me happy."

She tells us "There will be new songs, perhaps this year a new single or album. Love Moves was the one I got to really enjoy in the Nina Live album. We will certainly celebrate all kinds of love in the Love Matters concert."

Here's more of our interview with her:


 

If you want to get tickets, visit Ticketnet.com.ph now before they run out!

This is produced by Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng and will be Directed by John Prats. This is also co-presented Essentials, Vera Group and District One. Thank you Cornerstone Concerts for having us!