Artistry, Fun and Music at Fête de la Musique 2022 Celebrations Across the Country!

Everyone loves music, and we've enjoyed in the Philippines immensely through Fête de la Musique. They're back in a big way as pandemic restrictions ease and live performances are going back, they're doing it in different parts of the country. Whilst we've been locked down the past few years and enjoyed it online, they promise to bring French artists in like DJ Blutch, Marc Fichel among others. They will be collaborating with our home grown talents, so there's really something to look forward to this year!

As with the previous years, this will be 100 percent FREE and you will see artists like Autotelic, Leanne and Naara, Chets, Lola Amour, Syd Hartha, Dilaw, Eloisa, and Brass Pas Pas Pas Pas perform on stage for everyone's enjoyment. This is presented to you by Alliance Francaise de Manille together with the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, B-Side Productions in cooperation with the Department of Tourism -  Philippines. Make sure you catch the schedules by following their social channels particularly their Facebook page located at https://www.facebook.com/FetePH. Locations include Manila, Cebu, Siargao among others. Make sure you're there as there are other local musicians and artists joining in the fun!

Here's some excerpts from the press conference a few days ago which was hosted at Sofitel Manila. 

Fun Things to do in Siargao

Siargao is like a hidden gem that is located in the southeast of the Philippines. It is at a distance of about 800 kilometers from Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Well, famous as the Surfing Capital of the Philippines, the island boasts of enchanting lagoons, bizarre rock formations, and mangrove forest reserves. Take one of those cheap flights to Siargao and explore the paradise with exotic white beaches, coral reefs, and fantastic wildlife.

There is a lot more to do in the surfing destination of the Philippines. Well, if you are not the really the surfing type, you could go for caving or island-hopping or simply explore the beauty of Siargao. The surfing capital of the Philippines is filled with natural gems, a cool nightlife and some great food options that everyone can enjoy. Book cheap flights right away for Siargao and embark on an experience of a lifetime.

Here are some of the best thing to do in Siargao.

• Go island hopping – It is a must to explore the three spectacular islands along the shores of Siargao, and these include Guyam Island, Daku Island and Naked Island. There are plenty of day tours to these islands, and one can look forward to a perfect trip under expert guides and enjoy some fantastic food.

• Enjoy the seafood – You will come across a different kind of fish and seafood at almost every other resort and restaurant here. The best part is that the seafood is very fresh and cheap as well. The cooks of most restaurants and resorts will prepare the fish for you or whatever you desire for a small cost. So, make the most of it.

• Rent a bike- The best way to enjoy and explore the natural landscapes and scenery of Siargao is on a bike. Just hop on your motorbike and let yourself loose within the island. Drive across to deserted beaches, amazing waterfalls, and those endless rice fields. You will discover local villages on the way and get the chance to meet the locals and interact with them.

• Swim in the Magkukob Cave- The locals and the tourists simply love Magkukob Cave because of the refreshing waters that are crystal clear. Get ready to experience the thrill of entering an enchanting cave which is surrounded by baby bats. Dive in those refreshing waters and swim to your heart’s content.

• Try out your rope swing skills - Swing at Maasin Secret River, and it is indeed one of the most picturesque places in Siargao. You can take the boat on the river or spend the morning swinging on the coconut tree that hangs over the water.

• Enjoy a relaxing day at Mamon Island – If you are looking for a spot away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded tourist spots, then head straight for the Mamon Island. The secluded island boasts of clear, blue waters and amazing coral formations. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling here or simply enjoy the peace and calm of the destination.

• Drive on the coconut roads – You must drive on the most scenic road on Siargao, and it lies along the coastline lined with white beaches and coconut trees. You can simply spend the day driving on the road, stop to talk to the locals and learn about their lives and culture.

• Visit Sugba Lagoon – One of the most popular places to visit in Siargao is the Sugba Lagoon. It is a playground for those who love kayaking, diving or stand-up paddle-boarding. The lagoon is surrounded by mountains and has a cliff-diving board from where one can jump into the clear waters.

I hope this starts your hunger to look for time to go to one of the nicest places to go to in the Philippines. I'm going there again this summer, see you there!

Watching Better MMFF 2017 at Ayala Malls

It's been an absolutely fun day to watch entries of MMFF especially when I'm doing it in Ayala Malls Vertis North. I started very early in the morning and saw lines were long, but definitely still organized. What's special in Ayala Malls Vertis North is the comfort that you get in your seats, it's all lazy boys! Aside from that, I think it's by far the largest cinema I've been in. I have never been to a cinema that needed an elevator to go to your seats. 

I also got into a special place, it felt secluded and less people were there, perfect for me who don't like much crowds.

This is Metro Manila Film Festival 2017, an annual showcase of Filipino films designed for families. Entries come from big and small film companies and to be part of the final entries, is but a great deal. So I decided 3 movies in one day. 

The Revenger Squad

It's like a toned down GGV show with full on costumes and pink fluff. Good comedy, a little wordy and slapstick but you'll like it because Pia Wurtzbach and Daniel Padilla is here. Vice still is the Queen of the show but her antics with the rest of the squad comes a close second. Pia also is good here that I'd wish her to be the next Darna. I don't think it is for young kids though, because some parts are violent, perhaps a PG rating would be fit but I'm not MTRCB.

Chances are this would win the box office, and prolly that Child star thing, the kid here had his own spotlight.

Siargao

It was a feast for the eyes, like watching Instagram filtered film for a few hours. It's very light, like the story. It's also an infomercial, to promote waste management and tourism. Everything is so picturesque, you'll prolly get bitten by the surfing bug even if you don't know how to swim, make friends, and maybe bring life to an ailing relationship. They found themselves in this movie, so apart from expecting great acting from Jericho Rosales and Erich Gonzales in this film, you'll also marvel at their body, and the soft story they wanted you to see.

Whoever did the cinematography and color grading deserve an award.

Larawan

Going to give them a run for their awards is Larawan. I wouldn't be surprised if this won a lot of awards. It's a period film set in either 40's or 50's in old Manila. I fret they had fun interpreting this from Nick Juaquin's piece which was originally done as a stage play. From rat catching, old vaudeville, old maids, old men, old photographs and a legendary painting, it was so much fun to see it in a musical. It's refreshing to see and hear Filipino lyrics, sung beautifully by some of the country's best singers and performers. I also LOVE the tight shots, easing in to serious faces of these characters. I like the story and how they told it in one location.

Joanna Ampil might get a Best Actress nomination, even a win. 

The MMFF 2017 movies were just awesome but the comfort I got from watching movies at Ayala Malls Vertis North or any other Ayala Mall for that matter made it all even better. The movie house is just different, it's easily accessible from where I live and food can be brought in. That's not an option in other establishments so if you're planning to see entries from Metro Manila Film Festival 2017, you know where to go!

KUMAGCOW

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