Kris Bernal's Birthday and Charity Event

You guys probably know by now that I meet celebrities quite often. I am so lucky though that they have all been so nice to me especially this one who particularly has a spot in my heart. I met her way back 2010 when Coca Cola launched the giant Christmas Tree in Araneta and together with other Kapuso stars, she represented her channel well. Full of positive demeanor, she has always put a smile on her face ready to meet her fans and supporters even if she's tired already. She even performed later on in the evening but you wouldn't see her complain. She feels so blessed and lucky and so a few days ago I was invited to take part in her charity event. It was her birthday too so even if I had some things to do in the office, I still made it a point to come.

The last time I saw her again was in Philippine Fashion Week when they walked the ramp with other Bench endorsers. I can even remember what she wore that day. Though on this instance she isn't doing work, but she saw the "off time" as an opportunity to celebrate her birthday with causes she actually believes in. This charity event was held at the Manila Girls Town, a facility in Marikina. We celebrated mass first to thank God for everything first. Then a party ensued so she could entertain and give back to the needy female kids that are brought to this shelter. Kris Bernal's Mom was even at the event, not as a spectator but a really hands on volunteer. She made sure everything was in place so the kids and the guests didn't have anything to worry about. Bless her.

The kids danced, sang and played games to the delight of the other kids who also attended this charity event. I had to blur some photos for obvious reasons, these kids are minors. If you only knew their stories you wouldn't hesitate going there too and give them help. They are either abandoned, abused, or street kids that are from the slums of Manila; and they are brought to this shelter if City Hall or the courts feel they would be better off here. Thanks to the volunteers, Moms and other social workers who take their time attending to the needs of these kids. There were more on the other buildings but we only give what we can of course.

 

Thanks to Kris Bernal's sponsors, Krispers, Alab, Alkris, Aljur-Kris fans etc. because they didn't hesitate to lend a hand; they feel these kids deserve care just like the rest of us who still have our families. From food, cakes, drinks, clothes, personal care items, they chipped in on this charity event. Kris was so thankful for their generosity and hope this isn't the last.

It was hot and humid that day but she didn't even complain. She made us all feel why she's been doing this for years now. She always said that this was her way of giving back to people that have supported her through the years. She's also thankful that people have become so supportive of her cause that a repeat is inevitable. GMA Artist Center is really doing something good. They have been exposing their talents to things like these and Kris Bernal is one of the few who have been spearheading charities in their station. It's something close to her heart and she feels so good that people have been very receptive. Her shows in GMA are still coming but she wouldn't stop taking time out for these kids because she feels this is one of the few ways they could contribute to the community. She's really a good soul imho, I've seen that in her since the day I've gottten to meet her. I hope there would be more GMA stars who would follow suit. I'm sure there is, we just have to take that extra step to help.

Thanks to GMA Artist Center and Kris Bernal for letting us tag along. People should really learn from this experience. I'm sharing this story so you could start sharing too. Great things start from small beginnings as they say. :) Happy Birthday and Thank You Kris!

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Perey + Bumgarner + Fashion on Mothers Day at Spiral; Sofitel Manila!

Told you guys a couple of weeks ago that we'll be at Spiral - Sofitel Manila for Mothers Day but alas I had to have a quick out of the country trip with some blogger friends. I got my friend and neighbor concert photographer extraordinaire Mikz Marcelo to cover for me because I wouldn't want to miss this for the world! This is a little epic because we'll be seeing some of the works of Ms. Pia Gladys Perey and Daniel Mark Bumgarner. Lunch time was also made special because Spiral's Chefs are also showing off their heirloom dishes to the public. It's pretty special because most of them prepared what their Moms used to make. I had first dibs on that the last time but here's something we both missed during that occasion. Are you ready? =)

They were introduced one by one. Here's a parade of the fabulous chefs who are preparing their Mom's special dishes. Chef Eric Costille, Chef De Cuisine Western Anne Cecile Degenne, Chef Mok Chee Wah, Chef Hiroaki Yamaguchi and Chef Halim Ali Khan. I loved the Paella that Chef Anne prepared the last time and I'm sure that's probably a hit! After the introduction, a fashion show ensued right in the heart of Spiral and boy oh boy I wasn't wrong about their gorgeous creations! Don't they look like an army of colorful angels?!

These gorgeous drapery done in different ways and different colors is the handy work of Ms. Pia Gladys Perey. From Australia, Southeast Asia and LA, Ms. Perey has been known to make clothes that exudes confidence, boldness, ones that are ready for any event or red carpet. I particularly love this one and I'm also crushing on this Model... Alisa Sazonova :) Her cheek bones, overall physique, it's perfect. I think I've shot her before because she's part of Elite Manila.

This is her no? =) Small world indeed!

OMG! Nokia 105 is Now Available in the Philippines!

If you've been living under a rock these past few days, you might have not heard of the news yet because Nokia just released the Nokia 105! It's the ultra reliable back-up or emergency phone (which you can also use as your primary phone that can SHOCKINGLY last for a total of 35 days (on standby time) without charging! I haven't seen anything like that in the market and this will surely crush the affordable phone competition.

It's even got a real deal FM radio, 5 pre loaded games, alarm clock, a speaking clock and flash light capabilities. This is really the big news I'm waiting for and I'm buying one for my Mom and Dad who just can't keep on charging their phones over and over again. I can't believe Nokia gave us the chance to have this for only Php 999.00!

It's available in two different colors. You can choose CYAN or BLACK. Whatever it is, you've got the basic phone that you can use on emergencies whenever, wherever. That's only possible with the first phone brand I ever trusted! That's Nokia, truly still here designed for life! Remember, that's 35 hours and 12.5 talktime hourse you won't see anywhere else! :)

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Amazing Kota Kinabalu! (Fourth and Final Part) : The Museum, The Marina, The Islands, The Pontoon and The Mari Mari Cultural Village!

There's no complete trip to a country without going to their museum. It's a more concise way of understanding who they are, and what they are as a people. Photos were not allowed inside which I understand because you probably would skip this trip if you've seen everything in my site (and YOU shouldn't!), but I'll tell you about Muzium Sabah. 

Muzium Sabah

It was raining that afternoon but we still wanted to see this gorgeous structure and what they have inside. You will be greeted by several tables, chairs in whimsical designs. The roof over the tables were reminiscent of what the tribes men and women wear on their heads. There were also huge wicker bags that are native to farmers. When we got inside, we saw a huge skeleton (approximately 18.6-meter long) of what they call a "Bryde's Whale". The remains was discovered in the same area as The Pontoon (which we'll see in a bit) and has been regarded as one of the most well preserved specimens in Asia. I was really at awe on how huge it was and reading off the information inside the Muzium Sabah educated me how much we need to preserve nature. There were also other animals shown in glass cases in other parts of the museum all clad in Taxonomy form. I didn't even know there was a rhinoceros or huge cats in this part of the globe. There's a cute elephant, and some wild birds endemic to the region too. You should never miss visiting this because you would easily understand the other places in Sabah by just spending a few minutes here.

As for the tribes of Sabah, they have almost all of them represented in the front part of the structure. It's lined with several real deal clothing. Some of the displays are also for weddings, so intricate dresses were on display. From warriors, to headhunters, to prince, princesses and even horses, they were shown proudly by they museum and it was really a learning experience! You can also shop on a nearby souvenir shop if you prefer to do that early. You'll be tempted because they almost have everything there; some small items may be good. I suggest you shop in malls instead because it's way cheaper.

On Our 2nd Day...

 

Our second day started with something awesome and it was so near that I already took a glimpse of it the day before. Our hotel The Pacific Sutra had kept one of the nicest things in Kota Kinabalu. At the back of the hotel, you just walk a few meters and you'll see a place called the Sutera Harbour Marina and Country Club.