Azkals Wants Philippine Peace and Suzuki Cup Crown

The Mighty and Proud Silver Medalists - Philippine Azkals from the AFC Challege Cup

I was one of the few, no, millions of people who watched early morning games of the Philippine Azkals during the AFC Challenge Cup in Maldives. It wouldn't be possible without the help of ABSCBN Sports who streamed these games live during the past few weeks while our boys fought for the country once again. They all appeared quite apologetic though during the interview because they wanted to have won the gold during the games; quite humble still for these guys right? Then they go on promising a Gold medal performance on the Suzuki Cup slated late this year. Now that's the Azkals spirit!

Azkals Striker Phil Younghusband

"The messages and support we received were overwhelming and we could have won the tournament but overall it was a successful bid. To the media, the fans, especially to the Filipinos who stood up for us when some locals jeered... thank you! we all support each other and we are all so close, even those who were in the bench. We're looking forward to the next one." says Azkals striker Phil Younghusband.

Team Manager Dan Palami can't thank all the players enough for their maturity and attitude because they didn't cause problems at all while they were there. He adds "There were many firsts here. First time to beat Laos, first time to beat Maldives as well. We have always set the bar high and nothing but the championship was the goal for us, but we are looking forward to putting Philippine Football on top in Asia. A pretty good feat on its own."

19 year old Sato says he's very thankful for the support of the fans and promises in the Suzuki cup that they will do their best next time. He declares "We will get that gold now" to the delight of the crowd that afternoon. "It was amazing, a little disappointing but we thank you for the support. The people, especially the Pinoys in Maldives felt like family.   We got seasick but we're alright." says Simon Greatwich who had some small issues with traveling there from other islands. He says it was really hard for them to practice and go to game venues because the only way to get there were by boats; but they were so thankful for the Continental Air sandwiches which they miss a lot! Even Anton Del Rosario had the same sentiment. He adds "Thank you to the people who put up with the natives there. We want to play with them again and I hope we don't go to boats again."

They joked a ton like that.

Dino Laurena head of ABSCBN Integrated Sports pronounces their support for the Azkals once more and reiterates they will continue to support the team by having their games broadcasted live so a lot of Filipinos continue to get inspired and love the sport. ABSCBN will be covering the upcoming Philippine Peace Cup, the Group Stages of the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup and will be airing everything on ABS-CBN Sports + Action channel. This will all kicks off November this year so you better watch out for that!

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Half Sisters: Thea Tolentino, Derrick Monasterio and Andre Paras

It was a pleasant day to see the stars of upcoming series "Half Sisters". Thea Tolentino who won the second installment of reality show Protege and lead star of Pyra: Ang Babaeng Apoy, plus the hunky lead of many GMA series Derrick Monasterio and promising new comer cum basketball star Andre Paras talked with us during a luncheon in Kimono Ken, Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

First impressions, Andre is so tall, articulate and very accommodating. He wasn't as shy as I expected him to be as he was friendly and didn't bat an eyelash answering questions. He really thought about each one first before blurting out something. His charm might have fallen in his ability to communicate with a very gentlemanly demeanor which I think comes from his right upbringing. He's starting right and this project will be something that'll test how much he's learned during the small workshops here and there.

Derrick even thought he was going to be a little hard to be with but was surprised how funny this guy is. It even came to a point that the Director Mark Reyes had to put them in different places just to stop them from playing antics against each other. That part failed though because the guys still went to the ladies tents later on. Somehow, they already gelled early in the making of this series. Andre plays Benjie Castillo who plays a college jock who's also part of the basketball team. Rich kid but not an anti hero - you'll probably see their characters have a love triangle and or become a foursome during the story. Find out how complicated that is for him and the sisters. That'll be an interesting take on his character.

Nescafe: What's your fresh start?

We often go to coffee shops and pay a lot to get a dose of these wonderful grounded beans, but we usually go home and get contented with a cup of Nescafe, always, all the time. It's the single thing that makes us realize that there is goodness in something small. Something that is full flavored as they painstakingly spend time with these beans through slow roast. It becomes fuller bodied, richer, a tad sweeter. You can't rush that. You have it in the morning, because you always want a fresh start.

   

What's even greater news is that you can now get that same experience in every pack of Nescafe Classic. Sit down with your folks and talk about how the day went. Talk to your friends and see what memories can come down on a cup of coffee. It's these things that count. 

The greatness lies in each coffee bean and this is what Nescafe Classic wants us to understand. The care they put into the process and how they want us to never ever see coffee "the same way again" is a very high standard to achieve. They didn't force us to have this everyday in our breakfast table but we do, because the tough is in the putting. It is this good that we choose this than other brands in the market. You can't discount the fact that Nescafe has been with us for 75 years. Their celebration isn't about big parties or massive concerts, they just make do with introducing to you the reason why they have lasted that long with the Filipino people. It's the coffee bean and we appreciate them more because of that. Now, you will get to see your coffee in a different light. You can enjoy it more in every pack that you buy off the grocery/store. You are not shortchanged because you know how special brew you make in each cup. Now ask yourself, what's your fresh start? :)

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SM WOMAN for Philippine Fashion Week

Shining, glistening, she proudly surfaces... the SM WOMAN in the halls of SMX Convention Center for Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2014. This is another brand carried on The SM Store to cater to women who want luxurious clothing at the fraction of a cost. Style wise, I have seen the collection exude femininity without sacrificing quality - a feat which every Filipina dreams of. This is their answer to your clamor. Your happiness starts with a little loveliness.

And that of course is what we saw at the preview a few hours before the show. This wouldn't be possible without these ladies.

The SM Woman collection was interpreted in sections; the new age Filipina can now wear something for Fashion, Career, Casual, Evening and Resort. Impressed and attracted on these pieces that follow Fall/Winter shades - but it's all a mix and a bit more structural, floral, pastel, basic, graphic and soft yet flowy dresses. They've got it all! Which reminds me, didn't they say "We've got it all for you!"?

Now, I wouldn't want to flood you guys with photos so I'll spare you the drama and just put it in one video slide show. It's got pretty good music too. Enjoy!

The difference is, it's lighter in construction, brighter and bolder in colors, prints are more modern, designs are elegant and classy... but... it's very affordable. You wouldn't think they'd be pricing them 799 to a little less over a thousand bucks. Unbelievable!

I'd like to commend SM Woman for opening the show with gorgeous Jasmine Maierhofer. Her gorgeous face was something talked of angels, people were at awe when the SM WOMAN sign was raised to start the show. Aside from that, your resort wear was a fresh addition. Something that I used to see in latin shows looks so perfect in our tropics. Like a glove. The bright prints and more modern construction of coats and cute capes was adored by the ladies I sat with that evening. That says a lot

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