Vigan Vies For 7 Wonder Cities of the World

One of the few places I've visited this year just became the talk of the town. Up north where there's a rustic, hispanic area and cobbled stone streets that probably spanned hundred or more years, the city of Vigan remains one of the few UNESCO world heritage sites that lives up to its name. The only place in Asia where a mix of Filipino and Spanish heritage exists, it truly is a sight to behold every time you get to see its streets and buildings that dates back to 16th century. I know, it ain't enough I guess, that just spells this city needs to be recognized... not just here, but worldwide!

 

Mayor Eva Marie Medina of the city of Vigan says "Being in the finals has added to our pride as residents of this small city with big dreams and hard earned achievements. Officials from Vigan are relentless in their continued efforts to make this city the “best” place. We hold on to our commitment to sustain our gains in heritage conservation and excellence in governance because these are the very instruments that ensure the well being of our people".

Vigan City has been included in the 28 finalists for 7 Wonder Cities of the world. There will be another round where only 21 will be left. Now is the time to vote for them as another national historic site takes the front seat. It's not only the places that can actually be the sole reason to see Vigan as one of the world's best. Just look at the things we've loved from this Ilocos city all these years!

From the crunchy Vigan Chichacorn, to pottery and small trinkets made from wood, to small mementos of the houses, to the weaved cloths and baskets, to Malunggay/Moringga pasta and cookies, to the famous Vigan longganisa that's so garlicky in every bite, to the super crunchy and sinful Bagnet... the city of Vigan has it all!

Now it's time for us to help them win this for the Philippines, how to vote? It's easy! Just go to www.n7w.com/en/cities and choose 7 entries, login with your social media accounts and it's a vote. Make sure though to always include VIGAN in your entries so they qualify for the next round. You can also vote by texting VIGAN to 29290777, it's that easy! VOTE NOW so you can get the city of VIGAN recognized as the world's best! It's VIGAN's time to shine!

For more information about their city:

Vigan

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.n7w.com/en/cities

The Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 2014

Running enthusiasts, on the starting line!

The last time this happened was in 2008. It's one of the biggest runs in the Philippines that features 5k, 10k and 21k races which gave away prizes and surprises too. This year, on August 17 specifically... they are bringing to you the Sofitel Manila Half Marathon 2014 once again. Proceeds of this event will go to the care of street children of Manila through Virlanie Foundation. It's not just going to be a plain run and will become something that could help the plight of these kids to keep them in school, provide shelter or just overall help them go through life easy. 

One of the leading run organizers in the country Coach Rio Dela Cruz of Runrio says "By organizing the Sofitel Manila Half Marathon, we hope to one day become one of the world's most popular running event attracting both amateur and professional runners from all over the world to compete in Manila.  This marathon is dedicated to the children of Virlanie Foundation with the objective of contributing to a better future for the children of Manila". I've also seen some of the other things Coach Rio did before and a lot of people benefited from it. This is something different because I feel he's really doing it for the kids. Aside from the health benefits of the activity, people would be able to make a difference on the kids lives. That alone is something that could surely change them, to make them better members of the society.

Oh and they're keeping it a little green this time because runners are all advised to bring their own water bottles to be used on refilling stations throughout the race. They will not use paper or plastic cups because we've all seen what happened on races that had that all on the street right?! 

Registration for this race will start on June 27. Just go to Toby’s MOA, Toby’s SM North in The Block and also in Move on 30th Street in BGC. Before you decide on doing this, please checkout www.runrio.com for complete details of the race. Fees are Php 750 for the 5k, Php 850 for the 10k, and PHP 950 for the 21k. Every registered racer will receive the usual race bib, singlet, finisher loot bag and drinks so you won't get dehydrated. For the 21km runners, they will receive their own finishers medal and shirt. Isn't that neat?

The Sofitel Manila Half Marathon is also brought to you by Gatorade, Gold’s Gym, DOCOMO, StarXpo, DOLE, Delsan Office Systems,Canon Fashion Tailoring,10 Inch Lights and sounds, Dowi Hosiery, Delizio Fine Foods, Diversey, MJ Global, M Plus, Timex, Premier water and Nizoral. This also includes their media partners ANC, Business World, Fox International Channels, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Radio High (where you'll probably see this advertised). For more information about the event, you can also check out the event page on Facebook here "The Sofitel Manila Half Marathon" or you can call (02)7031736 or (02)4634814 or email them at feedback@runrio.com.

I'll try and see if I can run on that day, even for fun! :)

For more information about their restaurants:

Spiral Manila

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.spiralmanila.com/

Dreams Get Real for McJim's Three Winners!

Who would have known that in the end of grueling eliminations and auditions that three (3) talented performers would end up as Grand Champions of McJim Classic Leather's "Dreams Get Real: The Search for the Next OPM Star!". The finals ended with an epic twist at the Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills. Now, the band Fifth Dynamics, trio JBK and Neo Domingo will fully enjoy their win and get OPM back on track as their singles have been heavily appreciated by the public. It was a decision they had to make because now, McJim will be supporting them all as they embark on achieving their dreams as OPM artists. They all have received cash prizes, gift packs from the brand and a recording + management contract plus a chance to film and release their own music videos. Isn't that awesome?

Neo Domingo and composer Urie Tesorio on this shot upon receiving the DJ's choice award.

Fifth Dynamics accepting their Championship trophy

JBK proudly shows off their Critic's choice award and the Championship trophy too.

Neo Domingo, solo artist also got his own Championship trophy. A worthy winner.

This Filipino company only knows how much talent there is in the country and they are just barely scratching the surface. Chris Cahilig their adviser adds that he's so proud to see how they've already been able to encompass performing in small clubs and now they're being seen and heard even on tv and radio. They will soon have more and the guys were so thankful for the feat. This has opened so many doors and opportunities for them. They promised even better material and compositions too. I've heard they also have gotten great nods from Jim Paredes who has listened to some of their singles during this competition. 

Kalye Pop artists 1:43 has gotten thousands of fans and just like them, these guys would probably get more airplay and seen in TV stations. As we speak, 1:43 has been able to also get tapped by networks so their songs can be used in their home grown programs and shows too. You probably heard of "Hayop Sa Ganda" (Animalistic Beauty) which has been played countless times in stations here and other provinces. Some even topping the charts, pretty cool no?!

I can't wait to see these artists be appreciated with the material that they have and I say, I hope everyone would be able to appreciate what new kind of OPM music is out there. The public surely deserves the best!

For more information about their product:

Mc JIM Classic Leather

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.mcjimleather.com

Richard Gutierrez and Lauren Young for Overtime: The Premier

Stars of Overtime Richard Gutierrez and Lauren Young

I haven't been to a Filipino movie since a few months ago when I was actually forced to watch that corny comedy film (that will remain unnamed), I felt it was a product of run of the mill hype and I didn't like it. I felt like I lost hope in the film industry. A few days ago, we were invited to attend the premier of Overtime, a film directed by Wincy Ong and Earl Ignacio under GMA Films. I didn't expect much because of the previous one I watched, I just don't like films that are not well thought out. This however surprised me (genre wise) and the rest of the people who watched it that evening, I'll tell you why.

Other stars such as the gorgeous Thea Tolentino, good looking and tall Juancho Trivino, crooner Mikoy Morales and the stunning Ms. World and sister to the lead star of this film Megan Young was also there showing their support.

Without spilling any beans on the story, Overtime is about a hacker terrorizing a lady at work. He doesn't believe in their cause, nor does he think they are doing the right thing. The beginning of the story delves around establishing their relationship first. The exhilarating and suspense filled sequences followed (when he wanted to do something about where Jody works) then a dollop of comedy antics hit every turn (a must see is Bearwin Meaily and Mitch Valdez). We thought we were watching a different movie because it wasn't a full suspense film anymore but more of a dark comedy. I haven't seen anything made that way in Philippine cinemas so that alone is a good thing. Other than that, Richard would be totally different that even if you are a fan... you'll hate and curse at him a bit. That's how good he is. Lauren too did so good, she also registers so gorgeous on screen. It's like an indie film to tell you honestly because they did experiment quite a bit. The plot could have had minor adjustments to make it real but I think it worked out pretty well for their purpose. The story is fast paced and we did attentively listen to it. It's not boring. You'll be at the edge of your seats on some instances and turn blue on some very deadly but funny scenes. You have to find out what I'm talking about by watching it this July 2nd on cinemas nationwide!

How can you not fall in love with a face like this. Proud Mom to Zion, Ms. Sarah Lahbati was there to fully support her husband Richard Gutierrez.

Raymond Gutierrez

Ms. Annabelle Rama and Eddie Gutierrez

Richard plays Dom and Lauren is Jody. Lovers at first turned hostage, good samaritan turned kidnapper. 

Please don't hesitate to watch the movie "Overtime" this July 2 on cinemas nationwide! This is under GMA Films. A thing that might make you hate Richard Gutierrez... but it's gonna be all worth it!

For more information about their artists:

Official GMA Artist Center

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://gmanetwork.com/artistcenter