Pinoy Music Festival 2014

This looks really good, really really good. There's news that the first Pinoy Music Festival will happen in Makati but we just confirmed today that it will happen from 8pm - 12am at the Ayala Triangle Gardens on September 5, 2014. This will only happen in one day, best of all, it's free. Artists, Composers, Musicians and the talented Youth will joint forces to showcase the best of the best in original Filipino music.   

Johnson and Johnson, makers of Bactidol will be one of the sponsors, and they signed the memorandum of agreement this afternoon. Ms. Tina represented them and says "Together, we will strive to commit in helping more and patronize music, artists, composers and musicians in the country." Nonoy Tan also adds in the statement, "In behalf of Filipino Composers, we fully support this cause!". Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society shares that "The importance of OPM in the Philippines is slowly being realized. To be international, one must be in a local setting; and in the context of Filipino. We should focus in being crazy about our music and the world will automatically notice us." Jong Cuenco, representing musicians says "We hope not only singers, artists help this cause but also musicians. This will benefit us all and the music industry."Alvin De Vera of PARI, says he wants to "Enjoin labels and those who love Filipino music continue to purchase only legal copies and adds they will also support this event and possibly the future ones as well".Tippy Dos Santos and Abra who represents the young recording artists sternly supports the Pinoy Music Festival and the other causes the OPM is pushing, they want to assure that they'll all be at their back supporting new projects and upcoming artists as well.

We talked to Noel Cabangon, one of the Philippine's most celebrated folk singer and composer and asked about the matters they're raising to the government and found quite sound statements. He's humbled that President PNOY mentioned him and Ogie as his favorite singers in the last SONA and he hopes that it somehow would be able to at least get them heads way in pushing for an executive order to officially make a "Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino" (Filipino Music Week) next year, either July or September because that's where we got less festivals. It's what they're asking the government to support - to further their cause and make it one of the biggest, perhaps even make it a tourist attraction or something that the international community would notice when it comes. We have the hardware he says, as Filipinos have some of the greatest singers in the world. This might take long but he's hopeful that the President would at least take a look at this cause. PAGCOR is already supporting them but they've been talking to the agencies so they can get that approved. They are ready to submit it and the office of the President is keen on seeing it, they are hopeful that it'll happen real soon. It's going to be very big and will be "National" in scale and they want all major cities to simultaneously celebrate it. One in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao... then Manila to culminate it. They are also hoping it to be something that other countries could also see as something unique in the Philippines, they're hoping to start it in Metro Manila first... perhaps the cities would be able to do it in their turfs. Other than that, they are planning to make this ready for integration on 2016 for ASEAN and see exchanges in other countries more rich, since we have it all. 

Ms. Mitch Valdez was there to support his compatriot Mr. Noel Cabangon and his project with PhilisCaP, an organization for composers and OPM. Board members are supporting this as well, together with PARI and industry movers as well. As for the government, Ms. Mitch Valdez says it's very difficult to expect help from the government and its agencies. They better do it on their own, especially now that they have financial issues hitting the country. Organizations like them used to exist with government grants, but not today. They need funding, and the only venues they go to are from fund raising events. She adds there is little empathy about the causes of this industry who don't even think that there are people behind one artist or one song that won't be able to live alone on royalties. They are hoping for the public to take action, to patronize the arts and maybe in the future to see what the culture in the sense would get their identity in original Filipino music. There's no middle ground now, they are trying to support families and that's one of the reasons why everybody else is going out of the country. The ones who remain are trying to do something about it, like Ogie and Noel. They would be only to measure success in events like these because there's going to be free music and she hopes the message comes across when they listen to it.   

Abra and the youth representatives also showed their talents during the press conference and they hope that there will be an even brighter future for the industry. They showed that right in front of the industry greats and people like Noel Cabangon, Jim Paredes and other leaders; they heard pretty good music. Abra is simply one of the best.

For those who would want to join them on September 5th, be at the Ayala Triangle Gardens at 8PM and see how original Filipino music can make you once more an even greater believer than you once were. Bring your friends, your family and everyone else because of course, it's all free!

For more information about their event:

Bactidol

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http://www.jnj.com

Guitar Underwear Brand Launches New Endorsers

A brand that encompassed generations and rocked the innerwear industry for over 50 years, Guitar Underwear just recently announced their new endorsers and relaunched their existing ones at the Cities Events Place in Sgt. Esguerra, Quezon City. They also showed their brand of inner and outerwear shirts, sandos, modern basic briefs, panties and boxer shorts during the event. The brand which started in Hong Kong, then transferred its operations in the Philippines - now holds to be one of the best brands aiming to by synonymous with intimate style and quality.

Saw these two guys chatting and had to disturb them for a photo op. Carlos Agassi who's sculptured physique just screams the cause that he had to be here. The amir of rap, he's still got a well formed body to carry underwear like a normal shirt anytime of the day. He works hard at it and makes it a point to have regular gym time urges the need to be fit and healthy no matter what age an individual is. He's continuing to inspire the youth to not only look good but have a lifestyle fitness centric. It's one of the reasons why he's been able to stay with Guitar for over 8 years now and they continue to believe in him up until now. Carlos is glad that he's still with the brand and promises to continue staying in shape for the love of the Guitar Underwear brand.   

Carlos Agassi, trying to eat right and get some sleep even with his very hectic schedules.

Guitar has been around for almost 50 years but they haven't been able to market themselves that much in the past. They have in the past just invested in regular newspaper ads and thought of re-introducing themselves to the new generation which still comprise the majority of their consumers; hence the event. Quality wise they would never change, but they might actually improve on it. The deal breaker is, they will never even think of raising prices because as they see it, their product sits as one of the most affordable in every shop, mall or stores they are in right now.

I haven't met Ann Mateo before so it was high time we get to know her a little better. When I asked about her background, she says she started singing for fun and started uploading them on the Internet. This venue got her appreciated more by netizens and got her started to do more later on. Sharing her music got her recognized by a lot of people and it landed her modeling stints, hosting jobs and then a program for People's Television Network 4. Guitar believes in up and coming talents hence the reason why they got her. Not only that, she is officially the first female endorser for the brand. She's in fact making history here. I'd like to get to know her better soon. She's happy and thankful though for Guitar to have her as an endorser. She feels that this is a feat she never knew would even happen, the fact that she's endorsing a brand means they believe in her... she feels elated. 

Mark "Mugen" Striegl

When I heard he's going to be here, I turned into a fan. He's one of the few Filipino American Athletes I look up to, especially in the MMA leagues. He grew up Tokyo, lived in Baguio and trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He went to MMA a few years after. He's one tough cookie and his professional career is very impressive. I saw a couple of fights he won overwhelmingly. 

Being a very good example to the youth and a world class athlete is just one of the few reasons why Guitar got him as an endorser. They are also gearing to have some of their designs and clothing be adept with the athletic side. They'll still have the classics but make new ones that would cater to the young, the professionals, the athletes and everyone who needs it. Mark now has his own team called Team Buffet and he'll be coming up with a team who'll manage a blog that will basically also discuss lifestyle, health, sports, food and a lot more. It's a big undertaking but Mark's excited about that. Just get updates on his Facebook page "Mark Mugen".

Guitar's Marketing Manager Alvin Ross Uy Rivera says they'll have the classic ones in the market and create a new product line. "We've already started the outerwear shirts, like the ones they are already wearing. They'll also be coming out with new bamboo fabrics, dry fit ones, Polyester shirts, and pretty soon even socks and other ones that would complete their collection to have something from head to toe. It's already second most or the most affordable brand in the market. It's available in almost all department stores and even internationally through SM too." 

A man that needs no introduction is rap superstar Gloc9. I've been a fan since I saw him perform live during a Coke event years ago. He's even helping other artists make it to the scene, even better that afternoon because they also played the music video that's perfect for the campaign Guitar is launching. To get a glimpse of that, here it is!

 

He performed it together with Denise Barbacena. Of course there were some antics in between by Guitar endorsers as well. Since it's Filipino week, that made him even more proud to say he's part of this brand. He didn't have to strip for the most part of it but he's making the language and connection a big part of the influence he's emitting on and off cam. A lot of people believe in him and that's his selling point. For what it's worth, he's pretty happy Guitar believes in his talent and they have an understanding like a gentleman's word to support each others endeavors. That right there is priceless.

Congratulations to Guitar and your new endorsers!

For more information about their brand:

Guitar Underwear 1960

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Visit their official website

http://www.guitar1960.com.ph/

Princess Hazel Salon and Spa

There should be no excuse for men when it comes to grooming. Cutting your nails and washing with soap and water just doesn't work anymore. Men have to do it regularly and with the right people to do it for you if it's available. Aside from that, this is a good activity to do with someone special, your friends or family. In the vicinity of Quezon Avenue and Examiner streets in Quezon City, we found just the right place to get pampered like a king. A lone quaint space in Pacific Century Tower's second floor (Room 203) called Princess Hazel Salon and Spa; it transports you to your own kingdom right in the heart of the metropolis.

The theme of course was fit for royalty. The chairs were ultra comfy and this was where I spent most of the time when I was there. Men don't need to squirm at the sight of fancy things nor do we have to shy away from getting the right treatment that could only benefit ourselves in the end. It's fancy but I didn't feel like an alien... we just need to do what's needed to be done but really felt special. So we sat down in the comfortable chair and got ready for foot and hand treatments that I deserve.

We got our hands cleaned, treated with Paraffin Wax so I felt my skin was soft. They didn't hold back on scrubbing either and used natural fruit based concoctions and it smelled quite nice. They also got my foot scrubbed and eliminated some really hard skin off my sole. They also massaged my hands and feet, cleaned it up again and put in chocolate almond masks that magically goes minty after a while. It smelled good and felt so luxurious after that. A short rinse, then dry, then another massage with moisturizers ended that bout. It was nice and relaxing plus the attendants stories in between would amuse you much quite like a jester in a court. They could probably accommodate 12 people in the place but it would be best if you set appointments if you plan to go there with a group. They also arrange small spa parties and whole day pampering because the place pretty much has it all. Color, cut, rebonding, facials, diamond peel, RF procedures for slimming and toning, waxing, massage, body scrubs, manicure and pedicure, it's easy for them. If you live around the area and think your existing salon or barber shop doesn't do a good job with hair and treatments, you might want to visit and try theirs too.

Western Digital Storage and Entertainment Solutions

We visited the Western Digital store in SM North Edsa's Annex to take a look at their newest releases specifically the WD My Passport AV-TV and the WD TV Live! I'm no stranger to hardware like these because I configure them for a living a few years ago. There has been some really good improvements but it basically only does one thing (talking about the WD My Passport AV-TV), it's for recording TV broadcast and streams. Even at it's small built, the thing has 1TB capacity but also got a 500GB version of it.

It's also got accessories that can have the device attached to the back since some TV sets in homes are wall mounted. This small wonder can record your favorite shows so you can watch them whenever you want. Using the remote controls of your TV, you can pause, rewind, or fast forward any scene but you have to have the corresponding compatible TV with it. TV Models would be listed in Western Digital's website. Video output is superb and quality is crystal because the USB port is already 3.0, making transfer rate of data faster. Don't worry about messing up the bracket because you've got the Quick Install guide in the box too. Setting it up would be a cinch, else you can visit their knowledge base for detailed instructions.

I also saw something I'd want for my home on display.