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June 9, 2012

American Idol’s Jessica Sanchez to sing National Anthem at Pacquiao vs. Bradley

via: TOPRANK BOXING/Fred Sternburg, Sternburg Comm
The 16-year-old Filipino/Mexican-American Idol runner-up Jessica Sanchez will sing the National Anthem on June 9, when Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao collides with unbeaten American boxing sensation Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Bradley bout in Las Vegas on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

The 16-year-old Filipino/Mexican-American singing sensation will be singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” in front of over 16,000 members of the live audience and tens of millions of viewers who will watch the bout live via pay-per-view.

In her official Twitter account, Sanchez shared her excitement to be part of the most-awaited event.
"Singing the American National Anthem @ the Pacquiao fight this Saturday in Vegas! I am sooooooooo ecstatic!! :)," Sanchez tweeted.

Team Pacquiao had earlier had with the idea of Sanchez singing the Philippine national anthem but, as it turns out, Sanchez will be singing "The Star Spangled Banner" prior to the fight. The report revealed that "Filipino-American teenage singer, 14-year old Broadway talent Kirby Asunto, will sing the 'Lupang Hinirang' for the fight."



Mabuhay Temple to Host One Day on Earth Screening

The International Buddhist Progress Society, Manila (IBPS) will host a free public screening of One Day on Earth at the Five Contemplations Hall of the Mabuhay Temple on 11 June 2012 at 7:30 pm. Mabuhay Temple is located at 656 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila.

One Day on Earth is a full-length documentary feature that holds the distinction of being the first film ever to include footage from every country on earth, all captured on a single day -  10 October 2010. The film provides a unique look into a wide array of human activities and even offers intimate access to rarely seen images from countries such as North Korea, Iran and Kosovo.

One Day on Earth, the first film to include footage from every country on earth all captured in one day, will be shown for free at Mabuhay Temple on 11 June 2012 at 7:30 pm. 
The film was able to beautifully capture the interconnectedness of human beings by showing the shared triumphs and challenges of all people on earth. The film's director and founder Kyle Ruddick and co-founder and executive producer Brandon Litman, with the support of the United Nations and a global community of filmmakers, has succeeded in creating a video time capsule of one day on planet earth, making the documentary a great achievement, not only in film making, but also in human cooperation.

IBPS is honored that Mabuhay Temple was selected as one of the few venues to screen One Day on Earth in the Philippines. IBPS is an organization affiliated with the Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Buddhist order based in Taiwan with Mabuhay Temple being its branch temple in Manila. Other FGS branch temples in the Philippines are located in Cebu, Bacolod and Iloilo. Apart from regular Buddhist prayer services, Mabuhay Temple regularly holds other activities such as lectures, open mic events, film screenings, temple tours, study groups and short educational programs.

For more information about the One Day on Earth screening and other activities of Mabuhay Temple, please check out the temple's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mabuhaytemple. You can also send an email to fgsphilippines@gmail.com or call 559-9540.


Golf Your Way to Father’s Day at Marriott Manila

This June, we share our own fun way to uniquely indulge every great leader of the family—our dads! At Marriott Manila, we ensure that we’re the perfect venue to celebrate his life and love through golf.

Since it’s another event that deserves a grand blow out, food is always the first thing to consider especially for the man who takes time to enjoy family, hobby, and a good meal of course. If thinking where to eat on his special day, it would be great to consider a venue where dad can enjoy a hole-in-one treat from dining, accommodation, plus his love for golf!

Wake up the whole family a little earlier and head to Marriott Café for a taste of our most-talked about Sunday Brunch. Needless to say, there’s just something so endearing about a brunch especially at Marriott Café which has set the bar on the way we brunch—cozy, comforting, and basically has everything to satisfy an ever-fickle taste buds. For only P2, 500 net, the whole family is in to be treated with a spread that is purely gourmet. You cant’ go wrong with executive chef Meik Brammer’s 17 stations, featuring its newest additions such as oyster bar, chilled seafood, salumiere, cheese studio, homemade pasta, yakitori, Chinese, and tandoor. Plus, Cru Steakhouse also incorporates its specialties such as Angus beef rib eye, strip loin steak, grilled fish, squid and veggies--which of course, every meat lover dad should never pass up! If you’re family is a fan of big, tender, and tasty slabs of steaks, you must have heard about our Cru. Our well marbled, precious steak slices that are usually saved up for special occasions can now be gorged limitless and enough to suffice the price for this brunch. And who would’ve thought that a martini bar is such as pleasure to enjoy this time of they day? With these well-crafted cocktails and great mixes, it will surely set the stage for dad’s extra special event.  Plus, our chocolate room that spells decadence is brimming with assorted chocolates and rich cake choices is always worth saving up the space for. Whether it’s for the romantic mom and dad or sweet-toothed siblings, this corner is bound to let you experience a taste of heaven.  And if you haven’t tasted just yet our sensational homemade gelato, it’s the best time to savor every flavor,   especially the famous Ferrero! 

What’s amazing with dads is that, they love all sort of action-packed bonding experience, especially if it’s a golf game. That’s why while enjoying brunch, an indoor putting station awaits all families that is guaranteed to bring fun and can make any family closer than ever. Make sure to bring out the best putt for a chance to win Marriott Manila gift certificates such as overnight stay, Java+, Marriott Café buffet, golf lessons, and freebies when dad makes it hole-in-one.

But if your goal is to surprise dad with a most romantic kind of date, book for a Cru Steakhouse dinner. For this occasion, sous chef Redj Casanova takes it up a notch with a special Father’s Day 4-course menu: Crispy soft shell crab salad, cream of chicken veloute, grilled grain fed Australian rib eye or pan roasted salmon fillet, and dark chocolate soufflé with Bailey’s ice cream--all at P4, 000 net.  And since it’s a day to be extra lavish, might as well consider treating him with a wine-by-the-glass which can add a wine tasting dimension to a meal. With its welcoming yet sophisticated fine dining vibe coupled by Cru’s personalized flair of service, dad will surely feel an amazing king of the day experience that he’ll probably talk about for years.

Another hands-down way to reward a hard working head of the family is by taking him at the Quan Spa, where he’s in to experience a whole new way to wholeness and wellness. Featuring Pevonia Detox massage for only P5, 950 net, this two-hour treatment is designed for distressing, detoxifying, and toning while taking away toxins and impurities of the body. This revered treatment for two hours is using Pevonia’s seaweed wrap teeming with nourishing extracts, guaranteed to revive and refresh a tired body.

A grueling first half of the year deserves a much-awaited break, and kicking back with your family sounds heavenly. Why not take them at Marriott Manila and avail of the mid-year bonus room package? For only P9, 888++ per night when staying for two nights, the deluxe room accommodation is also inclusive of buffet breakfast for two—and an extra 3rd night for free plus a double Marriott Rewards points!

Who said that crafting a special event like this would be such a pain? At Marriott Manila, we offer a simple formula for an occasion that is worth remembering while getting out of the traditional.

For inquiries or reservations, call 988-9999.
ABOUT MARRIOTT HOTEL MANILA:
An inviting beacon set in the world-class casino entertainment complex of Resorts World Manila, Marriott Hotel Manila is the place to work and play. Ideally located in Newport City across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, it is a convenient 15 minute drive from Makati Business District and Bonifacio Global City . Affording a splendid view of the adjoining 18-hole Villamor Golf Course, it boasts 342 exquisite guest accommodations that offers luxurious bedding, in-room safe, mini-bar, high-speed Internet, air conditioning, 40" full high definition LCDs with IPTV, videos on demand and jack pack plug-and-play system. The hotel features excellent dining options such as Marriott Cafe, Cru Steakhouse, Java+ and Lobby Lounge. Leisure facilities include Quan Spa, Health Club, Salon and Newport Mall. With a Grand Ballroom and several meeting rooms, Marriott Hotel Manila is also the ultimate destination for meetings and events, from weddings to gala dinner celebrations.





June 7, 2012

Feel the Retro Swag at the Newest Bar Lounge in Town: Rocket Room

Extend your night out by swinging by the metro’s latest bar lounge brought to you by Raintree Restaurants—Rocket Room. 
With its vivid and outré interiors elaborately designed by Noel Bernardo, Rocket Room lends the right amount of buzz to every coffee break afternoon or late night out.
The bar lounge brings thrilling arrays of Rocket Room’s House Made Infusion Jars, specialty spirits infused with fresh fruits and spices, Classically Twisted drinks, which are twisted takes on the classics, as well as an extensive selection of wines, beers and sangrias.
Serving up the best of organically hot and cold Rocket Plates, Raintree Restaurants brings innovation with its distinctive variety of food offerings and characteristic sets of interiors.

Raintree Restaurants houses bistros within the metro including MoMo Café, Mr. Jones, Museum Café, Chelsea Market & Café, Stella, and Rocket Room. To know more about Rocket Room, visit www.facebook.com/RocketRoom.

June 6, 2012

Take A Trip Down Tutuban's Foodstreet

The street is where you’ll find the heart of a cuisine and its culture. Street dishes are all the rage in the world’s culinary capitals, but we all know that these informal food feasts originated in Asia.


Manila, of course, is one of the top destinations for the practical and adventurous diner. Tutuban Center’s “FoodStreet” is a fine example of a gustatory district that attracts people from all walks of life for its simple, makeshift and unassuming stalls.

In these trying times, people are wisely cutting back on spending at restaurants and even fast-food joints. Street food—fresh, inexpensive, ready to eat—are more often preferred by the budget conscious. You can choose from a wide variety of food and beverages that recall the taste of home-cooked meals while having the feeling that you are dining out.
 Now more than ever, being a street-food trader makes a lot of financial sense. For the innately entrepreneurial, Tutuban’s FoodStreet is offering spaces for rent. Situated at the main thoroughfares of the historic and commercial mall, future tenants will have a captured market among shoppers, students and the working/professional class.
For its small size, a street-food enterprise only requires a small amount of capital. The trader only needs the most basic cooking skills, management acumen, simple facilities and of course, his serving of affordable yet delicious lunches, dinners and snacks.

Though small scale, this type of venture has a big potential for generating income—even employment—so it isn’t impossible for the street-food trader to have average earnings that can be three to even 10 times more than the minimum-wage worker. His profits can even be more than the earnings of skilled employees. More importantly, you can now be your own boss after growing tired of the corporate rat race. It can also be a sound investment, too, especially if you are a returning overseas Filipino worker or if you’re a bored housewife with excellent culinary skills, a FoodStreet stall is definitely perfect.

Tutuban’s FoodStreet’s location at the historic former railway station is fitting because it is a reflection of the exciting local culture as manifested on the food fare being served. Appetizing offerings include Hong Kong-style noodles; Chinese siopao and siomai;  Persian shawarma; the very Pinoy silog, isaw, balut, chicharon, fishballs and banana cues; or even inihaw na liempo, pusit, manok, bangus;  and delicious English muffins and American baked goodies.

The prospective food trader may not only earn high incomes but he will be helping the local economy as well in terms of taxes, as micro-industries such as street-selling promote financial self-sufficiency for families as well. For example, he sources his fresh ingredients and raw materials locally, thereby also benefiting the small-scale suppliers and farm growers.

One significant concern about street food, though, is health and sanitation. However, FoodStreet and Tutuban Center officials assure tenants that the mall administration takes this aspect of the business seriously. Hygiene, cleanliness and waste disposal will adhere to the strictest standards as imposed by law and the national and local health department.

Security of both the businessman and his consumers is also of utmost consideration. The mall’s roving and plainclothes security personnel will be on hand to ensure the safety of everyone.

So, harness that inherent entrepreneur in you and open your business at Tutuban Center’s FoodStreet and taste success—in your own terms.

Tutuban’s FoodStreet operations will be from 6 am to 12 midnight starting July 01, 2012. For leasing inquiries, contact: Gina Villamor and Mary Anne Suralta, 251-1661 local 125, or direct line, 253-1769.

The tease is over: Axe Anarchy’s final list of 100 sexy cops revealed


Anarchy Raid happening on June 9, 2012 at the Eastwood MallAxe has finally revealed the final list of 100 Sexy Cops for the Anarchy Raid!


Temperatures reach an all-time high on the heels of the reveal of the final 100 sexy “policewomen” enlisted for the Axe Anarchy Raid. This year’s hottest cops-and-robbers game is on June 9 at Eastwood Mall with two million pesos at stake.
Perfect 10 bodies, luscious lips and gorgeous faces like Sam Pinto can be yours 
to play with at the Axe Anarchy Raid. 

 Headlining the sensationally sinful activity are the 30 of the country’s hottest celebs: FHM Sexiest Woman in 2011 Sam Pinto, sultry and statuesque host-actress Megan Young, enchanting vixen Kylie Padilla, ravishing beauty Sarah Lahbati, cyber seductress Ellen Adarna, screen siren Bianca King, foxy YouTube sensation Petra Mahalimuyak and drop-dead gorgeous beauty queen Gwendoline Ruais. Other starlets completing the stunning batch are Sheena Halili, Ryza Cenon, Gwen Zamora, Stef Prescott, Stephanie Henares, Chariz Solomon, Vaness del Moral, Princess Snell, Diva Montelaba, Chloe McCulley, Lou Sison, Bangs Garcia, Iwa Moto, Nina Jose, Regine Angeles, Karen Bordador, Andi Manzano, Jinri Park, Karel Marquez, Jacqueline Yu, Lauren Young and Nadine Samonte.
Prepare to be womanhandled by porcelain-skinned 
goddess Bianca King at the Axe Anarchy Raid.
 The 100 male participants AKA “the robbers” are indeed lucky as more it girls, covergirls and models round out the remaining 70 cops, ensuring the Axe Anarchy Raid’s rank as the most explosive happening yet in the metro. With a continuous flow of sex symbols¾thanks to sensually stationed wardens and a stimulating performance from the Mocha Girls, who’s to argue? 

Enjoy being handcuffed by sexy celeb cop Sheena Halili at the Axe Anarchy Raid.

Get arrested by good girl gone bad Kylie Padilla at the Axe Anarchy Raid.
Iwa Moto
Gwen Zamora

Experience the new order of insatiable attraction now by checking out www.facebook.com/AxePhilippines or #AxeAnarchyManila on Twitter.




Make kitchen life easier with Fujidenzo microwave ovens


Round up your kitchen appliances with Fujidenzo’s newest range of microwave ovens. From popcorn snacks to instant microwave dinners, Fujidenzo fulfills all your microwave heating needs in a snap – their microwave ovens truly make for the perfect kitchen staple.

Each Fujidenzo microwave oven is equipped with the Smart Wave System, a technology that focuses microwave energy directly on to the food for faster cooking and defrosting than with traditional microwave ovens.  This also ensures even cooking and helps to eliminate cold spots and overcooked edges.

At 25 liters, the classy, electric Fujidenzo FM-25 SS Microwave Oven boasts of a stainless steel body and cavity, a grill function with 2 levels of combination cooking, defrost function, and end-of-cooking signal.

Meanwhile, the elegant silver, space saver-designed Fujidenzo FM-20 GX Microwave Oven on the other hand, has a volume of 20 liters, grill function, 3 levels of combination cooking, defrost function, 5 power levels, a 30-minute timer, and end-of-cooking signal.

Whereas the 20-liter, silver-framed, ultra-modern black-bodied FM-20 B operates with a defrost function, 5 power levels, a 30-minute timer, and end-of-cooking signal.  The FM-20 B is also designed as a space saver with its compact dimensions.

Finally, the 20-liter, classic polished white SM-20 SW sports a defrost function, 5 power levels, a 30-minute timer, and end-of-cooking signal.

So when it comes to microwave ovens, the kitchen appliance you shouldn’t live without, make it Fujidenzo: the brand that values quality above all.

Tough Guy’s Day-Off with Clarity

He’s tough when he needs to be, strict when things seem to start to get out of hand, yet subtle in his ways. Cool, calm, and collected, dads always seem to have everything under control, a figure that instantly induces comfort because of his mere presence and authority.

Despite the tough outer shell, fathers have a soft spot especially reserved for those closest to their heart. The desire to provide for loved ones drives these pillars of the family to push their limits and do whatever it takes to get things done.


For all the hard work that our fathers have put into creating a safe and secure refuge for the family, he definitely deserves a rejuvenating treat. Now that Father’s Day is just around the corner, there is no better time to get the man what he deserves by taking him to Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center, where wide range of services and treatments are aimed to please and pamper.

Among the treatments available at the Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center is its list of facial services, which includes nourishing and firming, visibly improves facial complexion. Clarity’s Nourishing Facial fits the bill by instantly refreshing and nourishing the skin. The Oxy-Rejuvenating Facial, on the other hand, infuses oxygen into the skin, making it younger looking; while the Algotherm Anti-Aging Facial revitalizes the skin giving it a nice and youthful glow. These are perks that a stressed-out dad would surely appreciate.

Other treatments such as the Ultra-Firming Facial would give dad a reason to smile, as the treatment hydrates and strengthens the skin’s structure for a firmer look. Dads looking to rejuvenate and relax at the same time might try the Ultra-Soothing Facial, which relaxes and soothes sensitive skin.

Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center sweetens the deal for Father’s Day through its Father and child Look-alike Contest, which gives Clarity’s patrons a chance to win prizes and surprises for dad and other family members. Those interested may check out Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center’s Facebook page to learn more about the competition guidelines and mechanics.

Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center offers a wide range of anti-aging and contouring services that can help give dad that youthful boost on his special day. Clarity’s personalized service guarantees only the best board-certified doctors and the latest services in dermatology, aesthetic dentistry, and cosmetic surgery all in one clinic.

Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center has the rewards that put a smile on every father’s face. Even the toughest guy needs a day off and there’s no better way than with the gentle touch from Clarity.

Visit Clarity Aesthetic Medical & Dental Center at the 5th Level Wellness Zone, Shangri-la Plaze Mall , EDSA corner Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City. For more information, contact their office through telephone number (02) 638-1297 or through their Customer Service Hotline 632-751-4929 or visit their website  www.clarity.com.ph.

Don’t let glaucoma rob you of your sight


With chronic diseases such as glaucoma, people should use their medications as frequently as recommended by their physician and I think more learning about glaucoma is needed to do as always. 

Perhaps the scariest thing about glaucoma is the fact that it exhibits no symptom: one day your eyesight is just fine, the next day your vision is already blurred or there are already black splotches off to the sides when you are looking straight ahead. Even the culprit behind glaucoma—the build-up of pressure inside the eye may develop slowly and painlessly, the person would not be able to detect it.

And once symptoms are felt, it may be already too late for the person.

This is because when excess fluid pressure within the eyeball builds up to an abnormally high level, the optic nerve—the fragile bundle of fibers at the back of the eye that carries visual messages from the retina to the brain—gets so compressed to the point that it will be permanently damaged.

Once this has occurred, the only thing that you and your doctor can do is slow down if not halt the damage that glaucoma has already caused. Once damage has occurred, it cannot be reversed.

Interestingly, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Glaucoma Society, an internationally recognized leader in providing quality glaucoma care in the country through education, exchange of ideas, research and publication.

With its vision, “That No Filipino will ever go blind from glaucoma’’ the Philippine Glaucoma Society has teamed up with Allergan to aggressively promote awareness of the disease. Allergan is a global, technology-driven multi-specialty health care company that pursues therapeutic advances in various fields including the delivery of leading products that address glaucoma.

According to the Philippine Glaucoma Society, the only way to stop glaucoma in its tracks is for one to have regular eye screening. Considering that there is no single test to diagnose glaucoma, one has to undergo specific tests including the one that measures the inner pressure via an instrument called a tonometer. The instrument touches a very small portion of the eye and is usually painless.  While a pressure exceeding the normal range of between 10-21 millimeters of mercury—especially if it is higher than 21 mm of mercury—may not immediately cause glaucoma, such high reading should be regarded as a significant risk factor.
Other tests that may be recommended include ophthalmoscopy, which employs placing additional lenses in front of your eye to visualize the optic nerve. The bright light may cause some glare and discomfort. It may be necessary in some cases to dilate the pupils of the eye with eyedrops to enhance the view of the optic nerve. If the pressure within your eye is not normal or if your optic nerve looks unusual, then the doctor may ask you to take a few more more tests: perimetry and gonioscopy; perimetry, which is a test that maps out your overall field of vision (if glaucoma has been diagnosed, then this test should be done at least twice a year to determine changes in your vision); gonioscopy, which determines the status of the drainage channels of the eye with the use of additional lenses; and pachymetry, which measures the thickness of the cornea since it affects measurements of eye pressure.

Once glaucoma is identified as the cause of the sight problem, the treatment that follows are all aimed to preserve whatever vision remains through the employment of regular eye drops, laser surgery or even conventional eye surgery.

One should also remember that only a doctor, preferably an ophthalmologist, can pinpoint exactly if it truly is glaucoma that is ruining the eyesight. If an abnormally high eye pressure is detected, the doctor will usually perform the additional tests outlined above to verify if glaucoma is indeed present.

While most individuals may experience no symptom, a few who were later diagnosed with glaucoma have previously complained of the following: episodes of eye and head pain, blurred vision, redness, headache, vomiting and seeing rainbows around lights.

But even without experiencing any symptoms, the fact that one has a family history of glaucoma (especially parents or brothers and sisters) may merit special vigilance.  Having a high reading of fluid pressure inside the eye, being aged over 45 years, a record of previous eye injury, been a chronic steroid user, diabetic may predispose one to developing glaucoma.  Have your eyes examined regularly.

June 5, 2012

TOP 14 Finalists of PhilPOP Music Festival Revealed

OPM is alive and kicking as locals and foreign-based Pinoys join PhilPOP to become the next big Filipino songwriter.


A record-breaking 3,000 song entries, not just from the Philippines but Filipinos based in other parts of the world including the United Kingdom, France, Canada and neighboring Asian countries such as  Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, beat the deadline to submit their entries for the first ever Philippine Popular Music Festival’s (PhilPOP) search for the next, big Filipino songwriter.
The overwhelming local and global response to send entries for the competition is a clear indication that Original Pilipino Music (OPM) is indeed still very much alive – all that is really needed is the right vehicle to showcase their talents.


PhilPOP is composed of respected local artists and prominent personalities from various industries brought together by a shared vision—to spark renewed pride and enthusiasm in OPM and bring about another golden age in Philippine music.


With the entries screened, reviewed and segregated, the million peso question now is who will make it to the coveted top 14?
The Top 14 are: Himig ng Panahon by Timothy Anjello Alfaro, Bigtime by Trina Belamide,Dulo ng Dila by Noah Zuñiga Cabalquinto, Slowdancing by John Kennard Eleazar Faraon,Minsa’y Isang Bansa by Gary Granada, Brown by James B. Leyte and Jezreel S. De Oca, Kesa by Edwin B. Marollano, Piso by Kristofferson B. Melecio, 3:00 AM by Keiko Necesario, Takusa by Byron Ricamara, Tayo Tayo Lang by Ronaldo Sorioso, Kontrabidaby Soc Villanueva, Negastar by Michael Angelo Santos Villegas, and Bawat Hakbang by Karl Vincent Villuga.
Song Title
Music
Lyrics
Himig Ng Panahon
Timothy Anjello Alfaro
Timothy Anjello Alfaro
Bigtime
Trina Belamide
Trina Belamide
Dulo ng Dila
Noah Zuniga Cabalquinto
Noel Zuniga Cabalquinto
Slowdancing
John Kennard Eleazar Faraon
John Kennard Eleazar Faraon
Minsa'y Isang Bansa
Gary Granada
Gary Granada
Brown
James B. Leyte &
Jezreel S. De Oca
James B. Leyte
Kesa
Edwin B. Marollano
Edwin B. Marollano
Piso
Kristofferson B. Melecio
Kristofferson B. Melecio
3:00am
Keiko Necesario
Keiko Necesario
Takusa
Byron Ricamara
Byron Ricamara
Tayo Tayo Lang
Ronaldo M. Sorioso
Ronaldo M. Sorioso
Kontrabida
Soc Villanueva
Soc Villanueva
Negastar
Michael Angelo Santos Villegas
Michael Angelo Santos Villegas
Bawat Hakbang
Karl Vincent H. Villuga
Karl Vincent H. Villuga
At the press conference held recently, the 14 finalists were finally announced to the general public.  Come July 14, 2012, these top 14 will showcase their compositions through the final performance and competition to be held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
Mr. Ryan Cayabyab,Music Maestro and PhilPOP Executive Director
Music maestro and PhilPOP executive director Ryan Cayabyab said, “We want to thank all our kababayans who shared their compositions with us. The mere fact that we received this overwhelming response for the very first Philippine Popular Music Festival is a victory not only for OPM (Original Pilipino Music) but more so, for the Filipino people.”

Cayabyab, whose music career, starting out as an amateur songwriter, was propelled by a song writing competition, added, “This is an exciting time for the local music industry. With PhilPOP, we are helping shape the future landscape of OPM. The talent and the potential of the Filipino songwriter have always been there. We have proven it many times over. Now, the next step is to shine the spotlight on the best of the best.”

The country has indeed profited from other renowned songwriters whose significant compositions were borne out of song writing competitions including Jose Mari Chan ("Can we Just Stop and Talk Awhile", which incidentally was also entered in the World Popular Music Festival in Tokyo, “Hahanapin Ko”, “Minsan Pa”) Nonong Pedero (“Narito Ako”, “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit”), George Canseco (“Ako ang Nasawi, Ako ang Nagwagi”), Louie Ocampo (“Ewan”), Snaffu Rigor (Bulag, Pipi at Bingi”) and Freddie Aguilar whose seminal hit “Anak” went on to become one of the country’s most popular and well-loved songs.

The top winning entry will receive P1 million in cash and two runners-up will each receive P500,000 and P250,000 respectively.  A People’s Choice award will also be given to the most popular entry as decided by text votes.

The Philippine Popular Music Festival is jointly presented by MayniladPhilippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), and Smart.  Major sponsors are MeralcoResorts World Manila and TV5.  Other sponsors are Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC)Sun Cellular, First Pacific Leadership Academy (FPLA), Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and Philex Mining Corporation.  Media partners are KBPPhilippine Daily InquirerPhilippine Star and Radio High.  

PhilPop recently released an official statement regarding some concerns.

For updates on the results, visit PhilPop.com.ph

Here's the PhilPOP Top 14 Compilation.