Ballet Philippines Opens 43rd Season with Local and International Works

A bold gala of local and international works opens the season of Ballet Philippines’ 43rd Season: Dragon Song in Songs, on July 6-8, 2012 at the CCP Main Theater.

“Dragon years are always significant with their great energy and sense of renewal, the beginning of a new cycle,” says BP Artistic Director Paul Alexander Morales. “ Let’s all rally behind and embrace the company that has brought much pride to the country—after all, it is truly OUR OWN.”

Songs also features sensational masterworks in the arsenal of Ballet Philippines including:

Les Petit Mots D’Amour by Redha Beintefour (France)

A compelling dance piece that embodies man’s innermost desires. In it, man is reduced to his primal origins as he covets and yearns for an interactive idea. This vigorous search thrusts him into an enigmatic core of emotional existence. First performed in the Philippines in 1994.

Moriones by Agnes Locsin (Philippines)

Inspired by the Moriones Festival of Marinduque, Locsin’s MORIONES was choreographed for Ballet Philippines 2’s participation at the Recontres Festival Du Danse in La Baule, France. It was also a study for movement for the Guardias Civil dance for Locsin’s coming Encantada, slated to be premiered the next year. First performed in July 1991, Manila, Philippines.

This is My Life by Alden Lugnasin (Philippines)

This solo contemporary dance piece highlights the independence and elegance of woman.

Songs will also feature works by BP’s Morales, as well as a new pas de deux choreographed by former BP artistic director Augustus Damian III. Damian’s piece will be premiered by Candice Adea and Jean Marc Cordero, who have recently triumphed at the 2012 Helsinki International Ballet Competition.

Songs will run from July 6-8, 2012 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater. 

For tickets contact Ballet Philippines at 551-1003, 551-7919, 624-5701. 

Or call Ticketworld at 891-9999, or CCP Box Office at 832-3704.

Ballet Philippines is at the 4th Floor Cultural Center of the Philippines Bldg., CCP Complex, Pasay City.

Visit  www.ballet.ph and Ballet Philippines Facebook for more details. 

Celebrating the New Pinoy lifestyle withAyosDito.ph’s I- Ball

Bloggers have fun in the 1st AyosDito iBall, held in Cowo Asia last June 8. I’ve been lucky to be invited and it was indeed a fun filled event to remember with entertainment, lot of  games and the most, raffle prizes including a Fuji Polaroid camera, Samsung Galaxy Y and Apple I-Pad 3!

John Lloyd and Solenn welcomed all the blogger-guests at the main entrance.

Filipinos have a knack for catching onto what is hip and trendy. From fashion to food, we Filipinos have been able to take a concept from other countries, give it a new twist and called it our own. Not only have we dominated social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, we have also taken to online classified ads sites like AyosDito.ph.

Solenn Heussaff and John Medina

AyosDito.ph, the preferred online classified ads for Pinoys by Pinoys and awarded the 2011 No. 1 Classified Ads website by Digital Filipino Search Profile Index, had recently organized its first Ayos Dito I-Ball, a blogger event attended by GMA Channel 7’s latest IT-GIRL – model/artist/singer/actress Solenn Heussaff and ABS CBN Channel 2’s upcoming  dramatic actor John Medina  and funny yet naughty DJ Tony Toni of Magic 89.9 at the COWO Asia in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

“Ayos Dito I- Ball, is a blogger event that celebrates the fun and unique Filipino lifestyle, that is reflective of how people buy and sell online. Buying and selling online with AyosDito.ph  is free, easy  and hassle-free, just how we Pinoys like it.” says Jon Santico General Manager of 701 Search Inc. the company behind the site.

“This event is also to say thank you to the community closest to our hearts.  Bloggers who have experienced using the website have shared their hassle –free shopping experience online, and were instrumental in bringing other users  to our site Santico added.

Tanya Cabbab, AyosDito.ph’s marketing manager shared “Aside from having the chance to get to know the AyosDito team and learn more about the site and what were about. We hope everyone has a great time, simply hanging out with us and  enjoying the food, the games and the raffle prizes.”  

Assorted drinks from the bar

The food served at the Ayos Dito I-Ball  was a twist on regular pinoy  comfort food.   Tempura Quail Eggs  (a modern take on streetfood favorite - Kwekkwek), Mexico meets Pampanga’s best sisig tacos, Chicken Pate on Fita a childhood favorite, The simple tuyo, glammed up in a  Tuyo Pasta,  oh so yummy Angus Corned Beef Pan de sal.  The iced tea was a refreshing honeymansi by Nestea.  A special treat was the kakanin ice cream in 3 flavors – Champorado, Mangga’t Suman and SapinSapin ice cream by Sebastian’s .

There were 2 games at the event, an old party favorite –Bring Me, and a special game-Find a great deal which familiarized bloggers with how the site works  which involved the celebrities who attended the event.

The much - anticipated raffle, a Fuji Polaroid  Camera, and the grand prize was an Apple  I -Pad 3.


Each blogger brought home a lootbag with an AyoDito.ph t-shirt, a notebook, a coffee tumbler  and an AyosDito.ph pen with 1G USB. :)

HARANA.PH's Jason, Jaja and Edil giving a great performance for the bloggers.

Friendly people at the COWO reception/registration area. 

Congratulation Sella Goden , the winner of the grand raffle prize - Apple I-Pad 3!

Congratulations AYOSDITO.PH! Wishing you all the best! 

Life Inside: Doing The Right Thing at the BuCor

Recently I joined a bloggers’ tour of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City upon the invitation of Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan thru Ms. Divine Caraecle.

The New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, is the main insular penitentiary designed to house the prison population of the Philippines. It is maintained by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) under the Philippine Department of Justice. The Bureau of Corrections has its headquarters in the NBP Reservation.

The Maximum Security Compound  has Its mandate  to rehabilitate the offenders. The New Bilibid Prisons have their chance to have productive and meaningful lives.

We see a big community with livelihood undertakings such as sari-sari stores, market (talipapa). Many different churches, chapels, and mosque for their different religious activities. The compound is also complete with basketball courts, tennis court, billiards, art galleries, wood carving and paintings.

Making them realize that each every individual have their own talent, enhancing them and putting them into practice to make them more productive citizens when time comes they were given another chance to come out and be a part of the human community, an important factor in the work for total human liberation, of those who are incarcerated, bringing them from the darkness to the light.

A song from Cmdr.Jaybee Sebastian, Paraiso Foundation Head

A great performance from Luis Gatchitorena, we found out that he was the Metro Pop Champion (1996)  when he was a free man.  

We see these works as rooted in the very relationship between God and His people, and the community.  We have seen things and people, with God’s help and divine intervention, working in mysterious ways to bring captive people back on the right track.

In effect, there was restoration – of personal liberty, of family and a community inside the penitentiary. The Bureau of Correction provides them an opportunity to start anew.

The Muntinlupa penitentiary is now a place not away from home, with the e-dalaw being provided for the detainees, which make them closer to their love ones. Physically they were deprived of their liberty, but not emotionally, with e-dalaw they can express their feelings, their love and concerns with their love ones especially their children in the outside world.

At the BuCor they provide peace and strength and even prosperity needed for everyone, rich detainee and poor alike, to enjoy life some of them don’t really intend to be in. Some victims of society they live in, of their weakness to commit sinful ways.

BuCor is paving the way for the detainees to have a brighter future ahead of them when time comes for them to re-join the community.

Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan, a man of vision and commitment, who is leading the way in bringing hope at the Bureau of Corrections in Muntinlupa.

Conference Room

Director Gaudencio Pangilinan, interviews and casual talks with the bloggers at the Conference Room

Inside the NBP Hospital

New facilities/ rooms for the prisons

Bilibid TV 13 (BTV) studio

 I read this (in a frame posted at the Gate 1), it is very meaningful and inspirational to everyone. 

A souvenir I bought from NBP wood carving man.

When I walked among the inmates at the Maximum Security Compound, I thought a bible verse...Corinthians 13. The greatest motivating force behind anyone and especially prison - is love.  Love for God.  Unconditional love for the inmate.  Love for the mission to which God has called. 

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Thanks to BuCor people for giving us the chance to see what's inside NBP. Thanks Bureau of Corrections Director Gaudencio Pangilinan, Ms. Divine Caraecle, Ms. Maricar Celis Villiar, Jaybee Sebastian and Major Johnson Agbayani and all staff and inmates. 

Visit  www.bucor.gov.ph for more information.

Google says Happy Philippine independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

Google Doodle for Philippine Independence Day. Google says Happy Philippine independence Day!

If your home page in your browser is set to google, I bet you’ve already seen the homepage of google.ph which shows a google logo with 3 stars and a sun on it.

On June 12, 1898, General Emilio F. Aguinaldo proclaimed at the balcony of his ancestral home on Calle Real in Kawit, Cavite, the independence of the Republic of the Philippines, and the Philippine flag was hoisted as the national anthem.

June 12, 2012 has been declared by Malacañang as a regular holiday in observance of the Philippine Independence Day.

Free rides in the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains in the 114th anniversary of Philippine independence.

Pacquiao vs Bradley results: Manny Pacquiao loses decision to Timothy Bradley

Manny Pacquiao has lost his WBO welterweight belt to Timothy Bradley after a controversial split decision victory for the challenger at Las Vegas' MGM Grand last Saturday June 9, 2012 (Sunday  June 10 Philippines)

Pacquiao appeared to have done more than enough to take the decision, despite slowing down in the later stages, but was left stunned as two judges scored the bout 115-113 to the unbeaten Bradley and one handed the win to Pacquiao by the same score.

After one of the most controversial decisions in the history of boxing that left one of the best fighters of all time, Manny Pacquiao. Anyone watched this fight live or on TV will not forget the day that "Pacman" have his first loss in seven long years.

There were reaction from the decision heard around the world in the Pacquiao vs. Bradley debacle specially via Twitter. Here are some of the best quotes from Pacquiao and Bradley at their post-fight press conference, as told by Top Rank, some are via their Twitter account.

BobArum: I want 2 congratulate Tim Bradley. But I want to say for myself I've never been as ashamed with the sport of boxing as I am 2night

BobArum: I don't think anything was happening here except these people don't know how to score. They really don't.

BobArum: There's a rematch clause. But that's up to Pacquiao to invoke.

Bradley: I definitely would like to do this again. I heard the boos at the end of the night. Let's make it more decisive

Bradley explaining the decision was not his fault:

Bradley: There's three judges out there. That's the way they judged it. What do you want me to do?

Freddie Roach, Manny’s trainer said why the judges scored it like they did:

Roach: I thought we clearly, clearly won the fight. I think [the judges] had their eyes closed.

Manny Pacquiao’s explanations.

Pacquiao: 100 percent I believe that I won the fight. The decision has already been done. So you have to give credit to [Bradley].

Pacquiao gave his feelings on a rematch, with Arum's response as well:

Pacquiao: I want a rematch. Arum: If you want it, Manny, then that's what we'll do

Pacquiao: I don't even remember if he hurt me with even one punch. [Laughs] Amazing what the result is.

Manny wants boxing fans no to give up on the sport

Pacquiao: "Don't be discouraged about boxing."

Many boxing fans, enthusiasts and analysts were shocked and cast their doubt on the result of the bout,  saying Pacquiao is the real winner and Bradley doesn’t deserve the belt.

One of the biggest upsets in boxing history. This Sunday’s match was the biggest upset of the year in as far as the sport is concerned. It ended Pacquiao’s 7-year streak without losing a fight in the ring.

One of the Manny's statements I really admire. Manny says :

"Let's give credit to Bradley. He did well tonight, I respect him, and that's the decision. I respect the officials. … It's part of the game, I give thanks to the Lord."

Manny accepted his defeat with pride and respect to the winner and most of all, thanksgiving and gratitude to God. 

Icons at the Arena: Masters of OPM on June 16

I love music, I love songs full of life and love. My favorites songs, inspired me with the words and music specially created and sang by Original Pilipino Music masters and great singers.

I’m glad that there will be an amazing and  historic event about to unfold on June 16 , (Saturday), 8 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The biggest names in the Philippine music industry come together in a once-in-a-lifetime one-night grand concert titled “Icons at the Arena: Masters of OPM” to launch the  The Mall of Asia Arena and celebrate the greatness and ingenuity of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). With it a world-class performance that is set to break boundaries, featuring Icons of past and present generations.

Featuring the biggest names in the Philippine music industry, this once-in-a-lifetime concert will feature world-class artists from various generations include Lea Salonga, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Jose Mari Chan, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Basil Valdez, Freddie Aguilar, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos, Juris, Jed Madela, Piolo Pascual, Bamboo, Arnel Pineda, and The Company.

“Icons at the Mall of Asia Arena" will be hosted by Jim Paredes and Pops Fernandez and will be graced by comic TV personalities Pokwang, Jose Manalo and Wally Bayola.

Staged by ABS-CBN's Star events, "Icons at the Arena: Master of OPM" with Johnny Manahan as director and Ryan Cayabyab as musical director.

In the world of music there are many great Filipino singers. I love OPM and I'd love to watch the concert. I really hope to witness history unfold and feel the wonderful night of great music. That is always my dream.

I really like Lea Salonga because she is a great singer, with her powerful voice and distinct sound. I first knew her as a ten-year-old girl singing “I Am But A Small Voice” in 1981. And I continue watching her in many shows and listening to her songs. I admire her and proud of her. Lea did something more than making Filipinos proud. The first Filipina ever to win the prestigious Tony Award for her role as Kim in the Broadway Musical "Miss Saigon.”

I love Gary V too! I wish to see him personal! I want to see him in performances live! Gary V,  musician, composer, actor, producer, and gospel singer who is best known for many songs, especially those that became theme songs for movies. His energetic dance moves also garnered him the nickname "Mr. Pure Energy."

Gary V has released  great albums and won the Awit Awards for "Best Male Performer" eleven times. In 1998, he became UNICEF Philippines first National Ambassador. Gary V continues to make music that's both meaningful and relevant to the times. I love his music, especially inspirational songs.

If you also want to watch the Icons at the Mall of Asia Arena -- the Mall of Asia Arena Grand launch, please visit www.smtickets.com or call (02) 470-2222 for the purchase of tickets.