Dr. Vicki Belo, Atom and Cristalle Henares join Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in Sarap Diva this Saturday

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It's another Saturday morning filled with good food, talk and music in Sarap Diva!

Asia’s songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid welcomes into her kitchen Dr. Vicki Belo, ex-husband Atom Henares and their daughter Cristalle.

Regine's guilty pleasure is special baked ribs. The Belo's will prepare their special chocolate chip cookies which they share as gifts with celebrity friends. More than the recipes, secrets about their unusual and modern family set-up will be revealed.

How do Vicky and Cristalle bond despite their different views especially on each other's lovelife? How has the former couple Vicky and Atom maintained a special kind of relationship through the years?

Watch and enjoy the wonderful world of  Sarap Diva , this Saturday at 9:40 am on GMA7.

New Year, new you, and new resolutions too

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Forget the clichés—make your resolutions truly meaningful

Always reading new year resolution and making your own with a special significance in your mind will kick-start 2013. 

Every January, after the euphoria—and the eating and shopping binges—of the holidays subside, the resolutions inevitably come. From trimming one’s waistline to simply getting out of bed five minutes earlier, people swear by these resolutions year after year.

Indeed, the New Year is a wonderful time for making a change and promoting positive vibes. But don’t you notice that pretty much the same generic resolutions pop up every year? Losing weight and eating right are excellent resolutions to live by, but it’s quite ironic to be making old resolutions to welcome the New Year!

In place of cliché resolutions, Philips is suggesting these doable, meaningful resolutions that have a bright chance of igniting the change you’ve always wanted through and beyond 2013:

1. Give up the grease, while still enjoying fried goodness

A lot of people strive to eat healthier, but are unsure where or how to start. A great first step to a healthier diet is cutting down on greasy fried meals. But really, who can say no to fried chicken? To help make fried meals a notch healthier, Philips offers its AirFryer.

This innovative and revolutionary fryer has its own patented Rapid Air technology that lets you fry food without oil, resulting in dishes that have up to 80% less fat compared to deep-fried food.

2. Watch more films, and do it like you’re in a theater

Catch up on all those old blockbusters you’ve put aside all these years, and watch more new films this 2013. After all, one of the best ways to explore and see other worlds is through the magic of movies. And the best way to fully appreciate a great flick is with high fidelity audio using the Philips SoundBar CSS5123.

A 2012 Red Dot Design winner, the SoundBar CSS5123 is a premium speaker system that utilizes Virtual Surround Sound technology, wherein the speakers are angled accordingly to create a surround sound effect for a realistic movie experience. It also features a DoubleBASS technology which enhances the bass for a deeper and fuller effect.

3. Make music your fitness buddy, and work out more

The only thing standing between you and that fit frame is yourself. Vying to get back in shape is indeed a steep mountain climb. Make the trip a little lighter by getting a workout buddy. And who best to fill that motivator role than music? Working out to your favorite tunes is sure to help you finish tougher routines as well as bring out those good calorie-burning vibes. The Philips Action Fit Earhook Headphones is the only headphones out there cut out for the job.

Engineered specifically for fitness enthusiasts, these headphones feature innovative and water resistant seals which make it sweat proof, and keep it protected from sweat-related damage. The earhook is washable under running tap water, allowing you to clean it after every workout.

4. Get yourself a 2013 look, and look stunning all year

Chuck all those fears into the trash bin and open yourself up to the little adventure of sporting a new look. Impress yourself and the people around you by investing in the Philips ProCare Straightener HP8339. Boost your bravado through a style upgrade. Who knows? Smooth straight hair could be exactly what you need to make 2013 your best year yet.

The HP8339 from the Philips ProCare Range not only straightens hair smoothly and efficiently, but it also protects hair from overheating with its Dual-Care plates. It is safer to use than other regular straighteners because of its constant temperature and Even Heat Distribution. Constant temperature allows the user to straighten hair at a more caring and manageable temperature, yet still getting the desired style.

5. Spoil yourself a little, and indulge in your favorite brews

In working towards your goals, never forget to spoil yourself a little. Loosen up! For this year, make it a point to acquire things that make you happy without feeling guilty about it afterward. If you’ve been eyeing to start brewing coffee at home rather than constantly purchasing from coffee shops, it’s time to spoil yourself and invest in the Philips Saeco Royal.

Enjoy great-tasting coffee in the comfort of your home with this automatic espresso machine that’s highly customizable from bean to cup at just the touch of a button. The Royal enables the user to adjust every element of coffee including coffee length, temperature as well as strength or the amount of coffee to be ground, to get the desired taste, texture and volume. It also has an insulated milk container and cup warmer, offers large capacity containers and is highly ergonomic.

With this line-up of simple resolutions in hand, you’re now set to take on 2013 with the confidence that you can, without a doubt, make this year count.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2011 sales of EUR 22.6 billion and employs approximately 121,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming, home and portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Be the next The Araneta Center Food Trip Passport winner

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This January, another lucky foodie will get to be the sole owner of the Araneta Center Food Trip Passport sponsored by SumoSam, Gateway Mall. You can win the Araneta Center Food Trip Passport in 3 easy steps:

1. Like the Araneta Center Food Trip page.
2. On the Araneta Center Food Trip page, post your answer to this question: What is your favorite food trip spot at the Araneta Center and why?
3. Post a photo of you dining at your favorite Araneta Center restaurant along with the answer and use the #aranetacenterfoodtrip hashtag.
   (*Araneta Center refers to Gateway Mall, Smart Araneta Coliseum Circle, Farmers Plaza, Farmers Market, Ali Mall, and Shopwise.)

Promo Period: January 3 -25, 2013

What is a Food Trip Passport?

The Food Trip Passport is a special ticket that entitles its holder to several free meals at a designated sponsoring restaurant at the Araneta Center (Gateway Mall, Coliseum Circle, Farmers Plaza, Farmers Market, Ali Mall, and Shopwise).

A.)   The Food Trip Passport entitles a holder to P1000 worth of food at an establishment for every visit, valid for a total of 10 visits (equivalent to P10,000 worth of food).

B.)    The Food Trip Passport is non-transferable and not convertible to cash.

C.)    The holder should consume the P1000 for every visit. Any unused amount left will not be valid for the remaining visits.

D.)   The Food Trip Passport expires three months from the date it was issued to the holder.

E.)    The Food Trip Passport can only be used once in a day.

F.)    It is good for 10 visits only within the 3-month validity period.

G.)   Valid on weekdays and weekends.

Mechanics:

1. Entries beyond 6PM on January 25, 2013 will not be valid.
2. Announcement of winners will be made on January 26, 2013.
3. The best photo entry and answer to the promo question wins one (1) food trip passport from The Araneta Center.
4. The winner is entitled to several free meals at SumoSam Restaurant worth P1,000 per visit. The food trip passport is valid for 10 visits only. Total of P10,000 worth of food.
5. The winner must claim their prize from January 28, 2013 to February 1, 2013 only.
6. The food trip passport is valid for three months upon its issuance on February 1, 2013.
7. You can only avail of the prize treat at SumoSam Restaurant in Gateway Mall branch within the food trip passport’s validity.
8. The food trip passport cannot be combined with any other ongoing promo of SumoSam Restaurant.
9. Prize is not convertible to cash.
10. Please bring a print out of the congratulatory email from The Araneta Center and a photo ID when claiming your prize.
11. Representatives must bring an authorization letter and a photocopy of the winner’s ID when claiming the prize.

Go , Good luck everyone and enjoy the wonderful world of the Araneta Center Food Trip Passport ! 

Philippine Festivals 2013 - "It's More Fun in the Philippines!"

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It's more fun in the Philippines ! Here are the Festivals this year 2013. 

Feast of the Black Nazarene

Quiapo Manila, January 9, 2013  

Hinugyaw Festival

Koronadal, Mindanao, January 10, 2013 

Ati-Atihan Festival

Kalibo, Aklan, January 11-20, 2013 

January 11 (Friday) - Mutya Ag Lakan It Kalibo Ati-Atihan 2013 Grand Pageant Finale & Coronation Night [7:00 PM, ABL Sports & Cultural Center]

January 14 (Monday) - Aklan Festivals Parade

January 15 (Tuesday) - Pagdayaw kay Senyor Sto. Nino

January 16 (Wednesday) - Sadsad Panaad

January 17 (Thursday) - Aklan Higante Contest

January 18 (Friday) - Sadsad Pagpasalamat Kay Senyor Sto. Nino

January 19 (Saturday) - Tribal, Modern, Balik-Ati, and Individual Ati-Atihan Contest

January 20 (Sunday) - Religious Procession and Dance     

Sinulog Festival

Cebu, January 11-20, 2013

January 10 (Thursday) -  Opening Salvo: Walk with Jesus [Assembly: 4:00 AM, Fuente Osmena]

January 11 (Friday) - Sinulog 2013 Kick Off

January 12 (Saturday) - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan

January 13 (Sunday) - Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan

January 14 & 15 (Monday & Tuesday) - Cultural Show, Sinulog Idol, Street Party Concert 

January 16 (Wednesday) - Ms. Cebu 2013 Coronation Night

January 17 (Thursday) - Sinulog Idol Grand Finals

January 18 (Friday) - Sinulog Festival Queen Search 

January 19 (Saturday) - Fluvial Procession, Foot Procession, Sinulog Fireworks Competition

January 20 (Sunday) - Grand Streetdance Parade

Zambulawan Festival

Zamboanga del Sur, January 20, 2013

Pasungay Festival (Bull Fighting Festival)

Iloilo, January 21, 2013 

Dinagyang Festival

Iloilo, January 25-27, 2013

January 25 (Friday) - Fluvial Procession

January 26 (Saturday) - Kasadyahan Competition

January 27 (Sunday) - Dinagyang Ati Competition

Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Competition 2013

Clark, Pampanga, February 21-24, 2013

Chinese New Year

February 10, 2013

Panagbenga Festival

Baguio City, February 1-March 3, 2013

February 1 (Friday) - Grand Opening Parade, Drum and Lyre Competition 

February 23 (Saturday) - Grand Street Dancing Parade 

February 24 (Sunday) - Grand Float Parade

February 25 (Monday) - Session Road in Bloom

March 3 (Friday) - Closing

Sibug-Sibug Festival

Sibugay, February 26, 2013

Paraw Regatta Festival

Iloilo, March 3, 2013

Kaamulan in Bukidnon (Ethnic Cultural Festival of Bukidnon)

Bukidnon, March 10, 2013 

Sandugo Festival

Bohol, March 16, 2013 

Araw ng Dabaw Festival

Davao City, March 16-17, 2013

Holy Week

March 24-31, 2013

Via Crusis (Way of the Cross)

Cebu City, March 25-31, 2013

Pak'kaat Kallo

Magpet, Cotabato, March 25-31, 2013

Cutud Lenten Rites

Cutud, Pampanga, March 29, 2013

Moriones Festival

Boac, Magpoc, Marinduque, March 31, 2013

Lamilamihan Festival

Lamitan, Basilan, April 14 or 21, 2013

Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan (Flowers of May)

May 2013

Viva Vigan Festival

Vigan, Ilocos Sur, May 1-5, 2013

Pahiyas Festival

Lucban, Quezon, May 15, 2013

Mudpack Festival

Negros Occidental, June 15-16, 2013

Parada ng Lechon

Balayan, Batangas, June 24, 2013

Pintados/Kasadyaan Festival

Tacloban City, June 29, 2013

Kadayawan sa Dabaw

Davao City, August 17-18, 2013

Penafrancia Viva La Virgen Festival

Naga City, September 21, 2013

Lemlunay (T'Boli Tribal Festival)

Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, September 16-18, 2013

Lanzones Festival

Camiguin, October 19, 2013

Masskara Festival

Bacolod City, October 19-20, 2013

Higantes Festival

Angono Rizal, November 23, 2013

Giant Lantern Festival

San Fernando, Pampanga, December 21, 2013


***will post updates on coming days :) 

18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, “A Weekend of Everything that Flies”- February 21-24, 2013

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The bigger excitement is about to begin! The 18th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta titled “A Weekend of Everything that Flies” will be held at the Omni Aviation Complex at Clark Philippines on February 21-24, 2013.

Philippine Hot Air Balloon Fiesta has been an extremely successful event that attracts thousands of spectators both local and international. Aside from the display of a plethora of multi-colored hot air balloons, the festival also features a number of expedition events such as aeromodelling demonstrations, ultralights, and fixed-wing aircraft competitions, kite-flying and more!

We will witness the daredevil paraglider pilots and skydivers float thru the air. And you maybe even join the brave servicemen perform rescue demonstrations.

The event is not just a simple air show of multicolored hot air balloons with amazing designs and incredible shapes but the balloons will represent the uniqueness of each of the participating countries in some way.

How to get there: NLEX  / SCTEX

Take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and continue past Dau toll plaza -- but do not take the Dau exit. Pull to the right and take the SCTEX on-ramp. From the SCTEX toll booth, take the southbound lane to Clark South exit. You will be entering Clark through the Yokohama complex. At the stop light, turn right into Roxas highway. The Balloon Fiesta will be to your right.

Getting to the Clark Special Economic Zone by car, take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. Take a left turn towards Angeles City and right turn into Clark. On entering the main gate, proceed along Roxas highway and the Balloon Fiesta will be to your right. Car trips take about an hour and a half from Manila.

Enjoy everyone and have a wonderful balloon festival!

You can get your tickets at the gate during the event or thru SM Ticketnet outlets. 
Each ticket is PhP 250.
Please call 833-3264 or 384-0085 for ticket inquiries.
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Other related Post : 
A Weekend of Everything that Flies at 17th International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta 2012

The 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Everything Flies ! Hot Air Balloons at Pampanga

A weekend of everything that flies! (Hot Air Balloons 2010)

Jason Fernandez Panimula launch this Friday at Metrowalk

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Former Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez is back with the release of his first solo album Panimula, produced by Jason himself with the support of his new band Sta. Maria. The said milestone album will be launched this Friday, January 18, 8 p.m., at Metrowalk.

The album launch will showcase the versatility of Jason as a band vocalist.

Panimula, under Ivory Music and Video, boasts of having six tracks and one bonus track.

“I have been working on this album for the past year, and I am very proud with how everything turned out,” says Jason. “The wait is definitely worth it. The album follows my journey as a musician.”

When asked what the public can expect from the album, Jason quips that its sound will show his musical influences, including his former band Rivermaya.

“It is undeniable that Rivermaya and its music made me evolve not just as a musician, but also as a human being. The group has taught me a lot, and this album will prove that,” says Jason. 

“I will forever be grateful to Rivermaya for the opportunity and the lessons that they have imparted to me.”

The album contains songs about hope, lost love, life, and inspirations.

The album’s first single, the anthemic Maria challenges the listeners to rethink their ways and further highlights the versatility of Jason’s vocals.

Panimula also includes a collaboration between Jason and Pop-rock Princess Yeng Constantino in the sweeping ballad Panaginip.

Jason Fernandez is being managed by Orion Entertainment, alongside Noel Cabangon, Kimpoy Feliciano, Malay, Jordan Bautista, Six Part Invention, Jensen Gomez, Runmanila, Aspen Way, and She’s Only Sixteen.

For inquiries and bookings, please call 0916-4140358 or email olrac1023@gmail.com.

Panimula TRACKLISTING: 

1. PANIMULA

2. MARIA

3. KARERA

4. PANAGINIP

5. KAYA MO BA AKONG MAHALIN

6. SUNDANG

7. BULONG NG KALABAN (BONUS TRACK)

Price: PHP250.00

Follow Jason on Twitter: @JasonStaMaria

On Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jason-Fernandez-Sta-Maria-/123962841088051?ref=ts&fref=ts

A Midsummer Night's Dream

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What Ballet Philippines is up to after huge success ! 

After the critical and box-office success of Rama, Hari, which had its full-house audiences giving rousing standing ovations after each performance, Ballet Philippines once again takes on an old-time favorite and gives it a new twist in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

Running for one weekend only from February 15 to 17, 2013 at the CCP Main Theater, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a new ballet adaptation choreographed by Hong Kong-based award-winning Filipino choreographer Carlo Pacis. Based on the timeless romantic comedy of William Shakespeare and the music of Felix Mendelssohn, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a world premiere, and is Pacis’ first full-length ballet for Ballet Philippines.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream weaves together the lives of mortals and fairies. Oberon, the King of the Fairies, and his Queen, Titania, are fighting over an Indian changeling. To punish her, Oberon instructs the mischievous Puck to place the juice of the Love-in-Idleness flower on her eyes so she falls in love with the first living thing she sees. Oberon also instructs Puck to place the juice on a young mortal man, whom he sees spurning a young woman.

But Puck makes a mistake and his folly creates madness and mayhem in the forest. He puts the juice on Lysander, in love with Hermia, instead of Demetrius, who spurns Helena’s love because he pines for Hermia. Lysander awakens, sees Helena and falls in love with her. To correct his mistake, Puck places the juice on Demetrius’ eyes, who also sees Helena when he awakens. Meantime, Titania, after getting juice on her eyes, awakens and sets her eyes on a man with a donkey’s head. The result is an unforgettable romantic comedy of errors between man and magical beings.

While Rama, Hari is heroic and epic in scale, centered on a prince who is an avatar of a god, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is fun and youthful. It is the interplay of humans and fairies, with mischief-maker Puck at its focal point.

“Fairies have no morals, they want it, they want it now,” says Pacis, whose short work for Ballet Philippines, “Shifting Wait,” won Outstanding Choreography at the Philstage Gawad Buhay Awards.

“The youthful energy of the company will be perfect!” he says. With this, he builds his characters, and uses it to bring out the “fun” and “comedic” nature of the ballet.

While Rama, Hari showcased the dancers’ strength in modern dance, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will let the dancers’ classical ballet technique shine. But Pacis wants to go beyond ballet and infuses more modern, contemporary and non-ballet elements to the dancing. He wants to “push the envelope as far as pas de deux work, musicality and all that.”

Pacis also wants to tell the story with multimedia, sets (by Ricardo Cruz) and costumes (by fashion designer Eric Pineda).

“For me, the underlying theme is love, and I think that being a universal experience to us all, the audience can hopefully understand the story,” Pacis says.

The world premiere of Carlo Pacis’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs at the CCP Main Theater on February 15 (3pm and 8pm); February 16 to 17 (2pm and 6pm).

Bulk and group sales are also available for schools, classes, organizations and corporations.

For tickets and inquiries please contact Ballet Philippines at (02) 551-1003 and (02) 551-7919 or Ticketworld at (02) 891-9999.

Avida, A Growing Community with its New Towers

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Avida Land is proud to announce the latest additions to its vastly growing community: Avida Towers Prime Taft Tower 2 and Avida Towers Sucat Tower 8.

The entire development of Avida Towers Sucat is nearing its completion, with the introduction of Tower 8. What sets Tower 8 apart from the previous towers is its exclusive SkyClub, a rooftop haven where residents can take pleasure in breathtaking views of the cityscape. Residents can enjoy the sunrise while sipping coffee or while doing yoga, and the sunset while chilling in the company of friends.

To complete the sense of community that Avida envisions for Avida Towers Sucat, an area has also been developed for expanded amenities. This area consists of more than a thousand square meters of land, dedicated to providing residents a means of bonding with their families. A swimming pool is built right in the middle of the newly constructed area, while a playground with a basketball court can be found near the pool, open for children to play in during their leisure time. In order to address the fitness of its residents, outdoor gym equipment is also provided and a brick jogging path encircles the whole amenity area.  A special game room adds to the fun, where one can play air hockey, fuzz ball and board games.

Meanwhile, Avida Towers Prime Taft’s Tower 2 was launched with a strong demand for more units. Avida Towers Prime Taft is an ideal living space for students and young urban professionals. The tower will have amenities suited to the residents’ profiles, including The Nook, a study hall which students are encouraged to use for their academic needs.

Avida recently tied up with Team Manila to design a colorful board-up that currently surrounds the property. Inspired by the dynamic landscape that surrounds Taft Avenue, the patterns blend with images of the lifestyle one can experience, whether it be studying or relaxing in the Sunset Deck or stepping outside to explore the city.

Avida Towers Prime Taft and Avida Towers Sucat both deliver the advantage of being able to live a suburban lifestyle while still being within easy access to the city life. The projects’ convenient locations make it easier for residents to travel from their homes to their schools, malls and other places of interest. Makati, the heart of Metro Manila, has its business district just a few minutes away from both locations, making work closer to home.

Studio, one- bedroom and two-bedroom units are available. Avida Towers Prime Taft units range from P1.9M to P6.1M, while units at Avida Towers Sucat range from P1.5M to P4M. Both projects are managed and maintained by the Ayala Property Management Corporation, assuring residents that the property remains in top shape.

For more information about Avida’s condominiums in the Philippines, go to www.avidaland.com or call (+632) 848 5200 (within Metro Manila) and 1-800-10 848 5200 (outside Metro Manila).

About Avida Land

For more than 20 years, Avida has focused on enriching the lives of the hardworking Filipino middle-class by offering their families a home to be proud of; homes that thrive in a peaceful and safe community and are accessible to public transportation.

As of the first half of 2012, Avida Land has 55 projects in 31 unique locations. Avida homes are all beautifully and practically designed, and built to provide reliable performance over time. Avida is affordable living at its best.