ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Unveils HALALAN 2013 Digital Tools

Check out these ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs’ latest digital offerings. ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs has launched the all-new Halalan 2013 and the Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo (BMPM) microsites alongside the upgraded version of the COMELEC Halalan mobile application that will enable Filipinos to be vigilant and proactive citizens this election season.

“All the information you need to know about the elections will be available online on the ABS-CBN News Halalan 2013 microsite. We invite everyone to become partners with us in patrolling these elections through the new BMPM microsite. We have also made it easier for the public to get information and share information through the newly improved COMELEC Halalan 2013 application,” said Anna Rodriguez, head of News Digital Media.

The Halalan 2013 microsite contains all election-related information and will serve as the home of ABS-CBN News #Halalan 2013 coverage. Netizens can get the latest election updates as it happens straight from the country’s most trusted news organization in just one click and also get to view candidate profiles of hopefuls for the Senate and the House of Representatives, including party-lists.

Social pulse is also within reach as the microsite also features polls, reveals who are the most-searched election personalities, and gives a rundown of netizens’ opinions on popular social media sites.

The Bayan Mo iPatrol Mo microsite, on the other hand, houses all BMPM contributions that netizens can comment on and share to their own personal social networking accounts. It will also educate Filipinos on how they can patrol their votes as Bayan Patrollers through text, email, online, or on mobile.

One of the easiest ways to report election-related anomalies and wrongdoings is by using the BMPM feature in the COMELEC Halalan application which was recently upgraded to its second version to offer mobile users a different browsing experience, loaded with new features usable for voters.

In the improved Comelec app, users can view candidate profiles and party-list groups, make a shortlist of his or her bets via the “My Ballot”, view a list of COMELEC offices, and instantly go to mycomelec.tv website with a click of a button.

The COMELEC Halalan application is available free for download on iPhones, Android phones and tablets, and Windows 8 phones. 

These elections, be digitally active with ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs’ latest digital offerings. Make it a habit to visit halalan2013.abs-cbnnews.com and bmpm.abs-cbnnews.com for the latest on Halalan 2013.

Luigi D’Avola, new talent for 2013 to be introduce by Mecca Music’s Champ Lui Pio

Luigi D’Avola (pronounced as Da-vola) is getting ready for the limelight as his first single, “Take A Chance"-- saccharine, bubble-gum pop track that speaks about moving way beyond limits— debuts atop the radio lists. 

After his very successful venture into artist management, former Hale frontman Champ Lui Pio, now CEO of Mecca Music, proudly announces the launch of Luigi D'Avola-- a fresh new face and talent who brings more to the entertainment world than just music. 

“At Mecca Music, we take pride in producing and managing our artists. It’s a process that we put a lot of time and hard work. We really invest in our artists and make sure we guide them to reach their full potential. Luigi is a testament to that commitment, we are very excited to launch his music which we have worked on for almost a year now. We believe that he will break grounds in the music industry this 2013.” Lui Pio said 

“Take a Chance” music video have already pleased thousands of teenage girls on his YouTube debut which collected 20,000 views in three weeks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfLPYGkiyy4) and sent Luigi on MYX Channel Pinoy MYX Countdown’s top 15 in just two weeks. 

Following up on the success of Mecca Music’s talent Somedaydream, Lui Pio signs D’Avola with a debut album slated March of 2013. D’Avola a budding star in his own right, having worked with the likes of multi-awarded sound engineer Angee Rozul and Monty Macalino of Mayonnaise while completing his album says he was immediately drawn to Lui Pio’s “determination and passion for music.” 

“Here’s a small dream to finally making it bigger than I wished for,” D’Avola said, taking a leap, crossing boundaries and pushing the limits while still staying true to himself. Coming from a family of musicians, D’Avola is the brother of Urbandub’s lead vocalist Gabby Alipe.

Eighteen-year-old and hails from Cebu, D’Avola was first introduced through SMART Telecomm’s LIVE MORE campaign with a music video for the song “It’s Your Life” joining Somedaydream and Lui Pio. Currently, D’Avola is doing live performances across Metro Manila with a growing fan base on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Lui Pio shares, “My mission is to uplift the quality of music in the country, to introduce new and fresh music. I want to excite music lovers out there and to challenge the norm. Managing and producing is very personal to me, I want my artists to share the same passion for music.” 

After Mecca Music’s success since 2011, Lui Pio himself has proven that he has the talent and ear to craft a hit record. Somedaydream became one of the fastest rising artists since his debut in 2011 with the commercially acclaimed song “Hey Daydreamer” capping up projects with Selecta’s Cornetto, Coke, Yamaha and SMART. 

Recently, Somedaydream was awarded as 2012 MYX Music Awards’ Favorite Celebrity VJ; 25th Awit Awards’ Most Downloaded Song and Most downloaded Ring Back Tone for “Hey Daydreamer”; and RX 93.1’s Song of the Year for the song “Sing This Song.” 

To download “Take a Chance” on My Music Store: http://www.mymusicstore.com.ph/music/508638/Take-A-Chance.html

To download “Take a Chance” on iTunes Philippines: https://itunes.apple.com/ph/album/take-a-chance-single/id594398347?ign-mpt=uo%3D4

To vote “Take a Chance” on MYX: http://www.myxph.com/default.aspx

For more information on Mecca Music’s artists, please visit: 

Website- www.meccaph.com

Luigi on Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/luigidavolaofficial

Luigi on Twitter- https://twitter.com/Luigi_Davola

Somedaydream on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/somedaydream

All Set and Ready for the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp

Coach Jim Saret believes that the Medicard-METAfit Fitness Boot Camp is the first of its kind when it comes to fitness programs. “It’s a really good match to have the physical with the medical side, for any fitness and wellness program of any person… METAfit together with Medicard is the first one to offer all components of a total health and wellness.”

Last February 7, 2013, one of the leading health maintenance organizations Medicard Philippines represented by Dr. Nicky Montoya, officially signed and joined hands with METAfit founder and famous Sports and Fitness Science Specialist, Coach Jim Saret to create the Medicard-Metafit Fitness Boot Camp. Present in the contract signing were Ms. Kate Cruz-Joaquin, Medicard Philippines Marketing Manager; and Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition finalists and METAfit coaches, Raffy Tan and Hazel Chua.

Left to Right: Grace Siongco (APEX-Metafit) Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder) Raffy Tan (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist),Coach Toni Dimaguila-Saret (APEX-Metafit) Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager). 

“Here’s a real program where we ask our members to join; that should promote a more active and healthy lifestyle. We (at Medicard Philippines) are trying to be pro-active in promoting health…” shares Dr. Montoya, President of Medicard Phillipines. 

Left to Right: Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder), Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager). 

Dr. Montoya further expounds, “If you have the nutrition, the exercise and the psychological motivation, putting that together, it fits into what we are trying to promote.” 

MEDICARD-METAFIT MOA SIGNING

Left to Right: Hazel Chua (Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition Finalist), Coach Jim Saret (METAfit founder), Dr. Nicky Montoya (Medicard President) and Kate Cruz-Joaquin (Medicard Marketing Manager).

METAfit and Medicard Philippines are known in the country to help Filipinos reach their health goals, whether to lose weight or to be medically healthy. Before the partnership, these two industry movers are doing great works on their own, but they felt there was something lacking. 

“It’s a perfect combination for a METAfit program because we are providing the physical, the motivational and the nutritional program but what’s missing basically is the medical side of this,” Coach Jim said.

The 12-session program is designed to cater to all types of individuals and fitness backgrounds. The idea of the program is to acquaint participants with basic work-outs; and depending on their capacity and determination, they will progress to more advanced routines until they graduate. Fitness goals will also be laid down, however, as Coach Jim states, participants should not be worried as he, and his team will support them every step of the way, under the medical care of Medicard. Coach Jim guarantees that at the end of the course, many would be surprised by their own bodies’ capabilities.

Joining the METAfit team are Raffy Tan and Hazel Chua. They will work as motivators and facilitators of the boot camp with Coach Jim’s lead.

The sold-out Medicard-METAfit Fitness Boot Camp will start on February 25, 2013 at the Medicard Lifestyle Center in Paseo De Roxas corner Buendia, Makati City. Medicard members, as well as non-members who signed up for the boot camp couldn’t wait any longer; they are very excited and looking forward to maximizing their body’s potentials.

For sure, people can expect many more boot camps in the near future! Not even on its first session yet, many are already inquiring about the next boot camp. With that, the team behind the Medicard-METAfit Boot Camp couldn’t wait to get started.

For inquiries and added information, please visit the Medicard Philippines website at http://www.medicardphils.com. 

"Apoy Sa Dagat" Continued to Capture the Hearts of More Primetime Viewers

The newest top caliber primetime drama series "Apoy Sa Dagat" flared to its record high ratings when Angelica Panganiban and Piolo Pascual debuted last Friday (February 15) as the grown-up characters of Serena and Ruben.

Primetime viewers hooked with the entertwined lives of Serena, Ruben, Anton and Rebecca. 

ABS-CBN's "Apoy Sa Dagat", continued to capture the hearts of more primetime viewers as proven by its 27.6% national TV ratings, compared to its two rival shows in GMA, namely “Pahiram ng Sandali,” which only garnered 16.1% and “Temptation of Wife” that only got 18.3% national TV ratings. This is based on the latest data from Kantar Media.

Now that Ruben confessed his intention to court Serena, will the childhood friends' relationship turn deeper or will this begin their falling-off? Meanwhile, will Rebecca (Angelica) use Anton (Diether Ocampo) to her advantage to further expose Adrianna's (Angel Aquino) dark secrets? Will fate finally allow the long lost twin sisters--Serena and Rebecca--to see each other? 

Don't miss ABS-CBN’s hottest drama series, “Apoy Sa Dagat,” weeknights, 9 pm, after "Ina Kapatid Anak" on Primetime Bida. 

For more updates and feedback about the show: 

'Like' the official Facebook fanpage of "Apoy Sa Dagat" at

http://facebook.com/apoysadagat2013 

and follow 

@APOYSADAGAt_TV on Twitter.

Google Doodle Celebrates Nicolaus Copernicus Heliocentrism

I enjoyed looking at this google doodle. Today’s animated Google Doodle celebrates Nicolaus Copernicus 540th birthday.

Polish Astronomer Copernicus, a Catholic cleric, artist, physician, economist, a true Renaissance Man, served as a mathematician, astronomer,  and is said to have spoken at least four languages.

Copernicus is credited with forming the comprehensive mathematical heliocentric model and his book De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres) is considered one of the most important works in the history of science.

Copernicus was born on February 19th, 1473 and died in 1543 at the age of 70.

Choosing your house for your family

There are many factors involve in choosing your house. Think about yourself and your family and decide what you enjoy doing and what type of lifestyle you would enjoy in your new home. The biggest expense a family would have to face is investing on a house to call their own.

Given the many options available, choosing which house to get can be tedious and tricky for first-time home buyers. The Property Company of Friends, Inc. (PRO-FRIENDS), one of the fastest growing developers in the country, shares some tips in properly selecting one’s home.

No matter what kind of home you're looking for, there are some key features to consider. 

Choose the type of house that suits your family’s size and lifestyle

The most important step in the house selection process is determining the type that fits the entire family. Condominiums work well with start-up families, especially since they fit in relatively smaller spaces. However, when your family’s composed of five or more members, the space a single house and lot offers is more advisable.

Consider the location of the house

In choosing a house, make sure it is situated in a family- or child-friendly environment. The most ideal place to settle down, especially for a large family, is a peaceful and guarded neighborhood. Also consider the distance between your house and the rest of the members’ offices or schools and other amenities.

Align your selection to your budget

The family’s budget plays a big part in selecting a house. In choosing, make sure all projected expenses will be met by the family’s income. There are various payment schemes that can be availed, so being practical with your choices is the most important.

Catch more tips from PRO-FRIENDS on the pilot episode of ANC’s newest lifestyle program Open House. Hosted by Jing Castañeda and Chase Tinio, Open House aims to help and teach viewers on home basics and how to transform one’s house into a beautiful place to live in.

“Through ANC’s Open House, developers such as PRO-FRIENDS will be able to help families choose the perfect house for their needs and a home where they can build their lives and share great moments together,” said PRO-FRIENDS corporate communications director Monica Morales.

ANC’s Open House airs every Saturday at 6 PM, starting February 23, 2013 with replays every Sunday at 11 AM. The show airs simultaneously on The Filipino Channel.

Make plan, prepare your home and family, be safe , be informed! Enjoy your wonderful world! 

Rivermaya releases single under Universal Records

Iconic and multi-platinum-selling band Rivermaya releases their much-awaited single Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising? This single is the band’s first single in four years.

Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising, penned by founding Rivermaya member Mark Escueta, is reminder to everyone to go against crab mentality, and selfishness, especially now that another elections is within the horizon once again.

When asked how the single was chosen among the tracks recorded for the forthcoming Panatang Makabanda album, drummer-turned-guitarist Mark quips, “In the early stages of recording, this song became the initial favorite of the group. It's also a fun song to play live. Maganda yung message ng kanta and very timely rin since election time na naman tayo."

The single will also have a music video, set to premiere soon, that highlights the fact that only a nation that thinks and acts as one can effectively employ change.

This release is also the band’s first project with their new label Universal Records, where they join the label’s elite roster of bands – Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sponge Cola, CallaLily, among others.

“It's really a great honor for us, not only to become part of such a high-calibre roster, but to be given the chance to work with a company that has always championed the Filipino artist. It took a few weeks for it to really sink in. Di kami makapaniwala,” says Mark. “Finally, we're ‘home.’"

Stay in touch with Rivermaya through their facebook page

www.facebook.com/rivermayamusic

Twitter and Instagram: @rivermayaband

and also check out the bands voice blogs on the Bubbly App for iOS or Android.

Their official website is www.rivermaya.ph.

All Good with Asia’s diamond soul siren Nina

Nina,  hitmaker and Asia’s diamond soul siren is back! She set the bar high for female singers of her generation with the multi-platinum success of her solo albums in the mid-2000s. No doubt it was Nina's flamboyant singing, coupled with impeccable technique, and the right material, that propelled all those albums to dizzying heights.

But it's a more mature Nina that we hear on “All Good,” and there's not a wasted space in this album as Nina gets it going from start to finish. The singer begins her new journey with a brand new original: the mellow pop ballad “All Good,” that is sure to be a new favorite among Nina fans and will surely turn new ears onto the singer as well.

This is certainly good news for her multitude of fans as Nina returns to form and rekindle her love for evocative ballads in her brand new album entitled “All Good,” under Viva Records.

ALL GOOD: NINA

1. MAYBE IT’S TOO SOON 

2. SA ISANG TINGIN

3. PERFECT

4. KUNG WALANG IKAW, WALANG AKO

5. MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA

6. ALL GOOD

7. MAKE IT UP TO YOU

8. SAD

9. PAANO

10. WHEN THE LOVE IS GONE

11. HURTING INSIDE

12. PINILIT KONG LIMUTIN KA

BONUS TRACK:

DON’T SAY GOODBYE 

(theme song from the movie

“A SECRET AFFAIR”)

Nina unveils a couple of brand new Tagalog songs in her new set, starting with the heart-tugging ballad “Paano,” and then there's the equally emotional love song “Sa Isang Tingin.” Adding to these are “Pinilit Kong Limutin Ka,” and “Kung Walang Ikaw, Walang Ako,”-- all brand new songs—that are sure to make OPM lovers swoon and sway.

Complementing these tunes are the reflective “Maybe It's Too Soon,” and “When The Love Is Gone,” the latter of which sees the relatively-relaxed Diva belting it out a little, but with an oh-so-powerful result! Nina also employs some choice covers as well with the inclusion of her soulful take on “Hurting Inside,” a re-imagining of the ‘90s pop gem “Perfect,” the OPM favorite “Mahal Na Mahal Kita,” and finally, the yearning classic “Don't Say Goodbye,” that many now relate to as the theme to the hit movie "A Secret Affair." 

“All Good” is a suite of beautiful songs and is definitely Nina's strongest album in years! A must-hear! --as it is an understated but powerful new album from one of the great female singers of our generation!

"OPEN HOUSE", a new magazine show on ANC

There will be a great and interesting show on ANC this coming week. "OPEN HOUSE" is a thirty-minute magazine show that equips Filipino families with information on how to choose a house and transform it into a beautiful home. More than a property show, OPEN HOUSE also offers new ideas on building Filipino families with the dream of establishing a nation of  happy homes.

Produced and directed by Romel F. Bernardo, former executive producer of ABS-CBN News  and Current Affairs and now heads Bernardo Publicity & Productions, OPEN HOUSE brims with an array of relevant and interesting topics that matter to every Filipino homemaker.

With segments like Choosing A Home, Home Improvement, Bargain Hunting, Quick Fix, Parenting 101 and Family First, OPEN HOUSE covers the ins and outs of home management for Filipinos here and abroad.

During the press conference of the new ANC's magazine-show "Open House" held at the ABS-CBN last February 15.

This is to look forward in watching great and interesting show, OPEN HOUSE. This is a show for anything related to homes. They will give us tips on safety, design, landscaping or just simple home improvement, these show will help. One of the most important things to keep in mind when considering any home improvement project is to not go overboard and doing things right for the best.

Hosted by ABS-CBN veteran news correspondent, Jing Castaneda and chef and entrepreneur Chase Tinio.

OPEN HOUSE will be seen every Saturday 6:00 - 6:30 pm with replay every Sunday 11:00 - 11:30 am starting February 23, 2013 on ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) and The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Bloc Party are coming to the Philippines for the first time on March 22!

Catch Bloc Party Live in Manila on  March 22, 2013 at World Trade Center, Hall D, Pasay City.

Bloc Party are coming to the Philippines for the first time on March 22, on the heels of the successful launch of their latest album “Four.”

Bloc Party brings to Manila the familiar sound fans have come to love. Their Pinoy fans can expect to be treated to a night of pulsating energy and musical revelation, from their first single “Octopus”, their current track “Kettling”, down to their string of signature hits. 

Bloc Party are an English indie rock band. In 2005, the band released their critically acclaimed debut album Silent Alarm. Their second studio album, A Weekend in The City was released on February 2007. A third album, Inimacy,  was released in August 2008 as a download and later as a CD release on October 27. The band’s fourth album, Four,  was released on 20 August 2012.

The band consists of Kele Okereke (vocals, guitar), Russell Lissack (guitar), Gordon Moakes (bass, vocals) and Matt Tong (drums).

The Philippines is fortunate to be one of their destinations in Asia, which include Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Bloc Party Live in Manila is presented to you by Warner Music Philippines and Hostess Entertainment. Media sponsor: FOX/STARWORLD, Official Residence: Diamond Hotel, Special thanks to: MYX , Astroplus.

Ticket prices are: P3.800 for the VIP section and P2,800 got the Gold section.

For inquiries call Ticketnet 911-5555 or go to www.ticketnet.com.ph.

Young singer-songwriter Jensen Gomez launches Umpisa via a street concert

Young singer-songwriter Jensen Gomez’s album launch for Umpisa transformed Guijo Street in Makati into a concert venue last February 1, with almost 500 people in attendance. Jensen, along with his band, performed all the 10 songs included in the album.

To his fans, Jensen’s strength as a singer-songwriter is his uncanny ability to turn heartbreaks into beautiful songs. This is evident in the 10-track-album, which talks about heartbreaks, moving on, regrets, and wanting to start all over again.

“Playing music is my vehicle to express my personal mishaps, experiences, stupidity,” says the young singer-songwriter. “I hope my music will make you feel that you are the only one who is experiencing stuff- heartbreaks, and heartaches. There is, after all, safety in numbers.”

True enough, the number of people who attended the launch proved that people appreciate Jensen’s music. Hosting the event were singer-actress-TV host Karylle and Robin Nievera, a good friend of Jensen. TV, movie and theater star Tippy Dos Santos performed Umpisa with Jensen (the album includes their duet), while former Rivermaya vocalist Jason Fernandez jammed with the song Sisikat Ang Araw.

After Jensen’s 10-song-set, musician friends of the young singer-songwriter performed for the after-party held at Saguijo – Mayonnaise, Carlos Castano and She’s Only Sixteen.

Jensen then performed an acoustic, intimate set for the fans and friends, which further highlighted how musically-gifted he is. Sponge Cola frontman Yael Yuzon showed support by attending the acoustic set.

“The whole process of mounting the album launch was one exciting roller coaster ride,” admits Jensen. “So many changes had to be made, but better things came our way with other people’s help. “

From being one of the most promising names in the independent music scene, Jensen was discovered by Universal Records and management group Orion Entertainment because of the album’s title track and single Umpisa.

“Like any musician my age, I have experienced many difficulties. Luckily, amidst all the struggles, people have been supportive of me and my music. This made me pursue my passion,” expresses Jensen. “The release of this album summarizes everything I’ve been through in the past five years as a person, lover and musician.”

Jensen Gomez is being managed by Orion Entertainment. For inquiries, please email olrac1023@gmail.com.

Follow Jensen Gomez:

Website: www.jensengomez.com

Twitter and Instagram: @IAmJensenGomez

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jensengomezofficial

Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/jensengomez

UMPISA MUSIC VIDEO: www.youtube.com/watch?v=a51RZivFD7Q

UMPISA Tracklist:

1.     Not Even Close

2.     Alone

3.     Umpisa

4.     Could Have Been

5.     Just Vowels

6.     Runaway

7.     Subdued

8.     Tulad Ng Dati

9.     All I Want

10.  Sisikat Ang Araw

Bonus Track

11. Umpisa (duet with Tippy Dos Santos)