Enjoying Wonderful World

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 Maynilad, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), and Smart. Major sponsors are Meralco, Resorts 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 KBP, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine 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.

OFW repatriation, assistance and their right to vote

I have relatives and friends who live and work in different countries around the world. Many times I communicate with them thru phone, send messages via emails and chat on YM or in facebook. Glad to know that they are safe and are in good health.

Approximately there are about 12.5 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world trying their luck from faraway places, away from their families and love ones. And they have different stories to tell, different reasons to share why they go abroad.

And most of them try their luck going to other countries to find employment, and to financially support their families here in the Philippines. Hard as it may seem they go abroad to earn a living despite the many challenges themselves and their families have to face. The hardest is being away from your family, from your kids especially when they are still in their younger years.

Moreover, OFWs are all over the world plays a significant role not only to their host country as workforce, but also to the Philippine economy with their dollar remittances that sustain and propel the economy. A modern hero as they call them.

On this note the government wants them to participate not only on helping our economy but also by way of exercising their right to vote, thus the government has opened registration centers abroad to enable OFWs to participate and vote during elections as an absentee voting. Additional registration centers have been put in place to accommodate more OFWs to be registered and vote during elections.

In the Iblog8 Summit held May 25 at UP Diliman Quezon City, James Jimenez, spokeperson of the COMELEC shared that there were 589,830 registered voters in 2010 and 153,323 actually voted at that time. COMELEC estimates there will be 686,798 voters on they year 2013.

Comelec plans to put up registration counters in airports so OFWs can register even before leaving. There will be registration booths in airports as well as at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration office (POEA) where they can enlist as they get their work permits.

The Commission on Elections has announced that it will still be accepting applications for voter registration until October 31, 2012. This will proceed even while the issue of whether the poll body can reuse for next year’s midterm polls the precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines they utilized during the 2010 national elections remains pending before the Supreme Court.

James Jimenez in a statement said that applications for correction of entries, change of name, and transfer of registration records will likewise be accepted.

We have to inform and encourage overseas Filipinos regarding Overseas Absentee Voting, so that they can practice their right to vote, to register for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) and vote for the 2013 elections. Information of these things are important to citizens of the Philippines working abroad.

Assisting and helping OFWs in need

Alfred Salmos is a 52-year old Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia who was seriously wounded while rendering service at his work place. His body was severely scarred after accidentally being electrocuted under a 14,000 volt- breaker while he tries to shut it down, that was 2010. He’s finally home in the Philippines last May 22.

In a press briefing organized by the Blas F. Ople Policy Center (BOPC) last May 24, having Salmos as the guest. Salmos’ repatriation was delayed because of a lack of a final exit clearance from his employer, and a police clearance in connection with his involvement in a car accident a decade ago.

Salmos, a native of Nueva Ecija, has been unemployed since his accident. He was in a coma for a month and is now still recuperating from his injuries, which have left him severely scarred. For the past two years, an Indonesian worker has been looking after him. He could no longer work because of his physical condition. When his video and photo became viral, that help started to pour in, and arrangements to bring him home gained attraction. OFW advocate Susan Ople of the BOPC arranged Alfred’s’ homecoming. She said that outpouring of concern from Filipino Facebook users and social media enthusiasts around the world signify a sea-change in how social media directly impacts on cases of distressed OFWs.

Villar Foundation headed by former Congresswoman Cynthia Villar with Sagip OFW Program availed assistance and help to Alfred. Moreover, Sagip-OFW program gives livelihood assistance program and provide repatriation since 2008. OFW agencies address all OFW concerns “to bring a concerted effort” in asking the Saudi government to grant Salmos’ exit. Previously, Alfred’s sister was also a beneficiary of the Villar Foundation’s Sagip OFW program when she availed of a free ticket home after running away from her abusive employer in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

We are all be thankful to many who helped bring Alfred back home, those who posted information on social media networks like Facebook regarding Alfred’s condition, the media, NGOs , OFW advocates in Saudi Arabia, the Philippine consulate in Jeddah, DFA and OWWA, the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Villar Foundation, the long time partners in the Sagip OFW Program and many others.

Filipinos who have signed up for the government’s mandatory repatriation program are mostly those who have suffered abuses from their employers.

June 4, 2012

Marvin Agustin's Sumo Sam Opens 11th Branch at Gateway Mall

Celebrity Chef Marvin Agustin opens 11th branch of Sumo Sam with its new home at the 2nd floor of The Gateway Mall, in Cubao, Quezon City.

This new addition to the aggressively growing chain of restaurants features a 100-seating capacity dining area, with funky but still classy interiors, warm lighting and upbeat ambiance. Sumo Sam Gateway Branch boasts of ever-so-popular selection of grilled seafood and steaks, rolls, sushi, tonkatsu, with its top 3 best sellers such as ebi tempura, beef teppan, and chicken teriyaki, providing a high quality, Japanese dishes in a generous Western serving.

As the legend says, the champion fighter Sumo Sam always received a grand banquet in his honor every time he fought with other Japanese Sumo Wrestlers. He is said to be the Champion Eater, Legendary Fight. He is the icon that is carried by the Sumo Sam, the Japanese Restaurant that desires its guests to feel like champions by combining different techniques and elements of international cooking and integrating it to Japanese Cuisine.

Ebi Tempura

Creating the Legend

Sumo Sam was conceived through the 3 great minds of young entrepreneurs: Mr. Raymund Magdaluyo; Mr. Ricky Laudico and, celebrated entertainer and restaurateur Mr. Marvin Agustin. Together with renowned chefs: The Chef of the stars - Chef Florabel Co-Yatco; Chef Nikki Nicolas, pioneer batch of CCA and Chef Benjamin Gonzalez, this young and determined group of business entrepreneurs has already achieved a total of 11 Sumo Sam stores all over the archipelago, and is still rapidly growing the business, and will close 2012 with over 20 branches.

According to Sumo Sam’s President actor/entrepreneur Mr. Marvin Agustin, Gateway is their 11th branch, and they have more plans of expanding soon, even abroad—who graced the said event), diners and Japanese food enthusiasts don’t have to fly all the way to Japan to get a taste of some authentic Japanese food.

Tuna and Pink Salmon with wasabi

SumoSam's Hot Prawn Salad

Sumo Sam's Gyoza with dip.

Sumo Sam's Chicken Teri

Sumo Sam Spicy Tuna Salad

Marvin's special for the day- Tuna Sushi with dip

Red Iced Tea

Tuna Sushi with dip.

Colorful Fruits for Dessert

For more information on activities and new offers, visit the Facebook Page SumoSam.

With Miss Tina Andrea Papera and Blogger Friends at the SumoSam Gateway Mall

This is an interesting Sumo Sam Legend.

“Sumo Sam: the Champion Eater, Legendary Fighter”

“The legend of SumoSam began when one spring, the finest Sumo Wrestlers in all of Japan witnessed migrating cranes from the United States flying towards mighty Mt. Fuji. They saw one crane carrying a red, white and blue pouch and were thrilled to see a baby boy break free from its shiny cloak upon descending at the foot of the mountain. Believing that the baby was a gift of good fortune, they took him back to their village and raised him as their very own. The baby grew fast in size and strength, and used these gifts only to champion the good and defend the weak. He grew up holding two passions: Japanese Food and Sumo Wrestling. His appetite broke records and he saw Japanese Food as the true reward to a good match up. Eventually, he was regarded as a Yokozuna - a grand champion, the highest rank in sumo wrestling. He has finally proven his worth when he released a village from tyranny by defeating the evil lord Aiku. This answered the prayers of Miyuki, the most beautiful maiden he had ever seen. She was the one who served him food he had never tasted before which helped him regain the strength he needed to fight Aiku. He was stronger as his heart fought for freedom and love. When the fight ended, the villagers prepared a grand banquet in his honor. His passion had made him an artist and he remains a true champion. His name is SumoSam: the Champion Eater, Legendery Fighter.”

David Beckham Graces Two Covers of Elle's UK July 2012 Edition

David Beckham, 37-year-old soccer player has become ElleUK’s first cover boy for their July 2012 issue. And there are even two different covers. One is sent to the lucky subscribers and shows the tattooed star stepping out of a pool in dark wash wet jeans.

David Beckham is immortalized in a laid back grey t-shirt with one hand in his hair and with a super-sexy glance at readers

David is walking out of a pool with soaking Dior Homme jeans and a perfectly-toned upper body.

Lorraine Candy is the editor-in-chief of the magazine and she claimed that “David Beckham is a national hero...he is an icon and Elle is known for featuring icons on its cover. This is a first for us on the newsstand and I believe he is loved by men and women alike."

"Anyway, who doesn’t want to see a picture of one of the world’s most handsome men on the front cover of a magazine? It will be a collector’s issue."

David is the first ever solo male cover star for this A-list magazine.

Here's the behind-the-scenes video of the cover shoot.

No to Crazy Pimple Remedies, Yes to Garnier Pure Active

I am so happy to get invited in Garnier event, "No to Crazy Pimple Remedies, Yes to Garnier Pure Active!" This is regarding taking good care of our skin and to meet Garnier’s brand ambassador, Ms. Georgina Wilson.

In a country that takes pride in its traditions, bad skin habits are a dime a dozen. Many people have experienced following weird skin care practices just because they were told to, or because everybody’s already doing it. For drying out their zits, some of the wrong advice given includes the ever common use of toothpaste, lipstick and even calamansi.

Because of this, world-trusted beauty brand Garnier, with brand advocate Georgina Wilson, makes it their mission to educate more Filipinos on the importance of following a proper skin care regimen.

With the launch of its newest line—Pure Active—Garnier presents a more reliable solution for fighting the six skin problems that Filipinos face. These problems include pimples, whiteheads, oiliness, impurities, enlarged pores and unevenness. With a breakthrough solution of natural pimple-fighting ingredients, Garnier Pure Active delivers visible results from DAY 1.

With beauty advocate Georgina Wilson on board, Garnier aspires to disprove the use of crazy pimple remedies and give a better, safer, more reliable option—the Pure Active range.

“Look at it this way: your skin is your first layer of presentation. Would you want that layer treated with a shady substance? Of course not! Resorting to the use of weird home remedies is like a zit-fest waiting to happen. It only shows people that you don’t care about your face. Because let’s face it, looking good matters. Having a healthy skin matters. You won’t attract opportunities if you don’t care about how you look,” says Georgina.

A lot of factors come to play when facing the daily grind. With burdens thrown left, right and center, it’s hard for the busy Filipino not to neglect caring for his features. It’s a given fact that in a professional environment, and also in life in general, one needs to look presentable in order to be taken seriously.

This is where the stress comes in: most of the naive youth who are given the wrong skin care advice end up following it because it’s easier, not realizing that the use of these crazy home remedies might put the skin at risk and even cause potential damage.

For blemishes and acne marks, Garnier Pure Active works wonders. It’s made up of two products: the Multi-Action Scrub and the Cooling Pimple Roll-On. The line's active ingredients include Salicylic Maximum Concentration at 2%, a powerful anti-bacterial ingredient with oil control and pore clearing properties; and Natural HerbaRepair™, a natural extract that repairs and regenerates the skin to prevent scarring—a better way to fix zit problems than using crazy pimple remedies.

“Using calamansi is like putting condiments on your face. And obviously, toothpaste is meant for dental purposes—something I overlooked when people told me to use it in the past. It’s embarrassing! And lipstick! Lipstick is for the lips, not for pimples! It’s just plain crazy. I have no idea where people got it from!” says Georgina. “I cannot stress enough how important it is to use the right product for your skin. Trust me on this; using skin products specially formulated to fight blemishes is the right thing to do. After all, once it’s your skin that’s on the line, you wouldn’t want it taken for granted, right?”

“Whether you’re about to meet a hot date or have a fun night-out with your girls, next time you’re bothered by a pimple, don’t be a hot mess, use Garnier Pure Active—It’s way better than using crazy pimple solutions!”

Georgina shared her secrets and talk about how she takes good care of her skin. In this event, we were given the chance to ask her some questions. One friend of mine asked her what's her regimen every night before she sleep.

“First I pray then. First I use cleansing oil to remove my make-up then I wash my face with Garnier and then I apply moisturizer to keep my skin moisturized. You have to always keep your skin moisturized.', Gerogina said.

There were other questions from the crowd and what's the next fun and exciting part is the chance to take pictures with the beautiful model and Garnier’s brand ambassador, Ms. Georgina Wilson.