Manila, the 4th most preferred city for surveys in Asia Pacific – ULI and PwC report

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Manila, Philippines is the 4th most preferred city for real estate investors in Asia Pacific.

A new survey by the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) showed real estate  in the capital region is one of the “best bets” for investors to get into this year.

The ULI and PwC report, called “Emerging Trends in Real Estate Asia Pacific 2014,” Manila ranked fourth out of 23 city clusters in Asia and the Pacific in terms of investment prospects.

John Fitzgerald, chief executive for Asia Pacific at ULI, said “The Philippines is a big mover in terms of sentiment this year, drawing a lot of mention in our surveys for the report and emerging as one of the most preferred among all emerging economies this year.”

Stated at the report, there was “an ongoing willingness to look at emerging markets, Indonesia and the Philippines in particular, as alternatives to other more traditionally favored markets.”

The 'Favored markets', Tokyo topped the list, followed by Shanghai and Jakarta. Sydney rounded out the Top 5. Hong Kong ranked 18th, Ho Chi Minh City at 19th, Bangalore at 20th, New Delhi at 21st, Chennai at 22nd, and Mumbai at 23rd.

For Manila, this ranking is a record eight-notch leap from its 2013 spot.

The ranking under the Emerging Trends City Investment Prospects are as follows:

Tokyo

Shanghai

Jakarta

Manila

Sydney

Guangzhou

Singapore

Beijing

Osaka

Shenzhen

Bangkok

China's secondary cities

Melbourne

Kuala Lumpur

Seoul

Taipei

Auckland

Hong Kong

Ho Chi Minh

Bangalore

New Delhi

Chennai

Mumbai

The report tagged Manila as one of the respondents' “best bet,” putting a “top buy” tag for the residential, office and retail segments.

Padilla Movie : Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at mga Anak ("In the Name of the Father, Mother, and Children")

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Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at mga Anak ("In the Name of the Father, Mother, and Children") is an upcoming Philippine action film featuring the Padilla family.

This is originally title “Kuratong Baleleng.” "Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at mga Anak," which is inspired by the organized crime syndicate Kuratong Baleleng, marks the team-up of several Padilla actors in one film, including Kylie, Bela, Matt, and RJ.

Rommel and Daniel Padilla

Daniel Padilla is switching genres in "Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at mga Anak," his first co-starring project with his uncle, action star Robin Padilla.

Robin's wife, actress-host Mariel Rodriguez, is also part of the film.

Here’s the Cast of "Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at mga Anak" :

Robin Padilla as Ongkoy

Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla as Indah

Daniel Padilla as Nato

Kylie Padilla as Anna

Bela Padilla as Damian

Mathew Padilla as Aldong

RJ Padilla as Ardut

Rommel Padilla

Queenie Padilla

Royette Padilla

The ABS-CBN film arm is co-producing the action flick with the Padilla's RCP Productions.

The film started production in 2013 and was shortlisted as a potential entry to the MMFF, but ultimately failed to earn a slot.

"Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at mga Anak" is scheduled to hit theaters nationwide on January 29.

Photo: Enjoying Wonderful World Facebook during the blog conference held at 14 Four Cafe, Taytay, Rizal last January 9, 2014. 

More info and updates will be posted soon. 

5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2014

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The 5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition this year on February 15, 2014 to March 22, 2014 at the SM Mall of Asia.

The World Pyro Olympics is an annual competition among fireworks manufacturers held in the Philippines which runs for five days. Two countries fire each day, the last participant fires on the final evening of the event.

Aside from the international fireworks experts, you will get to see how our own country continues to improve the technology of pyrotechnics through the years.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition will be imbued with the awesome fanfare and delightful displays of the world’s leading pyrotechnic events. Watch the skies come alive as award-winning pyrotechnicians from different parts of the world light up the sky with breathtaking displays of fireworks mastery. Jubilee Fireworks from UK won the gold medal with their wonderful fireworks display last year's competition. 

Here's the schedule:

February 15, 2014

Philippines (Platinum Fireworks, Inc) – Opening exhibition

Australia (Howard and Sons Fireworks)

February 22, 2014

Spain (Brunchu Pyro Experience)

United Kingdom (Jubilee Fireworks)

March 1, 2014

France (Brezac Artifices)

Japan (Tamaya Kitahara)

March 8, 2014

China (Liuyang New Year Fireworks)

Germany (Vulcan Europe)

March 15, 2014

Finland (Oy Pyroman Finland Ltd)

Canada (Royal Pyrotechnie)

March 22, 2014

USA (Atlas Pyro Vision)

Philippines (Platinum Fireworks Inc)

Catch The 5th Philippine International PyroMusical Competition every Saturday starting February 15, 2014 to March 22, 2014 only at the SM Mall of Asia.

Buy your tickets now and enjoy the wonderful world of the 5th Philippine International Pyromusical Competition!

Newest sitcom “Home Sweetie Home” Makes Impressive Debut, Ranks #1

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The Kapamilya network’s newest sitcom “Home Sweetie Home” made strong first impressions upon the airing of its pilot episode last Sunday (January 5), topping the rating charts and ranking number one nationwide.

According to data from Kantar Media, “Home Sweetie Home” raked in 19.9% in TV ratings, making it the most watched TV program among last Sunday’s shows in both urban and rural areas. Feedback from viewers via social media also proved the show was a hit, with many becoming instant fans of the John Lloyd Cruz-Toni Gonzaga tandem.

This coming Sunday (January 12), catch another light and romantic episode and find out how Romeo (John Lloyd Cruz) and Julie (Toni Gonzaga) ended up with each other—from obstacles the two faced as a couple leading up to a kind of marriage that is uniquely their own.

Find out how their love story played out in the next episode of “Home Sweetie Home,” airing Sundays after the kiddie gag show “Goin’ Bulilit”.

Meanwhile, the fun goes even further with the Banana Split gang on two other Kapamilya comedy shows this 2014, as “Banana Split: Extra Scoop” lets the laughter start early on Saturday nights after“Maalaala Mo Kaya” and “Banana Nite” makes weekday nights tons lighter with all-new special guests and even more hilarious gags and sketches.

Watch out for a special episode of the “Banana Nite” segment in the coming week featuring Jayson "Tito Vhoy" Gainza as he goes face to face with a showbiz personality that he has gained a reputation for impersonating, the King of Talk Boy Abunda.

Catch “Banana Split: Extra Scoop” on Saturday nights after “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and “Banana Nite” from Monday to Friday after “Bandila”.

Japanese singer AISAKU in love with Filipino Culure, Humor, Family Ties and OPM!

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AISAKU is a pure Japanese who sings Tagalog and Japanese oldies and favorites with a taste of Jazz. Honed to be the next Ted Ito, Aisaku performs with a Filipino twist of Tagalog oldies and favorites.

Recently released his own rendition of the 90s classic pop ballad, Ted Ito's Diamond Hit record “Ikaw Pa Rin.” The choice is not merely because it's of Japanese origin. But ironically due to his high regard for OPM, with him even counting Gary Valenciano as his main musical influence.

AISAKU 

“I know more OPM than Japanese songs now. I have more Filipino friends than Japanese friends on Facebook. And I guess I am a Filipino by heart even though my pair of eyes makes me look like I'm asleep,” Aisaku said.

His name interestingly meaning “make love,” Aisaku recently put out his self-titled debut album of OPM classic covers led by “Ikaw Pa Rin,” (popularized by Ted Ito and originally “Saigo No Iwake” in Japanese). His cover of the song won “Best OPM Cover” at the 2013 Gawad Musika Awards & Consumers Quality Awards.

The album package is produced by Janette Ito of Japan's i&i Records in tie-up with Japan Home Centre and distributed by Universal Records Philippines.

Born from a Christian family, this pure Japanese moved to the Philippines years back and the long stretch made him a Pinoy by heart. He takes pride that his knowledge in the Filipino culture and language is almost on a native level. 

He shared, "Modern OPM music is something I really love. I give credit to OPM artists who bring the genre to a new level of classy music, like my current favorites Noel Cabangon, Sitti, Gloc-9, JayR, Ogie Alcasid, and a whole lot more!" 

He confirmed his utmost respect for Mr. Pure Energy, "My most favorite singer is Gary Valenciano. I live in a church so I had the chance to learn good music first from Gary V's songs. His music covers a lot of genre from pop, dance, soul, jazz to ballads. The first live concert I ever watched in my life was his as well." 

Aisaku actually is a combination of two separate words: "AI" which is another word for love, and "Saku" meaning "to make". His parents want him to be "a person who can spread love to the world."

IKAW PA RIN - AISAKU (Official Music Video)

This Japanese trying his best to sing in smooth Tagalog appeared on Lucky Me’s KARI & PO-KU advert. He also endorsed Platinum Karaoke, with his songs already available on the karaoke itself and iTunes. As a child he had speech impairment. Then he met a speech therapist from Operation Smile who helped him with his condition. He is now one of its ambassadors. 

Other songs in Aisaku's album are “Remember Me” (popularized by Renz Verano), “Honey My Love So Sweet” (popularized by April Boyz), “Isang Tanong Isang Sagot” (Popularized by Donna Cruz), “Isang Mundo, Isang Awit” (popularized by Leah Navarro), and other Tagalog songs of Japanese roots.

Vocal about his love for Filipinos. He explained, “I find the Filipinos more fun to be with, and the country itself as well. I love the Filipino humor, the culture, and the best of all, the close family ties. I love my parents and I am glad that I know how to show my love to them like a Filipino son can do.”

With his talent and charm, Aisaku already bagged a number of awards, including the 2013 Asian Star Entertainer Awards for Best New Male OPM Artist. He will host and perform at the Little Tokyo Sunday Festival in Makati (Pasong Tamo near Makati Cinema Square) on November 24, 6 pm.