American Idol XIII this January

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American Idol is Back!

Grammy Award-winning recording artist, actress, movie and television producer and entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez returns to American Idol XIII as a judge. Lopez will be joined by Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning multi-platinum singer, musician, songwriter, composer and film/television and Broadway actor Harry Connick, Jr. The two will sit on the IDOL judges’ panel with previously announced judge Keith Urban, the four-time Grammy Award-winning country artist.

The thirteenth season of American Idol, is slated to premiere on the television network this January 2014. Keith Urban returned for his second season as a judge. Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick, Jr. joined the judging panel as replacement judges for Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson. Rickey Minor will return to the show as musical director.

“AMERICAN IDOL has always been about discovering the next singing superstar, and next season our judging panel will deliver a most impressive combination of talent, wisdom and personality to do just that: Jennifer Lopez, the triple-threat global superstar who loves IDOL and whom IDOL fans love; Harry Connick, Jr., a bona-fide musical genius and fantastic IDOL mentor whose honesty and expertise can help turn these hopefuls into stars; Keith Urban, a multi-Grammy-winning artist who was such a positive force on the show last season. We are also very excited to have our friend Randy Jackson now in a new role as mentor, and the captain of our team – the heart and soul of IDOL – Ryan Seacrest returning as host.” --- Kevin Reilly, Chairman of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, television's No. 1 hit series empowers contestants and viewers to share their voices in deciding who will be America's next singing superstar.

The American Idol  XIII judges sat down to the judges' table for the first time together

Catch the two day premiere on ETC this January 16, Thursday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 8PM and January 17, Friday LIVE via satellite at 6PM with a primetime telecast at 9PM.

Watch American Idol Season 13 on ETC online, log onto http://www.blink-now.com to watch ETC’s free live streaming on a computer.

ETC is seen on UHF channel 21, Sky Cabe and Destiny Digital Ch. 16, Global Destiny Ch. 28, Cignal Ch. 9, Cable Link Ch. 34 and various cable operators nationwide.

“Jardine Distribution, Inc. Ph partners with DepEd to help children of Yolanda survivors “

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Parents and schoolchildren in areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda are receiving an outpouring of aid and relief from all over the country and the world—and agricultural, construction, and home pests products distributor Jardine Distribution, Inc. is partnering with the Department of Education in doing their part to help survivors resume their normal lives.

“Undersecretary Mario Derequito of DepEd is right in pointing out that resuming the kids’ schooling is an important part of the rehabilitation and recovery process; this is why we have chosen to help in this area. Education has always been our priority when it comes to our social corporate responsibility projects,” said Edwin Hernandez, President and General Manager of Jardine Distribution, Inc. (JDI),

Schoolchildren in areas devastated by Yolanda now have a chance to resume education thanks to 1,000 learning kits and 120 tents—serving as classrooms provided by Jardine Distribution, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Education. 

In cooperation with DepEd, JDI has released a thousand pieces of learner kits to schoolchildren in Yolanda-hit areas. Schools had been destroyed and learning materials swept away by floods and this has left children unable to resume their education. With the partnership between DepEd and JDI, these children have a chance to feel that life goes on after the tragedy—that there’s hope after the disaster.

The company has also provided 120 tents that will serve as classrooms for the children. “DepEd and we agreed that these learning kits and the tents are important for helping these kids resume their normal lives and to feel hopeful about their future. We are happy to have this chance to do our part in the rehabilitation efforts for these communities,” said Littaua.

“Besides the learning kits, we have also set up 120 tents in the areas that serve as the children’s classrooms. Having these kids come back to school and resume classes regularly is a way for communities to start over and feel a little more optimistic about their future after the devastation. These communities are survivors and they deserve all the help they can get to begin again and rebuild their lives. We at JDI feel privileged that we are given the chance to be part of the rehabilitation process. There’s still a lot of work to do and every little bit helps,” said Peachy Tiu, JDI Marketing Manager. 

Officials of Jardine Distribution, Inc. turn over learning kits to Undersecretary Mario Derequito for the use of schoolchildren in areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda. In photo are Roberto Littaua, JDI Agchem Marketing Manager; Usec. Derequito; Edwin Hernandez, JDI President and General Manager; and Peachy Tiu, JDI CS Marketing Manager. 1,000 learning kits and 120 tents serving as classrooms have been distributed.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. (formerly Jardine Davies) represents a number of local and global companies that provide world-class crop protection and construction chemical products. They are focused on the safe use of these products, providing technical support, and with due consideration of environmental protection.

REO brothers band survives through music, with inspiration and hope for better future

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A new band is amazing how fast became famous in Manila. 

Hail from Tacloban City, it was a band composed of four brothers, Reno, RJ, Raymart and Ralph Evasco Otic, survives through music. 

I saw and hear them performed at the ABS-CBN Kwento ng Pasko concert held at the Araneta Coliseum graced by over a hundred Kapamilya stars and celebrities but it was a band composed of four brothers, took to the stage a medley of The Beatles' hits such as "Here Comes the Sun" and "Hey Jude" that drew the only standing ovation of the night.

The Reo Brothers, arrived in Manila after from their typhoon-ravaged hometown, survived from the super typhoon Yolanda, they only got guitar and calling card left when typhoon swipe away their house.

I’m thankful when Ms. Arabelle Jimenez invited me (with my PB Network associates)  to the opening of Primos Cuisine and Bar in Mandaluyong, where we witnessed the awesome performance of the young brothers with undeniably talents. They sang confidently and moved like real professionals. 

Lead guitar: RJ Otic 

Rythm: Raymart Otic 

Base: Reno Otic 

Drums: Ralph Otic — at Primos Cuisine and Lounge.

As they belted out one Beatles song after another, and then moved on effortlessly to do songs of the Beachboys, Bee Gees, America and surprisingly even OPM’s VST Co.

Watching out the young boys as they perform great music, I can say they have the talent and the story to make it big.

This is the story on how the REO brothers, Reno, RJ, Raymart & Ralph Evasco Otic survives through music, with inspiration and hope for better future.

Tacloban's REO Brothers Band Survives Through Music

By Arabelle Jimenez

What happens when a family loses everything during a natural disaster, but never loses hope of survival?  They persevere and catch that glimmer of hope, following their path to a brighter future.  As fate would have it, that glimmer turns out to be a bright star.  And that bright star shines brilliantly on each performance.

This is the beautiful thing that happened to the “band of brothers” from Tacloban, siblings Reno, RJ, Raymart and Ralph, collectively known as the REO Brothers Band.  They shine brightly on stage, beaming at their audience, enjoying what they loved most … performing great music, rendering each beat with heart and soul.

A Success Story in the Aftermath of Yolanda
                                         

Haiyan, locally called Yolanda, is the super typhoon which is pegged to be one of the fiercest in the world, struck the provinces of Leyte, Samar, Palawan, Bohol and other islands, leaving a destruction way beyond our imagination.  It has left thousands dead and thousands more homeless.  After weeks of no decent food, water and clothing, many of the families went on exodus, travelling to different parts of the country, many of them finding their way to Manila. 

The Otic brothers and their father Rey, who lost everything, save for their priceless guitars, decided to take the two-day bus ride to Manila.  What was their only glimmer of hope?  The lone business card that was given to them a couple of years back by a certain Mr. Reynaldo Fuentes.  “It was amazing that they kept my business card and was found in one of the boys’ wallet”, Fuentes enthused. 

The lifeline and mentors. Tom Banguis, Jr., Bobby Caparas, Rannie Raymundo and Reynaldo Fuentes.

Reno, RJ, Raymart, Ralph and their father, Rey, only had their clothes on their backs when they stepped in the Philtranco bus.  Penniless, they promised the bus operator that they will pay their fare as soon as they get a hold of relatives in Manila.  Traveling for two days on candies, biscuits and water, they have finally reached the capital.  Their only lifeline, the business card of Mr. Fuentes, got wet during the typhoon, and it took them another 2 days to have it dried up to decipher the telephone number written on it.  Finally, Fuentes was contacted and he took them in, not to mention that he himself also lost all 3 of his houses in Tacloban.

Everything was a happy blur after that first meeting.  Cramped in a small apartment with 8 people, the boys were just grateful to have found a new home. Fuentes introduced the REO Brothers Band to Mr. Tom Banguis, Jr., who in turn sought Mr. Bobby Caparas, GM at the Primos Cuisine and Lounge.  Like a chain reaction, another co-owner and popular performing artist, Mr. Rannie Raymundo, was summoned to give them a shot to play their music.  “I received a phone call to check out these boys and just listen to their music”, Raymundo reveals. After listening to just a couple of songs, Rannie was floored! The REO Brothers Band was immediately given a spot to perform on the fateful evening of November 28.  And the rest is, as we say, history!  “God has amazing ways to put people together.  It is not by chance that they are here… it is fate”, Raymundo added. 

A man for others.  Rannie Raymundo with the REO Brothers Band.

These young men possess amazing talent way beyond their years.  Ages ranging from 19 to 24 years old, they magnificently execute songs from The Beatles, Beachboys, America and other hits of this genre, and later on, transform effortlessly to danceable VST & Co. hits, making their audience get up on their feet. 

The newly-inspired audience volunteered different pledges like a new wardrobe, new instruments, and they were offered bookings that will keep them busy in the next couple of weeks.  Mind you, they do not ask for a talent fee.  They are just happy to play and share their music.

Knowing their journey of survival, it is up to the audience to share what they think is proper.  During that first night at Primos, a donation box was passed around.  At the end of the evening, they were able to collect close to Php 37k in cash for the boys and their family.  It was a blessed night, and due to its success, the band was invited to come back and perform again the following evening.

PRIMOS Cuisine and Lounge offers excellent food and entertainment.

Primos Cuisine and Lounge

All of the nine business partners at the 10 PM Entertainment Corporation were one in giving the REO Brothers Band a regular spot every Tuesday evening at PRIMOS Cuisine and Lounge. The term PRIMO means cousin in Spanish, another description of brotherhood of sorts, is the coming together of good friends, of amigos and amigas, of primos and primas. When we are in the company of our cousins, more often than not, we are in a very festive mood, accompanied with good food and music.  Speaking of good food, this cozy resto-bar offers a menu of mouth-watering dishes, appetizers and desserts.  Primos is also open for lunch starting at 11 AM.

Awesome entertainment happens every night with the best live bands and artists in town, like Puresound, Ynstynk Band, Filipinas, Eumee with Silverbox, and Brown, Inc.  Sharing his passion for music, the multi-talented world-class artist Rannie Raymundo, jams with these fantastic performers. Truly, Primos is today’s ultimate entertainment venue.  There is no other place like it!

Primos Cuisine and Lounge is located at The Hub, Greenfields District, Mandaluyong City. 

Tel.  584-2908.  

Like them on their Facebook page via https://www.facebook.com/PrimosCuisineAndLounge?fref=ts

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.