Why #Petmalu teen singing idol, LA Santos loves music?

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With passion for music, Lnard Antonio Santos known as LA Santos, the 18-year-old UST (University of Santo Tomas) student, is the singer behind the hit song Tinamaan.

Some called him as "The Boy Next Door" or "The Singing Idol", this teen singer also composes songs. Being grateful and blessed, LA has found his niche in music and is carving a name for himself.

A testament to how powerful music is, LA admits music has done a lot of good things to his young life. 

“I am able to express myself through music. It is said that music is a universal language. There is a song for every emotion, whether you are happy, depressed, in love, heartbroken, angry. It also helps you compose a song because may hugot ka. I get lost when I sing. I let people know who I am and how I feel through the songs I sing. In fact, I am a living example of the healing power of music,” LA shares.

The Star Music recording artist has a self-titled debut album which contains six originals (Tinamaan, Ikaw Kasi, One Greatest Love, Bakit Pag-Ibig, Miss Terror, and Mine) and three covers (Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man, Sarah Geronimo’s Forever Is Not Enough and Angeline Quinto’s Hanggang Kailan).

LA just recently finished a two-night mini concert at The Music Hall @ Metrowalk with the SRATS (the young stars of Asian Artist Agency). 

Aside from performing on Ian Veneracion’s first major foray into concerts, LA staged a sold-out major solo concert titled #Petmalu at the Music Museum which one concert goer described as "malupet."'

LA with the SRATS have mall tours for series of shows: 

• June 9 (SM Valenzuela)
• June 10 (SM Pulilan)
• June 30 (SM Sangandaan) 

“It’s fun to work with SRATS. I’m looking forward to our next collaborations.”

How LA balances his time on his studies, career and lifestyle? 

While he is happy to share his passion for music, LA admits there are challenges that he has to face. 

“Actually, it’s difficult na pagsabayin ang studies and singing career. I am in my senior high at UST. Minsan nagkakasabay ang pag-aaral for an exam and rehearsal for shows. I don’t want to sacrifice iyong isa over the other. I have to balance my priorities and follow a strict schedule if I want to succeed in both my studies and career. At first, it was really hard especially when you have to wake up early for class after coming home late at night because of a commitment. I’m used to this routine now. I don’t regret any single thing. Who am I to complain? I’m grateful to be given these opportunities.”

LA also talks about his mother, Florita Santos. “I love my mom! Her unconditional love inspired me to dream big for myself, to conquer my fears, and to be the best version of myself. She is my biggest fan. Whenever I look in front of the stage, my mom is there, busy taking pictures and videos. I want to tell her that I love her and I’m thankful for all the sacrifices she has done for me.”

And more to see on this newest singing idol,  LA is  also doing acting workshops and on a movie project these coming months. 

Amaia Scapes Bulacan and Capas open newly completed Village Pavilions

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Milestones are best celebrated with people we love—family, friends, and kin who share our joy during life’s most cherished occasions. This is why top-of-mind affordable real estate provider Amaia Land, strives to foster a sense of community among its homeowners by providing them cozy interiors and functional amenities. 

True to this vision, Amaia Land recently completed the Village Pavilions in two (2) of its developments in North of Manila in Amaia Scapes Bulacan and Amaia Scapes Capas. 

The Village Pavilion is situated in the midst of landscaped gardens, together with other amenities. Apart from being a place for social gatherings and for children to play at, the Village Pavilion likewise houses the administration office. Residents can go here to secure permits for home improvement, payment of dues and other concerns.

On top of this, Amaia Scapes Bulacan and Capas are also set to deliver their respective swimming pools, just in time for the long, hot summer months where residents and their guests could use refreshing dips. 

“We want our homeowners to thrive in a wholesome, holistic community that includes not only quality homes but one that encourages a sense of belongingness and pride for our residents,” Rachel Tubayan of Amaia Land enthusiastically remarks.

“With the opening of the Village Pavilion at Amaia Scapes Bulacan and Capas, families can now enjoy momentous occasions right where they live.”

With its prime location along the Sta. Maria-Pandi Road at Brgys. Manggahan and Sta. Cruz in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, Amaia Scapes Bulacan is just a 15-minute drive from the Bocaue exit of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). The 12-hectare development offers 604 units, with floor areas that range from 28 to 56 square meters.

Meanwhile, Amaia Land’s sweetest deal in Tarlac—Amaia Scapes Capas—offers 388 house and lot units with floor areas that range from 25 to 56 square meters. This sprawling 16-hectare development is situated along the McArthur Highway in Brgy. Estrada, an easy ride from Capas town proper and Tarlac City. The property can likewise be reached through the Luisita Access Road; through the Conception Exit of the SCTEX coming from the South; or through the Romulo Highway and Tarlac-Victoria Road from the North.

Future homeowners can choose from Amaia Land’s easy and flexible payment terms such as cash, deferred payment, and bank financing. 

For inquiries about Amaia Scapes Bulacan and Amaia Scapes Capas, visit www.amaialand.com or like  http://www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand  /  www.facebook.com/AmaiaLand.

Gold Seas Tuna Chunks "Gourmet Mom 2018"

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Gold Seas Tuna Chunks is in the search for a kitchen goddess who can whip up delectable healthy gourmet dishes for her family. 

The Search for Gold Seas Tuna Chunks “Gourmet Mom 2018”

Gourmet Mom is an amateur cooking competition of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks. It has three rounds: 

Round 1: Call for entries 

Round 2: Preliminary cook-off

Round 3: Final cook-off Prizes to be given away are cash, culinary course (for grand winner only), and Gold Seas Tuna Chunks gift packs. 

Who are qualified to join?

• Filipino moms, aged 23-45 years old, residing in Metro Manila 
• Should not be a professional chef (professional chef, food truck vendor, cook, culinary instructor, culinary graduate or educator, licensed caterer or had been employed in any of the above capacity) 
• Should not be employed in any restaurant as a chef, line cook, or cook of any capacity 
• Must not own or engage in any food business that is licensed or accredited by a local government agency 
• May be a caterer as a hobby and not be paid for catering as a primary source of income 

How to join?

• Like the Gold Seas Tuna Chunks Facebook page 
• On Gold Seas Tuna Chunks Gourmet Mom promo post, comment a photo of yourself with your stovetop gourmet recipe using Gold Seas Tuna Chunks together with the following hashtags: #GoldSeasGourmetMom2018, #GoldSeasTunaChunks, #TasteMatters. Only posts with all the official hashtags will be considered as official and qualified entries. 
• After commenting on the Gourmet Mom promo post, send a direct message to Gold Seas Tuna Chunks official Facebook page containing the following details: 

First Name 

Last Name 

Email Address 

Home Address 

Contact Number 

Birthday 

Occupation 

Full Text of Recipe 

Photo/screenshot of dish with caption 

All fields are required to be filled-in in order to officially submit the entry.

4. Ten (10) participants will be selected for the cook-off competition on August 4, 2018*. 

Entries will be selected based on the following criteria: 

Feature of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks – 40% (The recipe and photo must feature at least one (1) variant of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks.)

Originality and Creativity – 50% (The participant must creatively show a recipe that corresponds to the Gold Seas Tuna Chunks variant/s being used. Photo and caption must contain a personal touch and why taste matters for her family.)

Engagement – 10% (Posts with a high number of likes and/or comments and usage of hashtags may also be short-listed in the selection of winners)

TOTAL – 100% 

5. Call for entries is from May 15 to June 15, 2018. Cut-off period for submission of entries will be on June 15, 2018 at 11:59pm. 

Preliminary Cook-Off Proper 

• The ten (10) participants will compete at Glorietta 2 Activity Center*, Makati on August 4, 2018*. 
• The ten (10) participants will be given 30 minutes to cook their submitted recipes using Gold Seas Tuna Chunks. Each participant will be given a P1,500 gift certificate for the purchase of their own ingredients which they need to bring to the cook-off. 
• Five (5) judges will determine the five (5) finalists who will compete in the final cook-off. The selection of the five (5) finalists will be based on the following criteria: 

Taste – 50% (Utilization of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks emphasizing the particular dish presented.)

Originality and Creativity – 50% (Contrast of plating and design. Recipes are not copied from magazines, cookbooks, or other contests.)

TOTAL – 100% 

• The five (5) finalists who will compete in the final cook-off will be announced during the event proper. The final cook-off will be held on the same day. 
• The five (5) contestants who did not qualify for the final cook-off will be given P10,000 consolation cash prize and Gold Seas gift packs worth P1,500 each. 

Final Cook-Off Proper 

• The five (5) finalists will compete at the same date and venue – Glorietta 2 Activity Center*, Makati, August 4, 2018*. 
• Each finalist will be given a mystery box. All they need to do is to think of a creative and delicious way to cook a dish using Gold Seas Tuna Chunks with any of the mystery ingredients inside the box. The finalists will be given 30 minutes to cook their dish. The mystery box will consist of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks gourmet flavored variants and mystery ingredients. 
• The selection of the Grand Prize winner will be judged based on the following criteria: 

Taste – 50% (Utilization of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks and mystery ingredients emphasizing the particular dish presented)

Originality and Creativity – 50% (Contrast of plating and design. Recipes are not copied from magazines, cook books, or other contests. Recipe name should be developed by the finalist.)

Total – 100% 

• Prizes to be won are as follows: 

Grand Prize: P100,000 cash, short weekend culinary course at First Gourmet Academy worth P15,000, Gold Seas Tuna Chunks gift pack work P2,500 

Other four (4) finalists: P25,000 cash, Gold Seas gift packs worth P1,500 each

Claiming of Prizes 

Contestants may claim their prizes during the event proper on August 4, 2018*. 

Terms and Conditions 

• Participants are limited to Filipinos residing in Metro Manila area only. 
• Employees of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks, advertising agency partners, sales and distributors are not eligible to join the contest as well as their relatives up to 2nd party of consanguinity or affinity. 
• General Nutrifoods Philippines, Inc. (GNP) reserves the right to conduct a verification process for all potential winners before awarding any prize. Winners who fail the verification process will be disqualified. All decisions made by General Nutrifoods Philippines, Inc. (GNP) on all matters related to this promotion are final. 
• All gathered recipes, photos, and captions could be used for the following materials of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks: Exhibit, Company’s brochures, posters, billboard, online advertisement, website, web blogs, social networking sites, and other online marketing sites. No compensation in cash or kind will be given to participants of this promotion in return to using their recipe, photos, and/or captions. 
• Winning recipe/s will be part of Gold Seas Tuna Chunks official recipe library. 

*Date/venue to be confirmed Per DOH-FDA-CFRR Permit No. 0696 s. 2018 

MUST-SEE ROYAL PALACES AND CROWN JEWELS ON YOUR NEXT LUXURY TOUR

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The world’s most iconic monarchies shine brightest in the vestments and residences they own

More than the power and prestige that monarchs hold, it’s the artifacts and buildings signifying sovereignty that capture people’s imaginations. From the Forbidden City in Beijing to the British Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, these regal legacies embody the pomp and splendor of royalty commoners can only dream of

We commoners may never get the chance to own these regal vestments and mansions. But with good enough savings, we can at least treat ourselves to a luxury vacation for a glimpse of these once-exclusive royal attractions. Thinking of spending a little to see some of history's most renowned symbols of royalty? Here are a few ideas that will take you beyond the usual experience of crowns and castles.

Symbols of Japan’s Chrysanthemum Throne

Just a few kilometers from Tokyo Station in Japan, the Imperial Palace offers scenic views in the East Garden where the public can stroll around arboreal spaces surrounded by deep moats and towering stone walls. Guided tours are restricted outside the buildings. 

Fortunately, the inner precincts open during two occasions: the customary New Year’s greeting every January 2 and the Emperor’s birthday.

As for Japan’s Imperial Regalia, the Three Sacred Treasures are distributed in three holy shrines dedicated to the Shinto Goddess Amaterasu: the jewel Yasakani no Magatama housed in the Imperial Palace; the mirror Yata no Kagami kept in the Grand Shrine of Ise, Mie Prefecture; and the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi located in Atsuta Shrine at Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. These relics are not on public display, but tourists can still visit the Museum of the Imperial Collections in the East Garden to see the imperial household treasures including paintings, pottery, sculptures, and calligraphy.

Seat of Thailand’s Royal House

In the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, the Grand Palace boasts impressive architecture with several gilded pagodas and intricate embellishments on pavilions, temples, and royal halls.

Proper clothing such as long pants and sleeves is a must to gain entry as part of a dress code; otherwise, a booth at the entrance can provide clothes for a small deposit fee.

The Thai royal regalia consist of several items used for the coronation rites.  These include the Royal Nine-Tiered Umbrella, the Great Crown of Victory, the Sword of Victory, the Royal Staff, the Royal Slippers, the Royal Fan and Flywhisk, the four Royal Utensils, and the eight Weapons of Sovereignty. 

All these together with other national treasures are on display in the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations and Coins at the Grand Palace.

Remains of the Holy Roman Empire

Dominating the Nuremburg skyline in Bavaria, Germany, is Kaiserburg Castle, home to the German kings of the Holy Roman Empire for about 500 years. Notable attractions include the Romanesque double chapel featuring a Gothic crucifix by Northern Renaissance German sculptor, Veit Stross. 

Others are the Imperial Apartments containing antique furniture, tapestries, and artwork, as well as the Imperial Castle Museum featuring an array of armaments.

The Imperial Regalia, however, is housed in Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria. On display include the stone-studded Imperial Crown, the Imperial Scepter, the Imperial Orb, the Imperial Sword, and the Holy Lance said to have pierced the side of Jesus during his crucifixion. These, among a host of regalia and reliquaries on exhibit, are only part of a large secular collection from across Europe.

Pride of Scotland

Tourists at the United Kingdom often think of the Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London’s 140 royal ceremonial objects including the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb, and the Sovereign’s Scepter when planning a royal sightseeing. 

For a different monarchical experience, Scotland is a must-visit.

Standing on an outcrop of volcanic rock, Scotland’s Edinburgh Castle has seen plenty of palace intrigues, imprisonments, and even murders throughout the stronghold’s centuries-old history. Some of the places to explore include the twelfth-century St. Margaret’s Chapel, the massive Mons Meg cannon, and the Stone of Destiny used for the coronation of Scottish monarchs and, later on, the monarchs of unified Great Britain.

The Scottish Crown Jewels once worn by Mary Queen of Scots are on display in the Crown Room of Edinburgh Castle together with the Stone of Destiny. Known as the Honours of Scotland, these royal articles include the Crown first donned by James V, the Scepter gifted to James IV by Pope Alexander VI, and the Sword of State also given to James IV by Pope Julius II.

As the oldest set of crown jewels in the British Isles, the Honours played many roles from crowing ancient Scottish kings and queens to representing the Monarch at the Scottish Parliament in modern times. Curious about the history of the Scottish regalia and its first possessors? Follow the exploits of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, in Reign, every Tuesday at 9:45PM on Blue Ant Entertainment.

Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD).

For more updates, follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, @BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram.

Smart widens lead in overall mobile data download speeds – OpenSignal

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“Phenomenal growth” for overall download speeds in PH

PLDT wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. has almost doubled its overall mobile data download speeds over the past year largely because of improved LTE availability and speeds, according to a just-released analysis by independent mobile analytics company OpenSignal. 

The analysis report, which covers the months of May 2017 to April 2018 and is available on OpenSignal’s blog, noted the country’s “phenomenal growth in overall download speed”. “Overall download speed” is an OpenSignal metric that takes into account 4G and 3G download speeds, and, the level of access consumers have to each type of network, which is referred to as “availability”

“From our March-to-May 2017 test period to our most recent February-to-April test period… Smart’s overall speed almost doubled in our measurements. That’s amazing growth for any operator,” OpenSignal Lead Analyst Kevin Fitchard said.

 Improved coverage and higher data speeds

The mobile analytics firm noted the increase in Smart LTE speeds starting September last year.

“After September (2017), Smart’s speeds really began to take off,” Fitchard said, adding that OpenSignal’s data showed that this can be attributed to Smart beginning to close the once huge gap between itself and its competitor in 4G/LTE availability, and Smart’s LTE speeds beginning to increase at a faster rate.

“These OpenSignal test results show that our sustained investments in upgrading our network are paying off and enabling us to deliver world-class mobile data service to more customers in more areas of  the country,” said Mario G. Tamayo, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President for Network Planning and Engineering.

“As we continue to deploy LTE, LTE-Advanced and carrier aggregation technology to more areas like Batanes, Baguio, Puerto Princesa, Quezon City and Sarangani, we are on track to meet our commitment to the National Telecommunications Commission to achieve 90% municipality coverage for 3G and 4G mobile broadband by this year,” Tamayo added.

Building the lead in speed

OpenSignal reports over the past several months show that Smart has been building up its lead in LTE data speeds.

In the State of Mobile Network – Philippines report released by OpenSignal in March 2018, data showed Smart strengthening its lead in LTE download speeds nationwide and dominating in all major regions, noting that Smart’s nationwide LTE speeds were at 12.5 Mbps, compared to the competition’s 7.7 Mbps. Between the March 2017 and March 2018 OpenSignal reports, Smart’s 4G/LTE availability also increased from 40% to 60%.

The report states, "With tested speeds of 12.5 Mbps, Smart won the OpenSignal award for 4G download speeds, making it the third time it has done so. The operator is pulling away from its sole competitor in this category too. We found Smart's 4G speeds increased by 2 Mbps in the last six months while [the competitor's] speeds remained steady at just over 7 Mbps."

“Right after our last Philippines report was published, the separation between Smart and [its competitor] in overall speed suddenly started getting wider. Our results show Smart’s 4G speeds began growing much faster and its 4G availability continued to tick upwards, while [its competitor’s] remained relatively static,” Fitchard said.

Tamayo said this was due to the stepped up deployment of LTE and LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) facilities in Smart’s mobile network.  In the first three months of 2018, Smart installed over 1,300 more LTE base stations across the country. These base stations use various radio frequency bands, specifically the 700 MHz band for better coverage and indoor penetration, and the 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for additional capacity.

The installation of multiple LTE base stations in existing cell sites has paved the way for the activation not only of LTE but also LTE-A which can deliver significantly faster mobile data services to customers through carrier aggregation.  This feature of LTE-A boosts mobile data speeds by combining the capacity of two up to five frequency bands, Tamayo said.

“On mobile, as shown by the experience of other countries, the key to achieving world-class data speeds is to activate both LTE and LTE-Advanced facilities in our mobile network.  Of course, this network roll out must be accompanied by the adoption of more LTE and LTE-Advanced-capable mobile phones and devices,” Tamayo added.

Improved experience, businesses

In areas like Marikina and Quezon City, where Smart has already activated carrier aggregation combining up to 5 frequency bands, internal tests showed customers enjoying download speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to 200 Mbps, depending on density of traffic and handset capability, whereas small business owners and retailers have also reported an increase in earnings, boosted by improved mobile internet experience in their area, Tamayo said.

Parent company PLDT has committed historic levels of resources to support network transformation. Capital expenditures is expected to reach P58 billion this year, including allocations for the aggressive rollout of its fiber broadband service, which also supports the stepped-up deployment of the mobile network by providing high-capacity links for cellular base stations, Tamayo said.