Saturday, September 28, 2013

Megan Young Won the Miss World 2013 Pageant

Photo from Rappler.com, photo by Jory Rivera

Filipina Actress Megan Young was crowned Miss World 2013 beating 126 other beauties from all over the globe. This puts the Philippines in the exclusive club of countries that won the Miss World title.  The pageant was held in Bali, Indonesia.

Other winners were Miss France Marine Lorphelin for the 1st runner-up position and Miss Ghana Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter for the 2nd runner-up title.


Q & A

Question: "Why should you be Miss World?"

Answer: "I treasure a core value of humanity and that guides people why they act the way they do."
"I will use this to show other people how they can understand each other... as one, we can help society."


Here is her victorious moment at the pageant:

Source: scoopboy's youtube channel


Here is Ms. Megan's Miss World profile video:

Source: Miss World Official Youtube Channel



Congratulations Ms. Megan Young!   Congratulations Philippines for winning the Ms. World Pageant for the first time!


sources: rappler.com, GMA news online

Read more >>

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Sharks and Rays Encounter at the Manila Ocean Park

Last September 14, 2013, me and my fellow bloggers had a chance to experience the Sharks and Rays Encounter at the Manila Ocean Park.

It's one of the new attractions at the marine park and first in Asia offered to the public to experience some different and exciting with the most misunderstood creatures of the deep: the sharks and the rays.

First, you undergo a briefing on various type of rays and sharks that are part of the attraction and the proper way of handling them.

After that, you can experience 3 different types of encounters:

Dry Encounter

No need to get wet to see to experience the marvels of these sea creatures.  You can see them closely  through the acrylic paneled pool. The marine life trainers also holds them close to you for you to touch and feel these amazing creatures. This is ideal for large groups and school tours.

Half Body Encounter

Further the experience by getting waist deep into the water and experience being surrounded by these amazing sea creatures. With the assistance of the marine life trainers, you will be able to hold the stingrays in your arms.  Exciting! This includes a souvenier item, photo and certificate. Show how fearless you are!  Actually you don't have to be fearless since they are tamed and gentle anyways!

Full Body Encounter

The ultimate experience of being able to swim with these fascinating creatures. You can lightly touch the shark and the rays underwater. Something really worth trying.

Here is a video of my blogger friends experiencing these different type of encounter.




Highly recommended attraction. Very safe, educational and exciting experience for kids and grown-ups a like!

For more info and promos about the attraction, visit their website at www.manilaoceanpark.com or call 567-7777 local 153.


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Friday, September 20, 2013

The Aristocrat Food Tour Part 2 - Ultimart Branch: Home of the Best BBQ in Town


After having breakfast at Aristocrat Malate, we headed toward the South to Laguna. Travelling by car with Ms. Sylvia Reyes, one of the granddaughters of Lola Asiang who originally founded Aristocrat, the trip was enjoyable while we bloggers interviewed her and she interviewed us.

We arrived at our destination, the Ultimart branch of Aristocrat in the heart of San Pablo City, Laguna.

Photo of the Ultimart branch of Aristocrat Restaurant in San Pablo Laguna
Facade

Upon settling down, we were served with the Aristocrat Iced Tea. It's their house blend and they menu mentions "sweetened by lemon". It's refreshing but a bit sweet for a starting drink. I had a sip and had it later during/after the lunch. It's a must try! I think they use brown/muscovado sugar that gives it a nice non-conventional taste which I love. I like their presentation as well with the crushed ice floating on top making it visually refreshing as well.

Photo of a glass of Aristocrat Iced Tea
Aristocrat Iced Tea - P70

Soup and Starters

Photo of Hototai soup from Aristocrat Restaurant
Hototai Soup - P250
We started with the Filipino-Chinese Hototai soup, a rich chicken broth based soup with chicken, pork, egg, shrimp, and vegetables. A good way to start the meal. An order can easily serve 3-5 people.


Photos of Lumpiang Shanghai from Aristocrat Restaurant
Lumpiang Shanghai - P260
A favorite Filipino starters, Lumpiang Shanghai, was next in the line-up. Their version is quite meaty and thick. It's serve with achara (filipino pickle) and sweet and sour sauce for dipping.


Barbeque (BBQ)

The Aristocrat has been famous as far as I can remember for their Barbeque Chicken. And for our lunch, these various Barbeque dishes are the main course.

All the Barbeque meals includes:

  • Aristocrat Java Rice
  • Java Sauce (termed also as the love sauce)
  • Achara (pickled papaya)
Here are the various types of Barbeque that you can order:

Photo of Pork Barbeque at the Aristocrat Restaurant
Pork Barbeque - P 175


Photo of Pork Spareribs Barbeque at the Aristocrat Restaurant
Pork Spareribs Barbeque Whole - P345, Half - 195


Photo of 3 Pieces Chicken Barbeque from Aristocrat Restaurant
3 Pieces Chicken Barbeque - P 195 (2 Pcs - P155)


Boneless Chicken Barbeque - P170

My favorite is the Pork Barbeque. The meat is quick thick like a kebab and not just slices like you get elsewhere. It really goes well with the atchara. The perfect combination! I tried the Java sauce, it's also quite good but I still prefer the atchara with the BBQ.

I find the boned version much tastier than the boneless version. Must be the bones :) Of couse, if more convenient to eat the boneless version with the cutleries. However, the best way to eat the chicken barbeque is with your barehands to get the max out of the chicken. Finger-lickingly good!



With a great lunch at the Artistocrat Ultimart Branch, it's definitely home of the best BBQ in town!

If you are passing through Laguna visiting Liliw, Nagcarlan Church, the seven lakes or other Laguna tourist spots, this place is an ideal stop-over for lunch, dinner or even for a snack!

Related Posts:

The Aristocrat Food Tour Part 1 - Breakfast at Aristocrat Malate

Read more >>

The Aristocrat Food Tour Part 1 - Breakfast at Aristocrat Malate



I was invited to the Aristocrat Food Tour last September 8 which was organized by The Aristocrat Restaurant and OpenRice.com.

The first stop was breakfast at the Aristocrat San Andres Malate Branch just along the scenic Roxas Boulevard. This restaurant is a historical landmark and brings back memories of childhood days when my parents, siblings and I used to stroll along Roxas Boulevard.

It's a great idea to have weekend breakfast here after a jog or a walk with family or friends.

For Filipino breakfast, they have a good selection of All-Native Breakfast meals.


All-Native Breakfast Meals


Aling Asiang’s Chicken and Pork Adobo Plate

Aling Asiang’s Chicken and Pork Adobo Plate – P250
Aling Asiang’s Chicken and Pork Adobo Plate – P250

One of the best tasting version of Adobo I tried. I like the pork adobo's tenderness. It's so tender that the meat "melts" in your mouth.


Longanisa and Chicken Pork Adobo Plate

Longanisa and Chicken Pork Adobo Plate – P270

Longanisa and Chicken Pork Adobo Plate – P270
Another option to try if you like Longanisa. Served with 1 pc each of chicken/pork adobo and Aristocrat’s Special Longanisa.


Beef Tapa Plate

Beef Tapa Plate – P270
Beef Tapa Plate – P270
I loved this one! Their beef tapa was so tasty and tender. Breakfast cut tender beef perfect for a full breakfast but not too heavy. Just right!


What' Included in the All-Native Breakfast

All-Native Breakfast hearty meals are served with:
- garlic rice
- two fried eggs
- your choice of coffee, hot tea, hot native chocolate, milk or pineapple juice.

I like their Native Hot Chocolate. It's so rich and thick like the chocolate mom prepares for Buena Noche.

Native Chocolate – P60 alone or part of the meal
Native Chocolate – P60 alone or part of the meal

Garlic Rice - Included with Native Breakfast Meals
Garlic Rice - Included with Native Breakfast Meals


Aristocrat's native breakfast is like going to your "tapsilogan" but elevated to a classier home cooked breakfast that is with higher quality ingredients and more quantity.


All-American Breakfast Meals

If you are not in the mood for rice for breakfast, here are some of Aristocrat's All-American Breakfast meals:


Ham Plate

Ham Plate – P255
Ham Plate – P255
Slices of tasty grilled sweet ham for a light and savory breakfast.



Bacon Plate

Bacon Plate – P255
Bacon Plate – P255
Generous portions of thinly sliced bacon fried to crispiness pleasure.


What' Included in the All-American Breakfast Meals

All American Breakfast meals are served with:
- two fried eggs
- two slices of toasts with butter and mango jam
- fresh banana or papaya and
- your choice of: coffee, hot tea, hot native chocolate, milk or pineapple juice.

Photos of slices of toasts with butter and  jam, breakfast at Aristocrat Restaurant
2 slices of toasts w/ butter & mango jam - Included



Omelette Plates


Photo of Cheese Omelette from Aristocrat Restaurant, Breakfast Food
Cheese Omelette – P145
If you are into omelettes, try this classic cheese omelette.

Other types of omelettes available are:
  • Spanish – P175: Scrambled eggs stuffed with ham, bacon, and sauteed vegetables in tomato sauce.
  • Ham and Cheese – P175: Scrambled eggs stuffed with ham and cheese
All omelette plates are served with toast and butter.



Ideal for Week-end Breakfast

Aristocrat's breakfast options from native to all American will definitely start your day right. So when you are in Roxas Boulevard for a jog, walk, or just cruising around, drop by with family and friends to enjoy sumptuous breakfast!


Related Posts:

The Aristocrat Food Tour Part 2 - Ultimart Branch: Home of the Best BBQ in Town

Read more >>

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Sarah Geronimo nominated for the MTV Europe Music Awards

Screenshot from MTV EMA website


Our very own Ms. Sarah Geronimo is nominated at the MTV Europe Music Awards. She was nominated as one of the Best Southeast Asia Acts. The 2013 MTV EMA will be held in Amsterdam, on 10 November 2013.

You can vote to support her at: http://asia.mtvema.com/vote#cat=best-southeast-asia-act

Let's support her for this award. It will not be only a honor for her but for the whole Philippine nation!

Here is one of my favorite song of Sarah G in her new album Expression that I captured when she launched the album in Trinoma. This video show how truly how good of a singer she is to deserve the MTV Europe Music Awards Best Southeast Asia Act award!




Read more >>

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Oscar award-winning actor Colin Firth and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt star together in Arthur Newman


Oscar award-winning actor Colin Firth and Golden Globe winner Emily Blunt star together in the romantic comedy, Arthur Newman.

In the film Colin Firth plays Wallace Avery is tired of being a loser. His ex-wife and son hate him and he’s blown his one shot at living his dream. After once being a hot shot in competitive amateur golf, Wallace is dubbed “The Choker” in the pro circle.



After being unable to shake his nerve, he does something radical. Wallace stages his own death, buys a new identity as Arthur Newman and decides to move away. On the road trip to his new life, he meets Mike (Emily Blunt), who is also trying to forget her past. Connected by a common goal, Arthur and Mike break into empty homes and take on the identities of the absent owners. In the process, they begin to own up to the identities they've left behind and help each other to rediscover themselves.




"Arthur Newman" is released and distributed by Solar Entertainment Corporation.

Showing on October 11 nationwide.



Credits: Photos and PR provided by Solar Entertainment Corporation

Video Trailer:



IMDB Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1930546/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1930546/

Read more >>

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Adelaide Clemens’s Descent Into Darkness





PRESS RELEASE


Adelaide Clemens’s Descent Into Darkness


Adelaide Clemens has been gaining a fair amount of attention this year, first for her role in “Generation Um…” and now with the new horror/thriller “No One Lives.” The Australian actress has been steadily on the rise in the past couple of years, popping up in pictures like “Silent Hill: Revelation.” The actress recently has been bobbing and forth between independent and mainstream movies, making her face known to the general public.

In “No One Lives” it she plays one of the killer’s victims who’s desperately trying to run away from the man who’s kept her in hiding for the past year. Now she’s found herself trapped in a house with a group of strangers, warning them to run and hide from the psychopath. When they refuse to listen to her, they all become trapped in the sinister world of the psychotic killer.



You’re one rather busy young lady this year. You just appeared in “Generation Um…” and not only are you appearing in “No One Lives” but “The Great Gatsby” as well.

It’s a bit tragic isn’t it? Yeah, it’s a good time. What’s funny is that the productions, I shot “Generation Um…” almost two and a half years ago. Gatsby feels like forever ago, over a year and a half. I’ve been working but nothing’s come out until now! It’s really nice.

The dynamic between your character and Luke Evan’s unnamed character is an interesting one. There’s a lot that’s happened between the two of them clearly within the span of time that he’s kept her. Do you believe that Emma in some ways developed a form of Stockholm syndrome?

I definitely think that was the case. I did a lot of research into Stockholm syndrome because basically she’s been in solitary confinement for two years, and it’s a natural human response to have a quest for love or connection no matter what the circumstances are. So it’s kind of a frightening thing, but this sort of thing happens, but I have had to — I’ve tried to create my own depiction of Stockholm syndrome not based on anyone, any specific kind of case, but I think it is like living in an environment with someone and creating a relationship where it’s intriguing because he’s the only way that she will cover her basic needs, and people will do anything for that, but it’s a whole kind of psychological discussion.



Now considering the whole dynamic between your characters, did you purposefully not have as much rehearsal time with Luke Evans? How was that general work relationship like with him?
It was fantastic. I mean we both had dinner and worked independently and I think the dynamic that that created was really interesting because it was so unpredictable. He was so unpredictable to me and the moves he was going to make physically, emotionally. I really was kind of standing and waiting. It was great and he didn’t really know what I was going to do. So yeah, it created a very kind of visceral — it was like a chess game every time we were working together.

You also got to spend a lot of time with the rest of the cast in which you’re sitting in there with the rest of the household, telling them they’re screwed because of who they’re dealing with.
It was great. I think the physicality of each character was the most fascinating thing. So that I really remembered just being really intrigued by that and loving the process. Derek [Magyar] was fantastic and I was really impressed by him. It was fun.



Now what is your general approach when it comes to taking on roles like this? What’s nice is seeing you continually broaden your acting scope with a variety of different characters, like who you played in “Generation Um…” compared to who you were in “Silent Hill: Revelation.”

I wasn’t formally trained and so my process has been very different for every project. It usually starts with some form of research and as much as I can really get my hands on really. I don’t really like talking about it too much because it probably doesn’t make that much sense but sometimes I read poetry, sometimes I read music. The director for me is always involved and often just trying to get my head psychologically around the character.

Has acting always been one of those things that you’ve been wanting to do ever since you were a kid?
None of my family, my friends or anybody else around was involved with the film industry. The notion of being an actor was so far fetched. So I never really contemplated being it, but I look back and I obviously gravitated towards it. I was always spending my extracurricular activities dealing with drama or Shakespeare, dance, music, being involved with the choir, things like that. So I definitely loved performing and it was just the kind of strange kind of journey towards it, and here I am!

"No One Lives" is released and distributed by Solar Entertainment Corporation.

Showing on September 11. Nationwide.



Credits: Photos and Press Release provided by Solar Entertainment Corp.

Read more >>

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Some Steps That I Will Take For a Healthier Lifestyle

At my age of 50, I should start having a healthier lifestyle. I have mild hypertension but under control now with maintenance medicines. To enjoy a healthier and longer life, I have to do some changes in my lifestyle.

Here are the steps that I'm planning to take to achieve this objective:


Be More Physically Active

I hate going to the gym because I find it boring. But playing my favorite sports was my weapon to being not sick. I used to play a lot of racket sports like Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, squash and badminton a lot when I was working in the Middle East. But after coming back to the Philippines, I had less time and it was not as easier to get access to the sports facilities.





A few weeks back, I started getting Table Tennis coaching sessions. It feel great to be playing the sport again. I should be faithful keeping a schedule of playing at least twice a week.

Last week, we had an unplanned badminton game because of a cancelled basketball session. I think I will schedule at least once a week with the team at work.




Eat Less Fast/Junk Food

I love eating out! But most of the time due to convenience (money and time constraint), I eat a lot of fast-food.  I even love stopping by drive-thrus for quick lunch in the car while traveling on the road.


Why are there no healthier options for drive-through meals? Any suggestions?

I have to drink less soda and drink more fruit juices and water.


Sleep More

I should get used to sleeping earlier. I think it's me having too much sodas that makes me too active to sleep.  I should discipline myself to go to bed earlier.  Sleep plays a lot of roles in keeping us healthier. I always notice that when I sleep less for a couple of days, I tend to get sick easily.



Take Food Supplements

Since I don't eat a balance diet, it's recommended to supplement my diet with food supplements like multivitamins and others.

A friend suggested to take Circulan. It's a dietary food supplement that contains:

  • Hawthorn Berry for a healthy heart
  • Ginkgo Biloba for the arteries
  • Garlic Oil for blood
  • Lemon Balm for the nerves


It has FDA approved benefits of promoting blood circulation and acts as anti-oxidant.

With good blood circulation, it will help me regulate my sleeping patterns and improve my memory and concentration.

Together with the Vitamin C from the multi-vitamins and Circulan's anti-oxidant properties, these will help boost my immunity to sickness.


These are the steps that I will be taking for a healthier lifestyle!


Read more >>

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Seattle's Best Coffee's Clubhouse Sandwich and X-Tea


I was hours early at Bonifacio High Street to avoid the traffic to attend a premium motorbike launch so I decided to hangout in a cafe and have some snacks.

I decided to go to Seattle's Best Coffee since I have not been to that cafe for a while now.  Looking at the menu, I decided to go for a Clubhouse Sandwich.

Freshly prepared, the Clubhouse sandwich arrived and looks quite appetizing and the size quite generous. Loaded with scrambled egg, ham, cheese, veggies, and laced with honey mustard. Yummy!

SBC Clubhouse Sandwich Php 195

For the drink, I did not want to have coffee so decided for X-Tea with Mango flavor. It was a nice ice-blended iced-tea with strong sweet mango taste. It was really quite sweet but alright for me.

X-Tea Large Php 160 (Small Php 140, Medium Php 150)

After the delightful snack (or meal precisely), I wrote this post in delight on how good the meal, both Clubhouse sandwich and the X-Tea.

Another great thing is they have free Internet connection!



Read more >>

MV Agusta Premium Bikes Now in the Philippines


MV Agusta, the Italian motorcycle brand known for its distinctive and seductive styling has finally arrived in the Philippines.

Granstar Motors & Industrial Corporation (GMIC) brought the premiere brand MV Agusta in the Philippines with Moto Meccanica Pilipinas as its official dealership.

MV Agusta will be the new industry favorite conquering the appreciation of enthusiasts and experts alike.

These are the available models:



F4 RR





It contains the most advanced engineering solutions, enhanced by a range of technical excellence to offer the complete control of the vehicle and maximum performance: chassis control utilizing vehicle inertia sensors, a unique engine control with Ride-By-Wire system, Öhlins electronic control suspension and steering damper as well as GP spec titanium connecting rods. The unique and comprehensive technology of the F4 RR has been extended to the versions F4 R & F4, which also share several aesthetic and functional innovations. These include a re-proportioned and lighter “signature” four exit silencer, new lightweight forged wheels and a new front spoiler integrated into the front fairing with DRL (Daylight Running Lights) that enhance the design, as well as the new tail light incorporating light guide technology. All complemented with completely new graphics and colors.



F3 675


After being elected the “Most beautiful 600 in the world”, the MV Agusta F3 675 is now ready to become the new reference both on the street and on the track. A Supersport that boasts an ultra-advance chassis and vehicle dynamics control that is on par with the most advanced Superbikes thanks to the new system MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System).  The MV Agusta F3 675 is a revolutionary motorcycle offering extreme emotions to the rider on the street and on the track. The three cylinder engine utilizes a revolutionary counter-rotating crankshaft, a solution that has only been previously seen on MotoGP motorcycles, together with the most compact and light weight layout ever seen on a Supersport bike. These are only a few of the characteristics that make the new F3 675 the most sophisticated supersport with the best handling of any sport motorcycle.




BRUTALE 1090 RR



The absolute expression of power and driving pleasure, the Brutale 1090 RR knows no compromise.  A perfect synthesis of design, automotive engineering, and performance, this super bike is true excellence in two wheels.  Its name embodies the essence of a model rooted in motorcycling history, while looking to the future with the advanced technological solutions:  the motorsports ABS system and advanced inline four-cylinder engine combine safety and total control with emotion and exuberance.


BRUTALE 675




Experience the thrill of the most beautiful naked ever Brutale now with a three-cylinder:  lightweight, powerful, and agile.  A perfect synthesis of form and function, the Brutale 675 utilizes the most advanced technology three-cylinder engine that is derived from the F3 675 and is unique in its class leading electronics coupled to chassis and suspension of the highest quality.  The perfect combination of emotion and technology has a name: Brutale 675.

Another exciting event awaits our bike enthusiasts as we will launch MV Agusta on September 07, 2013! For more information about the MV Agusta brand, you may log on to www.mvagustaph.com or visit their showroom at Moto Meccanica dealership located at 5448 Osmena Highway, Bangkal, Makati.


Credits: Photo and PR provided by MV Agusta


COVERAGE OF THE LAUNCH EVENT






Read more >>

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

About Time: A Romantic Comedy About Love and Time Travel


Saw the trailer of this movie About Time and excited to see it. It's a love story comedy drama about a guy who can do time travel and has the ability to alter his life by having "take two" to alter something wrong he did.

Here are some details about the movie and a press release.

The movie will be showing on September 18, 2013.


Cast: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy

Director: Richard Curtis    



Movie IMDB Page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2194499/


Movie Trailer:





Press Release


About Time :  a romantic comedy about love and time travel

At the age of 21, Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers he can travel in time… 

The night after another unsatisfactory New Year party, Tim’s father (Bill Nighy) tells his son that the men in his family have always had the ability to travel through time.  Tim can’t change history, but he can change what happens and has happened in his own life—so he decides to make his world a better place...by getting a girlfriend.  Sadly, that turns out not to be as easy as you might think.

Moving from the Cornwall coast to London to train as a lawyer, Tim finally meets the beautiful but insecure Mary (Rachel McAdams).  They fall in love, then an unfortunate time-travel incident means he’s never met her at all.  So they meet for the first time again—and again—but finally, after a lot of cunning time-traveling, he wins her heart.

Tim then uses his power to create the perfect romantic proposal, to save his wedding from the worst best-man speeches, to save his best friend from professional disaster and to get his pregnant wife to the hospital in time for the birth of their daughter, despite a nasty traffic jam outside Abbey Road.

But as his unusual life progresses, Tim finds out that his unique gift can’t save him from the sorrows and ups and downs that affect all families, everywhere.  There are great limits to what time travel can achieve, and it can be dangerous too.  About Time is a comedy about love and time travel, which discovers that, in the end, making the most of life may not need time travel at all.

Leading the cast are Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Margot Robbie, Domhnall Gleeson, and a Lydia Wilson.

About Time is a Universal Pictures presentation written and directed by Richard Curtis. It is distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation. Showing at your favorite theaters and cinemas this September 18.




Photos and press release provided by Solar Entertainment Corporation


Read more >>

Alfa in Manila





I got invited to see and hear pop-folk artist Alfa, at the Le Cafe Curiuex. This is her first time in Manila to visit and perform at different venues.

Here are some of the photos and videos of the event.



VIDEOS


The Set


Blue (one of my favorites)

















Bonus Material: Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Cover)  - Unplugged, as requested by me




You can still catch her in the following events:




About ALFA

With an alluring voice and disarming honesty, pop-folk artist Alfa can make a bustling room stop. Indie Music Reviewer has comparedthis multi-instrumentalist to "a clear blue sky and a candid soul” thatbegs the listener to “hear what else she has to say.”

Born in the Philippines to a family of musicians, Alfa got an early start in piano and violin, playing nationally with the Children's Orchestra Society of New York. Alfa's music has received honorable mention from the New York Songwriters Circle and won Grand Prize at Kollaboration Acoustic 2009, a competition highlighting Asian-American talent.

After graduating from NYU and working as a reporter, Alfa took up music fulltime, traveling across the U.S. to play at college campuses and venues, garnering praise along the way.

Alfa’s irresistible melodies and smart lyrics have landed her music in E!’s “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” & MTV’s “Friendzone,”while Music Connection Magazine listed this Philippine-bornsongwriter in its Top 25 Music Critiques of 2012, noting: “Fans ofIngrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles will savor this artist.”

Her latest album “World Go Blue” has climbed US radio charts including theCMJ Top 200 and the Top 100 College Radio Chart.

"She commands the stage in a way that invites you to listen to her words and let it move you." - Paul Kim, founder, KOLLABORATION

"There is something so appealing about her voice... something that makes you want to see what else she has to say." - INDIE MUSIC REVIEWER

"Alfa has the kind of voice that makes you want to hear her sing everything, including phone conversations and orders for French fries." - INCOGNITO MAGAZINE

Alfa Online:

•    Official website: http://www.alfa-music.com
•    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alfamusic
•    Twitter: https://twitter.com/alfa_music
•    Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/alfamusic
•    Bandcamp:http://alfamusic.bandcamp.com
•    Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/alfa-garcia



Fanboy photo:




Read more >>

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

ADP's Flash Mob at Glorietta 2 Activity Center





Around 100 associates from ADP Philippines Inc., a global outsourcing HR solutions company,  surprised shoppers and passersby at the Glorietta 2 activity center when they stormed the middle of the complex on September 2, 2013 and danced to the mash-up of The Jackson 5’s classic hit Shake Your Body Down To The Ground and Pitbull’s chart-topping song, Feel This Moment featuring Christina Aguilera.

From out of nowhere, the associates from various ADP business units broke out into a flash mob and performed a dance routine they choreographed themselves.  For more than 5 minutes, the mob of dancers strutted to the awe and delight of onlookers who took out their mobile phones and tablets to snap pictures and record videos of the instant show which the ADP associates also produced and organized as a team building activity.

This was a sequel to the company’s first flash mob which they staged at their previous headquarters in RCBC Plaza Building in Makati City with more than 50 associates last June 2012.

Among those joining into the fun activity were members of the ADP Executive team, including General Manager John Hickey. “Last year we made an impression with our first flash mob event. Now with more participants and showcasing more of the talent of our associates, we wanted to make an impact. ADP Philippines has a dynamic workforce and we are delighted to provide a thoroughly enjoyable activity to support their enthusiasm and self expression.”

ADP Philippines is one of the leading providers of business processing and cloud-based solutions with close to 1,400 associates and has been in the country since 2010. Its services include payroll, tax, technical, time and labor management, implementation, information technology (IT) support, and benefits administration for international clients.


Here is another video from fspuser with a higher angle:


Credits: Youtube video by fspuser



About ADP

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADP), With more than $11 billion in revenues and more than 60 years of experience, ADP® (NASDAQ: ADP) serves approximately 620,000 clients in more than 125 countries.  As one of the world's largest providers of business outsourcing and human capital management solutions, ADP offers a wide range of human resource, payroll, talent management, tax and benefits administration solutions from a single source, and helps clients comply with regulatory and legislative changes, such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  ADP's easy-to-use solutions for employers provide superior value to companies of all types and sizes.  ADP is also a leading provider of integrated computing solutions to auto, truck, motorcycle, marine, recreational vehicle, and heavy equipment dealers throughout the world.  For more information about ADP or to contact a local ADP sales office, reach them at 1.800.225.5237 or visit the company's website at www.adp.com.


Read more >>

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Winners of the Axe Apollo National Challenge to train to be the First Filipino Astronaut


Congrats to the Axe Apollo National Challenge winners Mario Mendoza Jr. and Evan Rey Datuin who will be sent to the Space Academy in Florida, USA for training. One of them will be the first Filipino astronaut to go to outer space.

Here is my coverage of the event.

PHOTOS


















 

VIDEOS












PRESS RELEASE


AXE Philippines Selects Top Two Filipino Astronaut Hopefuls
to Send To Space Camp in the U.S.

The search for the first Filipino astronaut continues.  From over 28,000 applicants, 400 of the AXE Apollo Space Academy (A.A.S.A.) Philippines’ best battled it out at the AXE Apollo National Challenge, which happened last August 31st at Bonifacio Global City. The two winners of the rigorous trials, Mario Mendoza Jr. and Evan Rey Datuin, will be sent to train at the international AXE Apollo Space Camp in the U.S. to prepare for the possibility of being sent to space.

The two AXE Apollo National Challenge winners will be joined by a 3rd candidate to be picked via an electronic raffle promo called the AXE Hyperdrive Promo, which gives every purchase of an AXE Apollo body spray a chance to win the last seat to Space Camp.  The three candidates from the Philippines will experience astronaut training in the U.S. this December together with over a hundred other candidates from all over the world.

“It’s been over 7 months since we started this nationwide search for the first Pinoy astronaut. Now that we are down to the Top 400, I think it’s really starting to sink in that pretty soon we will be sending one of these people to space,” says AXE Philippines Brand Manager Gem Laforteza.

A total of twenty three tickets to space are at stake, one of which is certain to go to a candidate from the Philippines making this person the first Filipino astronaut.

“I’m proud to have been involved in the selection process for the first Filipino astronaut. Naniniwala talaga ako na talentado ang mga Pinoy. We deserve this opportunity. And that’s why we’ve tried our best to make sure that whoever gets it really deserves the one-in-a-hundred-million chance to go to space,” says AXE Apollo National Selection Director Luis Manzano.

A test to find the space-worthy Pinoy
The AXE Apollo National Challenges, organized by Axe and cable channel AXN, tested the candidates’ skill, determination, and what AXE calls the “Hero-factor”. The first challenge was done in virtual space where over 4,000 of the top-voted candidates were invited to take an online test designed to select the top 400 applicants based on their intellectual prowess. The next challenge involved a rigorous test of physical fitness with the candidates undergoing a military-inspired obstacle course, from which the top 50 hopefuls emerged. Lastly, the candidates were asked to stand on pegs in a challenge called “the last hero standing,” a gruelling test of willpower designed to select the most determined candidates, the final two who will finally be sent to Space Camp.

“I think anyone would be happy with making it to the Top 3 who will be sent to the U.S. for astronaut training. Even if you don’t make it to space, Space Camp is still a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pero siyempre, iba pa rin ‘yung masasabi mo na nag-bakasyon ka sa space,” says AXE Apollo National Selection Director Sam Gogna of the Boys Night Out.

The two winners from the Challenges were announced by A.A.S.A. National Selections Directors Luis Manzano, Gino Quillamor, Sam Gogna, and Ramon Bautista right after the event in a press conference held by AXE Philippines.  The two candidates await the announcement of their third compatriot who will complete the Filipino delegation to Space Camp in Florida.

Log on to www.AxeApollo.com or the AXE Philippines Facebook page for more details about the search for the first Filipino astronaut.


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