Top 12 PhilPop 2013 Finalists Revealed!

This years PhilPop Foundation's theme is "Your Theme, Your Genre, Your Song". PhilPop 2013 garnered a record-breaking 3,383 submissions.

Most of the entries came from Greater Manila Area (GMA) like Quezon City, Makati and Manila. I am so happy that this year more songwriters/composers are getting out of their "shells" and trying their luck to join this prestigious song-writing competition which was spearheaded by music "Maestro" himself, Mr.Ryan Cayabyab.

 Myrus Apacible

24 Year-old Communication Arts student from De La Salle Dasmarinas

 Has written songs like "Isang Sulyap Mo"

Adrienne Sarmiento-Buenaventura

Her entry, "Sometimes That Happen" which turned out as her "nursed" baby.

It was her first time to make it this far in a song-writing competition.

Jungee Marcelo

song: PANSAMANTAGAL

He is a songwriter, arranger, jingle-writer, and music producer.

His talents spreads out from music as he coaches hip-hop crews around the world 

and radio and tv host also.

Universal Records also supports this years PhilPop 2013.

From L-R: Ito Rapadas, Ms. Kathleen Dy-Go and Gian Carlo Vizcarra.

 Maestro Ryan Cayabyab 

He spearheaded PhilPop 2012 till today as it embarks on its 2nd year of discovering new

talents in Songwriting.

With no further ado, here's the official PhilPop Top 12 2013 Finalists.

1. Paul Armesin- Segundo
2. Marlon Barnuevo- Araw, Ulap, Langit
3. Jungee Marcelo- Pansamantagal
4. Johnoy Danao- Kung 'Di Man
5. Raffy Calicdan- Space
6. Gani Brown- Askal
7. Myrus Apacible- Sana Pinatay Mo Nalang Ako
8. Adrienne Sarmiento-Buenaventura -Sometimes That Happens
9. Marlon Aunor - Do, Do, Do
10. Thyro Alfaro and Lacsama- Dati
11. Lara Maige- Sayo Nalang Ako
12. Joey Ayala- Papel

 Phil Pop 2013- Adjudicators, supporters and finalists.

  

 The Board Directors of this year's PhilPop 2013 are Ricky Vargas, Ogie Alcasid, Noel Cabangon, Doy Vea, Al Panlilio, Patrick Gregorio, Randy Estrellado and Butch Jimenez.

The Top 12 Finalists will vie for the P1 Million Grand Prize. PhilPop 2013 is supported by Maynilad, Smart, Meralco, PLDT, Resorts World Manila, TV5, Metro pacific Investments Corporation, NLEX, Sun Cellular, First Pacific Leadership Academy, KBP, and Philex.

Richard Poon Launches His New Album "Legends" under Universal Records

Richard Poon who is known to perform Big Band tunes has a new and fresh sound singing pop tunes.

Richard joins the elite roster of Universal Records artists- Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Noel Cabangon, Christian Bautista, Gloc-9, Jay-R, Sam Concepcion, Parokya ni Edgar, Sponge Cola, Callalily, Kamikazee and among others.

In legends, Richard traces his pop roots by singing some of the biggest pop artists in the international music industry -classics by Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Madonna, Barry Manilow, among others.

BLOOD BROTHERS AID INC. SUPPORTS WORLD HEMOPHILIA MONTH

Characterized by the inability for blood to clot properly, hemophilia is a hereditary medical condition that occurs in males more often than in females, and could affect the young as much as the elderly. In special cases, a change in an individual’s genes may also cause him to acquire it within his lifetime. Though hemophilia is rare, the World Federation of Hemophilia states that 75% of people around the world with bleeding disorders have not yet been diagnosed.



April is World Hemophilia month, and Blood Brothers Aid Inc., a non-profit organization based in the Philippines, aims to raise awareness about hemophilia in the country and to get more Filipinos to recognize the problem and help through blood or monetary donations.



Do you know someone who may suffer from hemophilia?

Following an injury, a person with hemophilia may take a longer time to heal from his wounds because his blood lacks the protein (clotting factor) instrumental in clotting.



The usual symptoms of hemophilia include deep bruising, joint pain and swelling caused by internal bleeding, spontaneous bleeding (e.g. nosebleeds), or prolonged bleeding from cuts, after surgery, or after a tooth extraction.



Hemophilia can be diagnosed by taking a blood sample and measuring the level of clotting factor activity in the blood.



Help bring treatment to the Philippines.

Hemophilia is mainly treated with replacement therapy. Clotting factor concentrates taken from healthy blood is injected into a hemophiliac’s bloodstream. Once it reaches the affected area, bleeding is expected to slow down and eventually stop. This treatment has to be done shortly after injury so as to avoid further pain, as well as damage to the person’s muscles, joints, and organs.



Clotting factor concentrates, however, are not readily available in the Philippines. International groups or volunteers ship medicine in from other countries, though supplies are minimal. In the absence of these drugs, a person in need of replacement therapy would require blood or plasma transfusions, and are at the mercy of the limited supply of blood available in hospitals. There are reported incidents of deaths among hemophiliacs due to the long wait for blood donations.



That’s why it is important for those who might show signs of having hemophilia to be diagnosed at the soonest possible time. It is also why more Filipinos need to be made aware of the disorder, so that we can help provide the support and treatments necessary for people who suffer from it.



Become a Blood Brother.

Take the first step into helping by joining the Blood Brothers Aid Inc. community through their Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blood-Brothers-Aid-Inc/347564769650?fref=ts The page will guide you in learning more about hemophilia, how to help, where to donate, and how to spread the word.

Excited To Meet Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2013 Winner Ariella Arida Tomorrow!

I'm so excited when I opened my email and saw that I got an invite to the grand presscon of the winning beauties from the recently concluded Bb. Pilipinas 2013 Beauty Pageant.

I'm interested to know what will the preparations will Ms. Arida do since there will be more pressure to her shoulders since her predecessors landed in the top and even almost got the Ms. Universe crown.

I even want to congratulate Bb.15 Pia Wurtzbach personally,now 2nd Runner-Up for Bb.Pilipinas 2013 for her great answer at the Q & A portion.

 Pia Wurtzbach -2nd Runner Up winner

Bb. Pilipinas 2013

Do you have any questions for the 5 winning beauties? I might have a chance to ask them, so comment below? So knows I might post your questions via a video here in my blog!

MOVIES2WATCH: Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk in "STAR TREK Into the Darkness"

This Summer of 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness.

 When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis.

 STAR TREK into The Darkness 2013 Trailer

 With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.

 As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

The movie stars Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Commander Spock, Karl Urban as Lieutenant Commander Dr. Leonard “Bones” Mccoy,Zoe Saldana as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, Anton Yelchin as Ensign Pavel Chekov, Simon Pegg as Lieutenant Commander Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, John Cho as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu, and Bruce Greenwood as Rear Admiral Christopher Pike who return to reprise their roles from the previous film, with the addition of Benedict Cumberbatch and Alice Eve to the cast.

Star Trek into Darkness is a Paramount presentation directed by Producer/Director J.J. Abrams. It is distributed by United International Pictures through Solar Entertainment Corporation. Coming soon at your favorite theaters and cinemas this May.

Concerts Galore: Modern English Live in Manila

Finally the long wait is over ! " MODERN ENGLISH and the ALARM " LIVE in MANILA on MAY 3 , Friday at MOA ARENA . Tickets are now available online at SM TICKETS or you can call 470-2222.

Back to the 80s Concert Party featuring Modern English and The Alarm LIVE in Manila!
May 3, 2013 - 8:00pm
Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City

Ticket Prices:
VIP - Php 6,340(Reserved Seats)
PATRON - Php 4,760(Reserved Seats)
LOWER BOX A (201-202/221-222/FIRST 10 ROWS OF 202-208/215-221) - Php 3,700(Reserved Seats)
LOWER BOX B (11TH ROW ONWARDS OF 203-208/215-220) - Php 2,640(Reserved Seats)
UPPER BOX - Php 1,590(Reserved Seats)

PRESENTED BY: NOVUHAIR | MIDAS HOTEL | ABS-CBN | ASAP 18 | DMC PHILIPPINES

Tickets are now available at SM Tickets outlets.
Call 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets.com to buy tickets online.

CHRIS CAYZER Live at 7th High APEX Lounge

Remember that face, natural –first class voice-that face that exudes a certain mix of aura and charisma, well I know for sure he’s still fresh in our memories. And that memories are now a reality as this Aussie-born young handsome man is back from his 2-year absence in our country after his most notable and recent achievement as he was among the Top 6 in the “Over 25 Category”  and Top 24 overall in The X-Factor Australia 2012.

Last April 3, 2013, 7^th High Apex Lounge, I was among the bloggers invited to hear him perform live,  a first among his series of gigs and shows, entitled “SoulNite".

Binibing Pilipinas 2013 Gold batch Winners Revealed

I know we are all glued to last night's Grand Coronation of the Binibining Pilipinas 2013. And lots of people are still on it.

But if you are one of the many fans who missed it last night due to work or other related reasons, he5re's a recap of the winners:

Top 15 (in no particular order)

• Bb 41 Ariella Arida
• Bb 45 Imelda Schweighart
• Bb 39 Mutya Johanna Datul
• Bb 34 Grace Yann Apuad
• Bb 13 Charmaine Elima
• Bb 43 Rhea Nakpil
• Bb 46 Amanda Noelle Navasero
• Bb 22 Ellore Noelle Punzalan
• Bb 20 Bea Rose Santiago
• Bb 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda
• Bb 12 Camille Carla Nazar
• Bb 31 Maria Angelica de Leon
• Bb 25 Merry Joice Respicio
• Bb 31 Maria Angelica de Leon
• Bb 25 Merry Joice Respicio
• Bb 15 Pia Wurtzbach
• Bb 33 Parul Shah

For those who bagged the special wards, check if your favorite Binibini did win one ?

• Miss Friendship: Bb 21 Lourenz Grace Remetillo
• Miss Talent: Bb 10 Anna Carmela Aquino
• Best in National Costume: Bb 37 Alaine Baccay
• Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice Award: Bb 22 Ellore Noelle Punzalan
• Bb Petron: Bb 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda
• Miss Photogenic: Bb 39 Mutya Johanna Datul
• Best in Evening Gown: Bb 39 Mutya Johanna Datul
• Best in Swimsuit: Bb 41 Ariella Aridaby
• Bb Pilipinas-PAGCOR: Bb 45 Imelda Schweighart
• Bb Philippine Airlines: Bb 4 Nicole Kim Donesa
• Bb Avon: Bb 20 Bea Rose Santiago
• Bb San Miguel Zero Fit and Sexy Body: Bb 15 Pia Wurtzbach
• Cream Silk Beyond Beautiful Woman: Bb 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda

And for the final list that we are all been waiting for :

• Bb 20 Bea Rose Santiago - Bb Pilipinas-International
• Bb 39 Mutya Johanna Datul - Bb Pilipinas-Supranational
• Bb 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda - Bb Pilipinas-Tourism
• Bb 15 Pia Wurtzbach - First runner up
• Bb 41 Ariella Arida -Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2013

Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2013 winner Ariella Arida is a a BS Chemistry graduate from University of the Philippines Los Banos. She is also an athlete, swimmer and runner.

From what I've seen, this year Bb.Pilipinas 2013 batch has the most number of beautiful women vying for the crown. 

Here's what Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2013 Winner ARIELLA ARIDA answered during the Q&A portion, "One lesson in life that women can teach men is being sensitive,“We all know that men are more logical when it comes to decisions. They are usually more rational and straightforward. Unlike women, we use our hearts and we tend to get emotional in some of our decisions. Sensitivity is something that we women can teach to men." 

Sante Barley : An Amazing Superfood

I have an aging Dad and I wanted him to live longer to see his grandsons grow up. But as normal people we cannot avoid various illnesses as we age. As for  my dad at his age of 72, he has been drinking a lot of maintenance meds. Most of the time he drinks 3-4 different medication for his blood pressure. Most of these meds are chemical base so this is the reason why I decided to let him try drinking Barley.

One of the more evident uses of barley (Hordeum vulgare), which belongs to the grass family that produces an edible whole grain, was for beer production and dates back to circa 3500–3100 BC in Iran, while the Greeks utilized its properties for cereal and porridge preparation.

Binibining Pilipinas 2013 Grand Parade and #50Beautiful Years Celebration

For the past year that I have live here in Cubao, Quezon City, the one thing that I really like it here is because it was near everywhere. It’s near to hospitals, market and even to shopping centers.

Cubao is known for the biggest shopping complex which is Araneta Center. These past few years it was not just your usual shopping destination but also a concert destination for concert aficionados. Thanks for the #NoOtherVenue- SMART ARANETA COLISEUM. It was the venue for almost all of the anticipated concerts.

But with passing years that I have passed by these very busy district of Quezon City, there’s still one thing that I continue to anticipate every year.

Who would not? Araneta Center is the home venue for the yearly anticipated and the most grandest Filipina Beauty Pageant Search ever- the BINIBINING PILIPINAS 2013.

For the Year 2013, it will celebrate its 50^th year of giving chances to every Filipinas dream of becoming a beauty queen. For almost 50 Years, BINIBINING PILIPINAS does not fail to give us the most charming, smart and beautiful Filipinas who will represent us to the MS.UNIVERSE pageant.

And true to its mission- we recently almost won the MS. UNIVERSE 2012 title courtesy of Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2012 Winner Janine Marie Tugonon who won 1^st Runner-up at the Ms. Universe 2012.

So Binibining Pilipinas has a lot to celebrate its #50BeautifulYears- the triumph of Ms. Universe 2012 1^st Runner-Up Janine Tugonon and this years’ Top 50 Binibining Pilipinas 2013 Candidates.

Since this year is 50^th Year of celebrating Filipina beauty- Binibining Pilipinas 2013 has 50 candidates who will all vie for the crowns- Binibining Pilipinas-Universe, World, Ms. International and Tourism.

I was so lucky that I wasn’t able to miss this year’s “Grand Parade of Beauties”. If the past years I was just one of the spectators of the yearly parade, for this year- I am both a spectator and media guest.

I am very humbled and honored at the same time to be able to see the #50BeautifulYears of Filipina prowess and beauty.

The parade started at around 5pm at the South Garage parking of SMART ARANETA. Even it was so hot, the supporters and fans did not mind it all-what was important is that they will be able to see their lovely bets.

Since it was the Golden Year for Binibining Pilipinas, the 50 lovely candidates was clad in golden bikinis. The ladies also paraded in Miata Cars making it more posh than ever.

Wait no more here's the photos of the Binibining Pilipinas #50BeautifulYears Grand Parade last April 6, 2013

 Ms.Universe 1st runner-Up Janine Tugonon

For more of the actual photos please click the link here.

On my next post watch for Binibini#15 Pia Wurtzbach....

ABRA ,RIVERMAYA Joins EarthDay JAM 2013

How do we love our dear Mother Earth? As for me, I stop using plastic and instead use paper bags or ecobags for grocery shopping. In deed in these little ways, we are helping Mother Earth.

And what awesome way to celebrate the anticipated Earth Day is be at Bonifacio Global City Taguig and join the anticipated EARTH DAY JAM 2013.

EARTH DAY JAM 2013 is already on its 13th year. It is a musical marathon that commemorates Earth Day  which celebrated worldwide.

MasterCard supports women empowerment through Project Inspire 2013

MasterCard recently launched the third edition of Project Inspire: 5 Minutes to Change the World, and awarded an additional USD25,000 grant to past Grand Winner Hapinoy, as a renewal of its commitment to women empowerment.

Co-organized with UN Women Singapore, Project Inspire is a digital and social media driven program that encourages young people across the world to empower disadvantaged women and girls in Asia/Pacific, the Middle East or Africa (APMEA). This year’s winner will receive a USD25,000 grant from MasterCard.

Leading the event is MasterCard Worldwide Georgette Tan, group head of communications, APMEA, who said, “This project is a tribute to the women who put the needs of their children, husbands, families and communities, ahead of themselves. These women’s goals are to take care of their families by putting food on the table and having access to medicine, ensuring that their children go to school and to augment their husband’s income. And as a result of their economic empowerment, these women gain self-confidence.”

She is joined by MasterCard Philippines vice president for marketing and client relations Judith Dayrit, who welcomed the attendees, including Hapinoy’s co-founder and president Mark Ruiz, executive director TJ Agulto, and managing director Erika Tatad.

Ruiz recounted the Hapinoy story, and shared, “Hapinoy was founded in 2006 out of the desire to tap the sari-sari store industry, which is the humblest of businesses but has so much power,” he explains. Through the Project Inspire grant, his team was able to roll out a scalable microentrepreneurship training program, which allowed them to reach out to more ‘nanays’. Today, Hapinoy’s listed beneficiaries are up from 2011’s 100 to today’s 1,300, and there are now 7,000 stores under its network found all over the country’s South Luzon area.




Also present were Hapinoy nanays Maribel Tolentino, Joy Sallan, and Marina Reyes, who shared the good business practices they learned through the microentrepreneurship program, such as the conscientious recordkeeping, the ‘first in, first out’ principle, visual merchandising, and setting limits to the customers’ credit line.

For Project Inspire 2013, MasterCard welcomes more of such transformative and sustainable ideas to support women empowerment. Interested participants are encouraged to visit www.5minutestochangetheworld.org to know more about Project Inspire 2013. The deadline for the submission of entries is June 30, 2013.