ELLA MAY SAISON and SOUTH BORDER To Bring 80's-90's Hits at Soundtrip Sessions Vol. 3 Concert

I would have wanted to start this article with a little story about ME but that would be funny. See, I sing quite often in Karaoke places and part of my repertoire would actually include very iconic female singers, with so much gusto in fact, I'd be doing it in every session I could take myself to. I'm a big guy, so it is unbecoming for someone who looks like this to have a voice too high pitched for comfort. Enough about me. 

See, I was told a few nights ago about this chance to actually interview two artists. The first being Jay Durias of the famous band South Border, and two, the iconic vocalist, Ms. Ella May Saison. Just thinking about it made my jaw drop, and guess what, I was super late because of a prior event (kahiya!). They patiently waited for us, it was really so nice of them to do that.

The concert is entitled Soundtrip Sessions Volume 3. The previous Soundtrip Sessions had artists like Luke Mejares, Jinky Vidal (for Volume 1), Nyoy Volante and Juris Fernandez (for Volume 2). This time, it'll be their turn (on November 9th!).

Ms. Ella May and Jay are actually not new to the band scene, it was something that was common to both of them. Back in the days, Ms. Ella May was part of Artstart Band, it was something she did because she's one of the few who could excellently do all the hits, whether it's jazz, blues, and RnB. She left the band and got a lot of hit songs in the airwaves later on, cementing her status in the music industry then, and now. She went to the states and had the pleasure of working with some of the greatest singers, music producers, musicians our generation has ever known. She had a shot at a career in the US and took it. She's now back singing the way she did, even better in 2024. 

Jay on the other hand could do pop, ballads, and also RnB. They both could also write songs, legibly produce it, much of which have become hits for other artists (i.e. MAPA of SB19 and more). You wept to his songs "Kahit Kailan", sang along with "Rainbow", wished for one in "Love of My Life" and a few more in his repertoire. He told us how much of a dream this is because once he got a call from the producer and heard the name Ella May Saison, he immediately said YES without hesitation. Jay told us about the first time she saw Ms. Ella May, where she described him as a "genius!". Here's our interview with them that evening:

They are making history just by being seen together in this concert. What to expect? All their hit songs, some of which will be sung in duets. Imagine Jay singing Ms. Ella May's songs, and the other way around. Wouldn't that be a sight for sore eyes? Aside from that, they have a few songs up their sleeves which will be revolving around the 80's and the 90's music. An added plus to this is that they're performing at The Theatre at Solaire which houses some of the country's best acoustics, I think it is the perfect venue for it. This will also be a family affair for Ms. Ella May Saison as she will be with her sisters and her brother Elhmir Saison who will be directing music for the show. I am as excited as you. This will be one epic musical night!

As for this fan boy, he got his wish!

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketnet.com.ph or at the Solaire Box Office. Prices are SSVIP 8755, SVIP 7210, VIP 6695, Gold 5150, Silver 3605 and Bronze 2060. This is produced by Dragon Arc Events Management who did the previous Soundtrip Sessions. Again, November 9th at The Theatre at Solaire!

Don't miss this one, it'll be good!

VIKINGS Luxury Buffet Opens "MOST BEAUTIFUL" Branch at GATEWAY MALL 2 in Araneta City

Buffet Olympians, lend me your ears! There exists a new VIKINGS branch at the Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City. This is not a drill!

Dubbed as the "Most Beautiful Branch", the new Vikings Buffet branch in this place is indeed worthy of that title. Mixing both Scandinavian and Japanese design, they devised a way to make this small space and make it an iconic venue to eat, be merry and do it like the Vikings do!

The chain as always want you to have an unparalleled gastronomic flair that they do in every branch of Vikings. The sheer variety of food should make you interested since they house more than 10 Stations including my personal favorites, the Meat Carving and Dessert station. The place can sit over 360 people, have lots of options for groups, conducive as they designed it lined up and cozy, with privacy on some parts if you prefer.

Here's a short tour of VIKINGS Luxury Buffet Gateway Mall 2, please enjoy!

The interior as you can see feels so fresh and very minimalist which juxtaposes the amount of food they offer on the buffet. The food quality was also something to be lauded, because their Corporate Executive Chef Rosauro Peciller sees to it that every dish coming out of their kitchen is at par with the level of every Vikings Luxury Buffet branch they handle. 

Chef Ross says "This is one of the most beautiful Vikings Luxury Buffet branch there is. We have an updated menu, different kinds of dishes, we have the Mediterranean, Indonesian, Malaysian, Korean, and the best Meat Carving Station. We also are offering Roasted Duck, Peking Duck, Angus Churrasco and more. I travel a lot, I have worked in the best places around the world, even 5 Star Hotels and Cruise Liners, and take my 43 years of experience in this branch in Gateway Mall 2 at Araneta City. We always update the menu in Vikings, which is why if you have dined here today, you'll probably have to try different dishes the day after. We do that from time to time. For me, this is the best Vikings so far. We have bigger Vikings Buffets elsewhere, but this one has charm and can host a lot of people too. The best time to go here is ANYTIME!" 

He adds "We also continue to innovate, introduce new flavors, it's my 10th year with the Vikings Group. Working in the Philippines I get to be together with my family and friends, which I hope people get to also experience when they dine in this Vikings Luxury Buffet branch in Gateway Mall 2! I am also happy I get to train the young Filipino chefs that are working with Vikings and their other restaurants. It's almost Christmas, so in the holidays, expect even grander food like the Roast Turkey, Roasted Lamb Leg, big Steaks, holiday breads and an awesome Christmas Menu. We can add more in the future. We are the best Buffet in the Philippines!"

It's super nice to actually see this new branch open quite near my home. Just like a lot of businesses, Vikings has been through a lot during the pandemic, laid off a few people, retained who they can. Now they're back, bigger, more beautiful than ever. 

Now put on your Viking hat and troop the Gateway Mall 2 at Araneta City, they are located at the Upper Ground B floor beside Palenque. You may contact them through their social channels, or their number 8-VIKINGS for reservations.

iStudio Plus Opens New Store at Greenhills Mall and Does Grand iPhone 16 Release Day

It's been a while since I've gone to an iPhone release event, and this one is of a better one than usual because yes, it's actually a full blown party!

The folks at iStudio Plus (formerly iStudio) took their gloves off and welcomed celebrities, guests, their executives, and throngs of Apple fans at the opening of iStudio Plus at Greenhills Mall in San Juan City. This is also their midnight launch for the newest Apple phone, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

The new iStudio Plus store looks so fresh, new and inviting. Their new name just means they are offering more than the usual products, and probably carry new brands from hereon. Since it's a party, they had rap RnB artist Kiyo perform on stage, and yes, I loved his performance that evening. I also got the chance to see one of my favorite actresses Shaira Diaz whom I didn't get the chance to say hi from an event the day before because she's really busy with interviews. There was also an influencer Christine Samson and one of the biggest streetwear Czars, the one and only Big Boy Cheng who graced the event.

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The new iPhones basically differ in storage, price point, and has new features like hardware buttons so you can do photography in the best possible ways (zoom in and out, and shutter). With its A18 Pro chip, videos get processed better, and yes, filming in 4K at 120 fps, it can be used in a lot of movie quality shots that film makers or ordinary users can enjoy. If you are a budding indie guy or gal, wouldn't that be good?

 

The iPhone 16 Pro would be best for those who want a smaller form, if you like theatrics and bigger hardware features, take the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

This is just the start of iStudio Plus' evolution, from the statements given by their executives, the future is clear for where they are heading. We have to make a decision as consumers, and they just made it easy. Visit iStudio Plus' branches nationwide. 

Thank you too to everyone who made the event as grand as that! I had so much fun!

A Growing Beautéderm Family: Belle Dolls Ambassadors MIGUEL TANFELIX, YSABEL ORTEGA, SOFIA PABLO and SHAIRA DIAZ

A few weeks ago, we got wind of how Beautéderm will announce their Belle Dolls ambassadors. Suffice to say, we were all excited about it. We didn't know who it would be til now. Meet the newest addition to the Beautéderm family, BELLE DOLLS Ambassadors Miguel Tanfelix, Sofia Pablo, Ysabel Ortega, and Shaira Diaz. They will now be under the wing of Beautéderm CEO Rei Tan.

BELLE DOLLS is a line of FDA and Halal approved supplements and drinks designed to promote health and wellness as basis for good skin. It makes sense because yes, if you want to look good, it starts from that.

Ms. Rei says "It all boils down to effectivity. There may be a lot out there in the market, but it becomes very commercial, and we're not even sure about the ingredients they use. We can't have too much sugar at a certain age, which is why I made sure that the studies and research they did with BELLE DOLLS, I'd be hands on. I'm in my ideal weight and form because of it, even though I haven't had rice in months, I still crave sweets. It's a good thing I have drinks from BELLE DOLLS which has stevia. It is doctor approved, and I use it. I'm a DOLL."

She adds "I chose them because they represent different age groups. We already have endorsers for other products that represent 40's, 30's, 20's that in fact don't look their age. I'm completing my babies, and this time, we've got young ones. I only ask a few things, if they are kind, if they post about it, and hardworking. Shaira for example wasn't part of us initially, but EA was and even then she was showcasing products she get from EA. Ysabel on the other hand, I love her, every milestone we celebrate, and she's there. The simple things she does, I appreciate that. Sofia too, she's a very sweet girl, very polite and approaches me all the time when at events. So does Miguel, that's how I look for my Belle Dolls ambassadors, it's nothing complicated. With them as our ambassadors, we know we'll get the message across our consumers."

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

Shaira says "At first, I really got giddy when the Beautéderm informed me that I will be part of the BELLE DOLLS. I remember using Beautéderm Cristaux products and showing her the effects, because it was my first time using products like that. I am very honored being part of this. I was already using it prior to them telling me about it, and I knew the effects, so I really believe in the product. That's what I want to have because we don't want to be ashamed of a product I personally use and endorse. I could recommend this to friends and family because I know its effects, and see the change."

Miguel told us "I'm very excited actually, because Ysabel has been a long time part of Beautéderm Family. And when she gets products, she tells me what her favorites are and also shares some of it for me to use. I got very excited when they told me I'm going to be part of Beautéderm's BELLE DOLLS, and the only guy. It's not just the products, but how they really take care of their endorsers. I've heard a lot of things, so I'm glad I get to be part of that. I'm excited also to meet brothers and sisters from the brand, and Ms. Rei. I'm a coffee lover, and it's perfect that I get to endorse BELLE DOLLS Healthy Coffee. It's got great ingredients!"

And of course, Miguel will be with Ysabel in an endorsement, that's a good thing!

Oral Sunblock Duo

Dark Chocolate, Caramel Macchiato, Stem Cell Lychee and Strawberry, Collage in Kiwi Cucumber and Avocado 

Ysabel says "A lot of their products are quality, you'll be sure of that. We tried, and it is effective. I used to be iffy in the past with drinks, but the packaging, the message it promotes, it's so happy looking... and if you see something like this, and taste it, it's my favorite now. You shouldn't just be taking care of your beauty outside, but also inside. I am so happy because it's something new, and it's amazing!"

Sofia adds "Even way before I've been able to talk to Ms. Rei and now that I'm going to be part of this, she knew how excited I am. I don't use sunblock much because I'm a little lazy, but this is oral sunblock, very easy to take."

If you want to do the extra mile and take care of your skin from within, BELLE DOLLS have products that can do that. It will be available in Beautéderm physical stores, online in different channels as they've got trusted franchisees around the country that you can get it from. I've personally used the Belle Dolls Beauté Secret Strawberry Lychee Drink and it's my favorite. What's yours?