Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach's Homecoming at Smart Araneta Coliseum

Sunday, January 31, 2016




It was a night of grace, class and elegance of the Filipina Beauty Queen. I've never been into pageants that much but have really high regards to the people who live an breathe it. We are all proud of our contestants and made sure they've got the backing of a nation when voting online, campaigns are concerned. We've now gotten Filipino designers to actually do the gowns too and pretty much did all the things we hoped would change our fate in the Miss Universe competition, and it did bear fruit. After 40+ years of waiting for it, we finally have Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach as our new Ms. Universe 2015, at the most opportune time and slightly controversial one at that. We were a little sad she didn't get to do a proper Ms. Universe walk so when her homecoming was prepared, they arranged a part of the program to be her official walk. Here's some excerpts, a collection of 3 videos as part of our coverage of Pia's Homecoming a few days ago. Thanks to the goodness of SMART Communications, PLDT Home for having us!

Erik Santos and Yeng Constantino opened the show. Xian Lim hosted it together with Dianne Castillejo and Venus Raj. A parade of former beauty queens who won the Bb. Pilipinas - Universe title also happened that evening.
  

This is Part 2, the reveal of Pia whilst she was serenaded by Piolo Pascual and her crush Sam Milby.


This is part 3 where Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach did her official walk as Ms. Universe 2015. She wore the Blue Gown that Albert Andrada made for her during the actual pageant. She was stunning!




Again, thanks to the lovely people at Smart Communications and PLDT Home for having us!

COW

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Alden Richards Visits Habitat for Humanity Community in QC

Saturday, January 30, 2016




He's probably the biggest star of our generation and if you think about it, he's too busy these days that time for charity work would probably be less. Alden Richards has just proven that if he wants to, he can do it! We were able to paint some homes here the same time last year and even if he's caught up with tons of endorsements, events and Eat Bulaga Kalyeseryes, Alden made it a point to make time for charity work and visit the community built by thousands of volunteers through Habitat for Humanity Philippines. He's an ambassador for the said foundation and he believes in the cause of building shelter, a community where they could go and thrive with their families.




This time though he wanted to spend a few moments with families inside the Habitat for Humanity community and see how their lives have improved. Aside from that, he wanted to be close with the kids since it's a cause very dear to him, so even with only a few hours he wanted to do an activity with them and teach them valuable lessons about life even at a young age.




Alden woke up for this early as he had to actually go to work 12PM for Eat Bulaga. He's that busy but it looks like he wasn't going to pass this opportunity off because he's done this so many times since becoming Habitat for Humanity Philippines' ambassador a few years ago. I think it's one of the reasons why he's successful now, because he's done so much good and he's just being given good karma.





I'm sure a lot of you would specifically like this photo, my friend just screamed when I posted this because of that signature dimple you all love with Alden.






Here's my promised video interview and excerpts of his visit in the Habitat for Humanity Community yesterday! Enjoy!


Alden Richards for Habitat for Humanity 2016 by kumagcow


Thank you so much to my Habitat for Humanity Philippines family and co-Online Champions for spreading the word about the organizations cause. You too can help by donating your funds, labor or time by visiting their website http://bit.ly/DonateToHabitat. Just ask how you can help!




COW

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ROYALS: Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez, Erik Santos and AngelineQuinto

Wednesday, January 27, 2016



We were at the Luxent Hotel's Ballroom to witness the press conference of ROYALS, the biggest Valentines concert this 2016. The biggest names in the industry, Martin Nievera, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto will give you a musical extravaganza (a term Erik used to describe the show) as the country's most revered balladeers and belters stage this at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. We all know how world renowned singers Filipinos are but these are the ones who set the standard if it's singing in this part of the world. You'll be in awe of how much power, charisma and presence will be put in this one day concert in Manila, or when they get the same act the next day in Cebu's Waterfront Hotel on Valentine's.

Here's some excerpts of the presscon this morning on video. Enjoy!



About relationships, we heard a little more about the pairing of Erik and Angeline. Regine and Martin didn't hold back telling them what they thought about what was happening with the two.




"The singing circle is very small and the relationships are often in the same business. It's easy to fall in love with someone in the same business because there are only a few people. I think they're just enjoying what they have now." says the songbird Ms. Regine Velasquez Alcasid.

Martin added "At the end of the day, our relationships belong to us, not the fans or detractors. It is important, I wish I had little admissions, a bit careful, it's a good thing we were friends first, our foundation was good and other artists don't have that to become in good terms after the relationship. Let's not give more pressure, they should live it without that, and they have the option to keep it to themselves. It's okay to be honest though."

"I think I'm already used to it, it's double the effort to have someone in the same industry because everyone wants to know, I prefer to keep it to ourselves but it doesn't mean we're going to not say that out loud, publicize or what not, it's a hard thing to do that. We don't have anything to admit right now and if there is, I'd be the first one to have a press conference." says Erik.

"I don't have anything to say but I'm sure when I entered his life, I already know that the other Quinto wasn't in his life anymore." quips Angeline about their relationship.


I specifically liked the part where Martin shared how he and Regine actually perform for free from some concerts of new singers and says it's a way for them to give back to the industry and help other people as a manner of paying forward. This is in the hopes of actually having them do the same when they are in the same position. I'll ask them about that in the next press conference which I think will happen quite near their concert date. Remember, February 13 at the MOA Arena, February 14 in Cebu Waterfront Hotel!




COW

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Coca Cola Philippines Launches "Taste the Feeling" Campaign

Tuesday, January 26, 2016



It's the drink we all love, continue to love, and will love in the next millennium. This is Coca Cola Philippines and together with other countries, they're launching a new campaign called "Taste the Feeling". Now I wasn't really too keen about the premise of it because it kinda sounded weird for me to actually literally take the campaign right away. They've done it quite nicely with the previous one so I was kinda optimistic too. Lo and behold, they showed us a couple of videos from Mexico, some other South American countries and in the Philippines too. I think the overall gist of what they were trying to imply with this new one is, whatever situation we go through, a breakup, a fight, something happy, something sad, at the end of the day, we survive and celebrate life.

We Filipinos are known to have one trait unbeknownst to other countries, and that is being resilient. Despite of going through large catastrophes, tons of human struggle and natural disasters, we still smile and keep that positive vibe to survive the next day. This is why Coca Cola is celebrating US too in the "Taste the Feeling" campaign, because they see in us something that is actually good just like the rest of the countries they're in right now.


Aside from the new campaign, Coca Cola Philippines also brought to the forefront their Coca Cola Ambassadors. During the event, one of the first endorsers they've ever had in the Philippines took us to the 80's. It was Gary Valenciano, and he made us remember his music during the 80's and mixed it with the modern vibe he's doing now. We were also delightfully surprised about the new Coke Ambassadors they introduced. On stage were James Reid, Bailey Ray and Ylona Garcia, Enchong Dee, Janella Salvador, Enrique Gil and the gorgeous Liza Soberano. Hosting the show was Boys Night Out's very own Sam YG. They didn't just stand there to get acknowledged, they actually had brought out a couple of cases of Coke and gave it away to the Executives, the guests, and us the media. It was something that you can actually feel, a personal touch to make us aware that THIS is how you "Taste the Feeling". We really felt special and I think that was one of the things they wanted to send as a message. 

Here are some videos we took from the event. Enjoy!



For those asking, Nadine Lustre, Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards are still part of this. You may check the video wall before the reveal that they are in the campaign. They were not available during the event because of prior commitments/projects. We understand how busy they are right?

Congratulations Coca Cola Philippines! Thanks for having us too!



COW

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The New Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Mono



We've been very busy these past few weeks but when the invite to actually see the Converse Spring/Summer collection had me going. You see, I've got a quarter of my shoe collection with their name on it and to be one of the few people to actually see this is but an honor. Manila's influencers, bloggers and celebrities were actually there too and I was super excited about the new collection. They asked us to take off our shoes and gave us the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II.

Thanks to Earth for taking candids of me while I was taking photos of her LOL. I'm wearing Chuck II Mono in Parchment White!

Now I wouldn't actually wear white on a normal day but once they gave me this pair, I changed my mind. I usually would wear black and because they got me this, I said "Hey! It actually looks good on me!" complete with a happy grin. This is part of the Chuck II Mono collection and is available in Parchment White (which I have) and the other is black. I suggest you get the white one as it gives you more flair, like canvass, you can also probably have this customized if you have artist friends who can doodle or draw. Although, I prefer it as it is.





Style wise, you still see the iconic design you see in every Chuck Taylor shoe, however, it's something inside that actually matters. I'm sure you've heard of Lunarlon right? It's that neon green colored insole cushioning which they have developed with a padded non-slip tongue and super soft micro-suede lining. If you're under the impression that Converse is a little uncomfortable in the sole, you must try it with the Lunarlon and you'll definitely change the way you look at Chucks! A pair costs Php 3,990.00.

Here's some highlights from the event on video. Enjoy!



There are more shoes and models in the pipeline, we've actually seen some of them and if you're excited, they'll come out in the first half of the year! I'm so excited for one of them but I've got to keep that a secret. I'll tell you about it when it comes out of the market!



COW

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Joyce Ching Celebrates Birthday in Orphanage

Monday, January 25, 2016



It's been a while since we've seen the beautiful Joyce Ching. She just celebrated her birthday with kids from Holy Trinity Home for Children, a shelter for kids without a home or family. They teach them catechism, good manners and send them to school. 


Joyce is currently part of the new love series Because of You which stars Gabby Concepcion and Carla Abellana. She portrays the role of Cheska Salcedo, the daughter of Jaime Salcedo played by Gabby. She's probably going to have a play in the relationship because it'll be difficult to pursue something if there are kids involved. It's fun actually, not too heavy. It's more romantic, more kilig, and it just is more conflicting because they probably love each other, but there are times when Jaime just had to leave for family matters. This is where Andrea feels so left out, as she first was left hanging in the mountains where they first got to tell each other how they feel.


Anyway, Joyce was so happy during this celebration because she got to spend time with kids. During our small interview, we asked Joyce a few questions about the show. Here's a short video:



Joyce isn't entertaining suitors as of the moment but realizes she has fixed a lot of things in her life after her previous relationship. She has matured a lot and is focusing on her studies and career. She's planning to finish her studies as she's taking up film in Mint College. She's eager to actually be behind the camera in the coming months, and perhaps make a few documentaries based on the scripts she also made. She's also happy that her fans were in the event supporting her, they personally packed everything that they gave away to the kids. She's been very blessed, and hopes she would continue to have more projects after the current series she's in.

She also told us that during the cake blowing, she wished for the kids to have successful careers, make their dreams come true. Isn't that selfless? It's one of the reasons I love her, she's down to earth, and very humble. Happy birthday dear! 



COW

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Alden and Maine Load for Talk N Text!

Saturday, January 23, 2016




If you can't have enough of AlDub, then this is good news for you!

You see, our good friends from Talk N Text just announced the availability of AM15 which is part of their offerings that can get you unlimited all net SMS (oh yes UNLITEXT!), 60 Minutes of tri net calls and 100MB of mobile data which you can use the whole day.

Talk N Text has really been good to their subscribers, they've got the most affordable promos that is perfect for the AlDub fans and the Filipino market. For Facebook, Twitter, Viber or Clash of Clans, they've  managed to squeeze that all in so it's easier for you to trend online when you need to every time they go out and do Eat Bulaga.

You can also now call anyone for 60 minutes in three networks in the country, now how's that for convenience right? Not just that, your phone is your best friend and there's no reason to get bored anymore because it only costs Php 15.00. That's super affordable, and choosing this AM15 offer would only get you the best access to your favorite apps, see social media when you need it all for that price. If you love AlDub, this is perfect for you!

All you need to do is Text AM15 to 4545 if you're on Talk N Text. If you don't have their sim card yet, now is the time to actually do that!


COW

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Are You A World Class DOTA Player? Prove it!



If you're a full blood DOTA 2 player who trash talks everyone else while playing the game inside the confines of your home or the Computer shop, then there's a place where you can put your trash talk where your mouth is. You see, ESL One is coming to the country and they've partnered with the best people in the industry like SMART, PLDT Home Fibr, TV5 and GAMEX to bring you a one of a kind chance to win $250,000 cold cash. Isn't that amazing?

If you're from Mindanao and nearby provinces, come to the IMBA CDO Mindanao qualifier on January 24, 2016. Winners on this leg will have the chance to go to Manila for the finals on April 23-24 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. You'll be on a world stage after that as the winner would probably represent the country because it is handled by ESL One. This is being done for the first time in Southeast Asia and is dubbed as the first Premium DOTA 2 tournament in the region. Now is the time to prove it if you're the greatest player in the land! Check out Smart's page here for more information.


COW

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Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar at SM The Block




There's a new restaurant that opened at the Ground Floor of The Block in SM North Edsa. They've made it like a new strip of some sort that would probably cater to the more growing crowd in the area. Management probably had a hand choosing tenants as they've put up some pretty new brands instead of just the veterans they had inside their other malls. That's a step in a new direction. If you've heard of the Relish Group, (the ones who also owns Wee Nam Kee, Osaka Osho and Kumori Japanese Bakery) this is an original restaurant concept they call Rock & Seoul Bibimbap Bar.



The premise is easy. You choose the meat, the veggies that come with it, then the sauce. If you prefer the "easier" way, they've got specially prepared Bibimbap varieties that you would love. Thing is, they're not serving the usual too. It's more of like fusion, like east meets west. Still, it would be in Bibimbap form.



You've got the usual Banchan, with Kimchi, Chicken Salad, Korean Soy Fried Chicken, Cold Pickle/Noodle Salad too. This would be a thing that would go nice with your Bibimbap so instead of eating it all up, I suggest you leave some for later use.

 
They serve everything in a hot plate so they have paper shields reminiscent of other restaurants you may know who have them. As with any Bibimbaps, they have rice in the center, the whole enchalada on the sides, then the special sauce on the table which you can put in generously over your Bibimbap.


I thought this was Bulgogi but no, this is actually Bistek Bibimbap which is part of their Signature Baps. If you don't prefer to build a Bibimbap of your own, you can order these on the menu. They don't hold back on garlic as you can see, so this should be good.


This is my favorite, the Mexican Taco. It's got all the essentials in a usual taco plus corn and carrots on the side. Make sure you put in a generous amount of sauce on the rice while it's hot because this is good, really good that I am saying this is my favorite of all the things they have in the store.


This is what they call American Breakfast. You have the Potato hash, Bacon, Hamburger patty, Egg, Cucumber and Carrots. This should be ordered by people who would want to have something more filling, as it's carbs and protein mainly.


This is the Original Bibimbap. They've got the usual stuff, veggies, got Spinach which I love! 


This is the Korean Fried Chicken Bibimbap. It's got those yummy breaded chicken breast pieces, fried until golden brown, mixed with the usual veggies. You've got the house sauce on the table so make sure you put it on generously, you're basically dousing it so it won't be too hot (since it is on a sizzling plate) and also making it a tad sweeter for doing that. I like this too but if I were to choose between this and the Mexican Taco, I'd go with that.



I've had lots of Bibimbap in different restaurants, some are better than these but if you think about the price, this is way affordable. You can also customize which in my books is something that other restaurants don't offer. You get affordable but quality food, that is something you should really take note of. Go visit them at the ground floor of SM The Block right in front of the SM Hypermarket. They are on the left side, you shouldn't miss it. 3.5/5.




COW

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