Come Out For Love: The 2014 Metro Manila Pride March

We all have LGBT friends. Yesterday when I was in an event, I heard from a man seating in front of me reading aloud a text message he received anonymously, apparently containing some really ridiculous notions about the PINK Film Festival Trinoma, Quezon City and how it will turn the place into Sodom and Gomorrah if they don't stop it from showing films that contain things discussing LGBT on it. They've been fighting for years now, even straight people are supporting them, because ultimately they are seeing them as people, without prejudice to what color, shape or form they are. 

Unfortunately, there are still ignorant ones who ridiculously think spreading hate is the solution. We all want to fight for equality in the workplace, at home, and community - and that goes the same with the LGBT sector, they don't want special treatment, they just want what you and I are getting. Yesterday, whilst some government officials were undergoing HIV tests - it kind of struck a cord on me to think how many people are still getting that stigma, either from what they learn from backward thinking folks, or merely not understanding the whole problem at hand. There are a lot of things that contributed to HIV but most of it is because of unprotected thingy. 

Tonight, while I was going home from watching Chicago, I met a friend while heading to my place. He's part of the LGBT community and is part of the organizers of this year's pride march. Their theme this year is "Come Out For Love: The 2014 Metro Manila Pride March" and they're in need of support from everyone, LGBT or not, crooked or straight, to head onto Malate in Manila at 2PM. Please register at their event page here and invite yourself, your peers to support the cause. Their build up will start at 2PM and the march will start at 4PM today December 6 (TYPHOON OR NOT, RAIN OR SHINE, THEY HAVE A RAINBOW). All they need is your presence and support. A worthy cause I might add. Think of your friends, all those who have been part of the LGBT community and have done a great deal of good for you. This might be a nice way to give back. 

For more details please check their Pride March 2014 details here.

For more information about their event:

Metro Manila Pride

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http://metromanilapride.com/

Philippines Hosts Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy

Hey sports fans! It looks like an awesome day for Philippine skating as our country hosts the first Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy. Eight countries like Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines will have their representatives pit against each other at the new Ice Skating Rink built at the 5th floor of SM Megamall's Fashion Hall. It was my first time to watch this live but I do see this in Olympic games when mostly European or American countries play it. The sport must have gained ground already and we're already got one Fil-Am girl joining in the name of Kathryn Victory Magno. She's done quite well today where she did her runs. She placed third in the Senior Ladies Division. These speed skating events are usually done in Japan and South Korea so the Asian Skating Union President Myong Hi-Chang was extremely happy to have it here.

The event officials also said they were impressed with the facilities in SM and hopefully we can have more Filipinos represent the country in the next Winter Olympics. This event will end tomorrow so if you want to see them during the games, go visit the 5th Floor of SM Megamall's Fashion Hall.

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Dennis Trillo, LJ Reyes and Director Mike Tuviera for The Janitor

Director Mike Tuviera (center), Dennis Trillo and LJ Reyes for The Janitor

It's now out on theaters and this might be a little late already to post but here's a rundown of what happened during the blog conference of The Janitor. This is the same film that was shown in Cinemalaya's Director's showcase which stars hunky Dennis Trillo, LJ Reyes and a couple more people from ABSCBN and different networks. It's not usual that you see them in Star Cinema but since the film outfit is the one releasing it in cinemas, we got the chance to talk to them last week. I missed this during that festival so it's a good thing they're releasing it on regular theaters. It's more of a thriller, the plot is also rich with conflicts betweem Dennis and the other characters like Richard Gomez, Derek Ramsey and how the love of LJ Reyes makes it all worthwhile. LJ by the way was also lauded because it made them a bit more human according to foreign critics who watched the film. They also got to be invited in international festivals but they're still finalizing everything so watch out for that.

Dennis said he didn't have any hesitations accepting this film. He says he knows how the indie film industry works and it was more fulfilling for him because he's being praised doing his craft. He's been longing for projects like this and this was some sort of a jackpot for him seeing the roster of artists involved in it. Director Mike says he's flattered that the people have said it looks mainstream but he says he used the same equipment as those used in Hari ng Tondo because they helped each other doing that. LJ wanted to work with Dennis as a leading lady because she has worked with him in the past in supporting roles too. LJ was the perfect pick of Direk Mike, and so was the other characters... like a dream cast. They thought they would not be able to get them but suddenly, they all became available so that was a great thing. Two days before shooting, those impossible ones on Direk's list suddenly all came together, and they haven't even talked about payment yet.

Rocco Nacino Stars In "Ibong Adarna The Pinoy Adventurer"

We watched the movie of Filipino legendary story "Ibong Adarna" top billed by the good looking hunky GMA lead actor Rocco Nacino. He is also joined by a stellar cast including Angel Aquino, Joel Torre, Leo Martinez, Ronnie Lazaro, Benjie Paras and Directed by Jun Urbano aka Mr. Shooli. 

The story revolves around a Datu's son who just wanted to heal his father's illness brought about by a curse sent by a local witch. He needs to go to a far flung place in order to capture a sacred bird whose voice would be the only cure and to keep him alive. 

Rocco in the story didn't pass off too much as a warrior hero like what we're used to see in previous adaptations and we saw a more sensitive, courageous son who was only fighting for his Father's life. I initially thought it was going to be a little corny because of the trailer but when I watched it, the actors were really good especially Benjie Paras and Leo Martinez. You'll also be touched on some of the scenes with Angel Aquino and Rocco and feel like you have to go back home after the movie and hug your Mom afterwards. 

It's truly going to be a hit with the kids because I saw a lot of them appreciating it during the premier night. They even clapped when the scenes were great which is a sign that they understood it's message. If you have kids at home, I highly suggest you bring them there. The film shows on a few selected theaters like Gaisano Mall Davao, Robinsons Movieworld Galleria, Iloilo and Metroeast, SM City Fairview, Manila, Marikina, North Edsa, Olongapo and Pampanga. SM City Rosales, Sta. Mesa, Megamall, Star Mall Alabang, Edsa Shaw and San Jose Del Monte Cinemas. Check out the local mall screenings so you guys can give your kids a treat this weekend!

Congratulations Rocco and the rest of the cast! I hope you get to show this movie later on as part of the Elementary Education curriculum in public schools where they need inspiration. It'll surely benefit them!

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Ultimate Taste Test 2014 with San Miguel Lifestyle Brews

San Miguel Super Dry, Cerveza Negra and San Miguel Premium All Malt Beer

I've been able to cover the first and second Ultimate Taste Test and was kinda sad I didn't get to do the third one. The stars and the planets aligned this last weekend and got us to attend the greatest foodie event in Metro Manila, Rockwell's 4th Ultimate Taste Test 2014. It's where 50 of Manila's greatest home based food businesses and Power Plant's Restaurants converge. Participants become true blue food reviewers for a day to see who fares the best in this year's Ultimate Taste Test 2014. The hits will also be gladly paired with their favorite San Miguel Lifestyle Brews which I saw all over the venue that afternoon which includes even the desserts which I'll let you see in a bit. Let's start the ball rolling shall we?

Fisher Farms Gourmet Baked Rellenong Bangus

I liked the part where it's baked so it's not as oily as your regular Rellenong Bangus. The taste, it was good but it leaned more into the sour side which might be caused by uneven distribution of the ingredient on the slice that I got or, it might be just the way it is. I give credit to the thought of baking this thing rather than deep frying because it presents a more healthier alternative to an already healthy fish. We'll score this 3/5. 

Belly Bob's Boneless Lechon Belly de Cebu paired with San Miguel Super Dry Beer

Belly Bob's Boneless Lechon Belly

Seeing the rolls of Boneless Lechon Belly on the display counter just made my mouth water. I thought it was going to be a hit already because it is after all lechon. The spice was good, the taste of the meat was good, but when I did take a bite on it I felt it wasn't "all that" good. It was a little upset because I had high hopes for it judging from the way it looked. It was good that this is the Ultimate Taste Test so I was with other foodies on the venue and when I asked about it, they had nothing but good things to say about the lechon belly. I got worried, so I went back to the Belly Bob's station and tried to taste it again. That's when I found out that I was tasting something off because the thing they served me the first time was cold. The hot one I got tasted differently and was a whole lot better. The air conditioning in the venue might have been the culprit. This thing should have a warning sign on it that it's best when eaten hot otherwise, they'll have a problem on the ratings later on. I'm giving this 4/5 on the premise that it's hot, when it's cold it would be like a 2. The beer made my life better as it's my favorite beer in the world. San Miguel Super Dry was perfect with the savory lechon, even more if it's ice cold!

UniSilverTime Campus Ambassadors of the Philippines 2014!

This lone microphone on center stage will ultimately make or break a person's life once that UnisilverTime finds their winner in the search for Campus Ambassador of the Philippines 2014. This search is for students currently enrolled this  2014-2015 school year, male and female 14 to 25 years old. Almost a hundred hopefuls tried out and only a handful got qualified. The grand finals held at SM Manila a few days ago left 20 contestants to vie for the title. Winning this would make them a part of the family of new endorsers for UnisilverTime along with celebrity Timebassadors from ABSCBN, GMA and TV5. 

We went backstage to take a look at some of the contestants. They did not disappoint with the costumes afaik!

UnisilverTime Executives including VP Willam Ong Co were in front to see the event. I'm sure they've had a hand in choosing some of the finalists in the preliminaries. They need to embody UnisilverTime's brand to become stylish, professional, efficient, precise but stay affordable to the masses. These guys and gals come from really good schools in Manila and nearby provinces. A couple or more of them come from Adamson University. I also saw the crowd rooting for them since the school is pretty close.

Judges were from TV5, UnisilverTime Executives, including this guy from Juan Direction, Martin Escudero (which I'm so glad he remembered me!) and actress Ritz Azul.

Nippon Paint Young Designer Award 2014

Ms. Gladys Goh, Group General Manager of Nippon Paint based in Malaysia

There are several brands in the construction industry that have made a name in the Philippines but we haven't had the pleasure of seeing this one in our counters. Nippon Paint, one of the largest manufacturers of paints in Asia (established since 1881) just landed in the Philippines 6 months ago and they are aggressively educating paint users in the country to switch to their brand of led free, environmentally sound paint variants, with a multitude of colors to bring forth an even better, ecologically responsible community every time they use Nippon Paint on their walls. They are also launching colors in the Philippines, something that the competitors don't really have making that the distinct thing that would set them apart when offering their products in the market. 

In order to get their point, environmental, social goals across a larger populace in the region, they're launching the Nippon Paint Young Designer Award 2014 and including the Philippines in the roster. With around 10 countries vying for the country representative post and the winner in the region, they're preparing a once in a lifetime opportunity for talented individuals and tons of prizes for them, the school and knowledge transfers as well.

Together with the Ministry Energy Green Technology and Water of Malaysia, Malaysia Green Building Confederation, Malaysian Green Building Index Association, Malaysia Institute of Interior Designers, Real Estate Housing and Developer Association of Malaysia, Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia, Design Business Chamber of Singapore, Department of City Planning Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage, Thailand Interior Designers Association, Indonesian Society of Interior Designers, Indonesian Institute for Architects of Jakarta, more importantly the associations in the Philippines namely Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE), United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Council of Deans and Heads in Architecture Schools in the Philippines, they will be holding the NYPDA by enjoining students 3year and up to join the competition and they're confident that the associations would be able to source them with the abundance of talents in the Philippines says Ms. Gladys Goh, the Group General Manager of Nippon Paint based in Malaysia. 

This will be a successful competition in the Philippines. They are also thanking LBC because they will get all the entries sent through LBC Express Centers throughout the country. They know that the students are the future builders of the nation and they want them to showcase their talents, and this competition will be able to show them to big corporations. They will also be giving them workshops with various partners so they get exposed to the latest technologies. This is about the Philippines being represented, and getting our representative to be in Osaka, Japan together with other Gold Winners from other countries for networking, education and talks so they would be able to take this experience and knowledge back to their home countries. Last year, they had 2003 entries and they hope to grow the number because of the sheer number of talent here. The theme for this year is "Re-Think, Re-Create. Our Community, Our Home" bringing in importance to their work that will ultimately benefit the community. Developers are also going to be part of this and they will be looking at the work of students as they go along the competition slated to be done before the end of this year.

Architect Maria Benita Ochoa Regala of United Architects of the Philippines

 Architect Maria Benita Ochoa Regala of United Architects of the Philippines thanks Nippon Paint for allowing them to be a partner. The UAP will enjoin them to support home grown talents making them architects that have the ingenuity, integrity and excellence needed to become successful in this competition. They also laud Nippon Paint for hosting this design competition and making the students ready for world class work. "It's the first step to embody their passion and knowledge to gauge if their work would be at par with the Philippines neighbors and other countries. Thankfully, the corporation made this platform to make the students be in this direction. Ideas and innovation will surely come out of this competition." adds Architect Regala.

Architect and Interior Designer Rogelio Caringal of UAP and PIID

 Architect and Interior Designer Rogelio Caringal of UAP and PIID sends his heartfelt thanks to Nippon Paint who brought this to the country. Future Interior Designers and Architects will be part of this recognition program and make their passions, skills in making living spaces valuable in enriching peoples lives. This will shape the country's brighter future. In their own theme (PIID on their 50th year) "Celebrating the Past and Designing for the Future", it aims to nurture the students hunger for design and being part of this competition will make them ready for the real world, a thing that schools would also easily prepare them with. 

The categories they can join for this competition falls in 1. Interior Design and 2. Architecture. They can only accept one entry per student. Deadline for entries will be October 31st that is to be mailed in any LBC Express outlet or they can send it directly to Oncue Media Inc. Unit 5-A 5th Floor, Suntree Tower #27 Sapphire Road, Ortigas Center Pasig City. The grand prize aka Gold Award can get you 6 months internship opportunity with LOR CALMA & Partners plus 50,000 pesos in cash plus a trip to Japan for a once in a lifetime learning programme. Special awards for Best Colour Choice, Best Green Innovation will be given away. For more information and full mechanics, please check out the channels below.

For more information about the competition:

Nippon Paint PH

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http://www.youngdesigneraward.ph

Pinoy Music Festival 2014

This looks really good, really really good. There's news that the first Pinoy Music Festival will happen in Makati but we just confirmed today that it will happen from 8pm - 12am at the Ayala Triangle Gardens on September 5, 2014. This will only happen in one day, best of all, it's free. Artists, Composers, Musicians and the talented Youth will joint forces to showcase the best of the best in original Filipino music.   

Johnson and Johnson, makers of Bactidol will be one of the sponsors, and they signed the memorandum of agreement this afternoon. Ms. Tina represented them and says "Together, we will strive to commit in helping more and patronize music, artists, composers and musicians in the country." Nonoy Tan also adds in the statement, "In behalf of Filipino Composers, we fully support this cause!". Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society shares that "The importance of OPM in the Philippines is slowly being realized. To be international, one must be in a local setting; and in the context of Filipino. We should focus in being crazy about our music and the world will automatically notice us." Jong Cuenco, representing musicians says "We hope not only singers, artists help this cause but also musicians. This will benefit us all and the music industry."Alvin De Vera of PARI, says he wants to "Enjoin labels and those who love Filipino music continue to purchase only legal copies and adds they will also support this event and possibly the future ones as well".Tippy Dos Santos and Abra who represents the young recording artists sternly supports the Pinoy Music Festival and the other causes the OPM is pushing, they want to assure that they'll all be at their back supporting new projects and upcoming artists as well.

We talked to Noel Cabangon, one of the Philippine's most celebrated folk singer and composer and asked about the matters they're raising to the government and found quite sound statements. He's humbled that President PNOY mentioned him and Ogie as his favorite singers in the last SONA and he hopes that it somehow would be able to at least get them heads way in pushing for an executive order to officially make a "Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino" (Filipino Music Week) next year, either July or September because that's where we got less festivals. It's what they're asking the government to support - to further their cause and make it one of the biggest, perhaps even make it a tourist attraction or something that the international community would notice when it comes. We have the hardware he says, as Filipinos have some of the greatest singers in the world. This might take long but he's hopeful that the President would at least take a look at this cause. PAGCOR is already supporting them but they've been talking to the agencies so they can get that approved. They are ready to submit it and the office of the President is keen on seeing it, they are hopeful that it'll happen real soon. It's going to be very big and will be "National" in scale and they want all major cities to simultaneously celebrate it. One in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao... then Manila to culminate it. They are also hoping it to be something that other countries could also see as something unique in the Philippines, they're hoping to start it in Metro Manila first... perhaps the cities would be able to do it in their turfs. Other than that, they are planning to make this ready for integration on 2016 for ASEAN and see exchanges in other countries more rich, since we have it all. 

Ms. Mitch Valdez was there to support his compatriot Mr. Noel Cabangon and his project with PhilisCaP, an organization for composers and OPM. Board members are supporting this as well, together with PARI and industry movers as well. As for the government, Ms. Mitch Valdez says it's very difficult to expect help from the government and its agencies. They better do it on their own, especially now that they have financial issues hitting the country. Organizations like them used to exist with government grants, but not today. They need funding, and the only venues they go to are from fund raising events. She adds there is little empathy about the causes of this industry who don't even think that there are people behind one artist or one song that won't be able to live alone on royalties. They are hoping for the public to take action, to patronize the arts and maybe in the future to see what the culture in the sense would get their identity in original Filipino music. There's no middle ground now, they are trying to support families and that's one of the reasons why everybody else is going out of the country. The ones who remain are trying to do something about it, like Ogie and Noel. They would be only to measure success in events like these because there's going to be free music and she hopes the message comes across when they listen to it.   

Abra and the youth representatives also showed their talents during the press conference and they hope that there will be an even brighter future for the industry. They showed that right in front of the industry greats and people like Noel Cabangon, Jim Paredes and other leaders; they heard pretty good music. Abra is simply one of the best.

For those who would want to join them on September 5th, be at the Ayala Triangle Gardens at 8PM and see how original Filipino music can make you once more an even greater believer than you once were. Bring your friends, your family and everyone else because of course, it's all free!

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Bactidol

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Converse Fall Collection 2014

I always thought I was lucky... but even better when I saw this showroom at the Converse Philippines headquarters in Ortigas. If you follow @kumagcow on Instagram and on Twitter, you probably have and idea how much of a shoe-holic I am. This week alone, I bought five pairs of shoes and one of them is this brand that Pinoys around the world absolutely love! The term "Streetwear" wouldn't be really complete if this didn't come out of the market, I'm talking about Converse. They just released their Fall 2014 collection and this preview didn't come more appropriate at an opportune moment when I wanted shoes again. To make it really fun, I made a full run around the place showing ALL the shoes to be released this season... are you ready?

Converse Fall Collection 2014

To note, we loved the All Star collection especially the classic ones. It can still be worn any year as it would provide timeless footwear fashion. I also love the modern tribal prints and the triple zipper shoes which is for the femmes. Aside from that, the one with heels would probably go for sporty ladies who still want chucks on their feet. It's also continued on other merchandises so if you go with shirts, caps, bags, Converse has them there too!

Mr. Dingdong Dantes... This Hurts!

That moment when Mrs. Real couldn't take it anymore and confirms that Mr. Real had another Mrs. Real. Slowly.. it happened!

P.S.

Mr. Dingdong Dantes, please get your face checked after that scene. Argh!I am super sure that thing would just hurt your face! Ouch!

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Richard Gutierrez and Lauren Young for Overtime: The Premier

Stars of Overtime Richard Gutierrez and Lauren Young

I haven't been to a Filipino movie since a few months ago when I was actually forced to watch that corny comedy film (that will remain unnamed), I felt it was a product of run of the mill hype and I didn't like it. I felt like I lost hope in the film industry. A few days ago, we were invited to attend the premier of Overtime, a film directed by Wincy Ong and Earl Ignacio under GMA Films. I didn't expect much because of the previous one I watched, I just don't like films that are not well thought out. This however surprised me (genre wise) and the rest of the people who watched it that evening, I'll tell you why.

Other stars such as the gorgeous Thea Tolentino, good looking and tall Juancho Trivino, crooner Mikoy Morales and the stunning Ms. World and sister to the lead star of this film Megan Young was also there showing their support.

Without spilling any beans on the story, Overtime is about a hacker terrorizing a lady at work. He doesn't believe in their cause, nor does he think they are doing the right thing. The beginning of the story delves around establishing their relationship first. The exhilarating and suspense filled sequences followed (when he wanted to do something about where Jody works) then a dollop of comedy antics hit every turn (a must see is Bearwin Meaily and Mitch Valdez). We thought we were watching a different movie because it wasn't a full suspense film anymore but more of a dark comedy. I haven't seen anything made that way in Philippine cinemas so that alone is a good thing. Other than that, Richard would be totally different that even if you are a fan... you'll hate and curse at him a bit. That's how good he is. Lauren too did so good, she also registers so gorgeous on screen. It's like an indie film to tell you honestly because they did experiment quite a bit. The plot could have had minor adjustments to make it real but I think it worked out pretty well for their purpose. The story is fast paced and we did attentively listen to it. It's not boring. You'll be at the edge of your seats on some instances and turn blue on some very deadly but funny scenes. You have to find out what I'm talking about by watching it this July 2nd on cinemas nationwide!

How can you not fall in love with a face like this. Proud Mom to Zion, Ms. Sarah Lahbati was there to fully support her husband Richard Gutierrez.

Raymond Gutierrez

Ms. Annabelle Rama and Eddie Gutierrez

Richard plays Dom and Lauren is Jody. Lovers at first turned hostage, good samaritan turned kidnapper. 

Please don't hesitate to watch the movie "Overtime" this July 2 on cinemas nationwide! This is under GMA Films. A thing that might make you hate Richard Gutierrez... but it's gonna be all worth it!

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