An Extraordinary Workshop for GMA Artists with Howie Severino

When an artist undergoes workshops, it usually means they'll be learning more about singing, dancing, interacting with other actors and acting. A few days ago, an unconventional one happened virtually with no less than the award winning journalist and broadcaster Howie Severino.

Mr. Severino held a masterclass about Baybayin which is an acient writing system. He's very passionate about teaching this to others as people reading and writing it remains scarce. He says "I'm very happy that I get to meet all of you, not just because you are artists, but you are also culture bearers. You carry our identities as Filipinos, it's a good thing you're learning how to do Baybayin. You get to be looked up to by generations that kept the writing form alive. It's a huge undertaking but we have to start somewhere, now that includes you!"

This is part of GMA Artist Center's efforts called "Ang Breakout Room: Masterclass Series" which they'll be doing on a regular basis for home grown artists and celebrities. Artists who were included in the roster included First Lady Sanya Lopez, the beloved Farrah in Legal Wives Bianca Umali, Kyline Alcantara who probably is being swooned by Mavy Legaspi, Lexi Gonzales who just released a single, Radson Flores and Matt Lozano who's excited for Voltes V Legacy, artists Claire Castro, Royce Cabrera, Zonia Mejia, Jamir Zabarte, Joaquin Manansala, Jen Maravilla, Jr Royol, Migs Villasis, Hannah Arguelles, Bryce Eusebio, Gab Yabut, Elias Point, Allen Ansay, Lia Salvador, Dentrix Ponce, Dave Duque, Kirsten Gonzales, Kimson Tan, Lime Aranya, Levince Sotto and Rain Matienzo all learned the ropes in how to read and write with Baybayin just on that day.

Howie also shared how this would impact their families, their community and the next generation. I wonder what GMA Artist Center has under their sleeves after this one. It sounds so exciting!

World Class Marikina Made Shoes Now Available at MarikinaShoes.theshop.ph

TheShop.ph team showing the ropes on how to navigate at the new MarikinaShoes.theshop.ph website.

We've marveled at the craftsmanship of the people of Marikina. As a shoeholic, I've seen countless foot wear made by local craftsmen in the city and yes, they're probably some of the best in the world. The generations of families that are all based here perhaps made Marikina the shoe capital of the Philippines and with fervor, they're going to be dipping their hands into something new. Specifically, it's e-commerce and what countless possibilities it could provide to not just business owners, but to craftsmen and their families. They're going to improve lives and communities, how you say? It's with the help of LBC Express Inc.’s TheShop.ph.

Mayor Del De Guzman and the LBC The Shop's Team

Mayor Del De Guzman and Marikina based MASIDO Shoe Manufacturers

LBC Express Inc.’s TheShop.ph partnered with MASIDO or Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office and the local government of Marikina City to launch the newest online shop MarikinaShoes.theshop.ph. Now, you'll be able to see 8 real deal Marikina based manufacturers here and it's all because they want the local shoe industry to flourish in the next few years. Getting the word out and maintain it in cyberspace would get exposure to a larger audience, an international one, isn't that a great idea?

MASIDO Technical Consultant Noel Box, Marikina City Councilor and Marikina Shoe Industry Development (MASID) Council Vice Chairman Mario de Leon and Marikina City Mayor and MASID Council Chairman Del de Guzman.

Mayor Del Deguzman and Marikina City Councilor Mario de Leon says "We are thankful for this collaboration with TheShop.ph by LBC. Through them, not only we will be reintroduced internationally, but this will also help our industry. We will be with you every step of the way in moving your products forward. We are not just going to deliver shoes, but also smiles to your customers doorsteps." He also assures their partner manufacturers that they will be with them in this journey, that's something really reassuring.

Looks like these international quality shoes are now heading their way to Asian homes, soon the world. I've seen several to my liking which includes the ones made of genuine buffalo and cow leather, the classic Spanish era looking ones and some boots. This will probably grow in the coming months and years, plus with the world class facilities that LBC has to deliver these all in your homes, there's great promise that you're not only going to get great shoes but help Marikina go out there and be the shoe capital of the world!

Congratulations to all the manufacturer partners of http://marikinashoes.theshop.ph! I can't wait to see those shoes on my doorstep soon!

For more information about their products:

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Come to Sofitel Wine Days: Life is Magnifique!

I've been able to sit down and enjoy wine a few days ago at Sofitel Manila. It's a 5 star hotel and going here has always been a magnifique time for me, my friends and family. Sofitel's buffet destination Spiral has been the unprecedented number 1 dining destination and has been proven in various review sites internationally. Today, I'm sharing with you some scenes of the "Private Wine and Cheese Pairing" class I participated in last week. It involved a lot of introduction to wine, champagne, and what food or cheese products were needed to be paired with it. It started with the ceremonial champagne bottle opening using a saber, much like Napoleon would be doing it in his time. Check this video out!

Sofitel around the world is celebrating "Sofitel Wine Days" to pay homage to the harvest season. People from the wine regions in France are now taking time to celebrate their good year and with that happening, people in the Philippines should never be far behind. It's also Sofitel's 50th Anniversary so if that isn't enough reason to celebrate, I don't know what will.

Spiral was dreamy as usual and I sat down on one of their private rooms to wait for the others to come. I tried some of their D Light drinks through test tube sample servings, I loved the Berry mix and the peach flavored one.

This was the part where we started off getting a saber and the champagne bottles opened. Pretty neat right? Nikita Conwi of RX93.1 had fun doing this. Did you know Champagne only comes from the town in France? If it's not from France, it's just what they call Sparkling Wine :) This fact is part of the things I learned that evening.

To pair off with the really great wines like Jaboulet Aine, Castillero del Diablo (part of the many new world and old world wines) you should have this freshly seared Foie Gras in every dinner experience in Spiral.

The favorite that evening was the Woodbridge. The rosy wines are quite sweet and fresh, a favorite in the summer. Since we have summer all year long in the Philippines, we can have this all the time! Now that's good news. This is also their best seller, apart from the regular ones they have on the menu. Another discovery is the local Dragon Fruit wine which is very nice, it's on the menu so I suggest you try that out too.

Spiral's Cheese Room has never been equaled because of the variety that they have inside. They have Wine and Cheese pairing sessions so if you dig that instead of just wine, you can have that class instead. They have regional wine evenings that would give you in depth understanding of your favorite wine varieties and see how it came to be in the places they are from. They have a "From Grapes to Wine Expo" happening from October 26-31, 2014 with degustation from 5:30PM to 6PM. You can get 25% off on Hugel & Fils wines if you dine in Sofitel's Spiral and La Veranda. The "Private Wine and Cheese Class" happens at the Spiral L'epicerie (Cheese Room) from October 27-31, 2014 at 4:30PM to 5:30PM. They'll whisk you off to a journey in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Rhone Valley, Languedoc-Rousillon on those days and only costs Php 1500.00 per person. 

You can also opt for the Spiral Wine Cellar experience all October as Sofitel's sommeliers pick monthly and yearly packages tailored to your taste and budget. There's also "Jazz and Wine: An Austrian and French Affair on the 29th of October at 7PM. They'll be flying in Austria's Michaela Rabitsch and Robert Pawlik. I think the Austrian ambassador will be there as well so if you're up to a day of culture, this would be perfect. You'll see a concert, drink wine, Cheese and canapes prepared especially for the occasion. On the 30th, Le Bar will be hosting the Wine and Cheese Buffet with experts coming from different regions. They will also have a Burgundy Wine Dinner on the 31st, at 7PM featuring a 5 course French terroir dinner made by artisans in Sofitel Manila. They will be featuring wines from Champagne Henriot, Chablis Willam Fevre and Burgundy Bouchard Pere et Fils. It's time you treat yourself, your friends and family to something special. Make that Sofitel Manila moment by calling 8326988 or email h6308-fb12@sofitel.com because Life is Magnifique!

For more information about their restaurants:

Spiral Manila

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