Top Holiday Destinations: Tagaytay Highlands

Christmas in the Philippines start at "BER" months, which means months that end with BER (September to December). It is dubbed as the longest Christmas celebration in the world and we do often take this time to be with friends, family, and loved ones. Destinations such as Tagaytay Highlands are often on top of the list because of the cool climate, serene and beautiful landscape where guests, residents would enjoy the countryside without going too far from the metropolis via a short ride away down south.

It has changed a lot over the years as new exclusive residential homes and units have been put up as vantage points to Taal Volcano and lake area, and Laguna-Mount Makiling side, you'll end up crazy trying to look at the nice views from one side and the other. They also have recently put up Christmas decors, lights, ornaments as the holidays come closer, making this a very inviting place to be in especially this December. Tagaytay Highlands will also be holding a Christmas Party for the young ones come December 17. It will be held at the Sports Center Hall so make sure you get them all dressed for the occasion.

Aside from that, there will be a Christmas Bazaar on the Highlands Golf Parking area from December 27 to 31 to make sure those aguinaldos and shopping money be spent without leaving the sweet enclave. The Sports Center Hall will also get converted for the New Years Eve countdown on the 31st, so schedule appropriately during the holidays.

For those who prefer a more holy retreat, Chapel events will happen from November 27th til the end of the year, so make sure you check schedules appropriately on site or their social channels. You can also take the trip there for the annual "Simbang Gabi" which starts from December 15th to the 23rd. The holiday mass will also be celebrated on Christmas eve and the day itself, plus on New Year's day. It's certainly a dreamy place to be in during Christmas time so if you're in the mood for a move, consider Tagaytay Highlands to be on your list if you would like a change of pace and destination during the holidays. The award winning developer Highlands Prime Inc. is a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings. It's safe and made of dreams, so if you're interested go check out Tagaytay Highlands on FB, IG and their site tagaytayhighlands.com today!

The People of TOP CLASS: The Rise to P-POP Stardom!

Looks like June is going to be an exciting month as the show entitled "Top Class: The Rise to P-POP Stardom" starts airing on KUMU and TV5. Miss Universe Catriona Gray will be hosting the show together with Albie Casino and Yukii Takahashi who will be doing co-hosting duties and the online segment of the show.

Contestants were picked from thousands who auditioned for the show and to choose the right one for the job, they've got world class mentors KZ Tandingan, Shanti Dope and Brian Puspos who will be doing training for Singing, Rap and Dance in this promising reality show.

Only 30 talented male trainees will become finalists and Filipinos will be in the front seat to see who among these aspirants deserve the top spot as they battle it out to become P-POP's best offering to the world stage.

You may follow them on TOP CLASS' official social channels like Facebook, IG, Twitter, TikTok and KUMU. They will be holding classes at NU Laguna, and it'll be epic when they announce the names of those who qualified for the epic show. This is produced by Kumu, TV5, Cignal Entertainment and Cornerstone Entertainment so you can only expect the best to happen on Philippine TV.

Who will be the next P-POP rising star? Ooh I can't wait to see who wins!

Meet TOP CLASS Dance Mentor BRIAN PUSPOS

Looks like you're going to be treated to a dance off unlike no other as Catriona Gray hosts the search for the next P-POP Icon called TOP CLASS.

This afternoon, we got to talk to Brian Puspos, the dance mentor for the competition. He's a Houston based guy, part of SoReal Cru and Mos Wanted Crew who landed runner up and third in America's Best Dance Crew on its Second and Seventh season. He's a deadly choreographer and worked with the likes of Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and several K-POP acts (oh you know who they are) just to name a few.

Brian says "It means the world to me, being a Filipino American, we've been in the forefront of dance and this program will get Filipinos to reach their dreams. This is what it means for me. Having the discipline to work very very hard, it's what I'm looking for. Working with the KPOP stars, I've seen how hard they work, how much they put into their craft, but Filipinos have a knack to go beyond that. It's special because this is brand new, I'm excited. It's amazing I've seen very talented PPOP groups, I would love to work with my people and hopefully get to see them in the Philippines soon. I'm really grateful for this opportunity. It's given me confidence to work with Chris Brown who saw and reached out a couple times and it was really cool to be commended by megastars commending our work. BTS stood out because I also saw how hard they work, in everything they do, the work ethic is something that I really respect, which I hope to expect with the contestants of Top Class too. Filipinos are some of the best dancers in the world, I hope they continue to learn and grow. For me, I also have much more to learn and I look forward to do that in the dance community in the country. I'll be there in June, I always go there like once a year so I'm pretty familiar with the place. I think I've learned a lot in Texas, the time is now to take the leap and I'm pursuing this. Pour out your heart on stage, think of it as the last thing you'll do every time you do that. If you have insecurities, pick yourself up, get it out of your head, as dance will make you confident."

He adds "My parents were ballroom dancers who compete, I kinda absorbed that trait when I was a kid. I guess I was inspired by them. I've been preparing for this role my whole dance life, I fell that I am ready and credible to be mentoring Top Class, I'm ready to work. Any superstar or celebrity I worked with. Being in a couple reality shows, I've seen how mentors became really good behind the camera. I'm going to be an educator, to make everyone be better. That's what I'm here for."

By the way, today is the last day to submit your audition videos, if you haven't yet please do because this is a big opportunity especially for dance fanatics, if you are part of crews who have been in the Philippine contest scene for a long time.

This show is brought to you by KUMU, CS Entertainment, TV5 and Cignal.

REALME Tops Philippine Sales Q3 of 2020

REALME has been launched only two years ago and in just a short time, they've been doing pretty good. As announced recently, realme Philippines just copped number 1 spot in the Philippines. This stemmed from triple-digit growth during the third quarter of 2020. This was confirmed by global market intelligence firm IDC and this has been really a BIG feat. This third quarter was monumental as they scored 962.5 percent growth as they took 25.4 percent in local market scales, a phenomenal task done by a very huge expansion game of 465 kiosks, 119 concept stores and them partnering with over 5200+ partner stores. This was done across the country so there's really nothing unusual with the numbers.

Aside from that, they took a really good look at their brand and got one of Pixar's greatest animators to come up with their new character REALMEOW. I saw their video the other night and just said WOW. This guy is Independent, fearless, and dared to be just like RealMe. REALMEOW will be part of everything realme from hereon and some people say, he's actually immortal and only stays at 18 years old. Crazy, but if you saw the video he was in the other day, you're bound to fancy him. Wait, let me see if I can put it here.

 

 

 

 

 

So if you haven't had a cool gaming phone yet, go get one now by inquiring at https://www.facebook.com/realmePhilippines and their stores nationwide. I'm personally using it for gaming, vlogging and editing videos. I'm not endorsing it in anyway, I'm just saying it WORKS so efficiently I had to say it here.

 You've got to try a realme.

 

 

Love Songs and Love Stories for Himig Handog 2018 Announced

Had the chance to listen to the top songs for Himig Handog 2018 this afternoon. Here they are in no particular order.

"Dalawang Pagibig Niya" by Bernard S. Reforsado interpreted by Sheena Belarmino, Krystal Brimmer and MNL48. It felt young, very KPOP-ish and easy to sing along.

"Hati na Lang Tayo" sa Kanya by Joseph Santiago, interpreted by Eumee. This one is heartfelt, hurt, very emotional. Eumee also belts this out in the chorus, pretty good. The composer said the one asking attention was the legal wife.

"Kababata" is composed by John Michael "Kritiko" Edixon, interpreted by Kritiko himself ft Kyla. Again another hurtful song but more like a rap song.

Interpreted by Janine Berdin, this one is composed by Mhonver Lopez and Joanna Concepcion, it's entitled "Mas Mabuti Pa". You could see this is another slow ballad type song, using the voice of the TNT winner to their advantage. It could well be used for a teleseryes, it could pass like that. This is an old song but the composer asked another composer if she could continue writing it (they are best friends) because it is on a woman's perspective.

Composer for this one is from Dubai, he's Robert William Peña. The song is called "Para Sa Tabi" and is interpreted by BoybandPH. It's very pop, boyband-ish and the lyrics are fun. I get a little annoyed about the sound of the chorus though.

JM De Guzman interpreted this one, it's called "Sa Mga Bituin Na Lang Ibubulong". It is composed by Kyle Raphael Borbon. JM sounds like a boy who would sing a heartfelt love song for someone he adores. It's so cool to listen to, it could pass as a song for spas and massage centers, make you feel good and sleep in that little corner your boyfriend has under his arms.

"Sugarol" is composed by Jan Aldrile Sabili and is interpreted by Maris Racal. It felt like something you would listen to while you're flying over several mountain ranges while you are looking for the love of your life. It's like she's trying to find that one true love. The composer says this is about her personal experience, she says she was in the state of falling in love but she was hesitant. Maris says "When I heard this I loved the lyrics, I do this too so it is a really good opportunity to get to sing this song because a lot of people would be able to relate to it."

I think this is the first time Jona is interpreting a song (not), it's called "Tinapos Ko Na" which is composed by Sarah Jane Gandia. Again it is very emotional, thinking of a relationship if it is true or not, and being afraid to fall, but still hopeful. Quite nice because she has runs. She says "I guess the way I sing is because of the inspirations I got from my idols Regine and Jaya. The song has a line and lyric that has reminded me of relationships, a very challenging material because it's got less vocal acrobatics. I get really challenged with restrained songs."

The next one is called "Wakasan" composed by Philip Arvin Jarilla and performed by band Agsunta. This song is about hopeful love, about waiting forever and not even caring how long that takes lol. It sounds a little bit like country. Things that Garth Brooks would sing, but in a very band setting. The composer says this song is from that old Filipino comic called Wakasan, but it is an open ended song.

Sam Mangubat interprets this next one called "Wala Kang Alam" which is composed by Mel Magno and Martin John Arellano. It's a slow hurtful ballad, about lost love and setting them free. It also felt like it is full of regrets, and the other person clueless about how much you've hurt. The composer said it was his way to get back with his ex's, about men, relationships and the hurt he's felt. It's his real life experience. He doesn't move on from pain as an artist and he pulls emotions from that. He's gay but it also applies to heterosexual relationships.

Jonathan Manalo says "These songs are based on real life, stories that are relateable and put into a song. These are the next ones in radio, film or TV."

Roxy Liquigan adds "We had 5000 songs to listen to and had to cut it down several times until we reached 10. If you ask us how true this is we had one song that was sung initially by 10 year old kids, we had the interpreters chosen by us, all for those who would be on top of mind so we got teens to do it too. We focused a lot on the appropriate artists, we got what we wished for and this year you'll see an even bigger, current showcase of songs. We know these will be BIG hits!"

Who will you be choosing? Which is the best one?

KUMAGCOW
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Dining Down South at AKROTIRI Modern Eurasian Cuisine

Alabang is so far from my place that I'd feel overly burdened to go there if it's not worth it. Work for most of the time made me travel there - and before I do go home, I'd plan ahead and make sure I discover something different, something that would impress my friends, my workmates, my family and my own taste buds. That's not hard to do mind you, but I guess there's an underlying notion of it being "worth it" before I do actually enjoy it this time because I traveled far for it. This is one of them, it's called AKROTIRI which serves modern Eurasian cuisine.

Set at the sprawling Filinvest business district at Commercenter in Alabang, this place is known for a small mall (by Philippine standards) and the neighboring food establishments. I have frequented this place in the past as I was staying in nearby hotels, so do expect people from neighboring towns, tourists and expats as well. 

Akrotori is a cozy little place that could sit 50-60 people. It's got fancy - proper seating, a huge bar and a small function room upstairs for private parties. It's perfect for small events and you can even fit a stage inside since it's got pretty high ceilings. They didn't shortchange in design because the whole place wreaks of a modern bistro - added with a look of an English pub you would often see in that region. Ahh I can still remember the few drinks I had there, I was in tipsy heaven!

The Food

The food is exquisite, albeit being a little pricey, you would see their servings are actually large. They use the freshest ingredients - and quality wise, it's worth it! I would never hesitate to take a few family members here to enjoy the food. It's fusion so I think it's easy to adapt with flavors that are used in the west, a hodgepodge of taste and cooking techniques that are familiar in Europe - all here in Manila.   

The Grilled Squid stuffed with Feta Foam and Black Ink Risotto was a good starter. It's slightly fishy because of obvious reasons, soft and the risotto was comforting. Make sure you have this while it's hot.

OPPO x Philippines Next Top Model

I was welcomed by laser clad men and women at the entrance of CHAOS in City of Dreams Manila. I wasn't there for the half naked models, I was there for more. This evening was for OPPO and their partnership with the local franchise of Philippines Next Top Model. I've been a fan of the original one in the US and have always regarded it as an authority in discovering ordinary people that have that edge, that x factor, that look that says they are on TOP.

OPPO isn't going to be just sponsoring this show, they're going to be part of it. This is the first time that hopefuls will be allowed to use OPPO phones inside their house. This will be just like the US franchise where they got involved with some of the show's activities.

Tech bloggers, fashion bloggers (yes JAM! Haha!) were all there too!

Some GILAS PILIPINAS members were all there too. I think that guy (far left interviewed) is the lethal FEU player if I'm not mistaken.

We also saw Binibining Pilipinas Supranational Joanna Eden. She obliged to have her photo taken but I was a little shy to actually talk to her. I have interviewed already her when she won a couple months back and I didn't know if she did recognize me. Haha!

Oh and of course there's Mark Neumann!

He's one of the hottest guys in show business, tops TV5's actors. Quite a nice chap, I must say he's still the same guy I interviewed during Artista Academy days, but way more bulked up, and more good looking.

Then there's bombshell Malak So whom I also met during the Artista Academy days and when they made several shows for TV5. She's more confident now, carries it well, and oh she's part of the cast of one of the episodes of Brillante Mendoza Presents which shows every Saturday on the Kapatid network. You shouldn't miss that as they're making these movies for television, and perhaps have that join competitions abroad too. 

Then the show started with G-Force doing a dance number. As usual, they're the best in the country so no qualms with that. Oh and I love their shoes LOL!

The host of Philippines Next Top Model, and one of the judges, is Ms. Maggie Wilson. She will be joined by Vince Uy, Rain Dagala and Raf Kiefer.

Coach Chot Reyes was also there as the CEO of TV5 and also as the chief of Gilas Pilipinas. We will be hosting SEABA did you know? Aside from that, he mentioned that the reason why PNTM is actually on TV5 is because they want to have different programs than the other networks. It's a great way to set themselves apart from the competition. Now that's exciting!

OPPO Marketing Manager Stephen Cheng, Coach Chot Reyes of TV5 and PNTM's Director.

Then they presented the 24 contestants using the OPPO F1S for selfies.

IVY

ANGELA

ANNA

ADELA

BLAISE

PAULINE

PETCHE

CIACIA

EMMA

INA

JAN

JANELLE

JANILYN

KIM

KOLEEN

SARAH

SHEKIE

I took notes and found about 3 of these ladies apt for the title. They too have minor improvements to do to get there, but hey, they're all good. Now we've got tons of things to watch out for in this year's Philippines Next Top Model: High Street. Thank you OPPO Philippines for having us!