Showing posts with label baguio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baguio. Show all posts

Artist PLUME and SALA Band Join GMA's AltG Records

Wednesday, March 06, 2024


Just got off the press conference with new artists Plume and SALA (the band) over zoom this afternoon. They're a pretty fun bunch to talk to and yes, you kinda feel like you're in the presence of very talented people.

Plume says "I usually write music when its nighttime because it's way quiet. I start with chord progression, then lyrics, if it fits I'll make the chorus and complete it. I listen to other artists, I find good things in it and put my own style. I try to make it comforting and relaxing as possible. Since my work is dedicated to music now, I focus on myself and my hobbies while studying. It's still music in the background so there's still input. I love music like that. It's unusual to do jazzy songs available to everyone, I usually follow that genre, it's what I do to stand out. I also utilize social media to make my work known. I think I'll be doing singles from AltG records. I want people to feel relaxed, hear pop, but learn the words and vibes are different. I feel Baguio's busking music scene is still starting. Manila has a lot of bar tours, I think it's more organized here but I hope Baguio will follow suit soon."

Plume adds "I often seen albums released then sometimes they lose track of it the whole year. I think releasing content in different times would fit me. I listen to a lot of genres, but I prefer metal, the beauty of it is when you removed the angst, the noisy lines, you'll see the nice lyrics on it. I also love classical music, they do inspire me!"

Beautiful is my Plume's first single, and still testing what people would go to after they listened to it. His inspiration is from a personal experience. Right now, he's still trying to feel what happened after signing with AltG Records. He didn't believe it til they started recording.



Sala's frontman says "We do it differently, I could write songs wherever I am, but I finish my songs in my Sala hence our name. I throw it to my peers and do the other parts of the songs afterwards. That's how we do it. Our songs are borrowed experiences and I think it stems from the things that are not often talked about."

"If we have new ideas, we put it in a group chat and contribute there. Since we have different work, different jams and gigs, we try to stay healthy by eating, exercising, if we wanted to do this for a long time we try to do that as much as possible. It is art, and we love it! For us, we're glad to have YT, Spotify, platforms that we can listen to. As a band, arrangements are still a group effort. If it evolves, I don't have to follow that because we have our own message, it's not a problem to do that but we already have 4 pov's in the band and I think that's enough. Things are changing, I think people are releasing songs when there's something consistent to give. People want new things, albums kind of put it in one basket but people have different tastes. This would give artists freedom to test what's good. We want to return to not just making love stories, it should be different topics, even taboo ones, songwriting for the sense of telling them not just invoke feeling, something that people could relate to."

SALA felt that signing with AltG was surreal. The opportunity came at a very shocking moment, and feels they can't think about collaborating with other artists yet as they're not established rock stars. Though they want to do that in the near future. Their single will be out mid March. Plume on the other hand already has his single out, plus a lyric video on YouTube. He also has plans to have a music video out soon, and he's so ready!

Good luck and I hope you all continue to record more! We would certainly love to listen to it with great gusto!


COW


Where To Get National Museum beep™ Cards

Saturday, November 18, 2023


For those looking to collect cards from beep™, you've got to see these new ones they just released the National Museum beep™ cards.

The designs include 4 National Museum structures in the Philippines that include "The National Museum of Fine Arts", "The National Museum of Anthropology", "The National Museum of Natural History" and the "National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu". On its face are artists work like Lualhati by Guillermo Tolentino, the historical Manunggul Jar, the largest saltwater crocodile LOLONG, and the Cebu Flower Pecker (a critically endangered species). This is a partnership between the National Museum of the Philippines and AF Payments Inc. which manages beep™.


You may acquire these in LRT/MRT Stations, online shops and various authorized establishments for Php 400. It comes loaded with Php 50 and can be used in different modes of transportation, Lawson convenience Stores, Uncle John's and modern jeepneys. To know more, please go to the National Museum social channels and official website. You may also get in touch with beep™ and partner up with your brand via beep.com.ph/beep-business/ if you're interested. AF Payments, Inc. is a consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and the Ayala Corporation.


COW

ARJO ATAYDE Tests Positive for COVID-19

Wednesday, August 18, 2021




News about this spread like wildfire yesterday and as heard from the grapevine, an actor and several of his co-workers tested positive for COVID-19 and left Baguio City while shooting their movie.

Today, FEELMAKING Productions Inc. has released a statement and confirms the actor in question is the multi awarded Arjo Atayde. In the release, are 9 other individuals who have also been tested positive but are asymptomatic. Arjo was rushed to a hospital in Manila as he had difficulty breathing and had pre-existing conditions which had to be taken cared of. The production company also apologized for any inconvenience they caused to the local government unit of Baguio City and their current Mayor Benjamin Magalong.


We wish they would all recover soon.






COW

An Afternoon with artist KC Nevada

Thursday, November 17, 2016



I was invited to a small luncheon a couple of days ago to get to know a very prolific artist named KC Nevada. She's currently based in Manila but spent years doing her thing in Baguio City. She also did her solo show up north and had a couple of international artists perform during that stint and felt everything was just falling in place, as if fate had a  plan for her. She's been through hard times, some really tough moments which I think has further pushed her and affinity to art. Now she's planning another exhibit, still in the works but I've seen some of it already displayed on her back while we were chatting over coffee.


She's used different mediums, but most of her work involve acrylic, better at texture than oil which I just found out can make you sick. Her inspiration is driven by emotion, by things she's experienced and sometimes what she imagines at the time she's making her art work. I like her use of colors, not too bright, just enough to tell a story. It's mostly surrealism, you'll be captivated by her work especially "The Cat" which she has been praised for a couple of times, me included. What I even like about her more is how she shares her passion, teaching kids and high school teens about art, through workshops, honing talents that are innate, divine.


I could see she's gotten what art does, it takes your mind off things and she has admitted it did help her during the toughest times. Here's a short interview we did outside the venue so you get to know her even more. 



I suggest you take time to get to know her and her artwork through her social media channels below. It was a pleasure to interview KC! I'd be glad to see your future artworks!


COW

For more information about her work:
kcnevadacreations
KC Nevada
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Visit their official website

https://www.facebook.com/kcnevadacreations

Smart Clash of Clans: The Philippine Clash

Monday, August 03, 2015



Clash of Clans addicts should now raise their arms for good reasons as the country's biggest network Smart Communications finally opens the nationwide registration for the biggest and best Clash of Clans tourney in the country. This is going to happen in 5 different regions and they're dishing out almost 2 Million pesos worth of prizes if you become the top clan. This is definitely adding to the success of last year's Clash of Summer the first ever tourney which happened May in Taguig City, which of course was also supported by Smart. 

Photo credits: Jean of Smart Viber Group

The Philippine Clash of Clans event already happened yesterday in SM Light Residences in Boni, it's one of the NCR legs and would you believe there were about 28 clans who joined the competition? They also held a COC outfit competition and cosplayers went to vie for the Php 10,000 top prize. Everyone was also very focused on winning their wars, they already have started building their bases and bought gems just for this competition. Did you also get to buy stuff when they went on sale the other day? Yeap! One gem for tons of things in the in app store!



Best of all, it was easy to purchase gems because everyone who had Smart Prepaid load can get it. Same goes for those who have postpaid accounts, it was so easy for them to do so! They filled the SM Light Residences grounds in no time. It was a blockbuster event!



Of course, you have to be Townhall 9 in order to qualify for the event. For more details please check out http://smart.com.ph/pages/PhilippineClash2015. There are 4 more regional qualifiers you can go to so you can win a whopping Php 2 Million worth of prizes! The Finals will also happen in SM Mall of Asia on September 26, 2015. The South Luzon Qualifier will happen at SM Lipa this August 8, the Visayas Qualifier will happen in SM City Cebu on August 23, 2015. There will also be one Mindanao Qualifier in SM Davao Lanang Premier on September 25, 2015 while the last one (Northern Luzon Qualifier) will be at SM Baguio at September 18, 2015. If you missed the Metro Manila leg, it might be a good thing to go out of town on these dates!

As for me, since I'm still a beginner I'll make my base fortified for the next one, I'm sure Smart has something planned next year right? Go ahead and register!



COW

For more information about their services:
SmartCommunications
Smart Communications
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Visit their official website

http://www.smart.com.ph/smartlife

8 Awesome Reasons To Travel North Luzon Now!

Sunday, July 20, 2014


 
Now I'm no travel expert but I guess I'm a person hard to please. When it comes to traveling, sometimes I don't like places that I go to because it's too far, too crowded or the food sucks. Traveling North Luzon made me think about how this place is a little under appreciated, so I'm going to list down a few things that makes this an awesome travel spot for those who haven't done it yet!

1. The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)

Photo Bocaue Tollgate from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Luzon_Expressway)
It's easy to travel North now because the North Luzon Expressway made traveling faster and more efficient. The roads are perfect for long drives because it's maintained properly. The tollgates have EC cards which you can get prepaid so you don't have to queue. Compared to regular roads that can take you several hours to go to the north, this will cut the travel time enormously. The view is also spectacular and just needs a short turn to go to towns along it. It made everything freaking easy, I suggest you come along with friends so you can save up gas and toll fees. It'll be worth it!

2. The Festivals

7107 International Music Festival
If it's a FIESTA made for  a town's patron saint or a FIESTA made for thanksgiving, or a full pledged Music Festival with International acts no matter what genre it is, the North Luzon provinces are full of it! Our country is at least celebrating one fiesta per day, now imagine that done all throughout the year! This is the Philippines so we make it BIG!

3. The Old Churches

 

There's nothing even greater than seeing and believing in Churches as the house of God. For those who are religious, you'll be surely blessed by visiting these century old or more churches to renew faith and learn a little more about the country's history as we are around 80% Roman Catholic. You'll meet the locals in and around towns that are centered in these areas. The architecture, the details of the walls are all heavenly... surely it's something that should be seen!

4. Some of the World's Best Beaches 



You can have a view worthy of postcards even without leaving the island of Luzon. The spectacular beaches of Pagudpod of which some remains untouched and has got less commercialization just spells paradise. It's also windy up here so the Windmills of Bangui can get you electricity and supply the great part of the province without the need for other power sources that's nature friendly and safe. The water is cold while the weather is hot, perfect combination to relax in a hammock tied between coconut trees and have a beer on hand. Isn't that the perfect summer?

5. The Food


Taking a guiltless pleasure on some of the most unnoticed dishes in the country like "Dinengdeng" (Local Vegetables in Grilled Fish broth)  or the oh so crunchy "Bagnet" (Deep Fried Crispy Air Dried Pork) which is so good. Aside from that, they've also got Ilocos Empanada done in so many ways from Vigan to other cities in this province. The famous Vigan Longganisa also is the best thing for breakfast in the country. I could have kilos of this in one sitting and still want more. Do not hesitate to taste this and more when you visit the region. 

6. Cheap Accommodations

Azalea Residences Baguio City
North Luzon has varied rates for accommodations. You can opt for hotels or huge residences like this one or get cheap ones in bus terminals. You can also opt for transient homes in the suburbs for better chances to meet locals too. Just stay nice and friendly as they will return the smiles back at you. They are ample enough for those that are just passing by or to spend a few days in these provinces. It's a good thing to immerse yourself in the culture and live with the locals so you can experience what it's like in the North Luzon path. Some are cold, some humid, but all in all a spectacular place to be in when in the lovely cities you get lost in. Everyone speaks a little or more English so it's not a big deal to say you've got language barriers.

7. Vigan Vies for 7 Wonder Cities of the World


 They have now been able to get into the final 21 cities and they are vying for the final 7. Vigan has got lots of history. They have some of the most picturesque cobbled stone streets and tourist spots not seen in any Asian country. To learn more on how to vote for them, please read my article here.

8. NLEX "Tara Na Sa Norte!" (Let's go to the North!)



Going to the North is definitely one thing that anyone should try when in Luzon. Now it's going to be made even better as they'll showcase deals in travel, accommodation and their products in one venue right here in Manila. From July 25-27, 2014 they'll set up shop at the Glorietta Activity Center in the city of Makati. There will be over 100 vendors offering the best hotels, products, restaurants, small and medium enterprises from the best in the region on these dates. This is put up by the Manila North Tollways Corporation and co presented by the Department of Tourism Regions 1, 2 and 3 plus the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). This is also supported by Ayala Malls, North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB), the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Clark Development Corporation, Maynilad, PhilHydro, Cebu Pacific and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. 

Now if that isn't enough reason to go to the North of Luzon, I don't know what will!


COW

For more information about their event:
TaraNaSaNorteTravelFairtnsn
Tara Na Sa Norte!
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Visit their official website

http://taranasanorte2012.tumblr.com/

Baguio Brunch and Dinner Buffet on Father's Day!

Friday, June 13, 2014



If you are around Baguio City and looking for a place to celebrate Father's Day, you can make it extra special by doing it in Azalea Hotels and Residences. Their house restaurant TRADISYON serves Pinoy Comfort Food and the premise is, from the hours indicated above... all adults pay 550 but of course... the surprise is.. THE KIDS EAT FREE!

I stayed there a long time ago and am really wishing I could go back. Just sharing the news so you can get your TRADISYON experience too. Please save me some pizza, that was something I could still remember from my Baguio trip a few months ago. You should get something special for Dad while you're at it! :)

Reserve or call this number! 09199944140, remember the date June 15!

Happy Father's Day!

COW

For more information about their hotel:
Azalea Baguio
Azalea Baguio
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Visit their official website

http://www.azalea.com.ph

Where to eat in Baguio: KETCHUP FOOD COMMUNITY

Friday, January 10, 2014


Skip, hop, roll on the ground and smell the almost minty pine trees around you. That's probably one thing you can do when in Baguio City. Though you might enjoy yourself, there will be a huge debate when you get back to Manila if you don't taste the cuisine that Baguio has to offer. There are a lot of restaurants in the city but you might find gems along the way. That's exactly how we felt when we got to KETCHUP Food Community right in front of Baguio's own Wright Park (Romulo Drive, Barangay Lualhati, 2600 Baguio City).


The Ketchup Food Community started 2 years ago. The place used to be a literal dump of vehicles and stuff but the owners thought about turning this piece of land right in front of Wright Park into something great. It consists of 5 restaurants. You can choose to sit anywhere and order in the others I was informed. The owner also did something unusual as he only wanted start ups for restaurants that will occupy this place. They have no same menu. They also kept the rents small so they can concentrate on the food. The construction and interiors also were quite eclectic. They followed the theme of the names of their restaurants. Rumah Sate is more into indo-asian. Canto makes superb steaks. Yummy Tummy does Thai Food. Rancho Norte serves pinoy all day breakfast that includes tapang usa (Deer Jerky) and kabayo (Horse Meat). Green Pepper makes use of the ingredient on its name and spices up dishes, roasted ones, even desserts - all delectable. We went ahead and ordered their best sellers!

Places to go after Baguio: Mount Kalugong Eco Park in Benguet

Wednesday, January 08, 2014


I've been blessed last December and part of that is the trip to Baguio with some blogger friends of mine. We were able to cover quite a lot in Baguio, but in some whiff of a wind we thought about what other things to do aside from the city landmarks. I'm no nature loving kinda guy but don't get me wrong, I like the adventure of going where nobody's gone. Good thing our blogger cum photographer friend Dean Cuanso (of http://watwatworld.com/) invited us to see Mount Kalugong. At first, I thought we were just going to a hill right beside the Strawberry Fields in Benguet. I was wrong. This was a full pledged elementary rock climbing trail which was just a few minutes away from Baguio City. You'll see a full view of the valley known as the salad bowl of the Philippines. Make sure though that you have appropriate climbing shoes. I went there with a pair of casual Boxfresh shoes from the UK, which was not a good thing haha.

If you plan to go here please contact them through their Facebook page or call 09196728888/09498980328 because it is not easy going up. You'll need a 4x4 perhaps or just do it on foot if you are up to it. 

To get a feel of what Mount Kalugong has to offer, here's a video I made of the short side trip :)



And that's how good it feels from up there! =) This is only my second time to go to Baguio, it's a renewed romance with the city. Benguet was definitely a perk!
COW

For more information about the tour:
Mt Kalugong Eco Park
Mt Kalugong Eco Park
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Visit their official website

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mt-Kalugong-Eco-Park/172690992820188