MMG Set To Release Original RUN TO YOU Single This 4th of July!

Mark Michael Garcia is turning a new leaf in his career. The very talented man who won "Tawag ng Tanghalan" as the Ultimate Resbaker a few years ago literally got stuck in limbo when the pandemic happened just when he was about to lay plans for his career and music. This year, he's sporting a new moniker as "MMG", which makes sense as it feels more catchy and current. Aside from that, he just got the nod of composer songwriter Allan Rich who did Whitney Houston's "Run To You" single for the movie "The Bodyguard". Together with Jud Friedman, they gifted him the rights to release the actual original song this 4th of July in streaming platforms worldwide. They caught him performing his James Ingram medley on the internet and was impressed, they got in touch and yes, the rest is history! 

We heard him a few days ago and by any standards, he's magnificent! Together with the single release, he's going to have a concert entitled CODE NAME: MMG which will happen on August 2 at the Samsung Music Hall in SM Aura BGC. He promises to perform new songs and covers that you might not have heard before. This is produced by Chef Jeng Sy Flores who also owns Heavenly Desserts by Chef Jeng and District One Gastrolounge in BGC. 

Here's what happened at the press conference 

 

Tomorrow, please tune in to Cornerstone Entertainment's channels as this heavily awaited single will be shown there. 

I'll update this post with the actual RUN TO YOU (alternative version) so you could witness his great work. By the way, he won a Best Male Vocalist award in the US, and some talk of him joining THE VOICE USA is also in the works. I'm sure he's going to blow the competition away!

Congratulations MMG!

MARIANE OSABEL (The CLASH Season 4 Champ) Releases New Single "Pira Piraso"

Grand Champion of The Clash Season 4 Marian Osabel just released her new single "Pira Piraso" under GMA Music.

Mariane says "This is worth the wait, I am glad that my supporters are happy about the single, and now, it's on number 3 on iTunes. Hopefully I'd be able to release another one this year. This song is about when a person gets a bad day, I reflect on the lyrics of my song "Pira Piraso" at the part where it says "Kaunti pang pasensys, kaunti pang panahon". I really enjoy music, I go to different places in the country now because of it, this is what I enjoy, music and travel. I am open to the thought of doing acting gigs, I did a workshop last March, hopefully I'd be able to do it soon because it is exciting and challenging. This song is also about loving someone fully, not in pieces. A thing I would advise newcomers, aspiring singers, is to TRY, don't second guess, because even if you lose, you learn something from it. I did that until I did succeed. As an artist, I put out my feelings in my music. It's a place to vent out, I write and sing that way. I am really happy now, I'm with someone that I could give my 100%, my capacity to love." 

 Mariane admits, this is about a failed love which she personally has experienced. I'm glad she got over it and is having the time of her life with someone special.

This single is now out on iTunes, Spotify and other streaming platforms so if you love hear dearly, show your support by downloading or streaming copies of it legally. Congratulations Mariane! You deserve all the success!

SING GALING To Do Back to Back Finale at THE MANILA METROPOLITAN THEATER

It was so fun to have been able to go out and cover events again. As restrictions ease in Manila, TV5 invited us to the grand dame of theaters, The Manila Metropolitan Theater. This place was officially opened last year and this is officially the first time that a live event for TV is being held here as SING GALING is doing back to back grand final events this coming March 5 and 12.

This is possible as they've forged a partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. They gave us a peek on what will happen to the Ultimate Pa-Sing-Katan for the celebrity edition and Kantastic Finale for the regular edition. They had all the contestants for the regular edition present and a Chuckie Dreyfus, Boobsie Wonderland and Aljur Abrenica too. The celebrities will also have their chosen charities benefit from it so the stakes are definitely higher.

Check out this video I made of our visit there!

I'll be doing a separate video for the tour of The Met, so subscribe and stay tuned for that. Meanwhile, you're going to also see Pepe Herrera, Jerald Napoles and Patrick Quiroz for the finale. You also have the chance to choose what song they'll be singing through their Facebook page plus the ability to vote for the winner through Facebook Messenger. They partnered with Meta's Facebook just for that. QR Code for voting will appear on the show and posted on their social channels. Up for grabs is a 1 Million prize and a house and lot so it's going to be a serious battle. It'll be livestreamed on https://www.facebook.com/singgalingtayo/ https://www.facebook.com/TV5manila/ and their official YouTube account.

What struck me most was the judges, as the contestants told us, pretty much loved the time they spent together. They felt like equals, and Mr. Rey Valera even made them their own single, in hopes of releasing an album with them on it. Doesn't that fell like pieces falling together for OPM? Oh surely, it'll be a good time to watch the show at 6PM on those dates.

MONSOUR DEL ROSARIO Mulls Better Frontliner Benefits

Former Congressman for the 1st District of Makati Monsour del Rosario is running for Senate this 2022. In a recent voter education forum organized with Rotary District 3830, the Taekwondo Champ moved to file stronger policies to benefit our new heroes, the medical frontliners who faced the troubles of the pandemic til now. He quips, a lot of health workers choose to leave the country for a better life. Exemplifying their role during these hard times, he wants to improve their benefits, standardize and increase their salaries.

Monsour Del Rosario says "When I was young, nationalism has been embedded in me and I've had a few terms in public service. I've been exposed to problems in the grassroots, even in sports and movies. I saw what people need, Congress was a big picture, I figured I could do more in the lower house and people told me that I would lose my identity in public service. I went around before I decided to run, I saw how I can contribute and serve in a national scale. I threw the towel and asked them if I can perform as a leader in the Senate. Asking some people in the position, they told me they need the senate hall filled with men of integrity, who loves the country and people, they say I can competently do the job because they know I was always fighting for something bigger. Most people know me as an actor because the reach of the shows and movies I've been in is nationwide. My experience as an athlete, sports leader, councilor and congress bids my kind as a new perspective, something that people are looking for because I love my country. I think I can make a difference."

He adds "I believe our healthcare workers are heroes. This pandemic has opened the eyes of so many people, that they have been so important especially during this pandemic. I would want to file a bill that would get their benefits and salaries be standardized, also have the same benefits as PWD's, Senior Citizens, also with their family. I know so many professionals who have undergone training different fields but have done so good in public service. We have seen in the country that some who don't actually tell honestly that they can't. The challenge is there, and I am ready for it."

Needless to say, I was impressed how he wasn't like the run of the mill politician who would read off papers about what he wanted to say. He came across knowledgeable, confident, paid close attention to the cause he wants to further rally for. The opportunity to serve in a national scale is something that he'd want to do and rightfully so, because his eagerness to be of service to a sector that's done a remarkable lot of men and women in the healthcare industry deserve it. If you would want to know more about his work, visit his official site https://monsourdelrosario.com or his social channels.

WCOPA Champ Enzo Morales Shares Secrets to Success

 

Filipinos have been known to be very talented singers around the world. Our beginnings have always been that story of our parents egging us to sing during family gatherings, and new artist Enzo Morales has had about the same fate. To tell that he's musically inclined is shortchanged. His family has always exposed him with the love for music and also, encouraged him to sing. 

Though talented, he's always had this notion of insecurity. He wasn't too keen in joining contests like what usual amateur singers would do in the country. After joining choirs in primary and secondary school, he was urged to join a school competition during his senior year, and that landed him 1st Runner Up. It was then that made him think to pursue greater things in singing. 

 Later on, he decided to audition for something big. It was for the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in 2014. He passed the auditions to represent the country and got mentored by former champ and singing phenom  Jed Madela. He says "I knew then that I had to use the gift and share it with people. In the competition, I was glad to have been able to represent the country and we bagged four awards in that stint. The WCOPA surely wouldn't be my last, and I am open to more opportunities that would come." This resulted in him winning one gold, one silver and two bronzes for the country.

When he got back to the country, he had the opportunity to perform in different radio and TV stations like DZRH, the Eagle network, participate in ASOP (A Song of Praise) competition, guest at DZMM Teleradyo, Wish FM and Walang Tulugan with Master Showman Kuya Germs.

Currently, Enzo Morales finished his Bachelors degree in Psychology from Far Eastern University and is working as a flight attendant for the nation's official carrier Philippine Airlines. He also continues to hone his craft by joining Center for Pop Music Philippines and Star Magic Workshops. 

His advice for those pursuing their dreams of becoming a professional singer is that "You need to practice, surround yourself with people that have the same passion as yours. I feel alive singing, it gives me that adrenaline rush when I am in front of a crowd. Each time I do, I feel like I'm a different person bringing different emotions on stage. Know who you are as an artist and people will adore and support you in your journey."

That makes a lot of sense. If you want to know more about the artist, you'll get to see him more events soon. He's very talented and surely, he's going to give honor to the country even more.

A Different Brew: Jack Meets Kaldi Specialty Coffee

This afternoon, I was pleasantly surprised that there exists a community of coffee connoisseurs, professional baristas, coffee shop owners, coffee farmers and people who passionately care about the industry in the Philippines. Jack Meets Kaldi Specialty Coffee just opened up shop at the WNC Building along Jose Abad Santos Street Little Baguio in San Juan City. Their grand opening called for a “Throwdown” of the best baristas in the country, coming far and wide just to celebrate what they serve in this shop, their specialty coffee.

It’s different from the usual, as they strictly enforce the highest coffee standards using beans from different regions in the Philippines. Unbeknownst to many, we’ve got some of the best in the world; and I think that exactly runs this movement. I was a bit uneasy when they individually talked about their story, it reminded a bit how little I know about it, I was just observing them. Seeing how they cared and intricately prepare each cup for competition was inspiring.

Jack Meets Kaldi Specialty Coffee sits around 40 people (mostly bar stools and a couple couches in front). The structure is depicted with industrial pieces in the bar, concrete floors, twigs adorn the recessed lights, mixed in with steampunk elements especially with the modern machines they have for the store. 

They take Latte Art quite seriously, because your specialty coffee experience cannot be compromised.

They also serve cakes and pastries for those who have a sweet tooth, they serve mean cheesecakes.

We ordered Iced Latte, which I absolutely loved. They also have Atok Kape Cold Drip Coffee which I would recommend to experience inside the store. They didn't forget milk tea and craft beer lovers, order when you can!

The third of the space is dedicated to PHILAC (Philippine Latte Art Academy) which teaches competing baristas we send off to international competitions to represent the country. The center also functions as a laboratory for specialty coffee workshops so people can enroll in modules like intro courses, Brewing/Extraction classes, Pressure and Flow Profiling, Advanced Latte Art and Sensory Skills Assessment with the goal to raise the barista profession in the Philippines.

Over at the competition, invited baristas were also joined by walk-in contestants to compete for the nice prizes that Jack Meets Kaldi Specialty Coffee prepared for them. Before they started, they took a few minutes to remember a brew brother who passed away, they have also dedicated the Jack Meets Kaldi Specialty Coffee Showdown for him, that was touching.

To serve as judges, they introduced JR Celdran, Desmond Chua and CJ Torres. The contestants were simply tasked to do a latte art in an 8oz cup via designs like tulips, Seahorse, Phoenix, Pegasus (oh yeah they did one!) etc. Serve it and do the task in front of the judges, then they decide who progresses to the next round by the quality of their art. I thought it was going to take a long time, but they took minutes to have it on the table. Live judging was fast not easy, they had to resort repeating some of the cups because of clarity of design and cleanliness.

The third round had the contestants partner up with lady baristas holding their cup. Partnering skills are difficult, it showed how much experienced baristas had an advantage.

The 4th Round had Oliver Miclat, Mark Lingat and Paul Mishima battle it out for the crown. 

Marc Lingat went ahead of the pack with his Hornbill on an Atis Tree entry. The Unicorn and Squirrel wasn't bad at all. They had to do sudden death to see who will fight Lingat in the finals.

Between the Bunny Rabbit and the Seahorse, two of the judges chose the sea worthy entry of Paul Mishima.

A fun round of shots and brew before the finals was done with two contestants randomly chosen from the list. The guy actually did better winning this time.

Then the finals had the two baristas make their grand masterpiece, look at these lovely entries! Their first cup was a "pour" and the second one had "etching", judges had a hard time choosing who will win. In the end, they declared Paul Mishima as the Grand Champion. Second Runner up goes to Oliver, First Runner Up goes to Mark.

Congratulations Paul Mishima who hails from Tagaytay City for winning the first Jack Meets Kaldi Specialty Coffee Throwdown! 

That's our live blog for today! For those who would like to visit this place, simply input Jack Meets Kaldi on Grab or Google Maps and it will take you there. Visit them at 15 Jose Abad Santos Street in Little Baguio San Juan City. It's very near Wilson Street so you wouldn't miss it!

Myrtle Sarroza Represents PH in PUBG Tourney

Blessings are pouring in for young lass Myrtle Sarroza as she begins her journey as the representative of the Philippines for Player Unknown Battle Grounds, an MMO First Person Shooting game to be hosted by OMEN by HP who previously did Overwatch World Cup tournaments with teams from around the world. The same thing is going to happen this month as teams from other countries converge in Bangkok, Thailand with 3 people that qualified also in the Philippines that would complete the 4 person team.

She has been playing for quite sometime but adore the mobile version, though she admits starting with the one on PC. There have been some adjustments because they are just not the same but she's been practicing quite a lot these days and hold up deafeating a lot of other gamers because she needs to get attuned with the PC version now that she's playing seriously too.

Myrtle already knows where her money is going too (if she wins) as she plans to spend it to treat her team out for lunch and dinner or perhaps a new gaming chair which she deems a good investment. She also is honored to represent the country in the international stage because this is the first time for any celebrity (in the country) to do so. The in game competition already got these guys filtered among thousands who joined the competition, she'll be seeing them tomorrow so they could get their startegy figured out, so for the meantime she's playing til the wee hours of the morning to play just for this. She hopes to bring honor and pride as she feels this privilege is something that isn't given to anyone.

Here's our interview with Myrtle this afternoon. Check out her gaming strategy and how she also tells us about her Halloween experience.

Now make sure you support Myrtle all the way to the finals! They stand to win 9,400 US dollars so this is something they should really be serious about. Good luck also to her team mates the Aether Dogz who will help Myrtle win this for the country. They will have to make sure they beat 20 other teams (about 100 people) and hope they don’t get in the way of these guys and gal, hope they get the crown!

Let’s play!

KUMAGCOW

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AirAsia Says #DareToDream This 2017 SEA Games

Are you proud of your country? We all are right? In some way or form.

The dates are finally approaching and the league of Southeast Asian nations will converge in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the Southeast Asian Games 2017. The SEAGames as you may all know is where countries from this region battle out for sports supremacy and pride for country. It's why AirAsia Philippines is forging a few more web video series telling the stories of our very own SEA Games athletes. They properly call it #DareToDream, a sports initiative to motivate and inspire future athletes and the Filipino public to rally behind them. 

During this time, you'll see the stories of phenom volleyball player Alyssa Valdez, swimmer Jessie Lacuna, long jump athlete Marestella Torres-Sunang. You will bare witness to all the hard work they put in training for every sport, the blood, sweat and tears, how they overcome challenges, and champion them. It will be hosted by equally talented volleyball player and my favorite Lady Archer, the feisty Michelle Gumabao.

If you want to watch the videos, make sure you like the Air Asia Philippines Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AirAsiaPH and follow the hashtags #DareToDream on all social media channels. Or check this video below, enjoy!

KUMAGCOW

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McJim's Dreams Get Real Season 2

It was powerful, surprising, ultimately amazing to see the finalists of Dreams Get Real Season 2. It's the second installment of the successful Dreams Get Real campaign that popular leather products company McJim has launched since last year in the aims of discovering a new breed of talents and making their dreams of performing come true. The prize include Php 100,000, a talent managment contract, a full album and even a whole production of their music video.

Here's what happened during the event:

McJim Classic Leather presents Dreams Get Real... by kumagcow

In the end it was the vocal prowess and experience of Apple Deleva that got her to win the contest. She's already got several contests locally and won an international competition too. We saw her crying on stage while she was getting hounded by the press because she says "I don't want to join contests anymore because it's really hard for me and my family. It's not a joke, I hope winning this competition will now make my professional career as a singer take flight and hopefully make my dreams come true."

She's got a lot on her plate now and perhaps the prize money, the management contract, the video grant and the album she won from this particular contest will get her places just like the previous ones who also won in this competition. She might just be your next OPM star, and think about it... she's just starting!

Congratulations to the finalists and thanks to Mc Jim who has always supported the talented Filipinos and the OPM industry since the very beginning!

For more information about their products:

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http://www.mcjimleather.com/