Aren@P|us Makes NBA and US Dreams Come True

After holding one of the biggest parties for VIP's last year, the good folks from Aren@P|us stay true to their word by giving away 2 all expense paid trips to the United States and arrangements for shopping, touring, and the best NBA experience they could possibly do. 

The first winning VIP did it with his wife and children, which they did across different states in the US, from New York to Los Angeles where he stayed at the Trump Tower Hotel and Marriott LA. He met Jordan Clarkson, and also had dinner with him before seeing him play at Madison Square Garden. He said "I was super happy because it was my first time to be there, and see Jordan Clarkson in the flesh! It's way different than seeing him on TV! I will not forget this experience!"

In LA, he was able to join the 2026 NBA All Star weekend at the grand Intuit Dome where he also saw performances by Ludacris and the rest of the NBA players. He had so much fun because he was able to experience time with the players and the energetic crowd too. Then he did the best thing for his family by taking them to the loveliest luxury shops and outlet stores so they get to take home something for themselves. He adds "This experience is surreal and I can't thank them enough for the experience, the shopping and tours we did here. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!"

The second VIP winner on the other hand stayed at the nippy city of Chicago. He stayed at the Trump Tower Suite and did it for his favorite team the Chicago Bulls. He met Derrick Rose who signed his merch, and as a person who collects cards and outfits, it was something he wouldn't forget.  He says "I was just starstruck seeing them all at the NBA. We also did the Chicago Barrel Run and finished it off in KTV's in the evening. I really am so thankful for it!" 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the surprises they have for VIP's, and the Aren@P|us community. Stay tuned because they've definitely got more up their sleeves. 

Special Deals on BIANCA DEL RIO Manila Show

If you haven't heard about it yet, the queen of insult comedy Bianca del Rio is coming to Manila this January 17th to do her DEAD INSIDE tour at the New Frontier Theater, and show starts at 8PM.

Bianca Del Rio is the winner of Season 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race, and as she said, if you did it right the first time, you wouldn't have to go back and do it again.

Well, they're doing a deal on the tickets specifically the ones from Orchestra A, B and C. You get discounts if you purchase 2 or more of it, and will only be valid until the 17th. If you're planning to get your friends/family with you, this is the perfect time to get it!

I'll be there too, but will probably give you updates since there will also be a press conference before the show. Stay tuned clowns!

Get tickets at https://www.ticketnet.com.ph/event-detail/Bianca-Del-Rio

Jed Madela Set to do "WELCOME TO MY WORLD" Concert and Tour!

Whenever I hear the name Jed Madela, I think about a world champion, a technically blessed singer and a helpful soul. To this day, he continues to help singers that are just starting with their careers to point them to the right path.

He's been in the industry for around 2 decades, with accolades and recognition around his belt, he still continues to dream despite a very illustrious career. Aside from new music, he wants you to be with him this coming July 5 at the Music Museum, in a concert he calls "WELCOME TO MY WORLD".

In it, he wants to have an intimate crowd where he could tell more about what he has achieved in the past 20 years, of what he is doing now, and what he also plans to do in the future. He didn't quite want to spoil by naming his guests, he wants people to get the shock of their lives once some special people in his life walk by on stage all on his birthday concert.

He's got a lot of stories to also share with you, especially on how he started his singing journey. Here's our video coverage of his press conference which happened just a few days ago!

Make sure you get tickets to the show via Music Museum box office or Ticketworld. This is also a tour set to visit Sheraton Laguardia East Hotel in Flushing, New York on July 12, 2024, Sheraton Laguardia East Hotel, Ovation Hollywood on July 27, 2024, and back home at the Iloilo Convention Center on September 21, 2024. There might be some other dates to be announced soon when he goes to North America and visit select cities. You should definitely watch it, talent like this comes once in a blue moon!

Travelers, Get Ready for PTAA's 9th International Travel Trade Expo 2024!

Travel Tour Expo 2024 is happening this year with the theme "The World Within Reach".

Ms. Patria Chiong the TTE Chairperson says "With the help of our sponsors DOT, Unionbank and media partners, the Travel and Tour Expo is happening this year. People are raring to travel, with places that work with their budget, ease of travel and the DOT's "Love Philippines " campaign, PTAA is here to make sure people can make memories in the country. We are confident to exceed the goals of the DOT, people are raring to go out and restrictions are lifted. We are giving travelers choices, it just boils down to budget and in the TTE we've got that. From 3 to 5 star hotels, tour packages, special trips, we can offer to different needs of passengers and customers. We are looking forward to the future, way beyond this event and there's really no way to go but up! I would say it would be up by 20-25 percent (a ballpark figure). The ASEAN, Israel, Taiwan is going to be popular as they are Visa Free."

There will be 4 halls occupied and it has been sold out to travel boards, agents, and businesses. One side will be delegated to business to business markets and exhibitors, and all these will be open to the public on February 2 and 3. 

Sellers will include international offers for Australia, Balkan, China, Dubai, Egypt, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey, UAE, the US and Vietnam. 

As of now they have over 68 sellers and 220 registered buyers in the event. Gates will open 10am on the first day, and 9:30 am on the second day. The TTE secretariat wants to emphasize that we all need to help the DOT succeed as this will be a public and private sector cooperation. The Bayanihan spirit still exists. So see you at SMX 2F Function rooms because this will be big! Unionbank card holders will also get perks especially on the opening day plus some eGC's up for grabs.

There will also be raffle draws, prizes, surprises, entertainment numbers, and an auction for trips so make sure you bring your budget on the day!

Gary Valenciano Entertains West Coast

If you haven't watched a Gary V concert, you're definitely missing out. He just did 4 cities in the US' west coast particularly in Pantages in Seattle, Cache Creek in Brooks, Pechanga in Tememcula and at the Royce Hall in UCLA. He's also sold out two venues and showcased his percussion and dance supremacy in his opening numbers, proving why he's called Mr. Pure Energy this side of the globe.

He also performed with his equally talented daughter Kiana (who by the way has her newest single Heartbeat on Me) to the delight of onlookers plus his other acts like Al Jarreau's Spain and his original songs that's well loved by generations. Rockstar Princess Yeng Constantino was also in these performances doing their versions of Ikaw, Hawak Kamay, and Babalik Ka Rin while Gary sang and played instruments, knowing how talented he is.

Gary also was surprised by action star Coco Martin in his LA concert when he walked on stage to thank him and his contributions on hit show Ang Probinsyano and his other soap operas where Gary's song was a staple. Coco also went to Gary's Antipolo home when he was recovering from kidney cancer nephrectomy surgery, the audience was touched and surprised when they saw him walk in. Donita Rose and her husband Felson Palad, Sean Chambers, Faith Bautista, Chris Do, Cecile Azarcon, Pinky de Leon, Jennifer Cortez and other celebrities of Filipino descent were also in the audience to show support for Gary.

He also did Texas Hall yesterday, but still has Alaska Center for Performing Arts this October 21st and Town Hall in New York on the 23rd, so if you haven't been to a Gary V concert, this might be the opportune time to do so. His US Tour is sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Tancinco Law Office, and the Belo Medical Group. Promotion is courtesy of Star Media, Manila Genesis, Zion Agency, Music Arts International, Jeepney Production, Relion, Jak 'N Poy and JP3 Marketing and Production. Make sure to be there when Mr. Pure Energy performs on stage, and it will be one epic night!

Viral Rap Artist EZ MIL's Starts "PANALO" Homecoming Tour on April 29th - Manila

 

I've had the opportunity to ask questions a couple of times on Zoom to interview EZ MIL. After his hit song PANALO blew up in the charts, the clamor to have him here in the Philippines grew. Sure enough, as restrictions in the country relaxed a bit, he hopped on a plane and arrived to his homeland the Philippines to start what we now call "EZ MIL: PANALO Homecoming Tour 2022".

The press conference was held in an upscale bar in Tomas Morato, Quezon City a couple days ago and I was so happy I got to see him in the flesh. The good looking guy was flanked by his equally talented sister Raining Sorrow, Froilan Canlas, Kiefer Sanchez, Kelly Canoza, HBOM. Ren and his entourage. They were excited to talk about the show and what was going to happen in different parts of the country. This April 29th, they're starting the tour in New Frontier Theater in Araneta Center. 

EZ says "I'm excited, I'm ecstatic that I will get to perform with the people I look up to. I used to explore music of what genre I should do, I learned a lot from that, it was my outlet back then. Right now we have 2 singles out but we'll have an album out soon. I want to attempt to always do better than what I use to just do covers with. Being in the states, I just want to give back to all the people that helped me to get here including co-artists and some of my family. Super excited to do this, we will go crazy on stage!"

We got a little piece of what he'll be doing in the concert, so here, enjoy!

@kumagcow @ezmil is in the Philippines for his PANALO HOMECOMING TOUR #FilipinoAmerican #rap #EZMIL #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter ♬ original sound - John Bueno

@kumagcow EZ MIL is such a cray performer, tickets now out for his #Panalo Tour 🐮❤️ #EntertainmentPH #tiktokshowbizreporter #EZMIL #FilipinoAmerican #rap #opm @ezmil ♬ original sound - John Bueno

Here's our interview with some of the performers and EZ MIL

Other concert venues will be in Davao SMX on May 1st, Legazpi City Astrodome on May 6th, Baguio City on May 13th, and his home town in Subic Olongapo Subic Gym on May 15th. Tickets are being sold at https://www.ezmilhomecomingtour.com or SM Tickets and Ticketnet. Go check out our recent uploads on TikTok (@kumagcow) to see how EZ MIL sings, the man has awesome pipes!

Alex Gonzaga's Farm Tour Prank with Loren Legarda

What started as a tour in Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda's family farm and property has become a stressful prank courtesy of funny YouTuber and comedy star Alex Gonzaga.

The place is nice, they employed ecological practices to grow flowers, vegetables, medicinal plants which they also harvested and consume in real life. Though we know Ms. Loren to be a strict hard hitting journalist on TV, she's quite relaxed telling Alex more about what she could also do with the plants seen inside the farm. She also gave Alex some to take home so she could share with her folks and husband if ever they needed Aloe Vera for hair treatment. Alex likened the place to popular Sonya's Garden in Tagayatay, and true enough they got some of it for a small salad serving later on in the tour. She also explained Republic Act 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Law, which she authored in 2001.

While walking in the property, Ms. Loren found Alex scratching, and immediately, Ms. Loren called a hospital's dermatological head, suggesting antihistamine. They were calling her Toni most of the time, she got stressed even more. She acted really itchy, cried too, when Ms. Loren pulled out a tube of topical steroid from her bag (she's that ready!), Alex Gonzaga then revealed that it was a prank.

Oh Alex! You got the Deputy Speaker fooled, hook line and sinker!

Watch the prank unfold here! So silly!

Tagaytay Highlands Ups Digital Assets

The pandemic has affected a lot of industries and tons of businesses have ceased operations in the country. Though bleak in some sectors, real estate has seen growth despite the odds. Tagaytay Highlands for example has adapted well in digital where they've gotten home buyers to look at assets clearly even without physically visiting sites.

Take for example Horizon Terraces Garden Villas, they have their Glendale model unit on a 360 degree virtual walk-through so their clients don't have to go there anymore. It's a really good alternative especially for those who couldn't go out since there are still restrictions in Manila and nearby cities. With a few clicks, you can go to every corner of the house and see it like you're there. It's also accessible on Android, iOS, Windows OS or Mac.

Upping the ante with that 360 degree virtual walk through is Tagaytay Highlands' very own Virtual Tour Guide which gives a more welcoming treat and personalized service so they can see what it feels living in a Garden Villa home. It shows the Glendale model unit, ground and second floor, the living room, dining and kitchen as well. There's also a third floor where the bedrooms are located and you can see that all including a view from the balcony because there are gardens and Midlands Golf Course near the property. You may see it too on their Glendale Model Unit Walk through on YouTube.

They also have Garden Villas which measure from 136 to 168 square meters, built 7 in each cluster with privacy and security in mind. Horizon Terraces Garden Villas on the other hand is closer to the golf course, cable cars and the sports facilities as well. They also have pools, world class restaurants and the Country Club which members love. If you opt for a personal visit, they have strict protocols to follow. Their property management also follow this and employ precautionary measures to make sure everyone is safe. They've been recently awarded a Safety Seal courtesy of the Tagaytay City Government which is just a proof of what they're doing in this place. For those starting a family, finding a place to live in Tagaytay, they've got flexible payment terms for The Garden Villas. They even turn over properties virtually to prevent physical events and keep you safe.

If you want to live in Tagaytay Highliands, give them a call via +63275052422 or +639175150458. You can also visit tagaytayhighlands.com or their social network pages Tagaytay Highlands on FB and IG.

LISTEN Campus Tour: Championing Mental Health with Music

The Listen Campus Tour in FEU Manila

Mental Health has been one topic everyone feels a little uneasy to talk about. That alone is a problem there because one of the reasons it flourish IS because of the fact that nobody is talking about it. You and I, a lot of people in general have some issues with it and have relatively one or more people we know who are suffering from it. Has anybody listened to you? Do you feel alone in the battle against it? Well, you shouldn’t - and I’m telling you one way to make it easy to deal with.

A few nights ago, I was invited to the Listen Campus Tour held in the Far Eastern University grounds in Manila. I am foreign to the place but felt right at home in the university belt because I have been going to nearby UE when I can for other matters. It was a concert, filled to a brim with students as it was an annual affair to welcome students in the Tamaraw’s Green and Gold camp (via Tatak Tamaraw Welcome Freshmen Fest which is a yearly event). LISTEN Campus Tour is one of a few activities that the organizers, partners Media.Xchange (a pr corp) and Sindikato Artist Management would want to do in order to address mental health.

Fern and Me

Artists who joined the cause

The Department of Health also had a representative to explain the mental health law

Our interview after their set

For those who don’t know, the youth ages 18-25 have had the highest incidence of mental health issues and much of this have gone unnoticed, untreated and with music, they aim to inspire people, set examples of themselves and perhaps change the minds of those who are suffering of it. The power of music is insurmountable, it sets the mood, it has the ability to encompass ages and make moments relatable. During the concert I saw students take a breather, sit, stand and talked to their classmates (which makes it healthy btw). On stage, the organizers sought help from the Department of Health, their institutional partner (together with private firm Philippine Mental Health Association) represented by Ms. Clarence J. Fernandez, a registered nurse who was tasked to talk about the newly passed Mental Health Law. I felt assured the information they were giving the audience was accurate and apt since the implementing institutions themselves were involved.


Sindikato was awesome enough to include some of their artists (who came in and helped as soon as they knew what the cause was about), which in general was greatly giving of their time and patience, to somehow get involved in efforts for awareness on mental health. The performances from Hulyo, Dionela, Arthur Nery, Syd Harta, Nathan & Mercury and Fern (of which I’m a fan btw) just took my breath away. Although it was raining in the venue, students braved it all and kept listening to them while artists share how they related to their songs, and hoped it could help one or more people in the audience seeing how even if some of them are suffering from it, they’re completely okay. Here’s our interview with them after their set:

Meanwhile, it was awesome to talk to Fern and Nathan and Mercury about their thoughts on the cause. I have high hopes after hearing them all so positive about this and think another tour in other campuses/schools would be so good. Fern made me realize how we all are, especially "artists like us" who are a little crazy after all and we in some ways suffer with mental health issues.





Kean Cipriano and the whole Callalily band on the other hand was amazing on stage. I expected no less than that because I’ve seen them live several times. They’re the type of superstars which the crowd knows all the songs, requests for it after a song and listens to it intently. I was surprised to see Kean and the band taking a few moments to ask the crowd to put down their phones so they could feel and be in the moment. Kean also mentioned how every time he performs, he wants to connect and see their crowd, look them in the eye and take them to church, to let them feel the exact emotions of the songs they’ve written. Some of the songs may have come from a dark place, of failed relationships, but it also has a message, to triumph over obstacles just like in real life. Check out our interview with them after the concert.

 



I would like to take this bit to thank the people behind Listen Campus Tour for having us cover the event. I believe they have several of these arranged in the next few weeks, I hope to see them in my own alma mater too. If you want to talk about their cause and see them in your part of the woods, you might as well contact them via Facebook.com/ListenCampus and @ListenCampusTour on other social channels. Get connected and help them achieve their goals, help a joe out who’s suffering from mental health as well.


It's a good cause.

7-Eleven Holds Tour in Central Luzon

I am so happy this happened, but they didn’t invite me ah!

Anyway, 7-Eleven just concluded their 7-Eleven Tour 2019 last April 7 at Clark Global City in Pampanga. The route took them all to the jungles of Subic, to the busy Clark roads, then Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and back. It was arduous but these cyclists aged 16-75 participated in 48 or 106 KM courses which took their turns at Floridablanca Pampanga and Tipo Zambales respectively.

Over 3,000 professional and recreational cyclists joined one of the largest bike events of the year, the 7-Eleven Tour 2019 which took place last April 7. The event saw elite and weekend cyclists bike from Clark Global City passing through Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), then to Subic and back. In 2 hours and 29 minutes, Mark John Galedo won the title with Michael Jan Farre and Rench Michael Bondoc following suit. He won the Php 20,000 grand prize.

7-Eleven came back from a 7 year hiatus and this event was made possible with their partners NLEX, SCTEX and Clark Global City. Their CEO Jose Victor Paterno says “We believe this tour would be a great venue for professional and also to discover the up and coming generation of cyclists in the Philippines. We hope they found a glimpse of the scenic beauty of Central Luzon and perhaps be inspired to bring honor and pride for our country.”

If you would want to know more about the event please visit Facebook.com/tour11 or Tour11.com. Photos from the tour are there too.

Next year, I should join.

JACK TV's Night Crawlers

I've seen this happen last year and got so envious with the people who did it... when I received an email inviting me this year, let's just say I was giddy to actually be part of it. JACK TV, one of my favorite cable channels showing some of my favorite cartoons and programs has been doing these events for quite some time now. In partnership with San Miguel Oktoberfest, we've been tasked to do JACK TV Night Crawlers. It's a pub crawl of some sort but a tad different because we're going to scour the favorite watering holes in Bonifacio Global City. It was traffic, but I braved all that and found myself lost at BGC's Burgos Circle which was the only location indicated on the invite. It became doubly hard to find the starting point because as soon as I walked around that area, it started to rain like hell hath no fury. I came alone and arrived at BUGSY's near that circle and found myself in the midst of millennial bloggers and about a handful of their Facebook contest winners, so it was quite awkward to note that I was joining a bunch of guys and gals whom I didn't know. I guess, just like the other pub crawls where you would generally have to turn strangers into friends. :)

At BUGSY's we were treated by the JACK TV team with quick mind games, asking about their shows like our life depended on it. The other team racked in points, although some of my team mates also answered really tough ones so it was quite okay even if they took this round. I bet my team mates are going to have the next ones. 

We transferred to RUE BOURBON and the rain didn't let out. We stopped here and waited a bit thinking that it would eventually stop, but did the necessary things a pub crawl should have... and that's beer. Out of the local beers in the market, my preferred bottle is an ice cold San Miguel Super Dry. Always have, always will be. Oh and Rue Bourbon had those fancy nacho chips in different colors, which were quite good actually especially for beer match.

Albeit a little drizzle was trying to stop us from enjoying the evening, we got to DWNTOWN HALDSTED next. That place was almost full to the brim when we got there. There were expats, treating themselves to really good bar chow. They've got real good cocktails also going on at the bar. We had take over the whole front and play some games again. Of course as expected, our team won this round. They have very good food there as I mentioned earlier, so what better way to celebrate but by having a small dinner there.

They had a pretty good spread. From well decorated NACHOS, the SALTED EGG CALAMARES (do I need to convince you? LOL), and the CRISPY PATA (fried pork trotters). Oh and there's more! To know who would win the pub crawl matches, we went to RELIK which was a couple blocks away from our last restaurant. We had to ride the JACK TV trucks to get there.

To win in the final game, we had to use a contraption that had a ring on it. We had to drink a mug of draft beer first though which made us a little woozy. I'm so glad I listened to my team mates Brent, his Dad and his family. I mean who would have known that the ones who won the Facebook contest were actually relatives, that's how far I got to the conversation. It was nice to actually nice to know how they were enjoying the whole thing, I loved how I connected with them quite well because it was like they were cool with anything. They had interesting stories in between bottles, and now they're my Facebook friends. :) This was the part where I enjoyed it most. RELIK Restaurant and Bar played music during my heydays and the people on my table were all singing the same tune. We were like kindred spirits... we were a little drunk but hey, we WON! It was just the right place and right time to have CHICKEN SKIN and BUFFALO WINGS! It was so good we had to have seconds. Thank you so much to ZOMATO and JACK TV for having us in this JACK TV Night Crawl! 

Thanks to you I now have new friends, I had had so much fun too that evening. I hope I get invited in the next ones because I heard they are planning a lot of events in the future! Thanks again JACK TV!

If you want to experience the same things I did, head on over to the JACK TV Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/solar.jacktv/ and their official website www.jacktv.ph.

Make Your Vacation Stress Free: Azalea Hotels and Residences Boracay

I haven't been to Boracay island for such a long time and I've missed it so much. To feel the sand on my feet, snorkling and roughing it out with the huge waves, the tons of things to do in the island, so I told myself it's time to go back and give myself a break. The place is still gorgeous after all these years and apparently those green algae stuff I didn't want to see on the shore was gone (as it is rainy season). The next thing to do was arranging plane tickets, the inter island rides, and of course the place to stay.

Now I've been to different properties in Boracay but this time it's special. Since I was with a group, I knew we needed bigger rooms and perhaps a kitchen to cook. I'm glad to find refuge at a well known hotel chain from the north who consequently just opened their Boracay branch. I was expecting their rooms to be a bit smaller but no, albeit having almost the same layout I find their rooms here a bit larger. Yes ladies and gentlemen, the same Azalea Hotel I stayed in at Baguio also had Azalea Hotel and Residences Boracay. I was at awe!

Situated at the island's STATION 2 area, Azalea Hotel and Residences Boracay provides a really good jump off point for all your planned island activities. This station is known for everything that's happening, from clubbing, to al fresco dining, tons of shopping, souvenir areas and huge events during peak season. I prefer staying at this area if my idea of fun is partying and the convenience of city life while at the bosom of the island's White Beach - also a place known to have one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world!

Photos From Smart Music Live with Shawn Mendes

 I'm not much of a BIG fan but if you're asking, I do love his music. Okay maybe a little LOL! For me, music transcends personalities or generations so when the chance to see Shawn Mendes arrived, I was so excited! This is part of his ILLUMINATE tour and is sponsored by SMART. Smart Music Live has been bringing in artists from around the world and sponsoring their shows here in the Philippines. They've done that numerous times and I'm sure this won't be the last. (To tell you another surprise, Fifth Harmony is coming to the Philippines courtesy again of Smart Music Live!) I personally love his songs TREAT YOU BETTER, STITCHES and MERCY. I was there to listen to him just like the rest of his fans but I saw something even BIGGER. You couldn't even see spaces in between seats because darn, the whole Mall of Asia Arena was packed to the brim!

Shawn Mendes was charming, always talked to the crowd between songs and just a glimpse of him back stage meant you'll have to cover your ears because these millennials are not letting each sighting go, they screamed like it was the end of the world!

The Canadian born singer is good looking, his hair was perfect, his face was like a boy who wanted care, girls wanted to take care of him LOL

I even think they took notice of his arms, this boy next door wasn't just talented, he was gorgeous.

He played my favorites and I just lost it. I sat down and sang along with him in my head. Everybody else was singing loudly, I couldn't even see him during the first song because almost everyone didn't stand up from their seats, they stood up ON THEIR SEATS! It was crazy that the SM Marshalls had to tell them to go down so people at the back could watch!

There was one part of the show where he also told the crowd that people from Manila actually are good singers, so he had them sing out part of the songs, it was awesome!

He sat down on the piano, took his time to sing a few songs in this setup and made us swoon, I think that's Shawn's magic working.

That's just a bit of how it is to LIVE SMART. Thank you so much to the folks at Smart Communications for bringing in SHAWN MENDES to Manila, Philippines. I'm sure this won't be the last time we're seeing world class artists arrive on our shores. All photos on this post is brought to you by Smart Communications. Thanks for sharing us your shots!

For more information about their next shows:

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http://smart.com.ph/