Taiwan certainly has a lot of things that Filipinos could connect to. One of it is the love for music. TAITRA aka Taiwan External Trade Development Council recently held the Taiwan Excellence "Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy" at the Market!Market! mall in Taguig City.
Out of thousands who sent their entries, they got the judges choose 3 finalists to battle it out on this one day at the mall's activity center. This isn't a walk in the park as we talked to the judges Kean Cipriano, Ice Seguerra, Yeng Constantino and Paulo Zarate. They also had to choose a winner based off a themed composition about Taiwan Excellence and an original song. Taiwan is known for their various quality products and seeing the Taiwan Excellence seal on them just assures you of their high standards. Aside from the economic standpoint, it's the connections we share in culture that makes it a worthwhile event.
We also got to talk to the executives of TAITRA and asked about what they were looking for as far as winners go. It's a combination of talent, x factor and the ability to showcase the Filipino talent. Because just like Taiwan, we find excellence in these things. Makes sense?
Various Taiwanese brands also joined the event in support of the Taiwan Excellence program and this songwriting and singing competition:
In the end, they announced The Unexpected Duo's Vench Larenas and Renz Salazar as Second Runner Up, Haranajeeb Duo's Khen Aldovino and Nephtali Fajardo as the First Runner Up. The grand winner is Mandarhyme Duo's Rusty and Janine Loayon, they won Php 300,000 for it. The event was witnessed by TAITRA's Brian Lee, Alex Lai, and people from Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office. Also in the event was Ambassador Wallace Chow and Ms. Josephine Shun of TECO Philippines.
Connecting through music, Taiwan's External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) will be holding "Your Song of Excellence: Duo Legacy" Grand Finals at Ayala Malls Market!Market! this coming August 31, 2024. This is a nationwide competition of duo singers and from thousands of entries, only three made it to the finals. They are Haranajeeb Duo, The Unexpected Duo and the Mandarhyme Duo.
This is hard to do because from their eliminations, they are now asked to compose 2 songs of 3:30 minutes each that will be performed on stage with one of the entries being the jingle with the theme "The Best Made in Taiwan". Catch is, it should contain the words "Taiwan Excellence" and will be judged through their core values of innovation, interests, sustainability and quality. This is supported by their home grown brands Acer, AOPEN, Aorus, ASUS, D-Link, Gigabyte, Kymco, MSI, PC Express, ROG, Tatung and Zyxel. If you would like to know more about the event, follow them on social channels by searching TaiwanExcellence.ph.
Judges include industry greats such as Kean Cipriano, Yeng Constantino, Ice Seguerra, Nicole Asenso, Paulo Zarate and more. Who knows, they might also perform that evening too. Make sure to be there primetime!
It was a nice evening at CUBAO EXPO where we attended the launch of Yeng Constantino's newest single called "BABALA". Fans and people who attended the event were in Mommy garb, literally dusters depicting a normal day in a Filipino barangay. It was also fun that they got us to experience the launch with Filipino street food of Banana Cue, various fish balls, Kikiam and Tukneneng. They also served us Sago't Gulaman when her set started.
Here's our interview with her after her gig
She was actually nervous doing this because it's been a long while since she's performed in front of a crowd. She also has not released much music for the past few years and this new single BABALA is both fun, amusing, something you could play to have a good time.
It's out now on streaming sites and the music video is also on YouTube. Make sure you listen, stream and watch it if you are a fan of her music. She's a gem, and I hope by her merits alone, people would appreciate what she's dishing out. She plans to do more of these in the next few months so stay tuned!
Thanks Cornerstone Entertainment for the fun evening! Thank you to Yeng too for being so nice!
It's been a while since we've gotten to talk to Yeng Constantino. I was a little too excited to get to see and hear about what she's been doing these past few months + during the pandemic so when the opportunity to interview her for a show came up, I said yes. The kind people from Cornerstone Entertainment introduced us to the hosts of their online show called GRATEFFUL TUESDAYS hosted by Madame Pinky Tobiano and Yeng Constantino. This was the first time for me to hear about Miss Pinky but hearing about her work as a Chemist and host of this show, I wondered what she was doing with charity work which the show seemed to be inclined with.
Looking at her social media channels, it looks like she's been doing this for quite a while and honestly, when I saw how Yeng was talking about Ms. Pinky, I could see how her face lights up and how inspired she became after seeing the kind woman do her work. I felt their honesty, eagerness to actually help without asking anything in return which I think is a good trait of a public servant. Yet they remained very private citizens all these years, albeit helping thousands of families before and during the pandemic. Their show is currently being aired on CSTV (Cornerstone TV) which is on their Facebook page and YouTube channel. In it they continue to share not just their blessings, but stories of ordinary people that would really inspire others who fall into the same predicament. It was at this time when I felt that whoa, it's so nice to see someone from the private sector do so many good things, seeing this, I felt Ms. Pinky was really inspiring a lot of people (now that includes me).
During their last episode which was aired November 24th, they included their relief efforts from communities in Cagayan, Marikina, Rizal which involved over 7,000 families all in all. She organized this and seeked the help of a lot of celebrities, very influential friends, artists, in a Care and Share program they developed for the show. This is for the benefit of the victims of Typhoon Ulysses which wreaked havoc in different places in Luzon. With Mayor Chavit Singson arranging three planes for the relief goods to be sent to the Cagayan valley, they were able to help people from Tugegarao and nearby cities and municipalities. Ms. Pinky was flanked by Ruffa Gutierrez and KC Concepcion during that time and they did a lot in a span of a few days. In the east of Manila, they got Yeng with a team to help with relief efforts they did in Marikina and Rizal where she was from. I promptly asked what was fueling their passion and why they were not getting exhausted doing this, they shared their answers during a short Q and A via a virtual blogcon, I liked what I heard.
Seeing this, I was a little too shy I didn't get to help much during those times, I only referred people and spread information about charities that could help digitally after the typhoon. But felt good when I realized what Yeng referred to as your way to help. You can only do so much, but it starts with that. You just have to do what you can do in times of crisis. They also mentioned how they didn't wait for government efforts anymore and started helping with their own capacity, it's amazing what you can do with that. I understood that it's not how big or small you're giving, every little thing can go a long way... and can mean so much for other people. They also are making the necessary steps to not just give plain relief for them, they are teaching them entrepreneurial things so they can make a living. Aside from that, they also announced that they will be giving away 10 full college scholarships to deserving students. They also are choosing several individuals to get a Jeepney turned Sari Sari Store which they call Sari-Jeepneys which you'll all see in the coming months.
The new season of GRATEFUL TUESDAYS will be seen from 7-8pm on the Cornerstone YouTube Account, the CSTV FB and Chemist Pinky Tobiano's FB Page. They will also be available on the CSTV KUMU account so make sure you also download that platform. Yeng now is enjoying her time with a bunch of her friends who now are starting to pool resources so they can help their own communities. How I wish I could do the same now in my own hood when the time comes, or perhaps lead one and help other communities who need it. I think this show sparks that, yes, it sparks hope.
Missed this event but we had our compadre Jim of mrjimboy.com cover for us at the premiere night of Write About Love, a supposed romcom film produced by TBA Studios as entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. Unbeknownst to those who have not watched it yet (of course including you as it's gonna be shown Christmas Day) the film is about two writers bound to clash creatively as one is rooted in making indie and the other is more mainstream films.
TBA Studios shot this a few months back, but the movie has transcened from being solely a good story. Albeit this is Director Crisanto B Aquino's directorial debut, he managed to put out inordinate conflict between the writers and squeeze in a considerable amount of affairs for the heart despite being attached to different parties. It likens the heartfelt fascination between their minds as they take directions in interpretation, though one asks, how did they get to spark interest after that?
The story borders mainstream and indie too, which hell approaches in telling an inception love story. #WriteAboutLove isn’t a typical romance film that would go the lengths of introducing a boy to a girl, in awkward situations, no love at first sight because they took time to grow on you. It makes you think of your own perception of love. It makes you question what love is — the kind that's not limited to romanticism, of terms of endearment and labels. The movie takes the path of cracking sick in making decisions — either good or bad. It makes you decide on what kind of story you put out there, and involve your own life. As funny as it sounds, we invest ourselves in work and relationships.
Write About Love is unconventional, it stands out from the run of the mill formulas they usually do. The film is not at all cheesy, but it puts tiny moments that are cute, heartwarming and captivating. Kudos to several iconic lines they delivered as expected with experienced actors like Joem Bascon and Rocco Nacino. Likewise with Miles Ocampo and a tad different Yeng Constantino. They also equipped it with an ambrosial musical score (by THE Jerrold Tarog), and be assured you'll cry a few times in 4 scenes. They delivered them all subtly and effectively.
You will see Rocco Nacino’s best performance to date, even if they're a new pairing, he didn't get awkward with Miles at all. He deserves a huge part on the back for riding his bike from his DOTS shoot, and back after the Premiere Night. Talk about dedication no? Joem Bascon is also on a league of his own, he didn't shortchange his role at all.
It would be a good film to watch this Christmas, especially for those who have weird and unconventional relationships. Write About Love is part of #MMFF2019, take a moment to get this as part of your list when theaters open this Christmas day!
I have been able to see Yeng Constantino a few times but this one was different. She wasn't really the same. She's good don't get me wrong, but she's actually in the stage of actually reaping the benefits of her hard work. She's been through it all, even called a one hit wonder by some older artist but look at her now. She's one of the most successful singers in the country. She's also one of the finest songwriters and performers bar none.
What I find a little endearing now is that she's extremely happy about the experience to be one of the judges in "Tawag ng Tanghalan" which is a singing contest in "It's Showtime" one of the leading afternoon variety shows in the country. She also feels so accomplished to have been able to mentor Team OMG in the show "We Love OPM". These are things that she's only dreamed of in the past and life has indeed been so good to her. She can't thank the one above so much! She's celebrating a milestone in her career. This is her 10th year in the business and she's taking it to the world wide web. Something unprecedented, because she's holding a Digital Interactive Concert on the 19th of June this year - at 7:30 PM. It's something that you would be able to watch live at OneMusic.PH LIVE!
They're also selling tickets for this but it's very limited. Some can be won on the website or the Yengsters Fan pages. She's dedicating this to her family and the people who have supported her through the years. Here's what happened during the press conference at the Star Music offices:
Here's more photos from the presscon with the Director, this is hosted by our friends from OneMusic.PH!
It was a night of grace, class and elegance of the Filipina Beauty Queen. I've never been into pageants that much but have really high regards to the people who live an breathe it. We are all proud of our contestants and made sure they've got the backing of a nation when voting online, campaigns are concerned. We've now gotten Filipino designers to actually do the gowns too and pretty much did all the things we hoped would change our fate in the Miss Universe competition, and it did bear fruit. After 40+ years of waiting for it, we finally have Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach as our new Ms. Universe 2015, at the most opportune time and slightly controversial one at that. We were a little sad she didn't get to do a proper Ms. Universe walk so when her homecoming was prepared, they arranged a part of the program to be her official walk. Here's some excerpts, a collection of 3 videos as part of our coverage of Pia's Homecoming a few days ago. Thanks to the goodness of SMART Communications, PLDT Home for having us!
Erik Santos and Yeng Constantino opened the show. Xian Lim hosted it together with Dianne Castillejo and Venus Raj. A parade of former beauty queens who won the Bb. Pilipinas - Universe title also happened that evening.
This is Part 2, the reveal of Pia whilst she was serenaded by Piolo Pascual and her crush Sam Milby.
This is part 3 where Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach did her official walk as Ms. Universe 2015. She wore the Blue Gown that Albert Andrada made for her during the actual pageant. She was stunning!
Again, thanks to the lovely people at Smart Communications and PLDT Home for having us!
Yeng Constantino just released her newest album "All About Love", and we recently talked to her during a small blog conference in Don Henricos, a restaurant located in Tomas Morato, Quezon City. She says "I used to only listen to Rock music as a preference but now I'm more open to any kind of music. I wanted to have several people to be part of the album. In a long drive to Tagaytay, we listened to a couple of his compositions and what I heard there made me know him more. I wanted to include several of his songs in this album on the spot. I want something to symbolize this album and it's a good thing we got BJ Pascual to shoot. All the concept, the shots, it was all great. I want people to remember this album as the one who has the rose on it because it is after all "All About Love". I want to do everything to be worked on perfectly before releasing it because I don't want to shortchange my fans. I am happy for the support of my Cornerstone family, Star Records who worked with me all the way.
We'll also be working on a music video to be shot entirely in Japan. I want it to be done during "Sakura" aka Cherry Blossom season because I love the scenes at that time. I want to wear paper umbrellas, kimonos, under a tree, I'm seeing so many things that I can do there. I also wish to have time to bring the ICON concerts all over the Philippines because I know a lot of people are requesting for it. When we also made this album I had initial fears because it might be done haphazardly because I wasn't in love when this started but when I got him, I never doubted. It was something I want to do in order to reach more people. The musicality, everyone would relate with it. I want it to be something inspiring for the people who would want to listen.
I have a blog and I want to write my thoughts about life and love, it might be seasonal but it's true. I will not retaliate with hatred because that doesn't really matter to me. I am happy with my family, happy with my supporters and I can only think that these trolls who work behind the keyboard, I am so sad they are wasting so much time with someone who doesn't even care. That's what I learned from my Dad, when I enjoy something, I go ahead and do it. Good vibes."
She also hopes you can get her album released in stores and record bars. Please also support the video of "Ikaw" which is her pre-nup anthem. All About Love, is all about love and it's personal. She thanks her sponsors, Yengsters who have been with her all the way. Her soon to be husband too, she can't wait to be with him this February, for real.
Yeng was able to choose songs and overall input on this album and says
she wants the name to be about transformation, change and maturity.
Metamorphosis was the only word she could think of.
This specific season
she was able to work with the greatest musicians, and writing is much like a
diary to her. Listening to her own songs made her realize how much
she's changed over the years and now she knows what to do do, what to
say and she's so glad her record company allowed her to do things
freely. She's kinda afraid if people would accept her but she says she
doesn't want to look back and say she didn't do it.
She adds she wants to be true to herself and they will hear the old Yeng
but she will always add something new, something to actually dance
with, even a music video. Listening to blink182 and Mandy Moore at the
same time made her also realize that she doesn't need to be boxed up at
all.
Yeng wants yo be a good example to everyone especially the youth because
she wants to honor God, the church and she's happy about it. Her music
is also about love, and heartbreaks but she says she wants to keep her
own relationships private. But also says she can't really keep a secret
and you'll probably see her tweet or instagram about it. She also hints
about a love story that almost happened with a close friend but it had
to end.
Good news actually arrived when we were in the blog conference because a
prestigious academy in Europe got Yeng Constantino as an honorary
member as they put up a branch in Singapore so she's gonna be there on
March 3.
Make sure you visit her new website
www.Yeng.ph and find out more of what Yeng has in store for you this 2013 and her new album Metamorphosis! Watch how Yeng transforms into something bigger, better and brighter Philippine and possible International Rockstar than before! It's out on stores now!
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