Looks like former cong and now (QC's 5th) Councilor Alfred Vargas is spending his weekends reflecting on life and improvement as he reminisces on what advice he can give his younger self. In true makata fashion, he pens out a heartfelt message in Filipino signifying resilience, his fears, overcoming it, real success and how to achieve it.
He also tells the importance of love for family, honoring them, giving respect, and how to be of service to others. He also dedicates these lines to his faith. Here's his recent Instagram post:
His knack for words and urge to share what he has learned through life experiences is something that should be emulated.
We can't be just complacent, we need to continuously learn from our mistakes, improve ourselves and other people. We all need to work on that, and not forget to share because wisdom, is golden.
The mood was crazy as folks went to Okada for the kick off of SMB Oktoberfest which was a 2 day event last September 20. This isn't an ordinary day because they are also celebrating their 135th year, a milestone for the homegrown brand San Miguel Brewery Inc.
At the launch, they had performers like Rico Blanco, Lola Amour, December Avenue, my favorite boy Maki, Arthur Nery, Brownman Revival, The Juans, The DAWN, Autotelic, The Cohens, Paprika, DWATA, Carousel Casualties, Magiliw Street, It All Started in May, Sean Archer, Acapellago, DJ Chelsea and Rammy. Executives such as SMB President Carlos Berba, the action superstar Coco Martin, Okada's Vice Chair Takako Okada, and several dignitaries joined in the fun and celebrated with overflowing new brews such as the Pale Ale, Fruity Wheat Ale, Summer Ale and the Specialty Lager (which everyone enjoyed). They also had the Magician Efren Bata Reyes, Django Bustamante, and the San Miguel Beermen who did several exhibition games and fan interaction, something you will look forward to on SMB Oktoberfest day.
Top local bands are slated to headline the actual Oktoberfest festivities which include Rocksteddy, Sun kissed Lola, The Collars, Progeny, Parisukat, Urbandub, December Avenue, Missing Filemon, Nikolay, and Kuwako. It will also happen on October 18 in Paseo de Sta Rosa in Sta Rosa Laguna, then on October 31st at the Queensland Manor in Cebu City.
Tickets are already available at the Ticket2Me app and website, so go check out schedules published at the SanMiguelOktoberfest FB page to know more about this festive month! Don't say we didn't tell you about it!
When I heard that I was meeting LEILA BARROS on this day, I fondly remember how Filipinos went crazy for her a couple years ago. In the late 90's to 2000's, she looked like a doll but hits balls like her country depended on it. This is her charm, which pinoys have always loved. After years of not hearing from her, she comes back like she's never left the scene. Armed with the same charm, she now is a successful family woman, a mother, and a Senator of Taguatinga, a federal district in Brazil. Since it's FIVB season, the Philippines Volleyball Federation sought her help to announce something good happening like the 2029 FIVB World Women's Volleyball Championship which will also happen here as the sport grows even bigger.
Leila was also invited to come back to the Philippines a few times but she never had the chance to do so because of life. She figured the growth that was happening now was something she couldn't pass, so she hopped on the plane and arrived albeit delays from one of the strongest typhoons in the world. She fondly remembers Filipinos holding placards asking Leila to marry them. This day for the meet and greet was a little different because Leila now has the time to actually be with people, take lots of photos and she even talked to us with the help of an interpreter.
AI generated this smiling version of her :)
One thing I couldn't forget was when I asked her about how they are dealing with corruption in their country. It made the folks quite quiet in the crowd, but she said they're dealing with it as well in Brazil because they have some individuals meddling with their pension funds, and they sought help from deputies (one that represents agencies) and a few Senators to probe into it. How I wish I could say the same with ours no?! 🤣
Here's our short chat with her on video:
She was so nice and accommodating. She made sure folks would have a Leila moment they won't forget and went to the venue of FIVB matches to announce the big news. She also said hi to fans the whole day as she was leaving the next day. She mentioned she's got plans to go back and bring her family for a holiday (her husband is a beach volleyball Olympic gold medalist) and bring her son Lukas too.
I'm so excited about the Philippines hosting another FIVB, and hopefully, we'll get to watch it with her as well. Hope you get to see more talented players in our turf!
Got the chance to see the Sing GalingSinglebrity Edition 2025 folks yesterday and what good things they've got on sleeve as they prepare their first episode this coming September 27 on TV5 and their other assets. Veteran judges Rey Valera, Randy Santiago and several celebrities told us about their experience and what to expect on the show.
Of course, different people means different personalities. Aside from being serious about the contest part of the show, Sir Rey Valera told us "You'll get to see the good side of the contestants (that we also are with in the industry) when we talk about their individual charities. They are doing this to help folks that are in need. They will do everything for them, that's what is fun in this show because of that different angle. Doing this is like not turning away from your promises in helping others. This is also a way to give back for the years they've been supporting us as artists. People who watch our show sometimes go on wheelchairs, when you get to age and still sing, you are relevant, if you want to pass it to the next generation, this is how you should do it."
Singer Ariel Rivera says "I can say, expect the unexpected. I know some of the contestants are good actors, but when I heard them sing, they're really really talented. People think we only act on screen but we're happy to be part of this and share our talent to help others. We appreciate those that appreciate us. We're friends for years (talking about other artists on the show), being kind goes a long way."
Nina added "I love my fans, they're not all perfect but they are the reason where we are right now. We shouldn't forget that."
K Brosas told us "We're not at the top but we're not going away, we love our craft and the people that work with us. We are thankful and remember our roots."
Here's more of our interviews after the event:
Oh by the way, Rey Valera and a couple of his friends are establishing a way to support up and coming artists on their new YouTube channel. If you want to be part of it, just visit youtube.com/@Sigma54music to get in touch with them. This is his way to leave a legacy.
And again, make sure you watch SING GALING SINGLEBRITY EDITION because it will premiere this September 27 at 7PM and 8PM on Sunday on TV5, Buko Channel and Sari-Sari Channel too. It's going to be super fun!
