MQuest Ventures and PARI Unite for AWIT AWARDS

Took the trip to hip Poblacion district in Makati for a one of a kind Vibe PH night where folks from production giant MQuest Ventures and the Philippine Association of the Record Industry signed a partnership to host the 38th edition of the prestigious Awit Awards. 

The event was hosted by several vibe jocks (Maxie Andreison, Joao Constancia, Anna Ramsey, Elijah Canlas, Kych Minemoto, Queenay, a mix of their young gen) and a lot of the artists under different recording companies were in attendance to support the pact. MQuest Holdings President and CEO Ms. Jane Basas and PARI President and Chairman Atty. Marivic Benedicto formalized this signing with executives from various labels serving witness too. I think I've seen Universal's Ethel Cachapero, OC Records James Banaag, and Alpha Music's Alvin De Vera (some personally said hi) at the event. 

For those who don't know, VIBE has been doing countdown shows in multiple channels and has been quite aggressively promoting OPM these past few months and we've seen several established, up and coming, indie and more performing on the show. They're a very good bunch interviewing artists, giving them the platform they need to promote music, and love for it. Actually, much of the event had artists perform in between Vibe portions where they interview them. 

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CUESHE performs their classic hits!

As for the 38th Awit Awards, it will happen this coming November 16th at the huge Meralco Theater in Ortigas. It will be at the helm of Johnny Manahan to direct the show. Artists like Ben & Ben, Over October, Lola Amour and popular Dionela were also announced to perform in the awards night, . We were also treated with lovely songs by CUESHE (and other bands). I like how some of them did it in a different way. You can watch it on my YT account's Shorts @kumagcow.

Again, the awards night will be shown on Vibe at TV5 and the associated channels of Vibe PH, TV5, MQuest, PARI and Awit Awards.  

It just sounds so exciting! 

ALFRED VARGAS' Message To His Younger Self

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.

A Taste of the SMB Oktoberfest Party

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. 

Here's a glimpse of it on video!

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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! 

LEILA BARROS Back in Manila

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!