50 Beautiful Years of Binibining Pilipinas!

It's the premier pageant institution in the country where the most beautiful Filipinas from all parts of the Philippines come in an take their chances in becoming Binibining Pilipinas - Universe, Binibining Pilipinas International and Binibining Pilipinas Tourism. From thousands who applied in one of the most largest turnouts in Binibining Pilipinas history, they only picked 50 gorgeous girls to vie for three titles this 2013!

The candidates were earlier announced and some of my friends have their personal favorites.

1.Ria Rabajante
2.Ma. Bencelle Bianzon
3.Zandra Flores
4.Nicole Kim Donesa
5.Maria Sofia Gloria Mustonen
6.Yvette Chantal Mildenberger
7.Maria Ivy Kristel Gonzales
8.Abbygale Monderin
9.Katherine Anne Enriquez
10.Anna Carmela Aquino
11.Ana Carmina Antonio
12.Camille Carla Nazar
13.Charmaine Elima
14.Mary Rose Pujanes
15.Pia Wurtzbach
16.Joanna Cindy Miranda
17.Carin Adrianne Ramos
18.Christine Paula Love Bernasor
19.Hannah Ruth Sison
20.Bea Rose Santiago
21.Lourenz Grace Remetillo
22.Ellore Noelle Punzalan
23.Leona Paula Santicruz
24.Cassandra Naidas
25.Merry Joyce Respicio
26.Anna Fernandina Buquid
27.Vania Valiry Vispo
28.Mercegrace Raquel
29.Pauline Quintas
30.Maria Theresa Gorgonio
31.Maria Angelica De Leon
32.Cindy Abundabar
33.Parul Shah
34.Grace Yann Apuad
35.Theresa Marie Fenger
36.Angel May Villafuerte
37.Ma. Teresita Alaine Baccay
38.Mariz Ong
39.Mutya Johanna Datul
40.Jan Helen Villanueva
41.Ariella Arida
42.Jacqueline Alexandra Mayoralgo
43.Rhea Nakpil
44.Gabrielle Monique Runnstrom
45.Imelda Schweighart
46.Amanda Noelle Navasero
47.Aiyana Mikiewicz
48.Angeli Dione Gomez
49.Herlie Kim Artugue
50.Ma. Cristina Ann Pascual

They were doing the talent portion and it was nice to see them in a different light.

I am doing a fearless forecast here because I was able to see them a few days ago. I love Candidate #45 Imelda Schweighart, Candidate #48 Angeli Dione Gomez and Candidate #36 Angel May Villafuerte. I hope they get to win some of the posts above. They are all so gorgeous in person and I want to see them all do well in this pageant. 

Some of them sang, danced, declaimed etc. The standouts were quite a few. I specifically remember the one who performed magic tricks, and the dance that had a hoola hoop with it. Aside from that I think the others were just soso. It's all good but of course the unique ones would really stick into the mind of the audiences.

Then we got to see these beauty queens up close. We literally had dinner together. =) I know how hard it is for these gorgeous women to stay still smiling after working hard that afternoon. They managed to still be nice and not cranky. The press was impressed because even if they were a little busy eating, they can stop and pose for photos if you kindly ask them to. These girls are all good.

First runner-up in the Miss Universe 2012 pageant Janine Mari Raymundo Tugonon was so happy to say her wishes for the girls. They know that they have a lot of responsibilities if they get to win the title. The Philippines has been able to do quite good placing in the Miss Universe pageant and it's about time that we win something for the country, and help a lot of people along the way.

Madame Stella Araneta still so gorgeous after all these years; did you know she was the first ever Ms. International? Hence her passion to make Binibining Pilipinas the premier pageant sending candidates to the best of the best international competitions.

We really didn't run out of title holders as the reigning beauty queens were also there.

It was so nice that Candidate number 1 Ria Rabajante stopped for photo ops while we were lining up for the buffet. She was so nice.

One of my bets is in this shot. The one on the left most part. She's gorgeous no? Lovely too.

And if the day wasn't too good, she comes along and graced my camera.

Shamcey Supsup, no wonder she won and placed in Miss Universe. She's really gorgeous. She was kind enough to take some shots even if she was on a phone call at this time. Thanks Shamcey! =)

These girls have shown how much talent and fervor they have to win the competition. But the best part of this is they get to do charity work while the pageant is ongoing (via Operation Smile) and also after that. That is priceless and I've always have high regards to what Binibining Pilipinas charities is doing all these years. Now let's all support whoever wins the crown and I'm sure we'll get that coveted Miss Universe crown we've all been waiting for these past few years. We are also doing good in other pageants and its possible that pretty soon we'll all win them in one blow! Congratulations to the people behind Binibining Pilipinas 2013, I couldn't wait come April 14 when they hold the coronation night and will announce the winners!

For more information about Binibining Pilipinas

Visit http://www.bbpilipinas.com

Sofitel Manila - The Vietura Launch!

I was so glad to hear that Vietura opened it's doors last March 5, 2013 at the posh Sofitel Manila. I saw this during its last few days of construction and was excited because of the things they had to offer. Vie is the French word for Life and Tura came from Natura or au naturelle. As the words imply this is an aesthetic lifestyle center that introduces a holistic and comprehensive approach to wellness. This institute combines full aesthetic procedures and uses natural integrative medicine and provides  lifestyle coaching. This is something unprecedented in the Philippines because they offer 100% non-

invasive procedures and match it with gradually induced treatments that only Vietura and Sofitel Manila can provide.

The launch got us all into one of Sofitel Manila's function rooms which they completely transformed into a dreamy, heavenly white place that's also filled with Sofitel Manila's Executives, some of Vietura's first clientelle and media representatives. It was also nice to see some of my fashion blogger chums whom I haven't seen in a while.

JM De Guzman's Album Launch: Tensionado

The place was packed when I got there. It was really good to see these guys wait for one man. He's been in the industry for quite some time now and he's been able to maintain a huge following even after his program in ABSCBN ended a few months ago. This time, he's got something up his sleeves other than being the Prince of Drama. He's an accomplished singer and since he's taken his time to write a couple of songs and did some covers, JM De Guzman deserves what he's getting now. A new album called "Tensionado".

Opening up for him were a couple of performers

This band called Kaligta was nice. Their genre depicted a little of Christian, and a little of pop rock music. That afternoon they performed some covers by Creed I think. They've also got a self titled album that's got six tracks being sold at the event. Very promising.

Then he came up the stage and the crowd went wild!

"KALAYAAN" – A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila

Have you ever thought how Manila was won during world war II?

I have no idea.

It's probably because nobody bothered to teach us the 1945 liberation of Manila. It could have been easier to see it right in textbooks but I didn't find that in the curriculum or my history books. That bothers me, we've lived here for the longest time but nobody knew how our own capital Manila was fought for.

It's a good thing there are people out there who believe we should know what exactly happened at that time. Buhay na Kasaysayan, MD Juan Enterprises in cooperation with the Intramuros Administration, Department of Tourism and HERO Foundation proudly presents “KALAYAAN – A Battle Reenactment of the 1945 Liberation of Manila”. This will happen at the grounds of the Old PC Cuartel on Sta. Lucia Street, Intramuros, Manila on March 24, 2013 that's on Sunday at 4:30 PM. All proceeds of this event will go to HERO Foundation, Inc. who provides scholarship and support grants to kids and families of our fallen soldiers. This is their way of helping these kids have a new lease in life. This private organization has already helped 2,376 scholar orphans and need more to help children and or dependent siblings of Filipino soldiers who are killed on duty or completely incapacitated while serving the people of this country.

For those who would like to inquire about this presentation, kindly confirm via www.herofoundation.com.ph or contact HERO’s contact number at 0917-822HERO (4376). It's not to late to be a hero, even in your own little way.

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla Stars in "Must Be Love"

Have you ever fallen in love with your best friend?

Have you ever had that moment when your world just almost stops, play in slow motion when you see him/her passing by?

It's that moment when you suddenly realize that it's not just plainly taking care of that person, you just happen to fall in love with him/her and you can't stop realizing that its happening.

The country's greatest teen stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla will go through the same predicament on this romantic comedy movie called Must Be Love. I just got hold of news that its rated B by the cinema evaluation board, enough said!

Young JV: Doin' It Big!

We sat down this afternoon with good looking pop rap star YoungJV and got a little personal as it was free for all when he accommodated questions over coffee at Baang Coffee in Tomas Morato. Born Eduardo JV Arancillo Kapunan III, his ilonggo roots was quite evident in the way he talks (malambing), we also felt he was softspoken but quite confident. He exudes a sensible urban young guy with rap and hiphop influences but none of those bad traits at all.

He's a good guy, but a damn good looking one. Aside from his music, he's also venturing into acting. You can sometimes say that it's already a norm in the entertainment industry. He's admittedly learning the ropes and also continually studying in the hopes to be better in this craft too.

His new album is released by Star Records, he's happy he gets to work now with one company. He made a remarkable improvement in his career and he attributes that to the first people who helped him specifically ASAP; this was when he guested for the show. He's happy with his career and his music now because he got to plan a more pop RnB approach this time which was both his decision and star records. Now he's got fans of all ages wherein before it was almost more underground. He says he feels "the need to be artistically free but in hindisight, if it doesn't put food on the table then you won't go further with your career". He wants a balance between the two and he's now also concentrating on singing wherein before it was much more of just rap.

Pop, house, acoustic, he sees music so free now that you can't contain it into one genre. His influences are life experiences, a heartbreak (which he's gone through a lot he says), relationship would actually delce him to write. He did all of the lyrics in this new album and he's proud about that.

Doin' It Big has got 11 tracks. I suggest you go and watch the video he had with Myrtle which has been getting a lot of views on Youtube.

Your Name (featuring Myrtle Sarrosa)
Intro - Doin' It Big
Get Up & Dance
Rock This Town (featuring Laze & Yumi)
Kailan Kaya
Tanong
Boy Meets Girl (featuring Yeng Constantino)
Alay (featuring Akiko)
Got To Have You
Hurts So Bad (featuring Karylle)
Pinas

 He's under Cornerstone now and he's excited to plan out the next few years with them. He decided to be with this talent agency when they got the chance to bond on their US tour. 

You can touch everything but not his hair, he's Young JV and he's still got a lot to prove. He's doing a damn fine job already and I can't wait for the projects that he'll probably do with his new album, his management and the new recording company he's working with. He deserves all the good things that he's getting now and with the fine young man he's become, I won't be surprised he'll be a superstar on his own right pretty soon.

Congratulations Young JV! I'm rooting for you!

For more information about Young JV

Visit his Social Media Channels

http://www.facebook.com/IamYoungJV

http://twitter.com/YoungJVofficial
http://www.youtube.com/youngjvofficial

PS They are currently nominated for an award, please vote for them by tweeting this!

#mma2013 I am voting for YOUR NAME - YOUNG JV FEAT. MYRTLE (DIRECTOR: NOLAN BERNARDINO) for Favorite Urban Video

Just copy and paste it once per day and it'll be counted! Capisce?

Exemplary Social Media Practices for Public Service

Social Media has become quite a tool for public and private entities. In the last US election alone, there have been remarkable scientific studies over influences, mentions and popularity verified and supported with analytics technology so one can see or even in a way predict the one to get the presidency. The technology as become quite advanced that they actually use listening tools and see a direct correlation with the outcome and they have not been able to see This goes the same with the use of social media with public and private services. Whilst private companies keep mum on most situations (to keep their name spotless), the public sector in the Philippines has quite efficiently made better use of it by harnessing these channels and making it more efficient to deliver news, personal views, opinions and updates all in real time.

Take JV Ejercito for example. When a fire broke out in San Juan City a couple of years ago (I think it was the one in N.Domingo), he directly appealed for what was needed and made sure everyone was informed of the situation. It was easy to ask for additional firetrucks, supplies and issue statements to media even if he was too busy working on it. He took time working with his team, assessing the situation and tell the people what they were up for. It was easier and he could tell right then and there what everyone had to do. He also got his posts cross posted on Facebook so whichever medium was being used by his constituents, they had first hand information from the Mayor himself. Yes, you might think it's a dangerous feat to have the person himself and not the assistant/secretary to do the responses but he made it a point to make engagements very personal. Wouldn't you want to know what your local government official is doing all these years in office perhaps? Exactly! His Klout score is high; and the social influence he gets off that is something to admire. Klout has its own way of computing for influence across different social media channels and if you continuously have high ratings on this alone, you know how your message runs across to other people vis-à-vis constituents.  

He's also an avid supporter of the FOI (Freedom of Information) bill and he has said his sentiments quite a lot. This includes how important it is to give the public more access to records of government transactions but still have it in line with constitutional guarantees of freedom for information. Now that is a necessity for every single one of us; of course including netizens. Our opinions matter; and if the laws of the land do not protect you or anyone in particular who publishes it here or online then what constitutional guarantee do we have at all? Understanding how the world works nowadays prove to be a little complicated for most of the old ones in the government (don't get me wrong but there are a lot of them right?) who only thinks of ineffective policies of the yesteryear's constitution. I wouldn't want to name names because you probably know who they are. Just like JV Ejercito, MMDA is doing one heck of a great job at this department.If you see anyone close to their interactions and efforts across the web, then it's probably worth to get to know them better.

We ought to choose those who only know how important and effective how social media is at this day and time. It's our generation, and we need it now more than ever. The Philippines deserve all the nice things it's been achieving; and I wouldn't want to see it go to waste because we'll just fall back again on deaf ears and not those who listen and take time to answer the people directly. If we harness this medium and have that efficiently be used for the greater good of the people, we'll have a better country; and a better version of ourselves in the long run. Wouldn't that be a cool Philippines?

Game Over! Here's Buddha-Bar Manila!

Three floors of exquisite and posh interiors. Source of entertainment, parties and all things nice of which you would only dream of. This is world renowned BUDDHA BAR.

Known as the place where Hollywood stars, European celebrities and everyone who's anyone converge. If you need to relax, unwind and have heavenly food whilst chatting with friends and family, then this is the place to be. It's also the biggest branch compared to the others around the world so just imagine how this massive posh place is going to be the place to be in a few days. If you think the bar you're currently going to is nice, you surely haven't been to Buddha Bar. Let's take a look around shall we? =)

 How to get there

Screenshot from Google Maps. Honestly I am actually well oriented with the Makati Avenue area. Since Buddha Bar is along Kalayaan Avenue which is a one way street, you need to go there by turning left to Jupiter Steet, turning right on Nicanor Garcia and turning right again on Kalayaan Avenue. Buddha Bar will be on the left side of the road and it's beside the PICAR Residences development. You won't miss it because it's got that sign on the photo above. It's pretty big unless you have eye problems. They have ample amount of parking and have Valet if you need it. Then I was floored to see what was inside.

TOTAL Philippines Corporation and TotalGaz Supports Chef's On Parade 2013!

One of the most awaited event in the industry and probably the most attended one too is Chef's on Parade 2013. The event also houses several competitions to pick the best of the best of what the Philippine restaurant and hotel industry has to offer. I've been lucky enough to have been able to attend this quite a lot because my brother's an Executive chef. He also competed in these meets but since he's in Ireland now, he's getting good representation from someone good looking. ME haha.

It was nice to see people again like Chef Bruce Lim (my favorite Chef!) and on this bit he also had Chef Emmanuel Stroobant (who's AFC programs I adore! ie Chef in Blank etc) whom he also worked with in Asian Food Channel. Chef Bruce and Monkey was actually doing an all Filipino pasta and sandwich menu via a workshop they were doing during this event. Yes, it was time Monkey talks! All their stoves both in and out of this particular kitchen (re: the whole venue) was powered and supplied by the good people of TotalGaz.

Now Open In The Philippines: American Eagle Outfitters!

One of the most trusted brands in the US just set up shop in the Philippines and indeed, the eagle has landed! This is one awesome night for something hip, cool and all americana. Thanks to Suyen Corporation and Bench for finally bringing into the country the one and only American Eagle Outfitters.

 

The launch happened right at the heart of Bonifacio High Street and they closed down the central portion, set up a stage and got a whole fashion show started using models, fashion bloggers and celebrities to the delight of VIP guests, patrons and their fans. It was also my first time to see Shay Mitchell or Shannon Ashley Mitchell in real life who I always watch in ABC's Pretty Little Liars.

She's not going to play Emily Fields this time but it was pretty rad that she's finally getting in touch with her Filipino fans via her appearance in this program. This is one of the few that she would gladly do especially that she's been able to also use the brand's clothing; even a few years back. Now that she's endorsing it in the Philippines, she's so proud to let us know about how it is to represent something easy, cool, up to date and classy.

Much to our surprise we also saw some other celebrities there!