The Piano

I grew up with a pretty musical family. I've been blessed to have seen my relatives careers flourish in Christian, Pop or mainstream music. The bug didn't get to bite me though and I wish it did instead of pressing me pressing keyboards now. Regrets? I do have some but I don't discount the fact that life in general has been good to me. It makes me realize I have so many things to be thankful for but in hindsight, it would have been nice to have seen me in this field too.

I tried to get music lessons when I was a kid in this piano but it was really difficult. Reading notes, knowing when to press keys and getting to follow a certain scale was all a blur to me. I even got enough money to purchase Yamaha Used Pianos which I wanted to buy and play alone in my room but my folks didn't see I need one. I even joined a band in college. I had a nice taste of what it felt to be in that situation. It felt good... and I knew that in some small way I was already realizing my dream. It may be simple to some but for me it was all I needed to get in touch with my musicality. Today I don't really have a band anymore but I have been good friends with my band mates. I think I gained more than what I bargained for and I was able to still write songs even at this day and age. I am happy something still came out of it; and for that I am truly thankful that even if I don't play that piano anymore, I have my friends and songwriting to make me feel grounded. Music and I might not have been good buddies but the experience was precious. Today, we're planning to sell this family heirloom. I wish whoever gets to have this in their living room would make great use for it and later on, a family inclined with music too. Blessed be.

Art Fair Philippines 2013 Open Until Sunday!

I think I have to let you guys know that there's something big that is happening at THE LINK. It's that building right across The Landmark in Makati. You need to go up on the 6th floor and check out for yourselves the biggest and grandest convergence of art galleries and artists from here and outside the country. Filipinos who had made it big in the art world are all showing their ware at the carpark that has been converted into a full museum and I have never been so impressed at the contemporary art exhibited at the venue. I  wanted to actually show photos but since I got inspired, I want to do something different today. I'll show you ART FAIR PHILIPPINES 2013 in less than 10 minutes.

Hope you like this one!

The exhibit will run only until Sunday February 10th. So if you don't have anything to do on these dates, drop by ART FAIR PHILIPPINES 2013 and find out the best of what the Philippines can offer in the world of the arts!

This is the best exhibit I have ever seen in my entire life. I love the ASPHALT display. Try to find out why! :) Hope they extend the exhibit!

Biggest Branch in the Philippines: J.CO Donuts and Coffee Eastwood City!

I love donuts! Obviously I do! But on this neighborhood of mine there's one place I often pass by that I don't really get. That place is J.CO Donuts and Coffee! I don't understand why there were long lines. I don't understand why people were so drawn to their donuts. Is it really that good? Well, my questions were answered when we were invited to the BIGGEST branch in the Philippines right here at the heart of my turf! It's the formal opening of J.CO Donuts and Coffee Eastwood City!

Executives of J. Co Donuts and Coffee Philippines Mr. Edgar Sia, Vice Chairman of J.Co,CFI; Mr. Kevin Tan, (son of Andrew Tan) is the Vice President for Megaworld's Commercial Division, Mr. Johnny Andrean the Founder of J.CO Donuts and Coffee Worldwide and Mr. Carlos Chan Chairman, CFI

It was also attended by Executives from J. Co Philippines, their guests, people from the media and the blogging industry. To make the day extra fun, they got the one and only good looking guy on RX 93.1 Gino Quillamor to host the event. He really loves em donuts! =)

 I wonder if they had a Red Velvet variant, I know! (he can't help it when it's that!) =)

 The founder of J.CO Donuts and Coffee himself Johnny Andrean went to the stage and said some inspiring words to the owners and staff of this establishment. He's a very humble guy and he's quite impressed that the Philippines has a very large following too of this brand. He didn't know it would grow this big coming from the first branch he put up in Jakarta, Indonesia years ago. He knows there are still some complaints that they have been receiving from some parts of the country and said that they will put up more branches on major establishments soon. They will also be venturing in some provinces so the rest of the Pinoy's can actually taste the delectable, wonderful donuts J.CO is known for!

The Winners for Multiply Origination Awards

Multiply has just announced the winners for the Multiply Origination Awards. It's the call to be a business standout and that is exactly what the finalists did for this year. It's been a tough one for these guys and the criteria has been very strict, all these guys deserve to be the best but who do you think deserve it more?

Manila Sole wins the Most Original Fashion Forward Category. With their undying love for nature, these dudes and dudettes from Manila Sole makes ecologically friendly footwear. Made from recycled rubber tires or other natural materials, they strive to make each intricately designed shoe environment friendly. It's just one of the reasons why these guys won. You should visit their store to find out more! Click MANILA SOLE

Most Original Mommy Management Idea: THE MOMMY PATCH ANTI-MOSQUITO RESCUE STICKS : Mosquitoes bring in so many diseases and it's one of the things Mom's never want to have for their babies. These rescue sticks give that extra umph that you need in order to repel these bad bloodsuckers but still have that fresh smell you love from your kids. I bet her own experience got her to think about this ingenious product, congratulations and check out why she won in the Multiply Origination Awards! Click: THE MOMMY PATCH ANTI-MOSQUITO RESCUE STICKS 

Most Original Gourmand Idea: Talleres de Nazaret PINEAPPLE VINEGAR - Imagine the sweet tangy flavor of pineapple made into vinegar and you've got something better than the usual chemical based ones or aged vinegars that have been in existence in our groceries. These ladies made sure you get to taste their great Pineapple Vinegar right in the comforts of your home because just like any merchant in Multiply, they deliver! Natural ingredients and original ideas made this win as the best Gourmand Idea this year! Check out here why! Click  Talleres de Nazaret PINEAPPLE VINEGAR

For more information about the Special Awards and other winners

Please visit their website at 

http://origination.multiply.com



/*Disclaimer: Image copyrights are from Multiply and not mine.

Sabrina's I Love Acoustic 5

I love Sabrina. You probably know by now how successful she is because for most guys who adore listening to acoustic songs, she's the "IT" girl and why not; she's the best in class. I am so fortunate to know a dear person like her. She's so charming, down to earth and sweet. I downloaded her music the day it came out off the iTunes Store here because I've waited for this since she got her other album (Sabrina's Acoustic Love Notes) out which she collaborated with Joe D' Mango months ago.

She treated us with a couple of songs from her previous albums and told us more about how she's doing now. She's got multiple platinum awards mind you in Indonesia. The Asian region adores "The Asian Acoustic Sweetheart" 

The New Spiral @ Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila!

Sofitel Manila, a dreamy place to go to when in the Philippines. I've recommended this to some of my foreign friends; and even local ones. They all say the same thing after the experience, with the luxurious accommodations and the gorgeous food from the new Spiral... they tell me Merci. They become french all of a sudden, but I'm not surprised! I've been here a couple of times and always looked forward to when and how I'd be able to return. The time is now!

The New Spiral!

Spiral has undoubtedly been able to hold that distinct title of being the premier buffet destination in Manila. Twas ravaged by a storm a couple of years ago but just like a phoenix out of the ashes, it spreads its wings and now opens as The New Spiral!

Easter is just around the corner and so is Valentines Day. These gorgeous works of art you see above are 100% edible because they are made of chocolate. The painstaking work put through each item is undeniably superb as Spiral's Artisans cum Pastry Chefs come out with some of the best concoctions the world has ever seen. The ganache is addicting, not to mention the truffles and other things on the table. Flowing champagne, sparkling wine, cuts of gammon ham... ahh you just want to savor everything.