ERICK SANTOS RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘BAKIT MAHAL PA RIN KITA’

Erick Santos dubbed as the Philippine music’s Ultimate Serenader will be releasing his new album entitled ‘Bakit Mahal Pa Rin Kita’ that will be distributed nationwide by Star Records Inc. It’s an album with 14 OPM songs, where 9 are original and 5 are cover songs. With its heart-warming and inspiring songs that are included in this album, surely, this new album will go a long long way.

Erick Santos is one of the few balladeers of our time that is making a mark in the music industry. A lot of people know that when Erick sings, he sings from the core of his heart. And to Erick, singing a song is like telling a story to his audience. And his goal is to let his audience understand and feel what he is telling them.
 

During the bloggers event for Erick Santos that was held recently at Kitchen Cakes and Coffee restaurant in Tomas Morato, he (Erick Santos) proudly introduces his new album that according to him is very special. “It is special not just because its my own album, but because in this album there is a song where I personally written all the words from the first stanza to the last of it.” Erick said.  

   

Erick was able to write a song primarily because, he himself loves listening to love songs, and this is where he draws his inspiration in writing a song.

In his journey as a singer, Erick Santos would like to follow the footsteps of Basil Valdez, who as a balladeer has made a lot of timeless songs that are well loved by a lot of Filipinos here and abroad.

Erick Santos has done a lot of concerts in the past, and some of the most memorable ones for him are of course the Power Icon concert where he was able to perform in front of the jam-packed audience at the Music Museum for two consecutive days. Another one is the concert he did five years ago in Araneta coliseum where he did a lot of difficult things on stage like singing while dancing which he is not accustomed to do, nonetheless, he was able to do it with flying colors.....And in doing concerts or just simply performing in a T V show and in other places, Erick Santos makes it sure that he always do his best by preparing and practicing a lot….for he believes in the phrase that says: “A singer is just as good as his or her last performance.” 

Text and Image by Ricky Castillo

PYROMUSICAL @ SM BY THE BAY AT MALL OF ASIA (ITALY AND PHILIPPINES)

At the culmination of the 3^rd International Pyromusical Competition, Italy and our very own country Philippines beautified the sky with its magnificent fireworks of art as it went up in the air together with a music that is synchronically tuned to the movement of the fireworks in the sky. Truly, it’s such an amazing thing that explosives can be controlled and manipulated on the air, not only when it comes to timing, but also as to where it will explode in the air.

During the program proper, the country of Italy first performed and delighted the crowd with their outstanding fireworks display. After Italy’s great performance, the organizer in no time announced the winners of the 3^rd International Pyromusical Competition. And here is the list of winners: The country of Netherlands took the 2^nd runner-up slot, Australia and Finland making a tie on the first runner-up position and just as many of us are expecting, the beautiful country of Canada took home the grand prize and proclaimed as the grand winner of the said competition.    

Just right after the announcement of winners….the moment that all has been waiting for has come…..the grand exhibition of our very own country, the Philippines, with flags raised up and being waived on the air, with shirts worn with the map of the Philippines on it….showing support to our country. The Philippines made its grand entrance in the sky with its fabulous fireworks accompanied by a patriotic song entitled “PILIPINO AKO” sang by no other than the boxing champ “Manny Pacquiao.” With the Philippines grand performance combined with a soul-ringing patriotic song…it just makes every one of us who were there watching the event….proud of being a Filipino.

In wrapping up, with the excitement that the Pyromusical Competition brings, with the beauty of fireworks that it displayed and with the tens of thousands in attendance that it draws/n to witness to see the event, we, together with a lot of people cannot wait to see the next International Pyromusical Competition that will be held next year in the same place that will surely bring more fireworks tricks and attractions to all of the Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike.  

Discovering Your Talent

My Talent Summer Workshop, now on its fifth year, continues to provide teens and adults with the perfect tools to develop their talents, and artistry. My Talent has also found a new home on the 3^rd floor of a new mini-mall called 500 Shaw Boulevard. Classes will run April 10 to May 31.

Under the directorship of stage veteran Audie Gemora, My Talent offers the freshest staple of courses, which includes classes for Voice (training the ear, learning vocal technique, developing a singing style), Instruments (learning to play piano, guitar, violin or drums), Musical Theater (learning Broadway style performance combining the three disciplines of acting, singing, and dancing), Street Dance (the latest dance grooves taught by today's freshest hip hop dancers), Modeling (Super model Rissa Mananquil mentors aspiring models on grooming, posing, doing the cat walk, giving pointers on the ins and outs of the fashion and commercial modeling industry) and Pop Performance (with Audie as coach, learn song interpretation, mastering live performance, packaging, pointers on pursuing a singing career).

This year, My Talent introduces three exciting new courses – Acoustic (with no less then acoustic prince Jimmy Bondoc sharing first hand how to develop one’s own singing style and performing with a guitar or piano as accompaniment),  Acting for Television and Film (acquire acting techniques in preparation for a career in showbiz), Hosting (discover the basic rudiments of public speaking, hosting for both live events and television).

For inquiries, call 654-7452/ 3845578 or cell phone numbers 0922-5916060 / 0915-7460756.

UN experts invite families of victims of enforced disappearances to submit reports online as they review 400 cases from 40 countries

The United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances* started reviewing about 400 cases of enforced disappearances, including recently submitted information on previously accepted cases, and other communications concerning almost 40 countries.

The independent experts will hold meetings with Government delegations and civil society representatives, including family members of those who have disappeared, to exchange views on individual cases under consideration and on the phenomenon of enforced disappearances in general.

The Working Group will, in addition, examine allegations submitted by sources regarding obstacles encountered in the implementation of the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and hold discussions on past and potential country visits, as well as future activities. 

ICC delivers landmark verdict vs war criminal Lubanga

THE HAGUE -- The International Criminal Court (ICC) today delivered its first verdict, finding African militia leader, Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, guilty of using child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is the ICC's first verdict since the court was launched in 2002. 

"Today, impunity ends for Thomas Lubanga and those who recruit and use children in armed conflict," the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Radhika Coomaraswamy said.

Hundreds of children were recruited and trained to kill, plunder, and rape by Thomas Lubanga and his men during the Ituri conflict in the DRC  between 2002 and 2003. The recruitment of children under the age of 15 is a war crime under the Rome Statute of the Court. 

"While Lubanga's victims have had their childhood forever stolen, I am hopeful that with the justice done today, they will be able to move on with their lives," SRSG Coomaraswamy said. 

PYROMUSICAL @ SM BY THE BAY AT MALL OF ASIA (EVERY SATURDAY FROM FEBRUARY 11 TO MARCH 17, 2012 @ 7PM) CANADA AND AUSTRALIA

During the 5^th week of the 3^rd International Pyromusical Competition held last Saturday, March 10 at the SM at the Bay in Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Pyrotech teams from Australia and Canada showed the crowd what their country has to offer when it comes to pyromusical technique and skills. 

Just before the program start, there were cultural dancers and singers who performed in front of the judges, representatives from the two countries and the audience at large that served as a teaser to the much-awaited Pyromusical competition.

During the actual fireworks competition, the country of Australia and Canada mesmerized the crowd by their eye-puffing fireworks display that made the crowd stand on its feet and shout in amazement. It was Australia’s Fireworkx Inc. which first set the skies on fire with its grandiose fireworks. 

Fireworkx Inc. is one of the leading fireworks display provider in Australia and was founded by Ian Reidel, and through his expertise, innovativeness and dedication to his craft, Mr. Reidel was able to manage and put Fireworkx Inc. on an international level of competitiveness.

The second country that sets the skies on fire is Canada’s Fireworks Spectacular, it’s a Calgary based company and regarded as one of the finest and most professional fireworks companies in Canada. Fireworks Spectacular has already performed in well over 100 fireworks display in all major cities in Canada. They were able to performed in different special events like: Canada Day, New Years Eve, Air shows, Conventions and different sporting and corporate events.      

It is such an eye-catching event that you and your families and friends shouldn’t miss! You can be at the SM by the Bay or simply seated comfortably at the various restaurants at the veranda of the mall watching this grandiose event in the skies.

 
For reservation and ticket inquiries you may contact Ticket Net at 911-5555, Ticket World at 891-9999, SM Tickets at 470-2222 or visit wwwpyrophilippines.com     

Volunteering Expo (VSO Bahaginan)

VSO-Bahaginan invites you to the Second Volunteering Expo on March 13, 2012 at Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati City. Entitled "Active Communities, Sustainable Future," the Volunteering Expo will serve as a platform for celebrating and inspiring volunteerism in government, non-government, corporate, and academic sectors.

IYA VILLANIA AND NIKKI GIL FOR BIOESSENCE

BIOESSENCE, One of the leading skin care clinic in the Philippines just recently signed up Ms. Iya Villania and Nikki Gil, two of the most sought-after celebrity of our time. Iya and Nikki are both advocate of  a healthy lifestyle and being a good example to many, and for this reason,  BIOESSENCE founder and president; Dr. Emma Guerrero who believes in the phrase that “Clean living is the very foundation of real and lasting beauty.”, never had a second thought of choosing Iya and Nikki as their new endorser as they truly exudes true beauty from inside and out.

Iya and Nikki both believe that beauty is more than skin deep. They both believe in taking care of one’s skin in a physical way, and according to them, as we take care of our skin, we all the more should give importance and nourish the inner beauty that lies inside of us. And it has something to do with our attitude or behavior. 

BIOESSENCE PRESSCON AND CONTRACT SIGNING. In photo; (l-r) Dra. Emma Guerrero, founder and president of BIOESSENCE, Ms. Iya Villania, MTV VJ female host and actress, Ms. Nikki Gil, MTV VJ female host and actress and Mr. Arnold Vegafria, talent manager.

 During the BIOESSENCE press conference and contract signing, Iya and Nikki narrated how they meticulously take care of their skin. They both believe that in order for a  man or woman to have a beautiful skin, one has to do something  about it and not just wait for it to happen to them.... And as part of their daily activity …they make it sure that they get enough sleep every day, to exercise on a regular basis, to eat the right kind and amount of food and by regularly visiting your skin clinic, and this is where BIOESSENCE comes into the scene for its role in Iya and Nikki’s beauty regimen.

BIOESSENCE PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY

Known as one of the country’s leading beauty and wellness centers, Bioessence has steadily grew throughout the years with a growing list of branches that offers a wide range of beautifying services that also do wonders for one’s well being..

Through impeccable service, attention to detail and effective treatment, Bioessence has earned the trust of consumers gaining regular customers from various cities nationwide.

With Bioessence’s aim to world class professional beauty, they have reached out to a broader market that caters to both the young and the young at heart. Aging is something inevitable, so looking young is a project that most of us want. Starting on early with the proper regimen together with the help and assistance of a professional team like Bioessence is a sure fire way to keep that young healthy glow longer. With the busy world we have right now, they rightfully emphasized on beauty inside and out as well as holistic wellness through rejuvenating services that refreshes and energizes the mind and spirit.

“CORAZON” Ang Unang Aswang

Watch out for the most exciting combination of drama, love and horror story movie of the year “CORAZON” Ang Unang Aswang…that will be shown on March 14 in more than 100 theaters nationwide.

In this story, Erich Gonzales and Derek Ramsay will play the role of a husband and wife whose love for each other and their faith will be put to the test when tragedy happens to their long awaited son. 

This is the first time Erich Gonzales will play a lead role in a drama, love and horror story movie. Erich commented that accepting this project will get her out of the norm of  acting for she will be acting differently in this movie and it will test her versatility as an actress. On the other hand, Derek readily accepted this project because he is not a neophyte when it comes to acting in a horror film such as this. Derek said that he enjoyed shooting this film and he wants variety when it comes to movies that he is being a part of.

Furthermore, what the moviegoers will see and experience  are not just about horror, fear and aswang, this is more than that. It’s a story about the undying love between a husband and wife that no matter what comes their way…they will still continue to fight for each others feeling. 

More than the things I mentioned and discussed above, this movie “CORAZON” Ang Unang Aswang is an example of  the horrible things that might happen to a person if he turns away from God and give his attention to the evil one. Here, we will see that whatever happens in our life, with our family and friends….putting our trust in God in the end is what really matters and will help us go through in life… when all else fails.  

SM MALL OF ASIA

PHILIPPINE GLAUCOMA SOCIETY CELEBRATES WORLD GLAUCOMA WEEK (MARCH 12-16, 2012)

In celebration of World Glaucoma Week, the Philippine Glaucoma Society together with Allergen brings total awareness to the public about this dreaded eye disease, which is Glaucoma. Glaucoma is considered to be the second leading cause of blindness in the world, and here in the Philippines, it ranked first as the leading cause of blindness not just in one eye, but in both eyes. With this very disturbing information, the Philippine Glaucoma Society took upon their hands the task of  informing our fellow Filipinos about this disease through education, exchange of ideas, research and public dissemination of important facts about Glaucoma.

 

The Philippine Glaucoma Society officers; in photo (l-r) Dr. Norman Aquino, Dr. Manolito Reyes, Dra. Hannah Pia De Guzman, Dra. Ma. Zita Meriales, Dr. Mario Aquino, Dr. Rainier Covar, Dra. Imelda Yap-Veloso, Dr. Jose Martinez and …as they pose for a photograph during the press conference of the Philippine Glaucoma Society.   

In an in-depth view, Glaucoma is a condition that affects the eye’s optic nerve (the optic nerve is a bundle of tissue that carries information about what one sees from the eyes to your brain.) The damage in the optic nerve is usually---but not always---caused by the build-up of naturally produced fluid within the eye. When the fluid within the eye is trapped and cannot escape….the resulting pressure build-up causes the optic nerve to deteriorate, resulting in vision loss and an irreversible blindness.  

 

The online and the print media personalities who attended the Philippine Glaucoma Society press conference event held recently in Shangrila Hotel in Makati City.  

Although, in most cases Glaucoma happens to many individuals without any symptoms at all in its early stage. And it is considered irreversible, which means that when the optic nerve is damage, it cannot be restore anymore. Nonetheless, there is a good news about it that the blindness caused by Glaucoma…given the proper medical procedure is preventable and can be controlled, especially when detected in its early stage. Knowing this medical information, what one needs to do is to have a regular eye check-up, undergo Glaucoma screening exam and other eye test your eye doctor will recommend you.

 

Former female T V host and actress… Ms. Chrisitine Jacob Sandejas who served as the female host of the event.

In response to this, the Philippine Glaucoma Society and its health care company partner…Allergen will be conducting Glaucoma awareness activities like forums for lay people about this eye disease and glaucoma screening activities in selected hospitals and eye centers nationwide….By doing so, the Philippine Glaucoma Society’s vision is somehow being fulfilled----THAT NO FILIPINO SHALL EVER GO BLIND FROM GLAUCOMA!

M V LOGOS FORMERLY KNOWN AS M V DOULOS IS NOW IN MANILA

                                          M V LOGOS

COME AND VISIT THE BIGGEST FLOATING BOOKSTORE IN THE WORLD….THE M V LOGOS FORMERLY KNOWN AS M V DOULOS. THE SHIP WILL BE IN MANILA AT PIER 15 UNTIL MARCH 12 AND ITS OPEN UP TO 10 AM UP TO 9:00PM……

TONI GONZAGA WILL BE STARRING IN WANSAPANATAYM

Multi-awarded TV female host and actress Toni Gonzaga will once again will be a part of the everyday life of many kids, adults and families as she will be starring in a month-long T Vseries “WANSAPANATAYM” starting this Saturday (March 10) on ABS-CBN Channel 2 where she will have the opportunity to give life to different characters that will surely catch the attention of the T V viewers out there.

For four consecutive weeks, Toni will be in this T V series “WANSAPANATAYM” where she will be playing different roles that will shape her character as an actress. She will be playing the role of a witch, a man turned into a woman and a mysterious T V weather girl.

During the press conference of Wansapanataym, Toni said that although her role in this T V series is quite different from the role she played in the past, still, she wholeheartedly accepted this project because it will somehow affirm or justify the award that she recently received from Anak T V Seal award giving body where she was given the Best Female Showbiz Oriented Talk Show Host Award. 

So don’t miss this month-long T V series where Toni Gonzaga will be joining other artist like; Guji Lorenzana, Isay Alvarez, Atoy Co, Angel Sy, Nina Dolino, Bryan Termulo, Eda Nolan, Tess Antonio, Cecile Paz, Dexter Doria and many more….and it’s under the direction of  Eric Salud for Witchy Mitch and Don Cuaresma for Hannah Panahon. 

For more information, log on to www.abs-cbn.com.

Text and Images by Ricky Castillo