The Cream Halloween Ball 2012

It's the best time of the year again for the party goers of the metropolis because it's that time of the year again for them strut their most creative and most scariest or head-turning costume for the BigFish's Cream Halloween Ball!

This is my second time to attend this party, and as excited as I am compared to my first-year experience, I didn't let this occasion pass without me wearing a costume! And since this year's theme is Under the Sea, look who crashed the party looking like a eeeerr Hawaiian Girl! Hey, that's me! Hahaha!

Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert top Artista Academy

After the grueling three months of intensive singing, dancing and acting classes and tests, TV5's Artista Academy has come to its finale. And as the reality of show business bites, the awarding of the grandest prize ever on Philippine television to the chosen Best Actor and one Best Actress unfolds at Smart-Araneta Coliseum last October 27.

Artista Academy Honor Students Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert became the richest of all talent search winners in the country when they bagged the coveted titles of Best Actor and Best Actress, which came with P20 Million worth of total prizes, in the successful Artista Academy Awards Night.

The show started with an ultra energized number form the six honor students where they showcased their skills in both singing and dancing. Then it was followed by their solo acts making the whole Smart-Araneta Coliseum went wild.

Multiply Philippines is Searching for the Most Original!

Multiply, the Philippines’ and Southeast Asia’s largest online shopping site is searching for
the best original products, ideas and concepts among its merchants in the country through a award-winning Multiply Originations Award. 

Multiply has been there for a long time supporting Filipino entrepreneurs by providing a level playing field, where any original business idea can thrive and find success alongside established brands. As the thought leader in Philippine e-commerce, they are launching this year the first-ever Origination Awards, which is a testament to Multiply’s commitment to provide continuous support and inspiration to creative and original Filipino entrepreneurs.

Multiply started out as a social networking site in 2004 where people shared their photos, videos and blog entries. In 2007, Philippine entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to promote their businesses and sell using the Multiply platform, paving the way for what we now know as the new Multiply Marketplace. And last year, Multiply adopted a new platform designed to give entrepreneurs access to real e-commerce tools and solutions. Among these are:

Samsung Welcomes Phil and James Younghusband

As Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) welcomes it second generation of Samsung GALAXY Note, the leading mobile brand doesn't just welcome this latest innovation - this "ultimate smart phone” just like that, they are also bringing in the country's top football heartthrobs James and Phil Younghusband!

And last October 20 at SM Mall of Asia Atrium, Samsung and football fans had a great time knowing and meeting the re-developed Samsung GALAXY Note together with the brother James and Phil in an afternoon of fun and exciting activities - and also trade-ins! 

Ready to satisfy the fancies of the creative Filipino, Samsung GALAXY Note II comes in a slimmer and slicker look packs a punch with enhanced features for improved productivity and experience (5.5” HD super AMOLED display, Android Jellybean OS, 1.6GHz Quad Core Processor, and a more powerful S Pen).

Freeway National Artist Collectors’ Series presents Carlos "Botong" Francisco

Kick starting the 100th year celebration of National Artist for Visual Arts, Freeway brings back the golden years of our beloved national artists through a fashion collection inspired by the beautiful pieces of Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco for the Freeway's the National Artist Collectors’ Series.

Celebrated its  launch last October 18, 2012 at the new The Row store in Glorietta 1, National Artist Collectors’ Series featuring National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco, filled everyone's night with pure art indulgence and surprises as they gathered top fashion icons and artists to commemorate the greatness of the man who started reviving the forgotten art of mural.

The event night started with a very impressive art exhibition by Michael Blanco’s Academy of Artists. The exhibit showcased young talented artists at work, ages 6 years old to 12 years old, all from Botong Francisco’s hometown province of Angono, Rizal. These talented young artists wowed us with their incredible abilities showcased through live painting and sketching activity during the cocktails at 6 p.m.

Meet The Cojuangcos

If there's really one great benefits that blogging has given me, that's probably meeting a lot of different people! It's just so nice to know that by just simply sharing your thoughts, you meet new people and eventually became friends with them. Though not all became my friends, but it is still a pleasure to meet some people out there who's interest matches mine - really.

And last week, beyond my greatest expectations, I was invited to have dinner with one of the country's most elite family - The Cojuangcos. It was really a simple dinner, and it was just Mr. Jose 'Peping' Cojuangco and Mrs. Margarita 'Ting ting' Cojuangco who welcomed us to their house here in Makati City, but I must say that it was one of the most unforgettable dinner I've had in my life.

Well, of course, I do have in my mind the real reason why they invited bloggers like me to their house, but I made sure that before saying yes to this invitation, I wouldn't let this dinner cloud my criteria in choosing my bet for next year's election. Yes, people, Miss Ting Cojuangco also filed her candidacy as a senator of our country! ;-P

Artista Academy's Grand Finale is All Set!

The most coveted title in this year's grandest and biggest artista search is now ready to be given away, who among Akihiro Blanco, Chanel Morales, Mark Neuman, Shaira Mae, Sophie Albert and Vin Abrenica will be the Artista Academy's Best Actor and Best Actress and will take home the most generous prize of Php20 Million?

Come Saturday, October 27, the most awaited moment will unfold on our own TV sets as TV5 is set to announce on this spectacular night their best new-found actor and actress on Artista Academy.  Ready to give their best performances of their lives and show everything they have learned from their 3-month intensive training at the Asian Academy of Television Arts (AATA), Akihiro, Chanel, Mar, Sophie and Vin faced the media before this finale night to give thanks for the support they've given to them and to wish for their continued love on their journey on the colorful world of show business.

I was one of the invited guest of the press conference, and I honestly can't believe that after the tremendous and nerve-racking audition, we are all now here to know who among those thousands of hopefuls really deserve the title.

UNIQSTYLE: The Search for UNIQLO's No. 1 Fashinosita

If you have this affection towards UNIQLO garments that is just undeniably crazy, well, maybe you are the one they are looking for! Just be uniquely stylish, and who knows, when UNIQLO opens its second store in the country at SM North EDSA, you could be their No. 1 Fashionista alongside their four brand ambassadors Nikki Gil, Chris Tiu, Chito Miranda Jr. and Iza Calzado.

As UNIQLO counts down the days to the opening of its second store, they launched an exciting and very fashionable contest that will ask all fashionistas the land to ransack the UNIQLO caravan closet - UNIQSTYLE!

Open to ALL FASHIONISTAS, to join on this online contest, simply LIKE the UNIQLO Philippines Fan Page, access the application UNIQSTYLE, then click ALLOW to enable it. Fill in the required details and UPLOAD your entry with a corresponding caption. It's that easy! For voters, just "LIKE" the UNIQLO Philippines Fan Page, provide personal details and get started by clicking VOTE. Voters can vote as many time every after 8 hours.

Jonas Brothers Live in Manila

It's gonna be one exciting Friday for the fans of these three brothers who hail from America, for tonight the town will be infested by "Love Bug" fever as Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas start their two-night Philippine show here in SM Mall of Asia Arena at 8 p.m. 

Presented by That’s Ntertainment Productions, the boys that brought us “Love Bug,” “When You Look Me In The Eye,” "Burnin' Up," "S.O.S." and "A Little Bit Longer" will be staging their first-ever concert here in the country this coming Friday and Saturday. And after their 3-year hiatus from the world's spotlight, the boys are back sashaying a string of pop-rock hits as well as debut some of their new materials from their forthcoming album reported to be released by the end of 2012.

Monster Releases 10 Stylish Ear-Gears

In its pursuit to give the ever demanding public the best sounding and the most stylish headphones, Monster takes the lead once again as they brought not just one but 10 stunning collections of headphones and headsets that are sure to make everyone gaga.

In its launch last week at Opus, Resorts World Manila, Monsters presented in its most revolutionizing act their 10 latest headphones inspired by top musical icons like Miles Davis, Nick Canon, and Earth, Wind & Fire. With Philippine All-Star gracing the event and pumping the beat a notch higher, every indulge to the amazing music brought by these cool items.

And because music really matters, guests, including me, were give a chance to experience the 10 latest pieces from Monster. And I personally love the style of Monster Diamond Tears. Every details was made elegantly and the listening experience was purely superb!

It's Christmas Time at Kultura Filipino!

In keeping the family traditions that we used to love, Kultura Filipino starts the festive Christmas celebration by launching Christmas Naturally, a pre-holiday bazaar that carries Kultura’s new collection of homespun Christmas décor and gifts.

Gift giving and putting holiday decors in our homes to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and have that festive feel is a must-do to every Filipino family, that's why here in Kultura Filipino, they start the Christmas celebration earlier by putting up this campaign, which also promotes the  new selections of Kultura’s “Crafts for a Cause” advocacy line. 

This Kultura’s Crafts for a Cause advocacy program has brought together products from different livelihood programs including bags and purses, necklaces and earrings, candle holders and other table tops all made from recycled materials. And I, being a huge fan of things like these, was awed by how beautiful they are, really!

A More Colorful Life with Electrolux's Colors of Life

Together with ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya, retail partners, sponsors, and employees and their families, Electrolux marked the culmination of their Colors of Life Fabric Care campaign through a color-filled day with thanksgiving, hope and joy. 

Held last October 6 at the Glorietta 5 Atrium, with the people who helped make the campaign a success, the event was highlighted by fun and exciting activities such as face painting, balloon twisting and photo booth to add smiles and happiness to children. 

The Electrolux Clothes Donation hub was also there to accept donations, which then will be give to Sagip Kapamilya. And that day, they already donated 7000 kilos of CLEAN pre-loved clothes and blankets to victims of typhoons and monsoon rains that caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and other parts of the country. Isn't that amazing?

October 15 is 5th Global Handwashing Day!

We all know how millions of children around the world are exposed to harmful bacteria that cause diseases, and here in the Philippines, the Filipino youth who usually get their hands dirty from playing to touching objects, contaminate themselves by germs, elements that pose serious threats to their health like diarrhea and respiratory ailments. Worst case, records shows that due to these ailments, 3.5 million kids worldwide lose their lives due to these preventable diseases.

That's why with the help of some private organization, including Unilever, a nationwide program was created not just to keep these kids from diseases but to also save their lives - Global Handwashing Day.

And together with international partners UNICEF and the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing (PPPHW), Global Handwashing Day was created to promote the importance of handwashing. They say a clean hand saves lives and this simple act of handwashing with soap is the best and most cost-efficient way to rescue children from a gloomy fate. 

The Search is On for the Multiply Origination Awards

One of my most favorite platforms, the one that's behind why I'm so inspired and kinda addicted to blogging, Multiply.com, now open its first-ever Multiply Origination Awards. An award-giving body that aims to honors original products in the e-commerce space.

Being a thought leader in e-commerce in the Philippines, with a network of over 5.5 million users and 130,000 online stores across 16 product categories, Multiply now opens a new avenue for Filipino entrepreneurs to uphold that great standard in giving quality service and products to its growing patrons through Multiply's Origination Awards.

Throwing its support behind the creativity of the Filipino entrepreneur, and calls out to more aspiring entrepreneurs to come up with their own original ideas, Multiply's Origination Awards aims to gather the country’s best creative entrepreneurs to build a nation of top innovators offering original products.

Grand Riviera Suites: The New Mirror of Manila's Golden Sunset

Manila - the heart of this beautiful country - symbol of freedom, of richness, of grandeur. And no matter how many people - local or international tourists - say bad things about my beloved city, no one can bring it down because here in Manila, we have this golden sunset that symbolizes the love of God - a love that says tomorrow is a better day.

Last Saturday, I was invited to check out this up and coming grand high-rise residential and commercial condominium in Roxas, Boulevard, Manila - a condominium that by just saying its name, you'll already say wow - The Grand Riviera Suites.

Situated right in front of the historic Manila Bay, Grand Riviera Suites is standing right beside its sister  high-rise residential and commercial condominium 1322 Golden Empire Tower - another grand building crafted by Moldex Realty Inc. along Roxas Boulevard that offers the best Manila view you could ever wish for.

Wilson Phillips Live in SM Mall of Asia Arena!

I may be too young when their songs hit the charts, but hey, music is immortal and also, who cannot relate to their songs "You're in Love", "Release Me" and "Hold On," right? I love those songs, so do as my officemate is, so when Wilson Phillips visited the country for a one-night concert last October 12, 2012 at SM Mall of Asia Arena, guess who went to see the show? Us!!!

Filled my Friday night with astonishing music, Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson and Chynna Phillips made hundreds of their fans travel back in time to reminisce those days where their songs are the theme songs of every couple in the world. And I, myself, find humming along some of their songs and really enjoying the night.

If I'm not mistaken, they sung 15 songs, mostly are their hits. These songs marked them as best-selling female group of 1990's. And these songs made the whole arena went a little wild, it just simply shows how these songs made an impact to everyone. Hehe. I used to like "Hold On" after seeing in performed on "Bridesmaids" the movie. :-)

Watch & Share: Mikey Bustos' 500th Youtube Video!

Last night, I was invited to party with one of the Youtube superstars. The guy that made us realize how rich our culture as how, sometimes, we sound so funny - Mikey Bustos. From his famous Youtube videos Filipino Accent Tutorial, Filipino Dining Tutorial, "Pinoy This Way" and Traditional Filipino Courting Tutorial comes another hilarious and self-realization Youtube video that is gonna be a sure-fire laugh trip - Filipino Social Media Tutorial.

But before you watch this latest video from our favorite Filipino-Canadian comedian, let me share to you first what took place last night.

Okay, the gathering last night was just really small and really private. With only 10 guests invited to watch this new video from Mikey before the whole world does, we were treated to that typical warm Filipino accommodation from Mikey and his team - Mr. Tony Ahn and Miss Alma Cala.

Creations by Lourd Ramos Salon Now Open at Greenfield District

The renowned hair and make-up artist Lourd Ramos just keep getting more famous! And with the opening of two of his Creations branches in the metropolis - one in Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City and one in Soho Central Podium, Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City - expect more beautiful Pinoys all over town! Hahaha!

Only months after Lourd Ramos opened his second Creations branch in Makati City, the renowned hair and make-up artist continues to share his expertise through the opening of not just one, but two additional branches to his name. And I'm so happy that I was invited to check out one of them, the Soho Central Podium, Greenfield District branch!

Right inside the the peaceful Greenfield District, and alongside the great selection of newly opened restaurants there, Creation by Lourd Ramos is now offering their outstanding and renowned services that are sure to be enjoyed by everyone.

Who's Ready for Some Cream Ball Partyin'?

If last year's Cream Halloween Ball of The Bigfish Manila Production was a blast, despite of me being not really ready for it, well, this year, it's gonna be one big ocean out there! Because this 2012, the 12th year of this magical celebration, everyone will be diving in into an under the sea clubbing in this biggest Halloween costume dance event!

Halloween is the time when grown ups forget about being grown ups and revisit their childhood. And this year at 2012 Cream Halloween Ball, Freedom Music will present the BIGGEST and LARGEST dance costume party in the archipelago at the World Trade Center, Pasay City on October 27, 2012.