At present, Filipino Bloggers are escalating almost every moment (I think, not sure if it does).  Most of them are writing what they believe in, their experiences, their favorite brands, their lifestyle, their food, their travel, so on and so forth.  Some Filipino Bloggers do meet up and see each other in some events and gatherings but it is rare that bloggers meet up to get acquainted with each other and learn as well on some matters that oldies can impart to newbies.  Gladly, this is what happened last May 19, 2012 at the Central Colleges of the Philippines, the First Filipino Bloggers Hub Acquaintance Party. 


Normally, when we heard of a party, especially for the teen generations, it is commonly associated with loud music, drinks, dance and dark places but for this particular party it is much more of a learning and getting to know co-bloggers whom we meet inside the world wide web.

Though there are quite few people whom I doesn't know, I do hope that they did catch my name and my blog when I introduced myself.


Since we do need to learn as well, the organizers invited some known bloggers and should I say who have aged already in the blogging industry.  They are Jonel Uy, Mark Joseph Delgado, Jhong Medina, Sire Arevalo, Jinkee Umali, and Martin Romualdez who enlightened the bloggers, old and new about things that matters about blogging, PR matters, and most especially when dealing with your haters.

For me, though considering the age of my blogging career I still consider myself as a learner and knowing insights from other bloggers as well helps me gain more understanding and knowledge.  I do pray that there will be more blogging events like this that will help not only the newbies but the old ones also who hungers for more learning.

This event has been sponsored by Central Colleges of the Philippines, San Marino, Dianna Stalder, Human Nature, Tiger Energy, Classic Savory, MedChef, MEGA Publishing Group, OkayOkay, Get Beauteous, Taste of Goodness, Tablets Mania

Last May 19, after attending a bloggers' acquaintance party, yours truly, headed straight to SM City Sta. Mesa to cover an auto fest. Gladly, the acquaintance party was just right across the street.

Cars, my experience of an exhibition of different cars was I think 2002. My former boss invited me to watch the exhibition in SM Mega Mall that day. I was mesmerized with how this different cars where assembled and dressed up with different accessories. Also, I got curious during the high time of the movie "The Fast and The Furious". Since then whenever there's a chance to see exhibitions of automobiles, I tried to be there and admire those wonderful craftsmanship.

For this particular auto fest it was a mixture of covering and admiring. If you have been to SM City Sta. Mesa I'm sure you would ask where did they displayed those cars? Well, unfortunately they were able to jam-pack with different cars the front car park area. The only thing that I did worry about is I need to be aware of the tight area and be careful that I might scratch those awesome cars.

Though the area is not that big, still there are enthusiasts, admirers, fanatics and hobbyists or should I say simply say all people who likes cars are there to look around and see what this owners got there under the hood.

Check out what we've seen there.

Wow, though I've been too busy with different stuff here's something from the Big Band Crooner, Richard Poon.  It's better late than never!  So for those who's a big fan of Richard Poon here's some details about his Philippine Tour.


Big Band Crooner Richard Poon is all set to conquer the whole country with his seven-city tour which started last May 18 at the Cebu Ayala Terraces.  Followed just yesterday May 25 at the Iloilo Hotel Del Rio, June 1 at the Koronadal Gym, June 2 at the Le Jardin Arnevel in General Santos City, June 15 at the L’ Fisher Hotel in Bacolod, June 16 at the ABL Sports Complex in Kalibo, and September 22 at the Capiz Gym in Roxas City.

“I am excited to meet everyone in the tour,” says Richard Poon. “It is always nice to perform for different people from different places.”

Richard, who is a mainstay of ASAP 2012 and is a member of the show’s Sessionistas, has a number of new exciting projects lined-up for this year.

“This year marks a lot of groundbreaking things for me,” adds Richard. “I am just thankful that I have been blessed with these wonderful opportunities to share my music to a more people.”

These are what they aiming for this year and they won't achieve it without the help from other people and of course the volunteers.  Read more of the details below.

Since 1982, through the help of dedicated medical volunteers and generous partners — has provided more than 2 MILLION PATIENT EVALUATIONS and over 200,000 FREE SURGERIES for children and young adults born with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities AROUND THE WORLD. As one of the most prominent children’s charities in the world with a presence in over 60 COUNTRIES, we are able to heal children’s smiles and bring hope for a better future.

n NOVEMBER 8 to DECEMBER 2, 2012, Operation Smile will undertake another milestone as it celebrates its 30th year!







Operation Smile will celebrate with a special homecoming mission to the Philippines to give back to the country that gave birth to what is now a global children’s medical charity organization. It aims to provide free life medical treatments to at least 6,000 Filipino children and young adults in 24 days through 10 dental and cleft surgical missions sites in various parts of the country, namely, Koronadal City, Cavite, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, General Santos, Silay City, Manila, Naga and Pampanga.

THE NEED FOR OPERATION SMILE
As proud as we are of the many children we have helped here at home and abroad, sadly, twice as many are left behind. Each year, ten thousands of children who need help have to be turned away. It should not be this way. This is why we continue to battle the growing backlog of children who suffer with correctable deformities. This is why we set such high goals for ourselves each year, why we always stretch to the absolute extent of our capacity, and why we are always seeking like-minded humanitarians – people who generously support our spirit and our missions. It is estimated that one in every 500 children born in the Philippines will have a cleft lip and/or cleft palate.

CONCLUSION
Children who must live with facial deformities live in the darkest corners of the world. They suffer in seclusion. Many children withdraw from school, and withdraw from the world. A 45-minute operation can change a child’s life forever and restore their dignity. A simple operation can open doors to a child’s future.

Operation Smile encourages private and public institutions to join its efforts to reach out to these impoverished Filipino children through a local mission.







OSP may not be able to fix the economic woes of Philippines, but together, the country can reach out to these forgotten children. To repair a child’s face is to rehabilitate not only their smile, but also their spirit. To repair a child’s face is to give that child an opportunity to go to school, to eat a meal, to speak so others can understand. Once the physical aspect of a deformity is treated, it allows for the emotional healing to begin.

It is an investment that will last a lifetime in the face of each child. It is how OSP is “changing lives, one smile at a time”.

“Alone we can do little; together we can do so much.” - Anonymous



2012 Program Plan

Date	Activity	Minimum Surgical Objective	Area Coverage
Jan 25 – 29	Local Cleft Surgical Mission (Mindoro)	40	Mindoro Island and Batangas
Mar 2 – 10	International Cleft Surgical Mission (Iloilo)	150	Panay Island (Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Aklan) and Negros Occidental
Mar 16 – 23	International Craniofacial Mission (Davao City)	10	Mindanao
Mar 22-24	NCR Local Cleft Mission (Manila)	50	NCR, Bulacan, Laguna, Batangas, Cavite
May	Local Cleft Surgical Mission (La Union)	100	Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan
Oct 25-31	International Dental and Cleft Surgical Missions (South Cotabato)	5,000 dental 30 cleft	South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat
Nov 8 – 18 (1st Leg) Nov 23-Dec 1 (2nd Leg)	30th Anniversary Simultaneous Missions
	San Fernando, Pampanga	150	Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac
	Manila	150	NCR, Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal
	Cavite	150	Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, Palawan, Marinduque
	Naga City	150	Quezon and Bicol Region
	Bacolod City	150	Region VI (Western Visayas)
	Cebu City	200	Region VII (Central Visayas) Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)
	Cagayan De Oro City	150	Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) Region X (Northern Mindanao) Region XIII (Caraga)
	General Santos City	150	Region XII (Socsargen) Region XI (Davao Region) ARMM
Year-round	Manila Cleft Care Center	50	Luzon
	Mindanao Cleft Center	150	Mindanao
TOTAL TREATMENTS		6,880	15 missions

They need MORE VOLUNTEERS so if you want to be part of their volunteers visit this site http://ccfk.org/get-involved.  Visit their facebook fan pages as well Chatters Care For Kids and Operation Smile Philippines.  

Do you still remember the American rock band that rock the house?  Well if you still do and want to hear from them, here's your chance to listen and cheer once more because they are here in Manila and is going to perform on May 26, 2012.  Read more of them here....

Fall in love once again with American rock band, Lifehouse, as they take Manila by storm in an evening of extraordinary musical pleasure this May 26th at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Lifehouse’s leap to mainstream success started with the release of their international hit single “Hanging by a Moment” which became the Most Played Song in 2001. Written by Jason Wade, the song catapulted the band into commercial recognition. This was followed by other chart-topping hits such as “You and Me” and “Blind” from their self-titled album “Lifehouse” as well as “Whatever It Takes” from the album “Who We Are” all under MCA Music. Their latest album, “Smoke & Mirrors”, debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 marking the highest chart debut of their 10-year career. It sold 500,000 units in the United States and over two million worldwide, owning the charts for twenty consecutive weeks.

Most of the band’s songs were featured on TV series and motion pictures in the United States. “Everything” was used in the series Smallville, “All in All” in Scrubs while “Good Enough” was played over the end credits of the Disney film “The Wild”. The band’s ability to evoke emotions and effectively translate it into a song was what gained them their massive fan base over the years. Tracks like “Sick Cycle Carousel”, “Everything”, “Breathing”, “First Time”, “You and Me” and more, were played over and over again by loyal listeners worldwide. These songs captured the hearts of millions and left them wanting more.

Lifehouse is composed of Jason Wade on lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Ben Carey on lead guitar, Rick Woolstenhulme Jr. on drums and Bryce Soderberg on bass guitar.

Their albums are now out in CDs at leading record stores and online via www.MyMusicStore.com.ph under MCA Music.

For those who missed the American rock band who gave us the hits “Hanging by a Moment”, “You and Me’, and “First Time” perform last July 2008, now is your chance to see them again. LIFEHOUSE is set to perform on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tickets are available at all Ticketnet outlets or call 911-5555 for more information. Ticket prices are at: Patron VIP 5,500, Patron 4,500, Lower Box VIP 4,000, Lower Box 3,500, Upper A 2,500, Upper B 1,500 and General Admissions 800 (subject to 6% service charge).

“LIFEHOUSE Live! in Manila” is brought to you by Dayly Entertainment and That’s Ntertainment Productions. Co-presented by Fox and Starworld. Official TV partner: ABS-CBN. Official Music Channel: MYX. With sponsors: WOW Karaoke, BDO Credit Cards. Media partners: RX 93.1, Mellow 94.7, 955 Pinas FM, 96.3 Easy Rock, 97.1 Brgy LS FM, 90.7 Love Radio, 101.1 YES FM, Win Radio, Big Radio, Business World, Philippine Star, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Business Mirror, Gala Magazine, Pep.ph, ClicktheCity.com, Philstar.com, Manila Concert Scene, Orange Magazine TV, WheninManila.com, PhilippineConcerts. Special thanks to: MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), Exclusive Circle, Astroplus and Odyssey.

As Korean pop sensation Jay Park conquered Manila with his moves, MCA Music’s OPM artists—Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina and YouTube Sensations Krissy & Ericka, also took center stage as they opened for him during his shows. Sabrina impressed the audience with songs from her current album “I Love Acoustic 4” at Jay Park’s shows at Eastwood Mall Open Park last May 4 and Lucky Chinatown Mall last May 6. She also performed for the first time her latest single “Somewhere Down The Road” from her upcoming album “Acoustic Love Notes” which will feature radio and TV personality Joe D’Mango. Prior to the show, she bonded with the Korean superstar at Red Box Eastwood where they also posed for photos with Jay directing their poses. Sabrina continues to make waves in Southeast Asia which was proven by the recent Platinum awarding of her album “I Love Acoustic 4” in Indonesia.


Sister Krissy and Ericka meanwhile made an impact with their 3 song acoustic set last May 5 at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill. Jay Park was so delighted with their performance that he had to approach Krissy & Ericka to congratulate them before going up the stage to perform his own songs. Their single “12:51” from the album of the same title still rules the charts of radio stations from Luzon to Mindanao as well as music channels in the country. Krissy & Ericka is set to release their new single “In Your Arms”, another original song they wrote.

Sabrina’s album “I Love Acoustic 4” and Krissy & Ericka’s “Twelve: Fifty One” are still out at leading record stores and online via MyMusicStore.com.ph.

Watch out for Sabrina’s new album “Acoustic Love Notes coming out this May. To download the music of Sabrina and Krissy & Ericka on your mobile phones, just text SABRINA or KANDE (for Krissy & Ericka) to 3456 (for Globe and Smart subscribers only).

Some of music industry's best artists unite in one album to pay tribute to the phenomenal contribution of the iconic Filipino pop-rock band, The Eraserheads.

Released by Star Records and Star Cinema, “The Reunion: An Eraserheads Tribute Album" features 14 anthemic Eraserheads hit songs including 'Alapaap’ by 6cyclemind with Eunice of Gracenote, ‘Minsan’ by Callalily, ‘Overdrive’ by Vin Dancel, ‘Fine Time’ by Marc Abaya of Kjwan, ‘Super Proxy’ of Razorback with Gloc9, ‘Kailan’ by Ney and Yeng Constantino, ‘Kaliwete’ by Hilera, ‘Maling Akala’ by Itchyworms, ‘Ligaya’ by Mayonnaise, ‘Pare Ko’ by Johnoy Danao, ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ by Jay Durias, ‘Magasin’by Chicosci, ‘With A Smile’ by Aiza Seguerra with Mike Villegas, and ‘Hey Jay’ by Tanya Markova.



"The Reunion: An Eraserheads Tribute Album" is available on record bars nationwide on Wednesday (May 9).

I remember when I was still a kid, I always see gardens filled with butterflies flying around. Different colors, beauty and sizes, and they sure all are nice to watch.

I was thrilled when I heard about the iButtefly being here in the Philippines and much more thrilled to experience it when I get an invite for the launching.


SM Supermalls proudly releases the SM iButterfly which is an Augmented Reality Application that can be downloaded on your IOS and Android mobile devices. The launching was held last May 5, 2012 at select SM Supermalls. SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM Southmall, SM City Baguio, SM City Davao and SM City Cebu did a simultaneous launch for the iButterflies. For me and my kiddo, we attended the launch at SM North EDSA.


It was a great event to be with.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to attend for some health problem.  Good that there's my correspondent to cover the said event.  According to him there were different celebrities present, like Elmo Magalona, Maxine Magalona, Liz Uy, and it was hosted by Raymond Guttierez and one of my favorite DJ, Rhoana Ruiz of Jam 88.3.   Known personalities become expectators for this intriguing iButterfly.


The iButterfly uses 3 technologies:  Augmented Reality, for seeing the iButterflies in the real world, Motion Sensors for catching iButterflies using phone and the phone’s Global Positioning System or GPS for finding where the iButterflies are.  It is definitely a unique way of enjoying promos from the tenants and partners of SM Supermalls such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Forever 21, David’s Salon, Kenny Rogers, Jollibee, Mang Inasal, Chowking, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, Smart, BDO and Mc Donald’s!      


During the launch, people were waving their hands with their gadgets and phones on thin air to capture those lovely and a possible surprises from tenants and partners of SM Supermalls. Unfortunately, my correspondent don't have any gadgets to catch those virtual butterflies but he was able to experience it because of our blogger friends that were generous enough to lend their gadgets for the experience.



Catching an iButterfly is easy. 
First, download the application by connecting to the free SM WIFI or the SM_iButterfly SSIS at the participating malls you may also use your phone’s 3G connection.


Using your gadget, simply download the App via Google Play and App Store’s, just search for the iButterfly Asia App.  Once downloaded, open the App and start catching iButterflies.  These turn into instant prizes.


Simply claim your prize at participating mall stores.


  For more information, you can visit our dedicated iButterfly website at: www.smibutterfly.com Download, catch and redeem now

After making their major label debut album “Shinji Ilabas Mo Na Ang Helicopter” which produced the hit singles “Ang Pusa Mo”, “FX” and “Simulan Mo Na”, alternative band Pedicab returns with a new EP entitled “Kaya Mo Mag-Sando?”

The EP, which is currently the #1 most downloaded album at MyMusicStore.com.ph (the Philippines’ version of iTunes), features 6 brand new tracks including the carrier single “Otomatik”. Other tracks in the EP are: “Kaya Mo Mag-Sando?”, “Ang Apoy”, “La Liga Filipina”, “Insekto” and “The Shot”.

In “Kaya Mo Mag-Sando?”, the band employed a wide array of sounds and samples, including acoustic guitars, simulated horns and strings, tribal beats, and a lot of percussion. (More cowbell!) In fact, none of the EP’s six tracks remotely resemble any song on the band’s previous two records, but longtime fans and listeners will certainly appreciate – if not come to expect – the sonic evolution and the quirky grooves that the five seasoned musicians (yes, including the filmmaker) that make up Pedicab consistently provide.

Pedicab is composed of Diego Mapa on lead vocals, synthesizer and percussion; Raimund Marasigan on synthesizer, percussion, vocals; Mike Dizon on drums and percussion; Jason Caballa on guitar, percussion and vocals and RA Rivera on sampler, synthesizer and vocals.

“Kaya Mo Mag-Sando?” is now out under MCA Music in CDs at leading record stores and online via MyMusicStore.com.ph. To download “Otomatik” as your ringback tone, just text KD463 to 2332 (GLOBE), OTOM to 2728 (SMART) and 5493903 to 2300 (SUN). Or text PEDICAB to 3456 (for Globe and Smart subscribers only).

For the man’s man, only a few things on this earth can prove as exciting as the thrill of the hunt. Axe pumps up the pleasure of the predator-and-prey pursuit with the Axe Anarchy Raid, the metro’s hottest game of cops-and-robbers that features 100 of the Philippines’ sexiest ladies chasing a hundred ordinary guys for a two million peso cash prize, to be held on June 9 at Eastwood Plaza, Libis.

The Axe Anarchy Raid is open to all men of legal age who are bold enough to be part of the 100 contenders. Playing the role of robbers, the shortlisted men will be handcuffed and assigned a number. The ladies will play the role of cops and will also be assigned certain numbers each. Braving a host of wild obstacles and challenges, the “cops” must hunt down the “robber” with the same number as hers. The first pair to make a successful arrest will clinch the coveted prize in this no-losers game of fun and adrenaline-filled pursuit.

The explosive event is presented by Axe Anarchy, the first fragrance from Axe for both men and women. With its stimulating scent that fires up the senses, Axe Anarchy releases uncontrollable appeal in every hunk and babe and takes attraction to a new level.

Give in to the new order of insatiable attraction. Try out the new Axe Anarchy and join the year’s most exciting high-stakes chase. Check out www.facebook.com/axephilippines for more details and watch out for updates on the list of female celebrities who will enlist in the hunt.

Just like a multi-faceted diamond, singer-actress-TV host Karylle has sparkled all the more after overcoming challenges over the years. Throughout those hard times, her class, sophistication, and inner beauty shone brightest making her the perfect choice to be the famed and trusted jewelry brand Miladay’s first-ever celebrity endorser.

“Just like the history of Miladay, Karylle’s life is composed of inspiring tales of love,” says Christine Dayrit, one of the owners of Miladay. “This makes her the perfect choice to be the face of ‘Miladay Today’.”

As brand ambassador, Karylle jumpstarts the 46-year-old jewelry company’s empowering campaign – Miladay Today. In this campaign, Karylle appears in an AVP titled “Sacred Vows,” where she empowers one to make inspired vows to one’s self.

“Sacred Vows” is directed by award-winning director Mark Meily. The cinematography is done by award-winning cinematographer Carlo Mendoza (Asiong Salonga), a former classmate of Karylle at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Karylle explains, “It is like being engaged to yourself. It is a brilliant concept that aims to inspire and remind people that loving one’s self is the ultimate key to one’s happiness. At this day and age, one does not need someone else to give one an engagement ring or a dream diamond or any precious jewels for that matter. It’s the best gift of love you can give yourself. I am so happy to be part of this campaign and of this trusted brand.”


Miladay Today is a part of the Dayrits’ effort to fulfill founder Mila Salgado-Dayrit’s dream of each Filipino having a Miladay piece, no matter how small.

“This is such a big honor to have been chosen by Miladay to be its first celebrity endorser,” says a giggly Karylle. “The brand stands for so many good and beautiful things—trust, love, integrity—and I am so excited to be its brand ambassador.”


Christine Dayrit notes Karylle’s achievements as the primary reason why the singer-actress was chosen as brand ambassador.

Karylle has just received international acclaims for her work in the TV series The Kitchen Musical. She is currently a part of the noontime show Showtime and the Sunday variety show ASAP 2012. Her latest album Roadtrip, which she personally produced, has just turned Gold.

More than these achievements as a performer, Karylle’s golden heart is simply her biggest achievement. For the past years, she played an active role in supporting Child Haus, White Cross Children’s Home, and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS).

PAWS is a volunteer-based non-government organization whose goal is to prevent animal cruelty through education, animal sheltering and advocacy. While, Child Haus is a temporary shelter for indigent patients from the different provinces who have cancer or other dreaded diseases and have no place to stay in Metro Manila while undergoing medical evaluation or treatment. White Cross Children's Home, on the other hand, is a child welfare institution catering to the children of parents with tuberculosis.


“My mom’s passion for local culture, love for her loyal workforce and gifted goldsmiths gave birth to Miladay’s collection, a showcase of Filipino artistry through beautifully handcrafted jewelry,” says Chrstine. “The legacy left by my parents continues to be our inspiration to make the Miladay brand bigger, more trusted.”

True enough, Miladay was named one of the country’s “Trusted Brands” in 2006 and 2007 by the nationwide survey of the Reader’s Digest. It also garnered the prestigious “Retailers Award” in 2007 given by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Retailers Association.

Christine adds that her parents have imparted to them important business principles that they strictly uphold—honesty, integrity and reliability.

The success of Miladay, more than just being an entrepreneurial victory, is a beautiful tale of love – for God, of parents to children, children to parents, employers to employees, brand to consumers.

According to Christine, Miladay has kept their family working on the vision and legacy of their parents. Aside from her, other owners/directors of the Miladay Jewels board are Michelle Dayrit-Soliven, Mark Dayrit, Yvonne Dayrit-Romualdez, and Jaqui Dayrit-Boncan.

“Undeniably, this is a family affair that we would like to extend to every Filipino and their families,” says Mark. “Over the years, we have worked hard to present to everyone what ‘Miladay Today’ is all about.”

Aside from the House of Miladay in Jupiter Street in Makati, Miladay has branches in Alabang Town Center, SM Mall of Asia, Glorietta 4, The Podium, The Block in SM North EDSA, TriNoma North Triangle and SM City Taytay. For more information, please call 890-6303 or 890-7738 or log on to www.miladayjewels.com.

In the cyber world, where all bloggers are moving-in has become more challenging due to different trends that have been born from time to time in every click and tick of their finger on the mouse. As the blogger pursue their passion, they tend to produce more effective write-ups that are based on their experiences, observations and even with their own opinions.

Today, blogging becomes a good portal of advertisement and online promotion because it can give a huge impact and easy to access information once published.  In just one click, everything goes to life as it is being shared and liked by others instantly when uploaded.

Given that the bloggers exist every minute and seconds in every social-networking site as well as in the blogging flat form and while giving the readers and other people to have the latest updates as well as entertainment in their websites or blog sites, these bloggers or authors doesn't know each other personally.   I think I'm right!

Perhaps, others know each other but I'm sure some does not because there are few of them tends to get intimidated or something like that, especially when they see each other in different places. Why? Maybe because they never get a chance to be introduced to each other.

Moreover, the blogosphere in the Philippines is just a small piece of the universal peer of bloggers.  Is it so impossible to know the person one by one in a particular websites or blog site?  And so, bloggers created an event that we called “Filipino Bloggers Hub Party” to get a chance to see, meet and know the person behind in every blog that we read, follow and subscribe to.

On the 19th of May 2012, 1:00pm at the Central Colleges of the Philippines, bloggers around the Metro will gather to have a simple acquaintance party with full of surprises, giveaways, fun games and raffles.  This is the chance to meet and know other bloggers, and this is the day that all bloggers will unite and promise to continue what started intelligently as to give people good, and balance information that people want to know.

To all bloggers in the Metro out there, we would love to know you more and see you in the 1st Filipino Bloggers Hub Party of the year!

This event has been sponsored by Central Colleges of the Philippines, San Marino, Dianna Stalder, Human Nature, Tiger Energy, Classic Savory, MedChef, MEGA Publishing Group, OkayOkay, Get Beauteous, Taste of Goodness, Tablets Mania

One reason why it has become harder to penetrate the music scene these days is the stiff competition, especially with YouTube giving any talent the window to the world. But wait, there’s still truth to the saying that “many are called, but few are chosen.”

No doubt the likes of Gotye and Lana Del Rey belong to the few, with their chart-topping songs and staggering number of YouTube views providing credence to the claim. Both carrying likable stage names and having released significant indie recordings prior to mainstream success, they’re simply commendable to be labeled as “Breakthrough Artists of 2012.”





The Belgian-Australian Gotye, with his song “Somebody That I Used To Know” selling nearly five million downloads, is the first Australian act to top the Billboard 100 Chart this 21st century and the first Belgian to accomplish the feat since 1963. The track, which he recorded with the artist Kimbra, already accumulated 200 million views and counting, with several covers appearing everywhere.  

Recently, Gotye’s international hit, also reaching the top of the Billboard Digital Songs Chart and Billboard On-Demand Streaming Chart, was featured on Fox's hit show “Glee,” interpreted by Darren Criss and Matthew Bomer. It was likewise covered on "American Idol," featuring the voices of Elise Testone and Phillip Phillips.

Last February, he made his American television debut on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with him performing the piece "Eyes Wide Open", his first single off his latest album “Making Mirrors” and a nominee at the 2011 APRA Music Awards for Song of the Year category.

The album title inspired by an old artwork created by his father, he expressed, "The mirror reflects on the artwork and it is all very related to self-reflection and introspection on the album."




As for American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey, her time has arrived as well. Her now released debut album “Born To Die” ushers the beautiful irony that she is here to survive the competition, armed with talent, original compositions, and charisma.  

The album, with nearly a million units shipped in just its first week in the market, already topped the iTunes chart in 18 countries, even becoming the fastest-selling digital album ever in France. For two weeks it also spent at the top of the Official UK Album Chart, thus resulting to two worldwide hits including the title track.

“Video Games,” the album's first single, spent almost ten weeks in the UK Top 20. Its YouTube views got past 28 million, while her Facebook page has gathered five million supporters and counting as of press time.

In an interview she stated, "I wanted to be part of a high-class scene of musicians. I was hoping that I would meet people and fall in love and start a community around me, the way they used to do in the '60s."

Recently she took home the Q award for the title "Next Big Thing", along with the Breakthrough Artist citation at the BRIT Awards 2012, beating the sensational Nicki Minaj. 

Both the breakout albums of Gotye (“Making Mirrors”) and Lana Del Rey (“Born To Die”) are locally distributed under MCA Music in CDs at leading record bars nationwide or online via mymusicstore.com.ph.




To download Gotye current single “Somebody That I Used To Know” on your mobile phones, just text KA136 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text STIUTK and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493375 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.

To download Lana Del Ray current single “Born To Die” on your mobile phones, just text KA142 and send to 2332 for GLOBE/TM, text BORN2DIE and send to 2728 for SMART/ Talk N’ Text and text 5493353 and send to 2300 for SUN Cellular.

Has any of my readers been to Bo's Coffee yesterday?  Well if not yet, better be there and grab their Mother's Day's sweet gesture.   A special item offer for this Mother's Day, it's the White-Frosted Mini Chocolate Cake.  Just right for those Moms getting low on sugars.

It's a guilt-free treat for Moms!  This chocolate cake is sugar-free—even the whipped cream that it's glazed with. If you're bent on avoiding sugar, pair it with one of Bo's Coffee's sugar-free drinks: the Coffee Vanilla Primo, Strawberry Freeze, Vanilla Freeze, brewed coffee or an espresso beverage.

The White-Frosted Mini Chocolate Cake will sell for P120 and will be available only in Luzon.

So readers, you still got the whole day to get that special treat.   So head on to Bo's Coffee!

The Villars, who would have not known that name, especially the check mark. I know for sure most people would easily identify it already even if it only shows the first letter of their family name, which is the letter V.

Even before, the Villars have already marked their names in the area of Las Pinas. I know this because I have watched and followed their strive in making the water lilies that clogged the Las Pinas-Zapote River into something more productive and provides great opportunity to settlers in the area. They have made those water lilies a source of income for the people living along the river.


Though this was the only project that I have known from the Villar Foundation, specifically through the effort of Ma'am Cynthia Villar during her term as Congresswoman in Las Pinas, I know that their projects did sure make a change in the community. A small act does not instantly changes every thing but it takes time to build a strong foundation through that small acts. Like the Villar Foundation which was founded in 1992 by the Villar couple, Manny and Cynthia. Before then, the foundation was unknown to many but because of the couple's effort in making the City of Las Pinas a model city, they have established programs and projects beneficial to the community and to the environment.


Two decades after the establishment, the Villar Foundation had enormously grown. Creating more projects and programs for the people and making livelihoods a good source for the community in need. They sure take the path of the teaching “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime,” and this can be seen in the communities and barangays of Las Pinas.

Recently, I joined a tour in the southern side of the metro, I think. It was at Las Pinas City. The group were there to visit the different livelihood projects that caters by the Villar Foundation. It made me recall my field trip days. Where we are educated about the different places but for this instance it's more of a life learning experience. As part of that learning experience we were able to interview Ms. Cynthia Villar, the founder and chairman of the Villar Foundation but before the interview we were toured first in all of their livelihood projects.


First stop, the Twinning and Weaving Nets from coconut husks. We were toured there and they were able to introduced to us this livelihood project. At first I was curious about the end product and its use but as the guide further shows and explains the processes, he also answered my curiosity. The weave nets are used by most construction works especially when creating a rift raft to hold the soil and avoid any landslide.







I was amazed that their livelihood project was placed in a barangay and the people from that barangay were employed in that project. According to Ma'am Cynthia Villar "they don't have to ride in a jeepney to get on to their working place, they can just walk and bring along their kids with them while working." That's a really big help for them, that's why we set up our livelihood inside the barangay." They employed 40 families and can earn Php3,300 in a week. Take note that is each family.


The raw materials which is the "coconut husks" are free. Coconut vendors bring those waste material to the livelihood center.

Second stop, Weaving Blankets for Calamity Victims. According to our guide, the weaving blankets were initiated with the thought of creating blankets for calamity victims. The produced blankets are given to calamity victims since blankets are one of the major necessity after a calamity.

Blanket weavers can produced up to three (3) blanket in a day which make them earn around Php4,300 in a month.

Third stop was the Composting Area and The Production of Hollow Blocks. If you're familiar with the people gathering food left-overs for their pigs, then this is also the same with it but this one is for the purpose of composting or commonly called as organic fertilizers. Headed by the so called “bio-men”, these people goes door-to-door around the community asking for the left-overs instead of throwing it in the garbage. Our guide shows how it is being done and even let us see the end product.
 




Our guide also shows us what they do with the plastics. The dreaded plastics that also clogged drainages and causes flash floods. These plastics are shredded, mixed with sand and cement, and created into bricks or hollow blocks. A much more interesting way to recycle plastics.

The fourth stop was the Crafting Baskets out of the Water Hyacinth or commonly called Water Lily but before heading to our fourth stop we were toured first at the place where the water lilies once clogged the dam. Some of the bloggers even tried riding their ferry in crossing the river.







Their creativity and the love for their hometown may have been influenced by one of the famous instrument in Las Pinas, nonetheless but the Bamboo Organ.

Different baskets were shown to us. It was amazing that something crafty like that came from water lilies. I remember this livelihood project being featured in different TV shows before.




After the tour we were met by Ma'am Cynthia Villar in their house and welcomed all our inquiries while having lunch. She explain to us that she's hands-on on all the undertakings of the foundation, which is what I like about her that makes all the projects and programs even more successful. Also makes her more aware of each and every details of the foundation. She even said that “I can answer anything you ask about the foundation”.



The day was full of great information and great ideas to ponder and live with.  How about you, what do you think of this programs?

If you want to know more about the Villar Foundation just visit their website at http://www.villarfoundation.org or you can personally visit their livelihood projects to see for yourself.