Myrtle Abigail Sarrosa, a 17 years old cosplayer was named as the Teen Big Winner of "Pinoy big Brother Teen Edition 4" at the "BFF at the Big Night" Saturday night (July 7) after garnering the highest average of combined of save and evict votes against her fellow Big Four housemates.

Despite gaining the highest percentage of 'vote to evict' votes, the 17-year old "Cosplay Cutie of Iloilo" garnered a massive 33.92% of net votes and triumphed over Karen (11.91%), Roy (9.38%), and twins Jai and Joj (9.26%).

Karen of Mindoro, meanwhile, was proclaimed the Second Teen Big Placer and won P500,000 and an appliance showcase.  Trailing behind were Roy, the season's Third Big Place, and Jaj and Joi, the Fourth Big Placers and the First twin to ever reach the phenomenal reality show's grand finale.  Roy and Joj and Jai got P300,000 and P200,000 respectively and an appliance showcase.


A few week ago PBB Teen Big Winners held a press conference meeting most of the media people.  One of my correspondent, Jefferson Montas aka Justin was thrilled enough to meet the Teen Big Winners.  According to him or her or whatever, they were really great, joyful, accommodating and lovely.  He event got some cool pictures with them.  Also, Myrtle commented on his hat.  He was wearing a character hat during that time.  I'm sure my son was looking for that hat.  Hahaha!



Anyway the successful Big Night was heavily discussed on micro-blogging site Twitter with hashtag #PBBTeensBigNight which topped the list of worldwide trending topics.

The "BFF at the Big Night" was held at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center looked back on the camaraderie formed and nurtured inside the walls of the famous house by gathering former housemates Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Melai Cantiveros, Jason Francisco, Beauty Gonzalez, Yayo Aguila, Ryan Bang, and many more.  It was also marked with appearances from Kapamilya celebrities Iza Calzado, Kathryn Bernardo, Matteo Guidicelli, JM de Guzman, Jessy Mendiola, and "PBB Unlimited" Big Winner Slater Young.


"PBB Teen Edition 4," the fourth teen edition of the local version of the international TV franchise from Endemol, made 15 housemates live inside the PBB house to spend the summer of their lives carrying out tasks from Big Brother for 13 weeks.  The program also took on hosting duties from former PBB housemate and actor John Prats, who headlined the program with Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Gonzales, and Robi Domingo.

Visit the ABS-CBN Social Media Newsroom (SMN) at www.abscbnpr.com for the latest updates, photos, videos, interviews, and presscon podcasts.  Follow @abscbnpr on Twitter and "like" it on Facebook at http://facebook.com/abscbnpr.

We all know that the Great Northern Sale offers up to 70% off on selected item. Aside from that there are great finds, different sales and discounts that can be hunted down. All you need is a keen eye and a sense of thriftiness. A good sense of direction will for sure lead you to some of the great buys.


So for this Great Northern Sale I came up with the idea of what can a Dad can get for his family for a limited resources. Of course I shouldn't compromise the sense of fashion and design of the clothing. So the great hunt at the Great Northern Sale starts!
Since this is our Saturday bonding moment we all went to this sale event. Lunch time when we started to hunt. It was really a crowd and I think people from different walks of life where there searching for great buys. I even stumble to my Godparents while on my way to the information area to get some details. They were there also shopping for great items.


I was able to check most of the stores and there were really lots of great items to buy but since I'm hunting for some really thrifty, fashionable, and comfortable clothing, I still look around together with my family.

Since most of the stores were crowded with people searching for discounts and sales, we decided to head on inside the department store and hunt for more discounts. I get a push cart with a basket because I'm sure we're in for lots of great finds here.


First stop was for the kids. My wife and I hunted for something cool to wear during their sleep time. It was a sleep wear for my eldest and he sure love it.



Then it's my time to have something cool and fashionable to wear. Gladly I was able to find some. It can be for wear for night time or even day time. Matched with the right outfit it will turn out to be an interesting fashion statement. Hahaha.

Oh I forgot! We also got a gourmet card that can be use if we got hungry, unfortunately, we didn't got hungry yet because of that hunting. If you're into food that gourmet card is good for you to get discount from different food establishments.

So did I achieve my thrifty challenge? Yes indeed and we ended our day with our great finds. To some it up we made some few modelling and some snapshots.



If you're to hunt great finds get into the Great Northern Sale at SM City North EDSA.

Two proudly Pinoy companies namely the Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), the country's largest restaurant chain, and Bank of the Philippine Islads (BPI),  ne of the country's leading commercial bank, have teamed up to introduce the first cashless payment rewards card in the country.  They've launched the Happyplus card which was held at the Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.  One of my correspondent, Jefferson Montas had witnessed that ceremony and was gladly to be there.

JFC Chairman and CEO Tony Tan Caktiong and BPI President Aurelio Montinola led the ceremonies of introducing the happyplus card to the public.

“This is another milestone for JFC as we have managed to consolidate easy and fast transaction for our customers ordering and paying for their favorite food in any participation JFC stores nationwide through the use of the happyplus card,” Tan Caktiong said.


The happyplus card is JFC's customer loyalty program that rewards its members points every time they eat in any participating Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon and (soon to be) Mang Inasal establishments. These points are accumulated and can then be used as payment for any item sold in any participating JFC stores.

BPI, a foreplayer in cashless payment innovation, serves as JFC's technology and infrastructure provider for the happyplus program. BPI envisions this type of payment scheme, Offline contactless, to perpetuate in the next few years and they aim to take a lead at it.

“As one of the most trusted banks in the country that provides sterling banking services to millions of ustomers nationwide, we are proud that BPI is our partner in this endeavor,” Tan Caktiong added.

Aside from the convenience of cashless transaction in all participating JFC stores, customers will be given corresponding raffle entries when they use the happyplus card for their food transactions, which are eligible for monthly raffle cash prizes.

HERE SOME OF THE BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE HAPPYPLUS CARD

What is the happyplus card?
Happyplus card is JFC's customer loyalty program that rewards members with points every time they eat in Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon (and soon to be) Mang Inasal establishments in Metro Manila. The points cn then be used as currency for any item sold in any of the participating stores.

How do I become a member?
Just buy a happyplus Membership Kit at any cashier counter of Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon (and soon to be) Mang Inasal establishments in Metro Manila for only P100. Fill out the enclosed Membership Application Form and submit to the cashier counter of Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon (and soon to be) Mang Inasal establishments in Metro Manila. You can also register online at www.happyplus.com.ph.

What is the duration of the membership?
Membership in happyplus is valid for three (3) years from date of application.

Can I renew my membership?
To renew for another three (3) years, simply go to any cashier's counter of Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon (and soon to be) Mang Inasal and pay the P100 renewal fee using cash or points.

How do I earn points?
Just use your happyplus card in paying your bill in any participating Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon (and soon to be) Mang Inasal store. For every P50 purchase you earn one (1) happyplus point. One (1) happyplus point = P1. No card. No points.

How do I redeem?
Just go to any participating store and after ordering, advise the cashier that you will be utilizing your happyplus points for payment of your food order.

How do I join the monthly raffle?
Raffle entries will automatically be awarded every tim you load.

How do I check my happyplus purse and points balance?
You may go to any participating store and tap your card in any card reader. It will automatically display your purse and point balance. Your happyplus points balance is also printed in your official receipt everytime yo do a load or payment transaction. You may also visit and log on to www.happyplus.com.ph to manage your account online, find out your lates transactions and card balance, and check all the pertinent information regarding yuour happyplus card.

What happens If I lose my card?
Your card is good as cash. All happy points and happy purse loaded in the card will be lost as well.

What happens if I damage my card? Can I have it replaced? 
For replacement of damaged card, surrender the card to the cashier counter of any particiapting store of Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon (and soon) Mang Inasal.

Damaged cards will be validated and will be replaced for free if found defective within 15 days.

A damaged card caused by cardholder's mishandling will be considered a lost card. All happyload and happypoints will be forfeited.

Is there a maximum purse and reload limit?
Yes, P10,000.00 is the maximum purse and reload limit.

What is the minimum load amount?
The minimum load amount is P100 and in increments of P100.

What is the advantage of loading more in the happyplus card?
Aside from the convenience of cashless transaction in all participating stores, you would be getting more raffle entries.

Reload Amount and Raffle Entry
PhP100.00 - 1
PhP300.00 - 5
PhP500.00 - 10
PhP1,000.00 - 25

To be able for a customer to avail of a happyplus card and chck for more details about the happyplus card, he can just visit any participating JFC stores nationwide and buy a happyplus membership kit from the cashier or register online at www.happyplus.com.ph

Kwento Ni Toto is not only posting and showcasing local events and products but of course we will have foreign brands as well.  So for this particular post Kwento Ni Toto shares a world class event happening.  Read the details of the event from their press release.

8 JULY 2012: From July 8th – 12th the highly anticipated Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS 2012 Global Final will take place against the spectacular backdrop of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. 50 of the world’s best bartenders from around the globe will compete to win the highly acclaimed award of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year attracting mixology luminaries, luxury aficionados and industry gurus who gather to watch the latest fine drinking trends emerge and immerse themselves in a world of red carpet events.

This year’s prestigious Global Final takes inspiration from the revival of Retro Chic – a global luxury trend which encapsulates the glamour and simplicity of the golden era of the 50s and 60s and has already infused the Maisons of fashion, design, art and stylized TV shows. With an innate understanding of the luxury industry, Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is leading Retro Chic within contemporary and experimental cocktail culture, paying homage to this nostalgic revival of the classics through the ambience and décor of the week.

Rudy Paoli, Managing Director, Global Reserve said, “Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS is transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture in the best bars around the world and in the home by discovering, inspiring and investing in talent within the mixology industry. Set to surpass all expectations, the 2012 Global Final Week brings together the best bartenders worldwide, captivating, star-studded events and will provide a forum for Retro Chic, a global luxury trend, set to unfold within mixology.”

AN EXHILARATING WEEK OF GLAMOROUS EVENTS AND THOUGHT-PROVOKING LUXURY SEMINARS

Additional highlights to the landmark week include Mahiki VIP after parties hosted by CÎROC vodka, the undeniably classic, crisp and smooth KETEL ONE® vodka House, an experience above the clouds with ZACAPA® rum, a celebration of legend by JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended Scotch Whisky and an event set to change the game by JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky.

Insightful luxury seminars lead by global trendsetters Dylan Jones, Editor of UK GQ, Tony Chambers, Editor of style magazine Wallpaper*, Mark Izatt of Vertu, Jason Beckley from Dunhill and LibertyLondonGirl Sasha Wilkins add another element to the week where the latest luxury trends and the role of luxury as a force for social good in today’s society will be discussed. Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS winners will also impart their knowledge on the art of being a perfect host and how to create the epitome of a Retro Chic fine drinking experiences in the home.

MIXOLOGY LUMINARIES JOIN IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP OF WORLD CLASS GURUS

The internationally renowned Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS judging panel, consisting of industry greats Salvatore Calabrese, Dale de Groff, Peter Dorelli, Gary Regan, Daniel Estremadoyro and Hidetsugu Ueno, will this year be joined by new judges Arturo Savage, Regional Brand Ambassador (Latin America and the Caribbean) for luxury whiskies, Steve Olson, one of America’s foremost experts and most sought-after lecturers in the spirits industry and Aristotelis Papadopoulos, 2009 Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year. The highly respected panel will scrutinize the style, theatre and skill of the 50 finalists who have travelled from the most esteemed bars world-wide and earned a coveted place at the Global Final by competing against 15,000 other hopefuls eager to make their mark on the world’s stage.

LUXURY COLLECTION AT THE HEART OF EVERY FINE DRINKING EXPERIENCE

Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS pushes the boundaries of mixology innovation and encourages bartenders to innovate and experiment using some of the finest spirits from the Diageo Reserve luxury portfolio – KETEL ONE® vodka, CÎROC® vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ gin, TANQUERAY® gin, DON JULIO® tequila, ZACAPA® rum, JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended Scotch Whisky and JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky – to create the most exceptional rituals, perfect serves and fine drinking experiences the industry has ever seen.

Follow the competition on Facebook at the ‘Global WORLD CLASS Finals’ page www.facebook.com/GlobalWorldClassFinals. For live updates on Twitter follow @WorldClassLive and join the conversation with #WCRio; or, follow our boards at pinterest.com/WCSociety for our top selection of luxury photos from the 2012 finals.

Recently, Tipco, the best-selling juice brand in Thailand, launched their exciting new promo that will sure excite consumers.  One lucky grand prize winner will sure get a chance to visit Tipco's home, Bangkok.

Kwento Nit Toto's correspondent went to the said launched and witnessed this launching event.  Different people and personalities were present during the launched.  Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, a proud mom was Tipco's celebrity endorser.

The “Tipco Tripaway” promo was announced by Transaxion Unlimited Corporation, which distributes Thailand's leading juice brand in the Philippines. With a view of encouraging Filipino fans to take the leap to healthy living, as well as to experience the joys of travel, Tipco’s latest promo also includes the chance to win two roundtrip tickets to popular destinations in the Philippines, complete with 3D/2N hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, airport transfers, and fun tours.


“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity of sending Filipino Tipco fans to the city and country where it all began,” said Mr. Kerwin Wong, CEO of Transaxion Unlimited Corporation. “We believe that the promo is also a great way of thanking everyone who has continued to support Tipco and made its arrival from Thailand to the Philippines a successful one.”

The promo will run from July 1 to September 30, 2012.  Tipco Tripaway promo will be bringing its lucky grand prize winner to Bangkok, Thailand.  Aside from it there will also be a monthly draw that will be held for three consecutive months, starting this August, with all-inclusive trips to Cagayan de Oro, Puerto Princesa, and Boracay.


Every single-receipt purchase of three 1-liter packs of Tipco 100% Juice from any supermarket or grocery nationwide entitles customers to one raffle entry. To submit the entry, customers can visit www.facebook.com/tipcojuicephils and enter the requested information. Deadlines for the submission of entries fall on August 5 for the First Monthly Draw (Cagayan de Oro) on August 10; September 5 for the Second Monthly Draw (Puerto Princesa) on September 10; October 5 for both the Third Monthly Draw (Boracay) and Grand Prize Draw (Bangkok) on October 10.

Since its Philippine launch over two years ago, Tipco has served as the nutritional partner of Filipino juice lovers everywhere, with flavors that include Tangerine Orange, Purple Carrot, Pomegranate, Medley Orange, Aloe Vera, Cranberry, 32 Veggie, Beetroot, and even Broccoli (the best seller!), among many others. Tipco's premium-quality juices are known not only for their natural fruit or vegetable taste, but also for the health benefits that each flavor carries. Tipco 100% is also made without any preservatives, flavorings, colorings, or sweeteners—setting it apart from other juice brands.

SALE ALERT!  Yes, for those who have been following Kwento Ni Toto, I'm sure you've always watch out for the sale and discount alerts.  So, this time get ready for another GREAT NORTHERN SALE in SM CITY NORTH EDSA this JULY 13-14-15, 2012.

If you have enjoyed checking out sales and discounts of the GREAT NORTHERN SALE early this year you've probably will enjoy more of this another sale event at SM City North EDSA.   Major discounts everywhere you look and get the most exclusive deals on all brands, stores and dining places.

And for those who have just happen to cross over here on this blog this is your chance to know sale events and discounts happening around the metro.   Just be sure to keep on coming here and watch out for my SALE ALERT.




This upcoming sale event at SM City North EDSA will be a blast, not only it falls on a weekend but it's also payday (hopefully, our company will let us have our pay checks on the 13th) so I'll make sure to hunt for the best products with great discounts and bargain sales.  I'll try to search every floor of the mall.

So how about you?  What are your plans for this GREAT NORTHERN SALE?

To get more information and details please do visit their Facebook, Twitter and website.
http://www.facebook.com/smnedsa
http://www.twitter.com/smnorthedsa
http://www.sm-northedsa.com/

Recently, I was able to get invited in an event regarding the launch of FILA and Athletes in Action (AIA) Schools Run for School Rooms.  It is an advocacy program which aims to take part in solving the nation's greater woes.  The two organization join forces to bring the biggest advocacy run to help raise funds for the rehabilitation of the classrooms in Iligan City, which were badly hit by Typhoon Sendong back in 2011.  




Numbers of bloggers were present during the event to witness and learn about the programs and undertakings of FILA and Athletes in Action, especially with this project that they are all involve with.  Hosted by one of the endorser Mr Tim Yap and together with the coaches and people behind the advocacy run, they were able to address to the bloggers the need and the importance of this upcoming event.  This run will not only benefit the schools and students of Iligan City but will also benefit the runners as well, physically!    




With 15,000 runners who have signed up to date and still expecting for more, the Schools Run for School Rooms (SRSR) marathon will be gathering student-runners from major colleges and universities, to bring a glimmer of hope to Iligan city, where eager students have to do with makeshift classrooms as the school year starts.

With just a few weeks of the the event hopefully people get to notice and participate in the run and try to share the blessings.


Since 1911, FILA traces its roots from Biella, a province set at the foot of the Italian Alps. Unbeknownst to many, this small town brand is big on corporate social responsibility. At the recently concluded 2012 FILA Polo Cup, project “500 for 500” was launched by FILA President Butch Albert to help Typhoon Sendong victims once again by donating 500 pesos to 500 families for every purchase of Skele-Toes. Skele-Toes is FILA’s latest line of revolutionary active footwear that is fast raising many eyebrows and causing the curious to utter #whattheheckisthat? For us at FILA, it’s simply a shoe that changes the game. Rock at the gym or at the party, Skele-Toes is just about the only shoe that fits – and Tim, Georgina, and Borgy all agree!

Since people will be running on this advocacy run it is high time that people should try FILA's  newest line of running shoes, Swerve and Flow. FILA Swerve boasts of a Dynamic Landing System through a lightweight foam at the midsole and V3 techonology inserts at the heel. This gives you the proper support that you need in every step, without compromising style and design.


FILA Flow is perfect for the outdoor dweller with its heavy duty outsole, making every shock and bump a breeze. This one will surely go with you to countless victories and finishes.

Whether you prefer a classic or a rocking pair of rubbershoes, it’s high time to give your tiresome trainers a break and take the Skele-Toes, Swerve, or Flow out for a spin. With your purchase of a pair of Skele-Toes and participation at the SRSR marathon, it’s definitely more fun to help with FILA!

Tickets and registration forms are available at SM Ticketnet outlets (https://www.smtickets.com/event/view/776). Singlets and race bibs can be claimed at Fila Stores in Metro Manila.

For exclusive updates, follow us on Twitter (@filamanila) or be a fan on Facebook (FILAPhilippines).

A great mountain view.

People from the city has always been looking for a good getaway out of the stressful and polluted city.  A great out of town adventure and relaxation spot that can rejuvenate and refresh a tired being.  A place with fresh air, enticing environment and luscious field with thousands of fruit bearing  trees like Coconuts, Avocado, Chestnut, Durian, Yellow Star Apple, Guava, Lansones, Rambutan, Jackfruit and Tropical flowers.

Fresh fruit-bearing trees.

Hidden Hills Farm provides that experience with its 4.5 hectares area abundant with fruit bearing trees, a relaxing 360 view of the different mountains surrounding the area from a multiple floors of viewing deck and is located at Barangay Imok, Calauan, Laguna.

The Nipa Hut and Garden Area great for functions and gatherings.

The place includes amenities like a native nipa hut reception hall or a garden that is good for events like wedding, baptismal or any kinds of gathering that needs a wider place with a provision for two swimming pools and it also has the longest fiber optic hanging bridge in Laguna, a very well spot to have a better view of the place.  a concrete residential house will welcome guests and visitors with a young coconut juice.

Experience the longest fiber optic hanging bridge.

If the whole experience is not enough for you then why not own that experience and have it all year round you.  The whole area is for sale for only 800 pesos per square meter which round up to a total of 36M pesos.  You get to own the place and have the business of recreation as well.  


For more details about this great getaway area kindly get in touch with this following number 09213191471.

Recently, the fame and prestige of James and Phil Younghusband has grown very much in just a short span of time and same with the sudden uplift of interest of young blooded sports-minded kids into football.  It has truly become a sensation.  I'm not well versed with the names of the players but I know football since I was a kid and as far as I know the game kickball rooted from the football.  One more thing, when I was a kid and until I was a teenager I only watched their games on television.

Since the Philippine football team are becoming well known with their winnings, the team manager Mr. Alvin Caranza U17-19 aims to have a new breed of Teen Azkals that starts with good foundation that's why they are going to have the upcoming Teen Azkals National Football Selection which will be held in two locations, one in UP Diliman, Quezon City on July 7 and 8, 2012 which is for the NCR Selection and the other one is for the Philippine Team Selection on August 4-12, 2012 in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental Football Grounds.

So, for the moms, dads, relatives, schools and organizations if you know your kids or someone you know displays a strong interest in football please do encourage them to participate on the said selection venues.  It will for sure help them a lot and help the country as well.

During the blogger's night in Cafe Lupe, Antipolo speakers shares their talk and insights about football and road safety.

Manager Mr. Alvin Carranza said that supporting the age group will keep the momentum forward.  He also bring forth his vast influence and business networks to make this league exciting and successful.

One of the speaker Mr Ebong Joson of the Philippine Football Federation coach talks about the European Culture and Football Management.  He also disclosed that Panaad is one of the best place for Football Tournament with regards to security, venue and capacity.  He then explained the great difference between height and skills and the culture and language of football.

Coach Cleng Cacacho who coaches for an International School talks about more local exposure and more games in the local level.  He pinpoints that with Europeans they got many clubs and games.  He further explains the difference of a women's team and men's team.  Women's team requires a certain level of training and pampering.

Mr. Atoy Sta. Cruz also made a simple talk about advocating road safety and he explains the issue regarding motorists having an early warning device place or in tact in all vehicles which is needed when having a car problem.

After the talks the much awaited raffle was conducted.  An all expense Tagaytay and Taal trip won by Carlo Camilo Valenzona and Ms. Grace Nicolas' daughter while the all expense Trip to Bacolod won bby Florencio Jusay and Dennison Uy.

Please visit the Teen Azkals Fan page https://www.facebook.com/teenazkals for more updates.

Talented kids will once again shine brightly as Promil i-Shine teamed up with one of the local network, ABS-CBN with their latest reality-TV-kiddie-workshop like program that will showcase the talents of 12 kids who have passed the auditions from on-ground auditions and video entries submitted.

The Promil Pre-School i-Shine Talent Camp TV show is the new program that will be aired, premiering this June 23, Saturday at 9:30 am.,  the show will certainly inspire parents to nurture the talents of their kids as they witness the journey of the 12 i-Shiners – Lukas, the “Acoustic Kid of Cebu”, Ayeisiah, the “Kiddie Diva of Olongapo”, Prince, the “Dance Floor Ace of Manila”, Althea, the “Born Kiddie Performer” of Manila, Gabby, the “Bibo Dancer of Paranaque”, Ella, the “Singing Idol of Davao”, Charls, the “Prince of Acting of Caloocan”, Icon, the “Dancing Icon of Marikina”, Patricia, the “Dancing Charmer of Antipolo”, JC, the “Acting Gem of Taguig”, Jake, the “Total Kid Performer of Makati”, and Justine, the “Dance Floor Prince of Laguna”.

The said program will be hosted by Kapamilya stars Dimples Romana, Matteo Guidicelli and Xian Lim, the weekly program will showcase the 12 i-Shiners undergoing different talent workshops with the support of their parents and expert mentors from ABS-CBN. These include John Prats for dancing, Karylle for singing, Luis Manzano for hosting and Direk Bobot Mortiz and Direk Frasco Mortiz for acting. Parents can get an intimate glimpse of how talents can be developed and nurtured as they watch the i-Shiners hone their potential in their quest to win the ultimate prize.

The grand winner of the i-Shine Talent Camp will receive a talent contract from Star Magic and Promil Pre-School, plus P500,000 in cash.

Watch and follow the quest of this 12 lovable and talented kids and their parents as they become the best that they can be.

For more information, visit www.ishine.abs-cbn.com. You may also contact Wyeth Careline at 81-WYETH (99384) or the provincial toll-free number 1-800-10-884-2222. You may also visit the official Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/promilpreschool.

For the readers who love to watch theater shows and acts, the Silly People's Improv Theater or SPIT will be having the MANILA IMPROV FEST 2012: The First Philippine International Improv Festival from June 28 to July 1 at the College of St. Benilde and at Quantum Cafe as part of their 10th anniversary celebration.

If you want to know more about the group and their upcoming event, here's their press release spitting out what's in it that celebration and what will people expect from the event.

Press Release
Silly People’s Improv Theater (SPIT), the county’s premiere improvisational theater troupe, will be celebrating its tenth anniversary by mounting the MANILA IMPROV FEST 2012: The First Philippine International Improv Festival, from June 28 to July 1 at the College of St. Benilde and at Quantum Cafe.

Founded by actor Gabe Mercado in June 2002, SPIT differs from the usual stand-up comedy routines as its performances fully involve the audience. SPIT performs scenes, songs and games completely based on audience suggestions, just like in the popular British and American show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

Celebrating ten years of bringing their brand of improv theater to Metro Manila, SPIT is mounting the MANILA IMPROV FEST 2012, which will feature performances from improv groups from Cebu, Bacolod, Xiamen, Beijing, Hong Kong, Taichung and Los Angeles alongside SPIT.


The MANILA IMPROV FEST 2012 will also have workshops conducted by some notable improv practitioners, including Gabe Mercado, Gabby Fernandez of Bacolod’s Kinengkoy Comedy Express and internationally-renowned improv teachers Shaun Landry, Artistic Director of Oui Be Negroes and founder of The West Coast Improv Alliance, and Tom Farnan who has performed with The Second City, Annoyance Theater, IO and ComedySportz of Chicago and The Second City in Las Vegas.

The De La Salle - College of St. Benilde shall be hosting the Master Class Improvisation Workshops for long-time improv practitioners who wish to further hone their craft.

Performances shall be held at 8pm on June 28 and 29, 7pm on June 30 and 4pm on July 1, at Quantum Café at 9590 Kamagong St. corner Bagtikan St. in Makati City. Tickets for the performances are at 400 pesos.

For more information on the Manila Improv Fest 2012, Follow SPIT on Facebook (www.facebook.com/spitmanila),Twitter (www.twitter.com/spitmanila), and on their website (www.spitmanila.com)

You may also contact Tetel De Leon at 09152952033 for reservations.

Another great running event organized by Unilab Active Health and RunRio Inc., The Run United 2. It is the second leg of the trilogy and runners who've joined the first run would have already completed two thirds of the pie medal.

Early dawn of June 17, 2012 came a bed weather. As much as I wanted to stay in bed and curled under the sheet, duty calls, plus I wanted to see this well anticipated running event. Rain starts to shower when I left the house, then it pours a bit harder while travelling off to SM Mall of Asia.

The Start and Finish Line

The road was wet and the whole venue were still dripping with rain water. Though the weather was not good, still, runners are coming in and piling up for this running event. Some were still with sleepy eyes and some are already eager to run. It was around past 5 AM when runners started looking for their category areas. Great that the whole venue are well mapped out with signs and banners to easily locate category areas.

Runners looking for their category area.

Runners getting ready for the run'

Few minutes before 5:30 AM, runners for the 10K Category run started to gather in the starting line and they were given a little warm up and some few reminders before the run. Then the gun fire was shot. Bang! And they're off.  Few minutes after, it was time for the 5K Category run.  Everyone lined up in front of the starting line and as a routine runners need to get warmed up before engaging to a run.  Everyone pump up their joints and ligaments with the beat of the music.  Runners settled and waited.  Then the much awaited gun shot fired! The 5K Category run has most number of participants which took time before the area was cleared.  As much as I wanted to join the run, I'm well aware that I wouldn't catch up with the fastest runner and I might not catch the winners crossing the finish line. So, I've stayed behind and waited.

It's the right decision to stay behind and waited because just a few minutes after they've been off to run, the fastest runner for the 10K Category run was already visible from the finish line. Few more seconds and he reached the finish line. Followed by the fastest runner from the 5K Category.  Two of the 5K Category runner were Filipinos and the other one is a foreigner.  They are just minutes away from each other.  Panting for their breath, marshals placed an ID tag on them to indicate that they were the top three fastest runner for the 5K Category Run.  Top three fastest female runner for the 5K Category run were also given an ID tag for proper distinction.  Few more minutes and most of the runners already crossed the finish line, mostly are 5K Category runners.   Different runners, different styles and different tricks to attract attention but they all have one common goal... to cross that finish line.

Great way to celebrate FATHER'S DAY with Dad!

Since the 5K Category run has the most number of participants, runners built a traffic in getting their loot bags.  Thanks to the marshals it was immediately addressed and avoided longer build up of traffic.  Some of the runners who runs the 5K Category is the Father and Son tandem (see the picture above) in which the son is proudly wrote "MY DAD" and a line pointing to his father on his chest.  He sure was aware of the Father's Day.

After covering the runs it was time to roam around the event area. Get to try different facilities and brand booths. Most of the brand booths were engaging enough for the runners, kids and parents. It is indeed a great place to enjoy by the whole family, especially in a very good weather. While doing round ups with the booths I was able to interview different runners and get their insights about the entire event. Three of whom I've interviewed were first timers who take down the challenge of running the 5K Category run and two were a couple who happens to be celebrating their wedding anniversary that day. They enjoyed the run and they assured that they'll be joining again on the next run. I was able to interview other runners who have joined the first leg and they were very happy to have completed the second leg and they are looking forward for the next leg of the run. All of them agreed that it was a great running event, though there were some recommendations raised. Some of the recommendations were:

• To have more tables and staff in providing loot bags and giveaways for the runners. 
• To have more kilometer marker.

John, first time to join a run.

Sweet couple, first time to join a run.

After an hour of booth hopping and interviews it was time for the announcements of winners. The first few awarding was enjoined by Zoren Legazpi and Carmina Villaroel together with their kids. Trophies, medals, and other prizes were given to the winners. In between of the awarding, participants for the Cheerdance Competition does their routine. Here are the winners of Run United 2 in different categories.



Great that the weather cooperated with the event which enables the runners and organizers (Unilab Active Health and Ranrio Inc.) to make the entire activity a success. What I like about the event is the whole shebangs. They were able to grasp the interests of runners not only during the run but also after. The thirst are not only quench but also the hunger for fun and exciting activities.