These days thoughts and tweets are almost one and the same. We just can’t help but share what we’re thinking to the world. It’s like our minds have gone digital and invaded the social networking scene. And with the rising popularity of Foursquare and other location-tracking apps, your location is just as accessible as your tweets. Today, broadcasting one’s whereabouts has just been more than just a habit, but a social statement.

With that in mind, where you are matters! Where you dine. Where you shop. Where you unwind. Let everyone know where you are. Let them know that you’re @Il Terrazzo!

At the heart of Tomas Morato, Il Terrazzo is the home to a variety of restaurants, fitness & beauty centers, supermarket, specialty shops, and an events place. Indeed, it is the only complete lifestyle hub that merges the recreational mall atmosphere with the bustling nightlife entertainment scene unique to Tomas Morato. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Il Terrazzo has it covered.

Craving for sushi? Dine at Omakase @Il Terrazzo.

Perhaps something for your sweet tooth? Indulge at Gong Cha or Banapple @Il Terrazzo.

Yearning for some meditation? Exercise your mind and body at Beyond Yoga @Il Terrazzo.

Call for a beauty makeover? Pamper yourself at Sexy Solutions or The Lash Bar @Il Terrazzo.

Need your techie fix? Splurge at the Digital Hub or Technovox @Il Terrazzo.

Thirsty for your favorite cocktail or beer? Unwind at Jack’s Loft @Il Terrazzo.

Does your pantry need restocking? Shop groceries at Rustan’s Supermarket @Il Terrazzo.

In need of an events place? Book The Ariato Function Center @Il Terrazzo.

Needless to say, Il Terrazzo is indeed the hippest cosmopolitan center for all your lifestyle impulses. So, when someone asks where you at?

Check in @Il Terrazzo!

Il Terrazzo is located at 305 Tomas Morato Ave. cor. Scout Madriñan St., Quezon City, Philippines. For inquiries, call (02) 374 8378.

An update from the local music industry and for all who loves to listen to different kinds of music.  Here's a new one from Gloc-9.  Get to know it more below this line

Press Release
Premiere rapper Gloc-9 is mighty proud of his forthcoming release MKNM: Mga Kwento Ng Makata, his first under Universal Records.

“I have worked very hard for this album,” says Gloc-9. “Before, I would record albums for about two months. For MKNM: Mga Kwento Ng Makata, it took me around six months.”

He adds that he is ultimately satisfied with the album, which includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry – Chito Miranda, Bamboo, Ebe Dancel, Jay Durias, Billy Crawford, Maychelle Baay of Moonstar 88, among others.

“I have always been fond of stories of other people,” adds the rapper. “This album contains various stories from people from all walks of life.”

Gloc-9 admits being super proud of the album’s single Sirena, which talks about the story of a responsible gay man. The song also features Ebe Dancel.

“I think this is the first time that a song about a gay man is presented in a first person’s point of view,” explains Gloc-9. “I worked very hard on this song for it not to be offending to anyone.”

The music video of Sirena also boasts of Boy Abunda’s participation.

The rapper also adds that MKNM: Mga Kwento Ng Makata marks a new chapter in his career as this is his first release under Universal Records, where he joins its elite roster of artists like Gary Valenciano, Jose Mari Chan, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Parokya Ni Edgar, Christian Bautista, Kamikazee, Sam Concepcion, among others.

“I am very thankful that Universal welcomed me into their stable,” concludes Gloc-9. “I am looking forward to doing more projects with my new label.”

DOWNLOAD "SIRENA" HERE:http://mymusicstore.com.ph/music/gloc-9/453669/Sirena.html

FOLLOW GLOC-9

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/glocdash9
Twitter: https://twitter.com/glocdash9
Instagram: glocdash9
Website: http://glocdash9.com/

MKNM (Mga Kwento ng Makata) Tracklist:

1. Balak ni Syke
2. Apatnapungbara feat. Ian Tayao
3. Silup feat. Denise Barbacena
4. Alalay ng hari feat. Allan Mitchell Silonga
5. Sirena feat. Ebe Dancel
6. Hindi mo nadinig feat. Jay Durias
7. Sino (interlude)
8. Salarin feat. Bamboo Manalac
9. Inday feat. Cathy Go
10. Bakit hindi feat. Billy Crawford
11. Malakas (interlude)
12. Pison feat. Chito Miranda
13. Thankful feat. Maychelle Baay of Moonstar88 & Bambu

Bonus Tracks
14. Hari ng tondo feat. Denise Barbacena
15. Kung tama Siya feat. Jaq Dionisio of Kissjane

Teen heartthrob, multi-talented performer Sam Concepcion breathed life to Soc Villanueva’s entry Kontrabida to the recently-concluded First Philippine Popular Music Festival. The song was adjudged second-runner up in the competition.

Soc, composer of numerous hit songs including Kung Ako Na Lang Sana, personally chose Sam to interpret Kontrabida, which tells a protagonist-turned-antagonist’s love story.

“I never doubted Sam’s talent. Even before he stepped onstage, I knew he would give justice to the song,” says Soc. “Sam’s confidence is just so high and talent is overflowing that I know that the battle is already half-won.”

Sam, who last joined a competition less than a decade ago via Little Big Star, where he bagged the top plum, was ecstatic over the commendation.

“I know the song is catchy, unpretentious, and enjoyable to sing,” admits Sam. “But landing the third spot among 14 equally-brilliant entries is extremely amazing.”

Sam received glowing reviews from Jim Paredes, via his instagram account, describing his performance as “wow.”

Toto Sorioso’s Tayo-Tayo Lang, which talks about a musician’s experiences performing to a near-empty venue, bagged the 2nd place. Ebe Dancel interpreted the song.

The top prize went to Karl Villuga’s Bawat Hakbang, a beautifully-written inspirational song interpreted by Mark Bautista and Akafellas.


The task of evaluating the final entries was given to the distinct panel of judges, composed by some of the most respected names in the industry – singer-hitmaker-advocate Noel Cabangon, famous radio personality Chico Garcia, Universal Records’ Managing Director Kathleen Dy-Go, PhilPop Treasurer Randy Estrellado, former Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia, ace songwriter-musical director Louie Ocampo, and APO Hiking Society Member Jim Paredes.

As promised before, here's another call out to all readers and to all shoppers out there who love to go on sales.  The SM Supermalls will be having a simultaneous 3 day sale on their different branches.  Also as part of the 3 day sale they will be having a raffle.

So, what are the different locations?  Here's the list of the SM Malls and the link to each facebook fan page.  Also the mechanics to different SM Mall's raffle.

SM City Sta. Mesa - Raffle Mechanics
SM Center Valenzuela - Raffle Mechanics
SM City Masinag - Raffle Mechanics
SM City Calamba - Raffle Mechanics
SM City Tarlac - Raffle Mechanics

So better check out your locations or check their fan page to get more of the details.

A few weeks ago I received an invite from Max's Restaurant and Max's Corner Bakery as they launch their latest, new and exciting campaign “Max's Merienda Mixes” which offers great selection of merienda favorites that can be mixed and matched. The event was hosted by Wilma Doesn't and they showcased the best of Max's which starts with letter “M” like the letter “Ms” in Max's Merienda Mixes. It was a warm event on a rainy weather!


Ms. Monette Aldos, Sales, Operations and Marketing Manager for Max's Corner Bakery shared that “Merienda is an integral part of every Filipino's gustatory routine. With this new campaign, Max's corner Bakery seeks to create an experience that is light, fun and heartwarming for every Filipino. We want them to enjoy great food and the goodness of Max's Corner Bakery's home-baked goodies that are 100% made with love, always.”


The event was really filled with fun and excitement. Though it was rainy and gloomy bloggers were at high as Max's treat bloggers with raffles with great prizes. Since the most common letter used for this particular events was “M” they've matched their prizes with “M” activities. Started with “Malling” which they raffled GIFT CERTIFICATE to spend for malling. “Music-trip”, music lovers does enjoyed the prize because it was an MP3 PLAYER. Then “Movie watching” which they've given away a DVD PLAYER, we were expecting to win this one but unfortunately we didn't won it. Lastly, “Magluto” (Cooking) which their prize was a MICROWAVE OVEN. Too bad, I didn't get any of those but since Max's was generous enough, they've also raffled away MAX'S GIFT CERTIFICATEs. This time I got one out of the five. Great blessing!


Then the best part came and participants of this event were given a chance to experience mixing and matching treats of the “Max's Merienda Mixes”. According to Mr. Bobby Simborio, Corporate Media & PR Manager for Max's Group of Companies “Max's Merienda Mixes reaches out to merienda-lovers of all ages. It is not only budget-friendly, the choices of Max's Corner Bakery and Max's Merienda items are also sure to make any mouth water. Max's will no longer be just a place for a hearty breakfast, or a sumptuous lunch and dineer. It is the new place to experience delicious and indulgent afternoon snacks that are absolutely Filipino. This promo is a value-for-money offering that integrates the compenents of a fast-casual dining restaurant – comfort, quality service and exceptional food. Our customers can also enjoy unlimited wi-fi service while taking pleasure in their favorite Max's Merienda Mix.”









So what are the merienda mixes to mix and match? Well merienda enthusiasts can choose from any Max's classic merienda dishes like Pancit Luglug (plain), Pancit Canton (small) or a petite bowl of triple-chocolate Champorado pair it with Max's Corner Bakery products like the freshly-baked Ensaimada, Cheese Roll, or a slice of Cake Roll with different flavors – chocolate, mocha, ube, mango and jelly. Of course merienda wouldn't be complete without the drinks, so customers can choose from Pepsi softdrink, a cool glass of Sago't Gulaman, or a steaming cup of Brewed Coffee.


Of course I enjoyed most of the mixes and it was fun doing the mix and match. For those who would want to experience the merienda mixes just head on to Max's Restaurant from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. this promo started last July 19. Aside from this merienda treat, there's also a chance to win a travel to visit one of the branches of Max's in the USA and watch a pop icon concert as well. Isn't it exciting! Check out the full mechanics of the promo here http://www.maxschicken.com/mcbmerienda/index.php?/home/promo_mechanics.

Max's Merienda Mixes is also available for take-out and delivery. Customers may conveniently dial Max's delivery hotline 7-9000 for quick delivery service within Metro Manila or place their orders online by logging on to www.maxschicken.com.ph.


Visit www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and www.facebook.commaxscornerbakery to sign up for Max's and Max's Corner Bakery's fan page. Get more thrilling updates from the Filipino's most-loved brands.

Remember how the judges were left ‘stuttering’ when the sensational American Idol songstress Jessica Sanchez performed a stunning and soulful rendition of Jazmine Sullivan’s “Stuttering”? She sang that song like it was her own and totally killed it! Randy Jackson described Jessica’s performance as the ‘biggest fish of the night.’ Jennifer Lopez added, ‘My favorite part in the middle is you started digging’, while Steven Tyler expressed, ‘Every time you sing, I forget where I am.’

Fans all over the world will surely be delighted to hear the petite powerhouse croon in the studio version of “Stuttering” all over again. The song is part of Jessica Sanchez’ American Idol Season 11 Highlights album repertoire where it takes us back to some of her memorable and brilliant performances in the reality television singing competition, American Idol. It also includes Jessica’s breathtaking and nostalgic rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”, her sultry cover of Beyonce’s “Sweet Dreams”, her duet with Joshua Ledet entitled “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me” plus Jessica’s anthemic finale song, “Change Nothing”. At the same time, “Stuttering” is also dubbed as Jessica’s Concert Single for the upcoming American Idol Tour.

Jessica Sanchez: American Idol Season 11 Highlights album is out now in CDs exclusively under MCA Music available at Astroplus and Odyssey Music & Video.

This Sunday, July 29, MCA Music invites you to “The Ultimate Jessica Sanchez SKYPE Party!” --- An exciting event where fans all over the metro will get the rare chance to bond with their idol through a LIVE SKYPE SESSION from 10:00 am onwards at the SM Megamall Event Center (former ice skating rink). Fun games, exclusive Jessica Sanchez signed items and a guest performance by Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart Sabrina await those who will attend the party.

Catch your favorite American Idols Live! this September 21st at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as the Top 10 finalists of American Idol Season 11 perform for their only concert in Asia! American Idol Live! Tour 2012 is presented by Ovation Productions brought to you by ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, MYX Music Channel, MYXPH.com, BusinessWorld and HerWord.com. Get your tickets now at www.TicketNet.com

Recently, yours truly was invited in one of the performance of the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra at the Dolphy Theater.  It was a resounding experience.  I was rekindling my youth days when I was still a member of a church choir.  So, symphonic music is not alien to me and also I'm an avid listener of one of the local radio station that plays classical music.  I love it very much and I feel relax when ever I hear one.

In an effort to establish a connection between the general public and symphonic music, ABS-CBN, the country's largest multimedia conglomerate, and First Philippine Holdings Corporation has established the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra.

Composed of 40 musicians, the orchestra is under the baton of music director Gerard Salonga and the guidance of executive director Mickey Munoz.




According to Sir Gerard Salonga, "We aim to bring live orchestral performance closer to the Filipinos and give them an option of what to listen to."  And as a start, they have conducted some series of performance that they have made and this recent performance was one of them, to let the orchestra be felt by the general public.

Aside from their performances, the orchestra will be holding educational outreach programs that will give both kids and adults a chance to experience a medium that is considered as one of the highest forms of art.  The project will consist of three categories: "Philharmonikids" will cater to grade school students; "Musicoveries" will cater to high school students; and "Philharmonic Discoveries" will be for the mature audiences that want to be acquainted with classical music

Those who would like to watch the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra live can catch the inaugural concert at the Francisco Santiago Hall in Makati on August 18 (Saturday).  The program will include Hector Berlioz's "Roman Carnival Overture", Franz Liszt's "Piano Concerto #1" with Jovianney Cruz, Johannes Brahms's "Symphony #1 in C minor".

On September 2 (Sunday), the orchestra will also hold a tribute concert at the Meralco Theater for American composer and conductor John Williams.  The award-winning Williams is known for his iconic movie theme compositions such as "Superman," "E.T.," "Star Wars," "Jaws," "Indiana Jones," and "Schindler's List."

For updates on the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra, follow @absphilharmonic on Twitter and 'like' on Facebook at http://facebook.com//ABSPhilharmonic.

It's going to be a Safari-stic Saturday at the Lions Park Residences on July 28 as it opens its gates to families who would like to enjoy a day of fun and surprises with nature. The event will allow both parents and kids to enjoy and experience Lions Park Residences’ community living that nurtures nature in urban living.

Lions Park Residences, a project developed by CDC Holdings, Inc., offers low-rise condominium units, strategically located near commercial destinations, the Makati and Ortigas business districts as well as the new NAIA 3. The event will allow guests to explore the property’s lush surroundings complemented with its amenities such as the multi-purpose hall, a landscaped park, a resort-type swimming pool, and a playground complete with fish pond and butterfly garden.

The Safari-stic Saturday event will highlight Lions Park Residences’ love for nature as it brings a variety of animals to the community where kids are sure to enjoy and learn. Kids and adults alike will have the chance to feed and pet the animals and have their photos taken with them.

One of the highlights of the event will be a show featuring different breeds of Poodle and Capuchin Monkey. Witness how these animals will capture the audience with their fun and captivating tricks.

To complete the whole affair will be the zooper games and face painting activities that are sure hit for the kids.

CDC Holdings, Inc. is also making true to its 2012 tagline “We make it easy,” by presenting a very affordable offer where families can already move-in for as low as five-percent down payment for Lions Park Residences’ remaining units. This is one offer families should not miss!

So, mark the date, July 28. Bond with your family at the Lions Park Residences in Sun Valley, Paranaque City!

It was Monday and after experiencing a very bad morning of tooth ache I think I need a healing.  Yes, I need a healing time to make the swollen gums wear off and since I'm on sick leave already I might as well see the Bloggers' Conference of "The Healing."  That's what I did!  I spoiled my correspondent's schedule!  He was really eager to see the Star for All Season.

The bloggers' conference was held at the ABS CBN ELJ Bldg.  Present were none other than the Star for All Season herself, Governor Vilma Santos together with Director Chito Roño and Writer Roy Iglesias.  According to them this was their first time to attend a bloggers' conference and they were wondering what's the difference between a press conference and a bloggers' conference.  Well, they did have their answer after the conference.


As part of the celebration of Gov. Vi's golden anniversary in showbiz, Direk Chito Roño teamed up with writer, Roy Iglesias to come up with a movie specifically tailored for Gov. Vi and the result was "The Healing".  It is a suspense-horror that tackles one culture of Filipinos which is the faith healing.





Different questions were raised to the writer, to the actress and to the director.  One of the bloggers asked if they believe in faith healers.   All three of them honestly said that they do believe in faith healers and Gov. Vi herself attest that she did experienced it and in fact it happened on her first term of office as Mayor.  She was hospitalized for three weeks and even the doctors couldn't explain what was happening to her.  Then the only person who solved her ailment was a faith healer.  So for them it is really true as long as you have faith and you believe.





Here are some of the firsts for this movie "The Healing":

• This was the first suspense-horror movie for the Star for All Season gave her a hard time shooting it with Direk Chito Roño.  Governor Vi also said that if its from Direk Chito we should expect no less from him.
• This was the first bloggers conference that the three of them have attended.  I think they've already realized what's the difference between a bloggers' conference and a press conference.
• This was the first ever movie to have 2 approved ratings from the MTRCB and it is the first time in the history of the movie industry, an R-18 and PG13.  They were very happy that the MTRCB has uphold the freedom of choice by giving the movie 2 ratings.  This will give moviegoers a chance to choose on which version will watch the movie.  According to Gov. Vi "if you watch to see more cuts watch the R-18 (kung gusto nyo makakita ng tusok-tusok panoorin nyo yong R-18)"

Joining with Gov. Vi on this suspense-horror film are Kim Chiu, Martin Del Rosario, Mark Gil, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, and Carmi Martin, Pokwang, and Ms. Janice De Belen!



Showing in theaters nationwide this 25th of July (Wednesday)!

For more updates on "The Healing", simply visit www.StarCinema.com.ph, or like the movie's official page, http://facebook.com/TheHealingFilm, http://facebook.com/StarCinema or http://twitter.com/StarCinema.

Primetime princess Kim Chiu celebrates a major milestone in her showbiz career as she gets to work for the first time with the Star for All Season Vilma Santos in a one-of-a-kind suspense-horror film from Star Cinema entitled, "The Healing" which will hit theaters on July 25.


"Working with Governor Vi is such a wonderful experience.  I learned a lot from her as an actress and as a person.  i felt like because of her, my acting skills were developed," said Kim, who was Vilma's personal choice in her first-ever suspense-horror movie that is ABS-CBN and Star Cinema's tribute to her 50 illustrious years in showbiz.

The first "Pinoy big Brother Teen Edition" big winner also revealed how kind and generous Vilma was as a co-actor.  "Ate vi is so approachable and down-to-earth.  She doesn't have 'walls' so everyone feels free to talk to her," shared Kim.


The young actress was also thankful of how the Star for All Seasons herself helped her in delivering her mysterious character in "The Healing" which is a story about the Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments.  Kim imparted, "Ate vi told me, 'Huwag mong sasayangin and eksena.  Ibigay mo na, minsan lang ito mangyari.  Huwag mong isipin na ako si Ate Vi."


With the inspiration given by Vilma, Kim gave her all in every challenging scene of the movie that is set to prove that the former teen sensation is now full-fledged actress. "The cast and staff are all professional. So each time that I arrive in the set, I've already memorized all my lines and I'm already prepared since I'm working with no less than Direk Chito Roño and the whole team, plus Governor Vilma, of course," she said.

In honor of Vilma's 50th anniversary, Star Cinema gathered an all-star highly acclaimed powerhouse cast composed of Kim, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin, and Pokwang!

"The Healing" opens in cinemas nationwide on July 25, 2012!

For more updates on "The Healing", simply visit www.StarCinema.com.ph, or like the movie's official page, http://facebook.com/TheHealingFilm, http://facebook.com/StarCinema or http://twitter.com/StarCinema.

After a decade, highly acclaimed Filipino writer, film producer and award-winning master director Chito S. Roño teams up once again with Philippine Cinema's Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos for Star Cinema's newest suspense-horror offering titled, "The Healing," that is set to hit theaters on July 25.

The power tandem of Direk Chito and Ate vi is back on the silverscreen after ten years since they made the "Dekada 70" in 2002.  They also teamed up in 1998 via another serious drama "Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?"



This year, the two movie stalwarts join forces once more to offer the moviegoers with another unforgettable masterpiece - Ate Vi's first-ever horror movie- that is set to introduce a new brand of Pinoy horror in Philippine cinema through "The Healing," which features a story about the Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments.


Direk Chito and Vilma's reunion project makes the Star for All Season proud of another milestone happening in her golden anniversary in the entertainment industry.  "I've been asking Chito for so long for something this and I'm so glad that it's finally happening.  With the undeniable top caliber of Star Cinema, Direk Chito, and our award-winning cast, how can I go wrong!" she remarked.


With Direk Chito at the helm, Star Cinema gathered an all-star highly acclaimed powerhouse cast to star with ATe Vi, including Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramierez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin and Pokwang.

"The Healing" opens in cinemas nationwide on July 25, 2012!

For more updates on "The Healing", simply visit www.StarCinema.com.ph, or like the movie's official page, http://facebook.com/TheHealingFilm, http://facebook.com/StarCinema or http://twitter.com/StarCinema.

ABS-CBN and Star cinema pays tribute to the 50 illustrious years in showbiz of the Star for All Season Vilma Santos through a one-of-a-kind film titled, "The Healing."

Vilma's 50th anniversary move is equally monumental as this is her first-ever suspense-horror movie, "It's a perfect project after 'In My Life,' which was three years ago.  And since I don't do movies that frequent, I might as well give the public something different," said Vilma.  "This is my first time to do a suspense-horror and I'm so proud of it."

Governor Vi shared that she is so elated with the fact that she is working now with some of the entertainment industry's best, including the Master Director Chito Roño.  "I've been asking for so long for something this and I'm so glad that it's finally happening.  With the undeniable top caliber of Star Cinema, Direk Chito, and our award-winning cast, how can I go wrong!" she remarked.


Vilma added that she is particularly excited with her first movie project with one of ABS-CBN's primetime princess Kim Chiu, "Honestly, Kim is a great actress and I can feel that her career will surely go far in showbiz," she said.

True enough, "The Healing" is totally a new brand of suspense-horror that will surely make a mark in the Philippine horror cinema.  "Stories about the Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments have not yet been tackled in-depth in movies.  And in our film, the viewers will not just be horrified, they'll somehow be challenged to think as to how faith healing has already been part of our culture," Vilma narrated.


In honor of Vilma's 50th anniversary, Star Cinema gathered an all-star highly acclaimed powerhouse cast composed of Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin and Pokwang!

"The Healing" opens in cinemas nationwide on July 25, 2012!

For more updates on "The Healing", simply visit www.StarCinema.com.ph, or like the movie's official page, http://facebook.com/TheHealingFilm, http://facebook.com/StarCinema or http://twitter.com/StarCinema.

Event covered by Angelyn Demo

It was a Thursday Morning and thank God it wasn't raining. The day was just right for the event and for travel but as usual traffic has always been there that caused me to be late on the designated meeting place! Then were off to the festival.

It was the celebration of Las Piñas' 7th Water Lily Festival. A celebration that has become more popular every year because of the livelihood products produced out of Water Hyacinth led by the Managing Director of the the Villar Foundation, Cynthia Villar.


We arrived early but it seems that the celebration started much earlier. The festivity commenced already and people are in tune with the celebration. People were pretty eager to watch the pageant perhaps because of their bet candidates and of course most of them are really lovely. Many people were present during the festivity and the only thing that is not pleasant was the weather. Though it was not raining it made a not so good condition because it made us look tired and haggard because of that hot weather. Perhaps the heat also flared up because of the number of guests and participants present.

I did try to ask people around to know what they think of the celebration and one of the person I've interviewed was a “kagawad” (councilor) of the barangay. She said that they were lucky that projects like these were conceptualized and helped the communities a lot. After the interview she even introduced me to their barangay captain.


The Water Lily Festival was conceptualized in order to promote the water hyacinth-based livelihood products made by the residents of Las Piñas living along the river. Before these water lilies or water hyacints were treated as aquatic pests that clog the river but now are useful raw materials. Products made from these water lilies are baskets, trays, slippers and other functional and ornamental items.




The festival highlighted for this year the Miss Las Piñas Water Lily which was a pre-pageant that was held on Tuesday (July 17) and last Thursday (July 19) the winner was crowned as this year's Miss Las Piñas Water Lily. Since the water lily is the highlighted ingredient of this festival, gowns made of this material were created by known designers like Noli Hans and as well the barangay residents themeselves. Other highlights of the 7th Water Lily Festival are the fluvial parade, street dancing, musical performances from Manunugtog Kawayan and other local bands, water lily weaving demonstrations and of course, a display exhibit of various handicrafts made out of water lilies.


According to Mrs. Villar “We can do it if we want to”, she also explained that there are lots of improvements needed for next year's festival like the cheering squads should train hard and they were also planning to conceptualize a river cruise in Las Piñas. Mrs. Villar also mentioned that “cleaning a river is really a challenge and the Las Piñas was praised for cleaning the river.” It is indeed one of the good efforts that the Villar Foundation have done to Las Piñas and to its communities.

This festivity is really good in promoting local tourism and locally made products. Other places should also strive to do the same for the future generation. Just what Mrs. Villar said “we can do it if we want to”.

Do you want to visit this festivity next year? If you're planning to, just visit the Villar Foundation website to see the details of their programs and activities.