One of the most awaited events in SM MOA that is loved and enjoyed by millions of Filipinos is the Philippine International Pyromusical Competition (PIPC). This happens annually and participated by different pyrotechnicians from different countries. Unfortunately, the said event was moved to a different venue due to environmental matters. We all know that for the past 9 years, the pyrotechnics have always complied with the international standards for environmental safety, at par with countries like Canada, Australia, Hongkong and famous theme parks around the world.

SM Supermalls, in full support with the ongoing Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program of the DENR, moved the 10th PIPC from SM Mall of Asia to SM City Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga. The Pyromusical Competition started last February 23 and will continue until March 30, 2019.


Always and have been expecting the PIPC every year and was able to witness its previous shows. Every year the PIPC program welcomes 10 competing countries who take on a battle of breath taking fireworks performances amid symphony of sounds.

On the opening day, February 23, Philippines's very own Platinum Fireworks Inc. took the sky to open the festivity together with an amazing drone exhibition show that surprised everyone. Unfortunately I wasn't there to witness it. First of the foreign contender is the CBF Purotechnics from Belgium made its first appearance.

On the second weekend of the PIPC, March 2, I was able to witness the sky glowing works of Germany's 9th PIP champs "Steffes-Ollig Feuerwerke" and the fantastic sky show of Portugal's "Pirotecnia Minhota". Of course this is the part where I enjoyed watching the sky. Aside from seeing the sky I was able also to see familiar faces from the judges table, one is James Deakin and the other one is BCDA's President and CEO Vicencio Dizon.

Following schedules of shows are March 9, where France's "Brezac Artifices" and Finland's "Oy Pyroman" fills the skies with their fireworks. March 16 is Italy's "Viviano S.R.L." and United Kingdom's "Pyrotex Fireworx", March 23 will be Canada's "Fireworks Spectaculars and China's "Polaris Fireworks.

Final and to cap off the competition and close a decade of giving the best pyromusical exhibition in the Philippines is Poland's "Surex Firma Rodzinna and the Philippines' own "Platinum Firworks Inc."

The annual PIPC Photo Contest will also highlight entries from amateur and professional photographers wherein winners will receive special prizes from PIPC's partners and sponsors.

To get your tickets on the coming shows visit www.pyrophilippines.com or through SM Tickets, SM Cinemas, SM Mall of Asia Ticket booths  and at SM City Clark ticket booths ranging from the Patron with dinner at Php1,800, VIP at Php600, Gold at Php350 and Silver at Php120. Ticket prices will be different on the closing day.


This magnificent family-friendly bonding experience is made possible with Platinum Fireworks Inc., the City of Angeles, Pampanga, the Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board, Philippine Reclamation Authority and the many sponsors of PIPC.

One of the country's leading microfinancial services company, Cebuana Lhuillier, recently introduced the Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings, enforced with their campaign  #KayaNa : Unbanked Filipinos No More Movement. This is a more convenient and affordable means to save the individual's hard-earned money.

This newest product of Cebuana Lhuillier will create the company to be the cash agent of the Cebuana Lhuillier Rural Bank (CLRB), a platform for Filipinos to overcome the barriers of saving.

This move of Cebuana Lhuillier is to encourage Filipinos to save the proper way, instead of opting to keep the savings at home. The lukewarm attitude of the masses towards opening a savings account is attributed to the barriers to saving in banks. The lack of access to banks among the country's many cities and municipalities remains as the top deterrent, according to a BSP study. In fact, only 33% or 551 cities in the Philippines have access to banking institutions. The numerous documentary requirements is a major turn off for many, along with the high cost of initial deposit, high maintaining balance, as well as , high dormancy charges.

To address this barriers, Cebuana Lhuillier's Micro Savings enables Filipino to open an account with only one valid ID and a minimal Php50 initial deposit as requirements. The good thing about Cebuana Lhuillier's wide network is that they have around 2,500 retail infrastructures that you can deposit.

During the unveiling of Cebuana Lhuillier's Micro Savings, Sen. Chiz Escudero gave a short talk and facts about savings with some few data about the financial situation of the Filipinos, most especially when it is about opening a savings accounts.

Few words from the President & CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier Jean Henri Lhuillier, "With BSP's basic deposit framework, Cebuana Lhuillier Micro Savings completes the full roster of our services, all designed and developed with financial inclusion in mind. We've come full circle - from offering collateralized loans or pawning, remittance service, micro insurance and now, micro savings - all of these products were designed with Filipinos from all walks of life in mind especially the unbanked and underserved, who would not have access to these financial services given their circumstances in life."


Aside from the Micro Savings product, Cebuana Lhuillier also launched their eCebuana app which allows micro savings users to check their balance and send money through remittance, as well as load prepaid credits to their phones, and pay their bills.  This app is just the first step in a long line of innovations connected to the micro savings product.

With developments Cebuana Lhuillier pushes to adapt a new philosophy, which is called the financial wellness. This allows more and more Filipinos to steer their own direction and be captains of their own ship.

For someone who have seen quite a number of action films, female action stars are really rare and only few actresses get into that kind of genre. It's really badass when female artist took that road. There are few actresses who venture into action, some of them are Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Garner, who kicks and fly into action that really made a huge impact. It's girl power! Specially now that it's Women's Month.

Recently, a media conference of the movie Maria was held in Playhub. An action film helmed by one of the great and internationally acclaimed director, Pedring A Lopez. Maria the movie is produced under Viva Films and I can say based on the trailer is that it's really good. I can compare it with some of the international movies, of course we'll have to watch the whole film to give our proper rating about the movie.  

The movie is about a female assasin named Lily who escaped from the wrath of her organizatuin after a failed mission. She flee to a distant province and completely changed her identity and life. She became Maria and build a family with Bert, a reapectable businessman, and their daughter, Mina.

Unfortunately, her past isn't over and her life as an assssin followed her. It led her back into violence after failing to protect her family.

Present during the media conference were, Cristine Reyes, Jennifer Lee, Cindy Miranda, Johana Tongcua (child of Cristine), Ronni Lazaro, Johnny Revilla, YZ Carbonell (writer), Sonny Sison (fighting director) and Direk Pedring Lopez.

Take note how badass Cristine Reyes came into the media conference with here colored short hair but it is not her look in the movie.

During the media conference Direk Pedring shared his respect for Cristine's dedication to her work. Also Sonny Sison, the fight director, disclosed that his really impressed of how fluid their movement during the fight scene. He was convinced that the fight scene of Cristine and Jennifer were real to the point that he asked if they were okay.  Cristine Reyes expressed that for the past 15 years, she has done a lot of comedy and drama films and a few horror movies, Maria is her favorite.

The filming of the movie Maria came easy because of the actresses background in martials. For the character Lily/Maria, it was given to Cristine because she's a mother and a martial arts enthusiast.

Maria also stars Ivan Padilla, KC Montero, Guji Lorenzana, Jennifer Lee, Andrea del Rosario, Cindy Miranda, Freddie Webb and Ronnie Lazaro. Opens in cinemas on March 27. This film is from Viva Films, BlackOps Studios Asia, and PsyOps.

• The movie ULAN is tagged as a romantic drama. 
• It is about the character Maya who was raised by her grandmother. 
• Maya believed and was aware of the mythical creature called 'Tikbalang' (half-horse, half-human).
• There's a superstition that when the rain pours in the middle of a sunny day, there are Tikbalangs being wed. 

Finalists of last year's singing competition, The Clash, from the Kapuso Network, are now creating their names in the music industry as GMA Music releases each of their singles. Jong Madaliday, Garrett Bolden, and Anthony Rosaldo, The Clash Boys, were given an opportunity to showcase their talents with the release of their singles.

In the short span of time after their nerve and voice racking competition, the artists are now comfortably sings their own genres. Original, new, and fresh are just the appropriate words for them. From genres like ballad, R&B, and Upbeat. Jong with an upbeat music, Garett with a soulful R&B like and Anthony that is of a ballad music.

Jong’s single, entitled “Ano Ba”, was included in the list of “Most Wanted Song of the Week” in Barangay LS 97.1's The Big Ten weekly countdown. It also hit the second spot of The Big Ten weekly countdown of Barangay LS 97.1 last February 16.

Known for his notable R&B musicality, Jong feels inspired to create more songs that would elicit a positive impact on people’s lives.

“Masaya ako na nagustuhan ng mga listeners yung kanta. Iba talaga yung feeling na naibabahagi mo ang sarili mo sa mga nakikinig through a song. Simula pa lang ito kaya sana suportahan pa nila ang mga gagawin naming kanta dahil para sa kanila lahat ng ito,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Garrett’s “Lilipad Na” was on #43 of iTunes PH chart. Helming his music video is Phillip Lazaro which showcases the works of abstract artist Nadine Ibay, Garrett's leading lady in the video. It premieres on GMA Music’s Youtube channel on Thursday (February 28).

He feels grateful for the opportunities coming his way and the immense support he has been receiving, “Sobrang overwhelming kasi sobrang dami nang nakaka-appreciate nang single namin. Sa totoo lang, mas na-inspire akong magsulat ng mga original at bagong kanta dahil nakaka-motivate ang messages galing sa listeners at sa appreciation nila sa kanta.”

Last February 6, Anthony launched his single “Larawan Mo.” On the day of its release, the song was part of Twitter’s trending topics and soared to the top spot on iTunes PH chart for three consecutive days. It also landed in the Top 7 of the Top 30 Singles Chart of Top 30 Asia Philippines.

The song tells a story that is relatable to the listeners. “Larawan Mo” tells a story about someone who fell in love with a person who is already taken. That your heart can’t choose who to fall in love with.

“Pinaparating nito na some love stories may not be bound to have a happy ending, pero you always have an option to choose the right thing to do,” explained Anthony.

Just recently, GMA Music opened a media conference for the Clash Boys to introduce their singles. Though new in the industry, the boys gladly and truthfully gave their responses to each of the questions asked by the bloggers and the media. Of course to liven a bit the conference they gave a taste of their performances. It was held at the GMA Network's Building, Executive Lounge.

If you like to watch our coverage of the conference check it out at Kwento Ni Toto's youtube channel.

Also if you would love to see the music video watch it below.

As Serenitea creates a moment of compassion with their 10th anniversary, they are giving back to the community their success and one of the institution that they are willing to help is Bahay Aruga. As part of their celebration and creating a moment is their awarding of the donation to the beneficiary, which is the Bahay Aruga.


Like what I've mentioned in my social media post this coverage is not the usual one, I was able to see strong and will-powered children and individuals facing the darkest moments of their lives, yet they face it patiently, prayerfully and head on.

The founders of Serenitea, Juliet Chen (General Manager-North) and Jennifer Wong (Generl Manager - South) believe that compassion is the cornerstone of humankind. The founders believe that anyone can help in their own little way, whether through charitable acts of service or donations.

Owner of Serenitea and their Brand Ambassador, Richard Juan award the donation to their chosen beneficiary, the Bahay Aruga. The donation is from Serenitea's Moments of Compassion Campaign that was launched last October 2018. The campaign was from October to December wherein portion of the sales of the Brown Sugar Series is set for donation to Bahay Aruga.

Bahay Aruga is a NGO that provide free accommodation to Pediatric Cancer patients undergoing chemotheraphy at the Philippine General Hospital which is just a few minutes walk from the House. Most of these patients are from the provinces where the best treatment for cancer is not available.

Anyone can make a difference and that's what Serenitea created with their campaign by encouraging customers to buy their products of which a certain portion goes to charity.

You can send help or offer donations directly to Bahay Aruga - 1131 San Marcelino Street, Ermita Manila, Philippines.

To know more about Serenitea's upcoming events and activities, kindly follow Serenitea on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iloveserenitea or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/iloveserenita.  You can also visit their website at www.iloveserenitea.com.


@iloveserenitea #MomentsofCompassion #SereniteaPH #Serenitea #BahayAruga #ChildrenWithCancer #CancerPatients

One of my way to distress is to visit art galleries and by way of looking at different arts created by different great artist put at peace. Something that makes me relaxed. It is my serenity.

It seems that my usual place to visit will have an addition, though its only once a year. Yes, Ortigas & Company through one of its mall, Estancia, presents their 10-day Ortigas Art Festival. Their way of asserting their commitment to bring arts and culture closer to the people.

As it opens and celebrates the second year, Ortigas Art Festival establish Estancia as the art hub of Ortigas and they made this year's exhibit a place to visit and see arts at its finest. This year's approach brought individual artists to the spotlight, showcasing their creative individuality and placing them a the forefront of the art scene.
Hmmm... I hope I can also showcase my artworks. Maybe their next year.

It was the idea of Renato Habulan, renowned social realist painter, to tap the various groups of artists from all over the country and give them a venue to exhibit their works. Ortigas Malls was receptive to the idea of promoting grassroots participation in the art scene. No gallery representation - just artists working together, no admission charge for the viewers - walk through the art for free.

Presenting the artists.

Among the featured artists is master engraver Benjie Torrado Cabrera, the only engraver in the country specializing in this laborious, centuries-old medium. His works, which are complex in detail, are inspired by his interest in cosmology, with geometric shapes and spheres that signify the universe.

Another one to look out for is Darwin "Japat" Guevarra, a self-taught artist inspired by the works of masters and his peers, showcases works that reflect his concepts of life and social realism, expressed through his mastery of the paintbrush, sculpting, photography, and experimenting with scrap and molded materials.

Also in the spotlight is photographer Bern Wong, with her camera that has captured the most moving meditative with breathtaking landscapes she has seen encountered in her travels. her works express the minimal, abstract, and even the surreal aspects of places she visits.

Don't forget to check out also the works of Richard Buxani, architect who has since harnessed his talent to create sculptures made out of metal. Inspired by Ronald Castrillo, Richard discovered a natural fondness for bending , crafting , cutting, welding and molding materials, which are showcased in the exhibit.

Artists and groups who also joined the art festival are AgawXena, Agos Kulay Maynila, Banta Artists Initiative, Hibon, Biskeg, The Guild, Group Artists of Taytay, Pinoy Printmakers Association, Hilaga, and Westgrove Fine Arts.

To create a more interactive and immersive art experience, the organizer of the exhibit lined up various activities for visitors that is all for free. On February 23, master engraver Benjamin Cabrera shows his prowess in print-making. On February 24 and March 2, artist Peter Sutcliffe will be holding tutorials on watercolors. On March 3, Renato Habulan introduces guests to Print Alla Prima with the Master. Throughout the festival, the public is also encouraged to participate through the "Comment Areas" where they can share their thoughts and opinions to let the artists know how their works are perceived.

The rapidly-evolving festival has already grabbed the attention of various artists from across the globe, including some from New York, Los Angeles, and Singapore who want to become part of this movement - a sign that bigger and better things will come about in the coming years for Ortigas Art Festival.

"Ortigas & Company is delighted to see that support for contemporary Philippine art has been growing. As part of our commitment to the arts, we are holding the second run of this art festival in the hope that this will increase appreciation for the creative individuality of artists. By holding this in Estancia, we are also making art accessible to Filipinos, especially for our mall patrons and the Capitol Commons community," as per expressed by Arch. Renee Bacani, VP of Ortigas & Company.

For more updates and information about Ortigas Art Festival, connect through their Instagram and Facebook page and use the hashtag #OrtigasArtFestival.

100 years is 100 years. Perhaps the greatest gift of history to mankind is the legacy. Komiks or comics has been part of the society. Visually it has created an infinite stream of imagination, historically it has been somewhat a medium in conveying ideology and belief to others.

Comics or Komiks in Filipino language has been one of the tools produced in the Philippines to provide entertainment. Also this is one way of showcasing the talents of many Filipino.

Francisco V. Coching, the recognized National Artist for Visual Arts, is just one of the many artist who has proven that Filipinos are very much talented. His works became an icon in the comic book industry. Thus, gaining the title King of Komiks.

The comic books created by Francisco V. Coching are of high and original value. Creations, even though most of them are in black and white it showcased a beautifully executed lines and curves of every character presented. From the human figure up to the details of its background and surroundings.

Just recently, the National Commission for Culture and Arts and SM Aura opened their tribute exhibit to the national artist. Displaying FV Coching's published artworks (which is the Komiks) together with some drafts that he created before.  These are all original artworks, Unang Labas komiks spreads, and life-size reproductions of his most popular characters and works. It also showcased sone of the works which was life life through movie, though some of which are still in black and white. I know some of these because films because I once was able to watch some of those tagalog movies.

When the time of self preservation after the war, Komiks became a medium that helped in flourishing the use of Filipino language. No wonder why FV Coching was hailed as the national artist.

Some of the famous Komiks stories are ......

The exhibit will run until February 24, 2019. So if you want to relive your love for komiks or would love to enjoy classic komik stories created by FV Coching just visit the Francisco V. Coching's Centennnial Exhibit at the Upper Ground Floor Atrium, SM Aura Premier. This exhibit is free and open to all.

#FVChong #FVCoching100 #FVCochingatSMAura #ArtsinAura

The election season had started already and the Commission on Election released the final list of the senatorial candidates. These candidates have already started their campaigns and their caravans.

From the list provided by the COMELEC there are 62 Senatoriables, 11 Female Candidates and 51 Male Candidates. From these, there are 45 candidates under the banner of 18 different political parties while 17 candidates run as individual or Independent parties. Out of this 62 candidates only 12 will be given a seat on the house of senate. They will be serving the Filipino people and this country for 3 years.



From these 62 senatorial candidates, few of them are popular to the people and these few are from the lineage of politicians who have serve and been serving the country for years. A political dynasty is perhaps a more common term. Others, might have gained their popularity through issues and publicity, whether it is good or not, still, it's publicity that gave them the limelight. The rest who are not known to many are underdogs who wanted to make a difference out of this election. An opportunity to serve the country.

Today, I think the Filipino people are now intellect enough to cast their vote and who to entrust their future.

So to give a few highlights of these senatorial candidates, we have created a simple infographics. To give everyone a glimpse of some few info about the senatorial candidates.


This coming election we should remember that this government is for the people, by the people and of the people.