The Philippine Rugby Team the Philippine Volcanoes held a meet and greet with their rugby fans last June 15, 2013 at one of the Fila Stores in SM Megamall. Yours truly, Kwento Ni Toto was there also and greeted the team as they will be sent off to Moscow, Russia, coming end of this month to compete with other rugby teams eyeing for the World Cup this 2013. The Philippine Rugby Team Philippine Volcanoes was great to nab a spot and play for the World Cup 2013. Pride burns deep into this team together with Fila Philippines as their official sponsor.

What made Kwento Ni Toto day great last Independence Day? Well, of course aside from knowing that it is a holiday and the celebration of Independence Day, Kwento Ni Toto got an invite of an advance screening of Man of Steel! Thanks to Jollibee for having that screening as it made our Independence Day as awesome as possible.

It was an afternoon of great movie experience and a sumptuous meal from Jollibee plus an awesome Superman Collectibles. Yup! Jollibee got an awesome treat for everybody that wants to enjoy the most super treat. We know and pretty much sure that collectors of Superman action figures and items would definitely not miss this items from Jollibee.   The ChickenJoy Man of Steel Bucket Treats which is only Php575.00 with the Man of Steel design outside of the bucket would definitely mesmirize ladies with Henry Cavill's Steel-rific look and physique.  Also, a treat of an exclusive Man of Steel Metal Tumbler which you can get adding Php50 to every burger or sandwich value meal.  Plus, there's something for the kids and kids-at-heart. The Man of Steel action figure and other items which is included in every Jollibee Kids meals.

It is great when you know that you get to be the first to taste, know and read about different things.  Much better if it is about food because you get to experience it first hand.  But sometimes there are things that an individual couldn't be in two places.  So Kwento Ni Toto sought the help of one of his correspondent to witness and experience the launching of McDonald's newest offering, the McSpicy Chicken Burger with a #McSpicyIsHere in which it is really here in the Philippines already.

Correspondent Justine was one of the lucky people to taste the spiciness and flavorful goodness of McDonald's Spicy Chicken Burger.  According to Justine this burger is a burger with a kick.  Spicy but tolerable enough for the taste palate of Pinoys.

image from Star Magic

Kwento Ni Toto shares and invites viewers to watch Julia Barretto's first heavy drama in ABS CBN's longest running drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) this Saturday, June 15, 2013.

Julia played the role as Alex who is a young teenage girl who grew up in a complete and happy family.  Her life was changed when her mother left them for another man and that's because her father was a drug addict.  Hoping not to further break the family, Alex decided forgive her father and show to her mother that they will be happy without their mother.

Get a grip as ladies rush in to see these well built male hunks perform here in the Philippines.  These are the dream guys for women.  Stiff, bulky, and a hunk!  Well, this excites the ladies very much.  So until June 15 just hold on to any bars as ladies will keep on rushing to where these hunks will perform.  It`s an “Ultimate Girls Night Out,” according to them and the Chippendales Live: The Philippine Tour is happening until June 15!

Curious about how they look?  Check out the net and see for yourself.  As the legendary group from Las Vegas is here to mesmerize the Pinays! Incredibly handsome men in their famous bow tie, ideal muscles, Hollywood smile and a show that every woman needs to see at least once in her life as Laser Tech Pacific production brings you Chippendales live billed as “The Ultimate Girls Night Out,” on June 11, 13, and 14 in Manila, Cebu ang Pampanga.

One of Kwento Ni toto's favorite songs are OPM's.  It brings good memories and unforgettable moments.  It is the life blood of my past experiences and learning in life.

Nyoy volante is back, singing around and pulling those strings of his guitar and it is no doubt that the spirit of Original Pilipino Music is still alive and kicking.  We all know Nyoy Volante for being the mellow when he sings and everyone credits him for being such a remarkable acoustic artist that's why he was able to have the title "King of Acoustic Pop".  Now that he has released a new album under MCA Music it has become more apparent that with his songwriting and artistic skills, he really had brought in a significant contribution into making OPM alive and kicking today.

Photo from SMTickets.com

OPM fans here's your chance to get serenaded by two of the well known OPM artist in the country this coming June 21 and 22.  Yup, it's Aiza Seguerra and Noel Cabangon together in one OPM hits concert show.

If you have heard Aiza Seguerra and Noel Cabangon sing live then you'll definitely want to hear them more but if this is your first time to hear both of them live then don't waste any more time slouching on your couch, get and buy your tickets.  Enjoy OPM music at its best and specially sung by two of the best.

Kwento Ni Toto readers would possibly ask ‘Who is TJ Monterde?’ Especially once they’ve read the title of this post. For some who have been hearing and seeing TJ Monterde, he is no stranger to them but for the others who first heard his name and his music he is indeed a stranger in the music scene. Personally, this is the first time that Kwento Ni Toto has met him and was able to jam with him as well. Thanks to PolyEast Records for having a Bloggers’ Event with TJ Monterde.

So, Who’s TJ Monterde? To start with TJ Monterde is one of the known disc jockey or DJ in Cagayan de Oro then later on became a TV host of ABS-CBN’s regional show and then became a Youtube-born balladeer in which proves that he has some good entertainment package to offer. Although Monterde sang a bit in several shows in CDO and no matter how diligent his efforts during his radio stint, he has never been able to translate his command of language into songwriting and able to use social media to his advantage.

A man is confident enough when he knows he can talks his way to a woman's heart freely without the thought of having a bad breath.  Not only through this but even when having conversation or closing deals can help gain more confidence in presenting what you are proposing.  Well, that's what Swish is made for, making your way throughout the day without the thought of this horrible bad breath and to prove that, Unilab's daughter company Innovitelle, Inc. through one of our blogger friends sent a pack full of Swish products for a Dad and blogger like me to see and test it personally.

SPIT or the Silly People's Improv Theater and the PETA Theater Center proudly present the Manila Improv Festival 2013 as they celebrate their 11th year anniversary which will run from June 25 – 30, 2013.

Kwento Ni Toto's correspondent Justin was able to attend a press conference of the said event and was able to know the details about SPIT's 11th year anniversary. So, for this year there theme is entitled “Follow Your Feet”, an improvisational theater concept which also ties in with the art form's return to PETA – the group that first introduced the improvisational theater to the country in the early 70s. As SPIT takes more ground on a new decade of laughter and innovation, the group decided to take bolder step in sharing the art of improv to bigger audiences through the festival and its partnership with PETA Theater Center.

As the artistic director of the festival and founder of SPIT, Gabe Mercado, shares the vision of the festival “SPIT was founded back in June 2002, because I saw the need for a new kind of comedy – one that differed from the usual stand-up comedy routines that we are used to seeing on TV and comedy bars. Improv appealed to me because of its grounding on truth, the magic of spontaneity, and the fun that on-the-spot creation brings about. We hope events like these help build the improv community of the country and the region.”

What can I say to this young, bubbly and straight to the point new recording artist of MCA Music Inc?
Well here are some that I think you would like about her and I made it something extra cute and ordinary.

B - stands for BUBBLY.  During the afternoon at the MCA Music conference room, she was really bubbly talking to us and sharing her thoughts about her album and of course some of her life statuses as well.

A - this one is quite subjective on my part because as what the quote says "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" and I find her ATTRACTIVE at her age.  And perhaps that's how she mesmerize her fans with her cute and ATTRACTIVE smile.

R - REBEL!  Yup and it is correct.  You read it right she's a REBEL and like I said this is according to my perception about her.  REBEL in a sense that she defies and goes on what she wanted to do.  Just like the one on the other network who defies the norms as well.

B - I think she's a BELIEVER!  From the way she answers and how her family supports her with her new endeavor.  Not really sure if she's also a belieber.  Hahaha!

I - IDOL!  Well, though I don't really follow much of her movies and teleserye on her home network I'm pretty much sure that she has quite a number of followers that IDOLIZE her very much.

E - well she's EAGER!  Yup she's eager to learn new things and her self-titled album, Barbie Forteza is the result of her EAGERNESS to try different things and new line of career but not deviating from what she started.

Band music fans and skateboarders here's an event you'll definitely get into grooving.  Circuit Makati ushers the first ever international festival in the Philippines that fuses the intensity of music and the culture of skate with the staging of Circuitfest 2013: Music and Skate.

Nine world-class performers, a sensational Glee star, and who skating legends will unfurl the curtains of CircuitFest happening today, May 25, Saturday, at the Globe circuit Event Grounds in Circuit Makati, Ayala Land's rising premier destination for entertainment.

Kwento Ni Toto's first time! Yup, this is my first time have an interview with one of the sexiest models of FHM. Yes, you read it right I was given a chance to be part of a group that interviewed one of the cover models of FHM which is none other than Ryza Cenon.

Ryza Cenon is FHM's May Cover girl! If you're watching the Kapuso Channel you'll definitely know who this lovely girl was and for the benefit of those who doesn't, well to start with Ryza Cenon is the StarStruck Batch 2 grand winner who did very well on her acting career under the GMA Artist Center. She was seen on GMA's different teleseryes and one that I know is the Machete and at present is with Indio.

If you have been seeing LAZADA in an online ads, believe it or not the Philippines' leadingonline shopping mall is already set to reach a milestone of 1 million fans on Facebook.  As of April, Lazada had already become the most talked about consumer brand on Facebook in the Philippines.

“Since the beginning, LAZADA has been dedicated to making online shopping fun and exciting. Aside from our onsite activities, we continuously offer our fans engaging campaigns, games, raffles, contests, and much more,” explained Inanc Balci, LAZADA’s Managing Director and Co-Founder. “Facebook is not just a communication tool that allows us to interact with our fans but also a channel that allows us to give back to our fans.”

Jockey has indeed been through time and has been one of the trusted brands when it comes to undergarments.  It is a global brand that has been enjoyed by many through the years it has a very rich history of innovations.  One of its innovation was the use of branded waistband which marks that you're using a genuine Jockey.  Since the use of branded waistband fans and users of Jockey takes pride in showing it off with pride.

Thus, the concept of the new brand message "SHOW YOU'RE JOCKEY" comes alive.  Rolling out across Europe and through other Jockey International market, the tag line will be seen through different ad campaigns from online activity to billboards and to print ads showing a variety of men and women from different nationalities revealing their Jockey underwear with confident.

Pinoys from 80s knows the story of Annaliza, me being a kid don't get the whole idea about the story but I know about the soap opera then, most especially when talked about Julie Vega.  Yup, Julie Vega was the child star who played the role of Annaliza and that's all I know.

Three decades after, Annaliza returns to television in Primetime Bida of ABS-CBN.  This is their newest and heartwarming primetime family drama which will be played by Andrea Brillantes as Annaliza.

Andrea, being one of the rising teleserye princess, captures the similarities with Julie Vega, innocent and beautiful.  Played numerous remarkable roles, Andrea Brillantes may have the talent to portray the character of Annaliza.  Perhaps we will watch it even closer and see her acting on this.

Seeing quite a number of celebrities in one momentous event is very rare but for this specific event in the entertainment industry, from the local and international scene, forty-four (44) names will gather together for the grandest gala of celebrities.... look-alikes. Yup! You read it right! It's the grandest gala of celebrity look-alikes or “Kalokalikes” that will compete for the crown as they level up with the semi-finals called “Kalokalike Level Up” which will happen in ABS-CBN's noontime trending show “It's Showtime” beginning this Monday, May 20.

Dream Big! As the Pinoy Dream Academy or PDA hailed Yeng Constantino as the grand Star Dreamer. Yeng Constantino made her dreams come true even more when her song “Hawak Kamay” became a hit and after four albums with a long list of chart-toppers earned her the title as the Philippines' Rock Princess.

Shown during her stay in PDA her love for writing songs and performing eventually became a passion to bring back OPM back to the mainstream and give Filipino musicians the recognition from all over the world. Last year when she performed at the Academy of Rock in Manila made that dream came into reality. After that performance , her song “Salamat” was included in the syllabus of the Academy of Rock and people behind the school namely Jeremy Ward of Rockschool UK, Charles Lim and Priscilla Teo of Academy of Rock in Singapore decided to give her an Honorary Licentiate Diploma. Yeng is the 7th person to be give this award among artists from all over the world for being a top notch performer and musician.

If you have been looking through some of the teasers these days, there has been a lot of buzz about the SM Aura Premier opening this May.  And it has just been confirmed and it's official that international screen and stage actress – and style icon - Sarah Jessica Parker will be gracing the launching of the mall’s SM Store.

Parker, who played Carrie Bradshaw on the HBO television series Sex and the City (1998-2004), has won four Golden Globe Awards, three Screen Actors Guild Awards, and two Emmy Awards. She served as a producer and reprised her role in the screen adaptation of the hit series with the theatrical release of Sex and the City and Sex and the City 2.

Perhaps you're just like me who always hunt for free stuff when the world just turns against you.  Hahaha!  Anyway if you're really those frugal guys and want to save money for the best but still would want to enjoy something special in their life, well better visit AyosDito.ph and read the details about their treat.

Iron Man 3 (which have been shown already), The Wolverine, Man of Steel, Fast and the Furious 6 (this one is coming)–are all movies to watch out for in the coming months. Get a chance to watch them for free by simply posting an ad on AyosDito.ph  This May, Team AyosDito.ph, in cooperation with SM Cinema, will be giving away 100 Free Movie Passes weekly beginning April 30 to June 2, 2013. This really makes it a “Mas Ayos Dito!” selling experience on AyosDito.ph.

Make the day special as mothers in all aspect of life celebrate their day.  Greeting all the mothers in the world!  HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY!

Foodies galore!  It's another foodtastic time with Max's Restaurant.   As usual we were invited for a dinner date with Max's as they share something new for everybody, especially this coming Mothers' Day.  A good day to treat Moms at Max's Restaurant.

Now, here's another new to her as she proudly announced the release of her debut album entitled "I BELIEVE" under Warner Music Philippines.  This is a nine-track album that features six different original compositions and three cover songs.  As expected, in which I first heard the song last year "RUNAWAY" was one of the original compositions which was created by known song writer Andrew Fromm, who also did some songs of The Backstreet Boys, NSync and K-ci & Jojo.  Other composers are Matt Bronleewe, Jordan Pruitt, and Tyler Hayes.

Last Wednesday, May 1, 2013, as numbers of rallyist march down in protest for higher compensation etc. for Malacanang, thousands of job seekers on the other hand troop down to different SM City malls all over the country not to rally and do demonstrations but to look for jobs that best fit for them. Yup, SM Supermalls together with the Department of Labor held their annual Job Fair for the convenience of job seekers.

Who wouldn't know this guy?  Bamboo Manalac is one of the well known singer in the country.  He was the lead vocal of Rivermaya before which later on decided to pursue a different path as he faces new facet of his life.

Bamboo and Toto.  Thank you Mommy Jo for this picture.

Last April 24, 2013 a press conference was held at Cerchio Restaurant in Tomas Morato as Bamboo Manalac launched his Album NO WATER NO MOON.  Kwento Ni Toto was there to witness and hear the soulful voice of Bamboo in person.  This is a re-release with a new single entitled
"Carousel".  The album will be out in different music store in May 1, 2012 via Polyeast Records.   The album No Water No Moon was Manalac's first solo which is originally released in 2011.  It crept to Gold record status in February 2013, this album produced the singles "Questions", "Spin", "Ikot ng Mundo", and "In This Life".  The same album gave him another taste of victory at the 25th Awit Awards for the Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist award for his song "Questions".

If you have dance with the Gangnam Style then perhaps you'll be swinging more with the Psy's newest, the GENTLEMAN.  As multiplatinum-selling global superstar PSY premiered his brand new music video for "Gentleman" [School Boy Records/Republic Records] last April 13, the world isn't indeed swing on with the rhythm as soars high on YouTube and record as the "most views in a day". The anxiously awaited clip for his "Gangnam Style" follow-up amassed a staggering 22-plus million views in less than a day, immediately becoming an online hit in its own right. The song, first heard during his momentous performance at the "HAPPENING" concert to a sold out crowd of 50,000 fans at the Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, Korea and was also broadcast live on YouTube to an audience of millions worldwide. Currently, the video is over 200 million views in less than a month.

Looking for a job often requires different sources like the ads on newspapers, ads on TV, ads on companies, and online job searches.  Thus, making the possibility of getting hired is much greater plus the range of landing a job is higher as well.

Resuface is one of those online platforms that helps job seekers land to their dream job.  By helping aspiring workers connect with the potential employers, Resuface is bridging the gap between the employee and the employer, making hiring and getting hired more efficient and easy.

Capture breathtaking sights under the sea with the GE G5 12.0MP Waterproof Digital Camera from Lazada at www.lazada.com.ph/summer

Rising temperature heats up summer even more and the best thing to beat the heat is some good old summer essentials.  Thankfully, getting through this hot weather comes easy with some latest finds from Lazada Philippines, it's the country's leading one-stop shopping website.

Make staycations sweeter with your own slushie blend using the Moulinex LM09 Slushie Maker Blender from Lazada. Check out www.lazada.com.ph/summer

For those who are looking for a JOB and for those who just recently finished their degrees perhaps this Job Fair event is your first step in landing a JOB.  This coming May 1, 2013 from 10AM onwards in all 46 SM City malls nationwide be there with your resumes.

For all Katniss fans here's one great news!  You can watch it once again on April 28, 2013, Sunday at 9 PM, Star Movies will premiere one of 2012’s biggest box-office breakthroughs, “The Hunger Games,” on pay TV. This film adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ best-selling book series of the same name was a critically acclaimed top-grosser, and audiences will be excited for the chance to enjoy the action-packed drama that entertained millions of moviegoers once again in the comfort of their homes.

"We were so excited to carry the title that we acquired the rights as early as when the project was at the script level. We believed in the film's appeal and were bent on being the first to deliver quality content to our viewers," said Rohit Tharani, programming head of Star Movies.

A few weeks ago Kwento Ni Toto's correspondent Justin was able to attend a blog conference with one of the most idolized and fantasized teen actor of this generation, Daniel Padilla.  I think my correspondent may not admit it but I'm pretty sure he was in awe seeing Daniel Padilla in person.  More, he was able to get first hand information from him as bloggers who were there at the venue shots question one at a time.  Here's what Justin tells about it.

TV experience is about to change and that's according to Pinoy Reality TV, as they revolutionize the viewing experience of Pinoys.  Recently, Kwento Ni Toto correspondent was able to participate in an intimate event which includes the staff behind Pinoy Reality TV.

In our traditional TV viewing we usually watch the Teleseryes, showbiz talk show, movie, news and variety shows on a specific schedule or time slot that sometimes we tend to miss, specially our favorite ones.   Well, those days is already history with the presence of the internet, everything is just a click away and can be viewed online. I've learned also through our conversation about the Push and Pull. The traditional TV is called a "Push" because it follows a definite schedule or time of airing, you cannot choose because it's already set so you need to follow the schedule. While the "Pull" is the latest style of watching shows through online because viewers can choose when to watch it or log on the specific site to watch a missed series or show.

If anyone knows John Rendez then perhaps those who are in the 90's and don't ask how old is Toto of Kwento Ni toto.  Back into rap again as this rap artist and composer aims to share his music in the industry once more.  After returning August 2011, this 42 year old rapper, composer and actor planned his way through the music industry with his rap compositions and of course singing them for the listeners.

It took him exactly a year to finish the new all-rap album, from conceptualizing the type and quality of its contents, to composing the new rap songs, to deciding on some "updates" to his previous compositions.

Everything fell into place and on October 1 last year, John Rendez, together with Ms. Nora Aunor, his long-time friend and now business manager, has inked a distribution deal with PolyEast Records for the release of the new John Rendez CD album, titled "Metaldog"/"There Can Only Be One".

Marking the spot where you have been has made possible by Foursquare and people, like me enjoyed it very much.  Check-in here and there!

For the information of those who don't have an idea about Foursquare, it is a location-based social networking site for mobile devices where users “check-in” at places through smartphones, text message or apps.  So now that you know, Foursquare will be coming up with a special holiday for Foursquare aficionados – the much-anticipated #4SqDay!

If you're hunting for a place to enjoy wine, dine and have a good chill then perhaps you'd better try out here at The Wine Bar at the 1771 El Pueblo.  It is a restaurant that not only caters to foodies and wine lovers, but also to those who aim to understand the art of wine pairing.  Just like me I want to know more about wine pairing as well.

Calling all kids and kids-at-heart!  Get ready for the gatherings of your favorite cartoon characters as they invade SM City Fairview this coming weekend, April 12, 2013.  Be there with the kids and let enjoy and have fun!

History is really an intriguing story and with the National Geographic Channel's "Killing Lincoln", learning it will be much easier and more graphic than just reading between the lines.   As the National Geographic Channel premieres the show this April, here's a little info about the film, Tom Hanks will be narrating.  If you want to know more about the show here's some information below.  Oh I can't wait to watch it!

National Geographic Channel wows audiences in April with an exciting new film titled “Killing Lincoln”, which premieres in the Philippines on April 14, 2013. The film is an adaptation of the best-selling book Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever co-written by controversial media personality Bill O’Reilly and author Martin Dugard, and was produced by Ridley and Tony Scott’s Scott Free Productions. Chronicling the last days of US President Abraham Lincoln at the close of the American Civil War and his brutal assassination by the actor John Wilkes Booth, it also depicts the unprecedented manhunt launched by the US government to bring Booth and his co-conspirators to justice. “Killing Lincoln” is National Geographic’s first original scripted drama, and is directed by Adrian Moat, the Emmy-nominated director of “Gettysburg”. The film garnered a whopping 3.4 million viewers when it premiered on February 17 in the US, scoring the highest viewership in National Geographic Channel history.

After the successful show of 4 DA BEST, here's another laughable concert from the quartet.  Watch this concert, 4 DA VOTE, before the election.  This concert is directed by Andrew De Real.  

So, here's a little info of who's going to spoofed by who.  Pokwang will spoof the controversial mom of Ruffa Gutierrez none other than Anabelle Rama, who is also running in politics for the first time. While Pooh will spoof Senatorial candidate Cynthia Villar  with an emphasis on the issue why nurses hate Mrs. Villar.  Chocoleit will spoof re-electionist Sen. Koko Pimentel with the explanation that he does not butter his wife, also as Sen Miriam Santiago as well who creates a line-up that she likes to win and be in a senate.   Lastly, K Brosas will spoof re-electionist Sen. Loren Legarda.

I have taste Salmon before but never did I tasted something that came from or is called the Tasmanian Salmon.  The Fireplace in Hyatt Hotel Manila is known for its superior quality and fresh flavor, they introduces Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon with an exquisitely crafted menu by Chef Noel showcasing its fine texture and taste.

Native of the pristine unpolluted waters of Tasmania, this famed Atlantic Salmon makes up only around 1.5% of the world’s salmon production. Enriched with omega-3 and proteins, discover the richness of this Atlantic salmon variety with selections like Roasted Herbs Crusted Salmon with Creamy Spinach , Peppered Salmon Steak with Cognac Pepper Cream Sauce and more.

Getting the bikini fit look for the summer?  Indulge yourself for a guilt-free offerings from Flavours of China a healthy dishes with an oriental twist and just right for the season.

For foodie lover who likes seafood, satisfy your hunger with the Steamed Fish in Soft Tofu, cooked in a very special black bean sauce.  A steal at only P210, the hefty serving combines soft fish fillet with sliced silken tofu for a deliciously healthy experience.

Indulge without the guilt and give in to your seafood craving with Flavours of China’s Steamed Fish in Soft Tofu

Here's another shot of flavored teas on our list.  Here's some are some information about them.

Despite the growing popularity of tea as one of the main culprits for longevity among the Asians, many would shy away from the drink because of the bitter, bland taste of tea. While some would appreciate the distinct taste of tea, most people would prefer refreshing drinks with a more umami and sweet taste to quench their thirst.

Because of the mismatch between the health wonders and the unpleasant taste of tea, many innovations have been created, and one of them is the creation of the designer tea-based drinks widely available today. Milk teas are tea-based drinks with added milk and customized flavourings to mask the bitter taste of tea and to add a stronger umami taste into the blend. Fruit teas are fruit-flavoured tea drinks that add sweet, citrus flavours into the bitterness of tea, creating a more refreshing aftertaste into the drink.