Mar 292015
 
Living museums & flying foxes

Women weave baskets and toys. We were told that it was the first and only living museum in the Philippines. I thought I should dispute that, recalling how the distinction might be rightfully owned by the Lamlifew Village Museum run by the B’laans in Sarangani, which was inaugurated by the National Museum of the Philippines in late 2007, and launched in the Lamlifew Village almost a year later. But researching on that recently, I realize that it’s not called a living museum anymore. Maybe it was then just an informal tag for the cultural village that offered samples of B’laan architecture, art and crafts, specifically their music, dress and beadwork. Established by the Lamlifew Women’s Tribal Association, it has since become a functioning museum displaying an artifact collection that includes antique garments and weaponry.  Where we were over a week ago, in Malay town, Aklan, the jump-off point to Boracay, we had the privilege of visiting the Motag Living Museum, which is but a brief ride from Caticlan. We had spent the day and night at Finca Verde, a private farm and prospective wellness spa run by Binggoy and Niña Remedios with their little daughter Chabeli. It was so close to the dream island with the 7th best beach in the world, per Trip Advisor, that we managed to slip away from the farm close to sundown and make the crossing in time to have Saturday dinner at Binggoy’s Dos Mestizos. Then we went right back by boat to the Read More …

Mar 272015
 
Pacquiao endorses Fil-Am’s candidacy for Glendale council seat

“The Winning Team” – World Champion Manny Pacquiao raises Edith’s hand in full support of her candidacyfor a Glendale City Council Candidate Edith Fuentes! (Photo: by Toto Mortel). Glendale, CA – Philippine Congressman and World Champion Boxer, Manny Pacquiao, gives 100% support to our Kababayan, Edith Fuentes for Glendale City Council (April 7, 2015) candidacy.  Pacquiao is asking our Kababayans to support Fuentes, “Suportahan natin at iboto si Edith Fuentes.”  If elected, Fil-Am Edith Maniquis Fuentes, will be the first Asian-Pacific Islander elected to Glendale City Council after more than 109 years. “My goal is to represent everyone across the board, specifically our Kababayans.  Help me win this election, please vote!” – said Fuentes. Fuentes, who retired after 20 years as Planning and Zoning Administrator for the City of Glendale, is asking all our kababayans in Glendale – “BUMOTO PO TAYONG LAHAT. Napaka-halaga po nitong election sa April 7, 2015.”  Bumoto by absentee ballots (you can request applications from now until March 31st from City Clerk’s office, 613 E. Broadway, (818) 548-2090 and return ballots by April 7th) or vote in person (if already registered voter) on election day, April 7, 2015. (photo courtesy of http://www.fuentes4council.com/) Glendale election precincts will be opened whole day on April 7th from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.  Kung hindi nyo alam ang precincts ninyo, pumunta sa kahit aling voting precincts and they will give you a provisional ballot to vote. We need all Glendale Fil-Am registered voters to Go Out To Vote (GOTV) this time. Kaya natin ito, Edith Fuentes, needs our Read More …

Mar 272015
 
Sarah Geronimo, Rey Valera win big at MYX Music Awards

SARAH Geronimo emerged as the big winner at the 10th MYX Music Awards after scoring four awards including Favorite Artist, Favorite Female Artist, Favorite Music Video for Tayo and Favorite Remake for Maybe This Time. The pop princess and The Voice of the Philippines coach remains as the artist with the most number of wins in MYX Music Awards history, as she raised her total number of MYX Music Award trophies to 23. Prior to snagging the major awards of the night, Sarah also showcased a powerful production number featuring her chart-topping song, Kilometro. Meanwhile, the highest commendation of the evening, the MYX Magna Award, was given to singer-songwriter Rey Valera. The MYX Magna Award is a recognition awarded to an OPM icon who has made a great impact to the music industry. Richard Poon, KZ, Angeline Quinto, Erik Santos, Kyla, Christian Bautista and Vina Morales united on stage for a special tribute to the legendary hit maker, singing beautiful renditions of Valera’s most notable compositions, including Kung Kailangan Mo Ako, Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko and Pangako Sa’Yo, among others. Valera, who is currently on tour, accepted his MYX Magna Award through a video saying he is deeply “flattered, proud, and humbled.” MYX Music Awards newcomers James Reid and Nadine Lustre took home Favorite Media Soundtrack for No Erase, while The Voice Kids Season 1 finalist Darren Espanto outshined strong contenders Lyca Gairanod, Kathryn Bernardo, Nadine Lustre and Maja Salvador in the Favorite New Artist category. Darren is Read More …

Mar 272015
 
Mikee Cojuangco bats for environmental awareness

Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski (MNS photo) World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Solutions Steward Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski leads this year’s Earth Hour campaign aimed at raising environmental awareness. Held annually, it encourages people to switch off their lights for more than an hour on March 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. In an interview, Mikee said it’s not only Mother Nature that’s been suffering from people’s irresponsibility. She underscored that we are, in fact, ultimately killing ourselves by not taking care of our surroundings. “We all agree naman na we are already feeling the bad effects of climate change. That is why when they approached me, I agreed (to do it). I want to be part of an event that would remind us that simple acts can contribute to (the rehabilitation of) our planet,” she said. Mikee urges everyone to make energy conservation part of their lifestyle. “Medyo malamig naman kapag gabi kaya baka pwedeng ’wag nang buksan ’yung aircon or saglit lang. Kasi ’yung mga ganoong bagay (ay) malaking tulong na,” she said. Educated at a very young age about environmental awareness, Mikee hopes the country would be named No.1 Earth Hour country anew. “For years palagi tayong nangunguna sa ganyan. Siyempre nakakatuwa na we are championing the Earth Hour. Very nice kasi alam mo naman tayong mga Pilipino gustong palaging number one sa mga ganitong bagay,” she said. In line with the campaign, WWF also launched “The Gift of Light” campaign that will give portable solar lamps to families in Palawan so Read More …