Entertainment

SARAH GERONIMO

We Filipinos are known world-wide for the unique bond we share with our family. Unlike other countries who train their youngsters to live independently on their own, we, on the contrary, try our best to keep our family intact for the longest time possible. Before the season where the grandest reunion of family members happens, Coca Cola reminds us of our Pinoy idea of family through its Season 3 Coke Studio episode that focuses on family feels.

The show will feature Pinoy pop star Sarah Geronimo who’s known in showbiz as a daughter who puts her family first. We’ve known the pop princess to be an obedient daughter and she talks about her love for her family, saying:

“I really love my family and all the sacrifices they have made for me. Whatever happens in life, wherever my career takes me, God gave me a gift that grounds me and keeps me humble, so that I know who I am.”

She also adds that being invited to be part of Coke Studio Season 3 is like being invited to a family reunion of sorts.  She continued:

“When I used to see the Coke Studio billboard, when I would get stuck in traffic, I found it so cool, and I really thought to myself, ‘Wow, I wish that I could be a part of that.’

THIS BAND

Joining Sarah is the Pinoy singing group called This Band which comprises vocalist Andrea Manzano, guitarist Euwie Von Loria, bassistMiccael Galvan, drummer John Kenneth Macaranas, keyboardist Melvin Carson, and lead guitarist ReymartGubat. The group testified how they’ve grown together, making them consider each other a family. The group started their career jamming in the food parks around their neighborhood. This Band also shares a special connection with Sarah who they see as a part of their extended showbiz family since they are all in the same management group.

Although they are under the same management, the band is still find it unbelievable that they will be joining the singing icon in a project. Euwie says:

“But at first, we couldn’t believe that this early in our career, we could be working with her. It’s as if our career will be fast-tracked, things are going beyond what we imagined.”  

Andrea adds:

“And we’re so happy that we get to remake her song, because her music is really part of the soundtrack of our lives.”

On the other hand, Sarah felt like a big sister to This Band members, seeing the responsibility of passing on some wisdom to her young colleagues.  Sarah says as she reminisces:

“When I was starting out, what was important, yung maging plakado. But now, the young ones, they’re so free.  And that’s great because what really matters with any performance, is that you put your heart into it.  So I would just remind them to always put your all into a performance.”  

Catch Sarah Geronimo and This Band collaborate for Coke Studio Season 3 on October 26, at 10:00 a.m. on ABS-CBN or online at www.youtube.com/CokeStudioPH.

Good news for the kids and their families who celebrating Halloween this weekend. And are you ready to welcome the Halloween revelers? To have awesome way to enjoy Halloween, get your scariest get-up ready.

Ortigas Malls promises a fun-packed weekend for kids and their families on October 26, 2 p.m. Don your most ghoulish costumes or dress up as your favorite character and get ready for an afternoon of non-stop fun – right within the comfort and convenience of your favorite Ortigas Mall.

Find out each mall has in store for you:

1) Estancia: Halloween revelers will be greeted by musical performers at the Bridgeway. They can also take part in a potion class, fun games, and many otheractivities while amassing treats galore during trick or treat.

2) Greenhills: Equally fun surprises await holiday makers, with Shoppesville all suited up for a truly wicked Halloween Weekend. A wide array of surprises await young and old alike, including a potion class, performances, and games. Get your share of tricks and collect one-of-a-kind treats from the Halloween-themed stores across the mall.

3) Tiendesitas: Ups the ante as it transforms Food Village into a frightfully fun venue for Halloween activities. Kids can look forward to the kid’s Lego minifig moc, a cosplayers’ event, and a musical show. Adding to the excitement are tons of games and a kiddie trick or treat parade that will let everyone delight in a lavish show of colorful costumes.

Those interested to participate must pre-register on October 24 and 25 (10 a.m. to 10 pm) or on the event day on October 26 (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.) at designated areas per mall.

These wickedly fun activities are open to children and their families who have pre-registered. To receive one entry, present a single or accumulated purchase receipt of P2,000 from Oct 18-23 from any of the Ortigas Malls.

The ber months are already here and with people getting their 13th month pay and bonuses, a lot of families are once again planning for a great holiday getaway. And since we are once again fantasizing the magic of Christmas, why not experience real magic in Philippines’ largest amusement park – Enchanted Kingdom!

Coming back to Enchanted Kingdom after 2 decades was fantastic. Being able to saw its early years, I’m so amazed to witness the development it has gone through. From only a few rides to now a full swing of amusement, entertainment, and technology, owners Mario and Cynthia Mamon are indeed very successful at bringing world-class park in the Philippines.

For EK, October doesn’t only mean 2 months closer to the festive season. Before it gears up for the Halloween, Christmas, and New Year celebrations, it prepares the whole park for a huge parade of its enchanted characters as it nears its anniversary.

Now on its 24th year, Enchanted Kingdom will host a big party for all its guests on October 19, 2019 that will start early at 11am and ends at 12 midnight. This year will be extra special with more groups participating in the fun and excitement at EK’s anniversary.

Apart from its in-house performing group called Kingsmen,  Ben&Ben will be coming to offer a special round of serenade, featuring their hit songs including “Pagtingin” which is currently #2 on the Spotify charts. Big social media influencers will be coming too to entertain park goers with their little stunts.

Arts wouldn’t be ignored as EK will host a live mural featuring three of the best local creative talents including June Digan and Anina Rubio. They will be joined by Jareth Correa, kid artist, and Ekids Talent search semi-finalist. Kids among the park visitors are also welcome to join them in the art activities.

Several big brands will be putting up their booths inside the park to treat visitors to special merchandize prizes. Some of them include Traveloka, Krispy Kreme, GoPro, and Nikon. Other sponsors who contributed to make the celebration the biggest so far are SKECHERS, TONY & JACKEY, CHERIFER, BIOESSENCE, EUROTEL, PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER, SUMMIT MEDIA, KUMU, ANYA HOTEL, BAY LEAF, DAVID’S SALON, HAWK BAG, LA VISTA PANSOL, MACRO PHARMA, MICROTEL, MX3, SUN CRUISES, XTREME MAGIC SING, SHARP, and LAGUNDEX.

Regular shows along the streets of the park will still go down like Eldar’s Enchanting Symphony and Princess Maphista’s Moonstone Parade. Kids will surely love the fireworks display too that will go down after 7pm. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be as big as the previous years when Enchanted Kingdom used to sponsor a pyro technique contest.

Enchanted Kingdom serves as the first and the biggest world-class amusement park in the Philippines. Opened in 1995 at a 10-hectare property, EK has grown enormous, now covering a vast 25-hectare land. And from simple, few rides, The park now has over 50 attractions with the Agila as its newest offering.

Agila is a flight motion simulation attraction and EK is the first one to put this technology in PH amusement park. Other park goer favorites are the Space Shuttle, Rio Grade Rapids, Jungle Log Jam and the EKstreme Tower which drops riders at 76kph from a 40-meter rise.

It’s always a fun time coming to Enchanted Kingdom. People from all ages should take this chance to see real magic at the amusement park. Enchanted Kingdom is located in RSBS Boulevard, San Lorenzo South Village, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. For more information visit also the EK website: www.enchantedkingdom.ph

Every time Coke launches their Studio Season I am very excited to attend and always looking forward for this event. Last August 23 launches with the Coke Studio Music Festival that commenced the Coke Studio Season at the Circuit Makati with their host from the Summer Concert Ylona Garcia and Justin Quirino.

This year it’s their Homecoming to Teen Love. Teen in general today is a lot more vocal and expressive with what they’re going through or what’s on their minds. Whether it be a kilig moment with crush, heartbreak, getting recognized in school, or a cause they strongly support, teens of these days can teach us a thing or two about having no holds barred.

Coke Studio Season 3 artists, welcomed the rainy season with rush of water and stream of feelings ranging from love, freedom, independence, and moving forward. They moved to the groove with IñigoPascual, Ron Henley, Al James, Lola Amour, This Band, and Miss Sarah Geronimo while Janine Teñoso, Clara Benin, Bea Lorenzo, Silent Sanctuary, Brisom, St. Wolf, Just Hush, UDD, and Morisette serenaded us with their solo performances. Here are some video’s that I would like to share during the event:

Surprise numbers were Coke Studio Seasons 1 and 2 alums Ben & Ben, December Avenue, and IV of Spades.

Coke Studio aims to celebrate our feelings and make it known that no one can dictate the validity of our feelings. That we used to be shy about sharing what we feel, no matter what it is, to people around us even the ones we trust.

Just when their thought 2019 is going too fast and time is running out for them, Coke Studio came to the rescue with its 3rd Season and made us realize to celebrate every single thing no matter how little they are, look out for the possibilities that learning from triumphs and slumps can give them, and keep in touch with the feels of people around them.

Catch them every Saturday starting September 14, at 10am on ABS-CBN.

For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

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The greatest ONE athletes have gathered last Tuesday in a pre-fight presscon at the City of Dreams, Manila. With 5 Pinoys about to face international fighters, everyone at the event was all hyped up for the upcoming“ONE: DAWN OF HEROES!”

Everything about this fight is “the biggest.”

The previously held press conference was the biggest media gathering ever hosted by ONE, attended by hundreds of people from the press, media, and fans. On the other hand, the upcoming “One: Dawn of Heroes” will be the biggest martial arts event in the Philippine history while  Furthermore, the series of championship games is considered the most stacked ONE card, seeing the best martial artists from all over the world.

The press-con was graced by ONE Championship CEO and Chairman Chatri Sityodtong, who recognized Filipinos as the “best martial arts fans in the world.” He said in his opening speech:

“This is without a doubt the greatest event in Philippine martial arts history. If you are a Filipino anywhere in the world, you do not want to miss Friday night.”

And of course, Filipinos aren’t just known to be great sports enthusiast as we also pride our nation as a breed of best fighters. In fact, five of the Team Lakay members will fight in front of a home crowd on August 2, Friday, at the MOA Arena.

Two fights will headline ONE: Dawn of Heroes. The title for Flyweight Muay Thai World Championship will be fought between Jonathan Haggerty and Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The second title will be for the Featherweight World Championship, fought between Martin Nguyen and Koyomi Matsushima.

But for us Pinoys as well as CEO Sityodtong, the ONE Lightweight World Grand Prix semi-final bout between Filipino mixed martial arts icon and two-time ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang and the multiple-time lightweight world champion Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez will be the highlight of the day.

Apparently, the ONE CEO is also a fan of Folayang. He said:

“On a personal note, I am so excited for Eduard Folayang versus Eddie Alvarez, genuinely two of the greatest martial artists on the planet, two incredible legends with storied careers, and such incredible human beings.”

Meanwhile, asking the fighters to share a message on the podium, Alvarez, who’s making a comeback said about Folayang:

“I respect Eduard. I respect everything he’s done not just as a fighter, but also as a human being for his community.

This is what this sport is all about. It’s beyond what goes on in the Circle.”

Top fighter face off ahead featuring: Folyang – Alvarez

He added:

“In the movies, heroes always prevail. The nemesis loses, he goes home and everybody’s happy. Unfortunately, that’s not the story here. You picked the wrong guy at the wrong time. I love you Manila. I respect you Eduard. Let’s have some fun.”

Folayang, on the other hand, expressed same level of respect for Alvarez, saying:

“He’s one of those athletes that I spent a lot of time watching before.

He says this isn’t the right time, but I believe it’s God’s time. It’s a huge honor for me to be able to test my skills against him.”

Eduard Folayang had lost his belt earlier this year but says his fight with Eddie Alvarez is a new chapter in his career.

ONE: Dawn of Heroes fight night will see a total of 15 fights, leading to the main events.

The scheduled performances

The “Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino” (LMP) mark another exciting milestone with more than 70 music showcases spanning bar performances, concerts, railways jams, multimedia guestings, busking sessions, songwriting workshops, theatrical specials, and out-of-town gigs, this year’s edition.

The annual music festival presented by Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM) and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), aims to promote the awareness and appreciation of all forms of Filipino music through a variety of on-ground and online platforms starting July 20 onwards, happening in different music venues nationwide from Metro Manila to Davao City.

Local Government’s commitment for Filipino music

The week-long celebration of Filipino music is part of the commitment to promote and develop the local music industry. This is in accordance with Proclamation No. 933, which declared the last week of July every year as Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino.

According to OPM President, Ogie Alcasid, “Linggo Ng Musikang Pilipino has always shown consistency in terms of championing top-notch Filipino music. It’s inspiring to see the project evolve into a sustainable platform that helps local musicians to showcase their work to a diverse but receptive audience. We also have partners from both the government and private sector who support our vision for LMP. We hope to continue where we started off, and hopefully build a viable music ecosystem that we can share with the rest of the world.”

Themed performances and curated shows

Expect another exciting milestone in Filipino music as LMP puts a spotlight on high-profile performances ranging from the reunion concert of ‘90s alternative rock icons Rizal Underground last July 2 at 70’s Bistroto the highly anticipated restaging of Rak of Aegis Season 7 on July 27, 8pm and July 28, 3pm at PETA Theater.

The annual observance also dares to step up its curation with themed showcases featuring ‘90s music legends (Barbie Almalbis, Wency Cornejo, Dong Abay, and Cooky Chua), bar shows all over the Metro and provinces, stripped-down sessions on several venues and pocket stages, and open mics in various gig hubs.

OPM is also collaborating with LRT for “Railway Jams”—a series of live sessions to entertain commuters who are waiting for their train rides. Numerous busking activities have already taken place this month and will continue for more months as part of the institutions’ collaborative efforts in giving local musicians a space to showcase their musical gifts.

Mall-goers are in for a treat as Powerplant Mall and Lucky Chinatown Mall will be staging music shows to serenade guests with soothing music while they dine or shop. Some of the performers include Bea Lorenzo, Cookie Chua, The Manila String Machine and more.

Multi-platform celebration

Will also host the upcoming single, album, and music video launches of select OPM members on several intimate venues in Metro Manila, including the highly anticipated EP release of PhilPop Grand Winner ChudFestejo to name a few.

To intensify the campaign, several local music acts will be guesting on TV, radio and online music platforms to perform their originals and covers for the entire month of July. Participating multimedia shows include ABS-CBN’s ASAP Natin ‘To, DZMM’s TodoTodoWalangPreno, Home Radio 97.9, WISH FM 107.5, Inq Pop, Inq Publications: Showbiz Live, and EDGE TV.

With all these activities prepared in partnership withLight Rail Manila Corporation, Ikot MNL, Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), Power Plant Mall, PhilPop, and other digital, bars and other production partners, you will surely have fun with this year’s Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino!

Noel Cabangon, OPM Board Member points out, “The celebration is an assertion to inject in the consciousness of the Filipinos that we have our own treasure trove, local and regional, written in national and local languages, of songs that reflect our culture,” Noel Cabangon. And that we Filipinos should have the consciousness to support it.We are on our 5th year since the Presidential Proclamation 933 was signed in 2014. It is very young. And it is a struggle. But it is very important that we have this mandate from the government.At least now we’re gaining grounds. Hopefully we’ll get more support in the years to come.”

Syd Hartha, Musical artist

Upcoming singer-songwriter Syd Hartha breaks out from the mold with the release of her new single, “ayaw.”

Known for her intricate folk-pop sketches and disarming vocals, the 17-year-old artist  takes a step back from her confessional musings to affirm her stand against sexual harassment and abuse towards women in general.

The empowering number, which Syd Hartha wrote as a reminder for people to respect boundaries, delivers an inspiring message that puts into light the importance of consent. “It is undeniable that sexual harassment continues to be a prevalent issue that we face today,” Syd Hartha points out. “I feel for the victims of catcalling and rape, and understand how hard it is to talk about their experience. As a musician who some people look up to, I know I have to use my voice in behalf of all the victims and survivors. This inspired me to write ayaw.”

A well-conceived effort that embraces her newfound strength as a singer-songwriter, “ayaw” suggests lyrical confidence and maturity that’s beyond her age. Production-wise, it’s her most sonically adventurous release to date: an excursion to a more bluesy territory, a more organic vibe that gives her personality the spunk and edge it needs.

“ayaw” is Syd Hartha’s third single, and her first official release under Sony Music Philippines. The song is now available on streaming and download platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes store and Deezer.

Photo shows from left: Deo Divinagracia, RS Francisco,Kaladkaren Davila and CV Gomez

Get ready for another year and another night of laughter and entertainment with Live A.I.D.S.: G na G sa 33!

Coming off from yet another successful event “Live Aids 32: #trendingNOW,” the U.P. SAMASKOM company members are back again for a brand new season of non-stop laughter.

Catch “Live A.I.D.S. (AngIstoryangDinibelopng SAMASKOM): G na G sa 33!” on June 21, 22 and 23 at the Abelardo Hall in UP Diliman.

The 33^rd installment of Live A.I.D.S. will serve as a parody of current experiences and will tackle the hottest issues faced by Pinoys today, and trending topics delivered through impressive theatrical numbers infused with comedy. So all audiences can expect another night filled with fun, spectacle, and entertainment they will never forget.

The show will be spearheaded by Deo Divinagracia, a true veteran of the show both in terms of performance and production. He is reportedly looking into mixing both classic and modern methods of direction, stage production, and writing. So audience can expect to create “an even bigger explosion of social commentary and parody combined.”

Director Deo Divinagracia

Live A.I.D.S. (AngIstoryangDinebelop ng SAMASKOM) or Acts, Improvisations, Dances and Songs, is an annual musical-comedy series mounted by UP SAMASKOM. It serves as the longest-running comedy, musical variety show in the country.

It only started as a mere applicants’ batch project back in 1983 has grown to become one of the most awaited events in the Diliman republic and the biggest variety show in the whole country. Each year, the Live A.I.D.S. company has never failed to surpass the previous record number of fans who trooped to its staging venues on all performances.

The show has already garnered fanatics and avid viewers who have steadfastly sought out the show, including known personalities such as Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Quark Henares, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, Jigs Mayuga, Tim Yap and the “favorite of MasangPinoy,” Vice Ganda. After all, it is the show which gave rise to the career of comedy stars Giselle Sanchez, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas, and KaladKaren.

Social media sensation and active member of the Live A.I.D.S. shows Kaladkaren Davila came to a press event last June 14, 2019  to explain what G na G means in this year’s theme. For her, “G na G” stands for “grateful na grateful” as the organization gave her 10 years of opportunity to showcase her talents in doing live performances.

She continued to thank everyone who’s been supporting their advocacy, revealing that for decades, all proceeds of their stints go to support the UP College of Mass Communication. She also explained how everyone in the organization’s happy in donating their time, effort and talents to the show which served as their training ground to become “a better individual, and not only as a performer.”

Some of the members of Live A.I.D.S. also gave a teaser performance during the press event to excite the audience about what’s going down during the main shows.

The Live A.I.D.S. director also spoke to recall how the organization started without any sponsors to now one of the most popular performing brands in the Philippines.

As home to talented and diverse individuals from all walks of the university who have a passion for creativity and self-expression, Live AIDS has continuously lived on with its magic that fuels it: the collaboration between the members of UP SAMASKOM, student and alumni alike. This camaraderie and the trust that have formed within the “samahan” is what makes the magic of the show happen.

Watch 4 of the Live AIDS main stars as they invite everyone to come see their performances:

The Live A.I.D.S stars with the member of UP SAMASKOM

With Kaladkaren Davila

With RS Francisco