Philippine Events: WWE Smackdown Live in Manila!

Mark your calendars on July 10, 2009  for one of the most exciting events to come to the Philippines – WWE Smackdown and ECW Live in Manila! The show kicks off at 7PM at the Araneta Coliseum, and superstar wrestlers like Chris Jericho, Edge, Ray Mysterio, Kane, Jeff Hardy and CM Punk among the many other wrestling superstars of the WWE and ECW.

Chris Jericho Will Be Part of WWE Smackdown Live in Manila!

On a personal note, I enjoy wrestling since back in the days of the 1980’s WWF. I cheered on my favorite Hulk Hogan and was part of the Hulkamaniacs running wild as he kicked ass on the likes of The Iron Sheik, Mr. Wonderful Paul Ondorff and even the classic dramatic battle against his former tag team partner Andre The Giant!I even remember the memorable match of Hulk Hogan vs The Ultimate Warrior. Apart from The Hulkster, I was also an avid fan of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka, The Polish Power Ivan Putsky, Sgt. Slaughter and Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Once upon a time, circa Age 11, I even got to watch the WWF wrestlers live in Buffalo, New York. I remember standing on top of my chair, and still felt dwarfed by Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant and Big John Studd. Damn those guys were huge!

Anyway, I’m not quite an avid follower of wrestling now as when I was much younger, but then my son Kaj is vry much into it, and I’m going to give him the great opportunity to catch the stars of the WWE when WWE Smackdown comes over to Manila. It’ll certainly be an awesome event in terms of entertainment, and sentimentally it’d be great for some father-and-son bonding.

Tickets for WWE Smackdown Live in Manila available here.

Philippine Politics: Who’s Leading The Polls For The Next Philippine President in 2010

Vice President Noli de Castro

As of today, it seems that the polls are favoring VP Noli de Castro and Senator Manny Villar. However, Senator Manny Villar is getting a lot of bad publicity because of the Senate hearings that are digging into Senator Villar’s alleged corruption scandal with the C5 expansion project. It seems that former Senate president Manny Villar has a lot of questions to answer with regards to the funding and budget allocation for that project. Of course, the ones bringing this out are none other than Senator Ping Lacson, who is also looking into the possibility of being a bet for President in 2010. A lot of surveys have Senator Ping Lacson with a good percentage, and maybe his continued strikes at Manny Villar may earn him some points, especially if Manny Villar is found guilty.

Senator Dick Gordon is also in a good position in the surveys, probably also because of the good publicity he received during the hostage negotiations. Senator Mar Roxas also has a high survey ranking, but it may seem that his lack of a First Lady might bring him down. And certainly a few eyebrows are being raised if his current girlfriend Korina Sanchez will be his First Lady.

Senator Chiz Escudero has a good survey ranking, but I doubt if anyone will bank on him considering the tough opposition he faces with the other presidential bets.

Philippine Music: David Cook and David Archuleta Live In Manila

David Cook and David Archuleta To Perform In Manila

American Idol Season 7  winner David Cook and his very worthy runner-up David Archuleta will be in the Philippines for a one-night-only concert at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds this coming Saturday, May 16, 2009.

A lot of American Idol enthusiasts are very eager to catch David Cook, who was among the Philippines’ favorites to win American Idol Season 7. David Archuleta, who came in second to David Cook, during that season of American Idol, is also another favorite, and it looks like Filipino fans wiol certainly be treated to a wonderful concert featuring some of the best talents to come out of American Idol.

Tickets are fast selling-out if they haven’t been sold out already. But don’t fret – the organizers have stated that they will accommodate everyone – including last-minute concert-goers – at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds. After all, they can fit a lot of bodies there.

I think the David Cook and David Archuleta concert will be a good one.  The concert after-party is rumored to be at Embassy, but too bad that the 2am curfew at The Fort might shoot down that idea.

Philippine Events: The Metro Card Club Presents The Perfect 10 Poker Tournament

Metro Card Club Perfect 10 Poster

The Perfect 10 is a No-Limit Texas Hold’em Freeze-out Poker Tournament which will feature a guaranteed pot of Php10 Million. That’s roughly $200,000 into the pot. It may not sound as big as some pots like in the World Series of Poker, but that’s by far going to be one of the biggest pots in the history of Philippine poker.

In any case, it’s a huge tournament that will expect a lot of Philippine poker players to compete in 4 days of poker from March 12 to March 15, 2009 at the Metro Card Club in Metrowalk, Ortigas Center.

The poster for the tournament posted faces of some great names of those who have done well in poker tournaments in the Philippines, in Asia and other parts of the world. Most notable, of course, is Neil “Dirty Ice Cream” Arce, who was the recent big winner at the Asian Poker Tour Manila main event.

But anyway – this is not going to be about Neil “Dirty Ice Cream” Arce. This Perfect 10 Poker Tournament will be about the rise of a new champion, the next new poker millionaire as the poster goes. And without sounding too arrogant, I really sincerely believe it’s going to be me. I honestly believe I have one of the best poker skills in the Philippines, and one who has a really great read on the game of poker. This is my time. I won a satellite to earn my seat into the tournament, and will win The Perfect 10, and the top prize of roughly Php3 Million pesos.

My name is JJ Duque, and I am the champion of the Metro Card Club Perfect 10, and the new poker millionaire.

Philippine Music: Journey To Perform in Manila

I’ve talked about this extensively before - Journey coming to Manila. Well, it’s happening. That’s not new news. In fact, it’s already all over the news, and too much all over the news. Of course, the excitement is there. Most Filipinos are quite excited over the fact that the Philippines’ very own Arnel Pineda will be the lead singer for Journey. Well – that’s also old news.

In any case, the Journey concert date is March 14, 2009 at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds. Tickets are available with Ticketnet at all SM outlets. Prices have been pegged at a range of Php515 at the standing-and-no-seat Bronze section to as much as Php10,300 for reserved seating in the Platinum section.

Well, all the speculation on when Journey would arrive in the Philppines is all over. The reality is that Journey will be performing in the Philippines. I have nothing bad to say about that. I know that my friends are all excited, and we’re already making plans on where to purchase our tickets and the plans for that night. Unfortunately for me, I won’t be around to catch the concert. If all goes as planned, then I still might be participating in the Metro Card Club’s Perfect 10 event – a poker tournament with a guaranteed pot of Php10 Million that will go on from March 12 to March 15. If I’m still playing in that, there’s no way I’d make it to watch Journey.

Anyway – I’m very happy for Arnel Pineda. he’s enjoyed much success touring with Journey over the last year, and I’m sure this upcoming concert performance in Manila will be an awesome icing on the cake, especially since he will be performing in front of his countrymen. I just wish that the organizers for the Philippine concert of Journey could include other stops and have a Philippine tour. Perhaps they could have performed also in Cebu or Davao or Baguio, or else maybe they could have a second night for their concert instead of just for one night. But still – at least they’re here. Maybe one night can be good enough.

Good luck, Arnel and enjoy your moment in the Philippine spotlight.

And to the rest of Journey – welcome to the Philippines. I hope you enjoy our country.

PS – After this successful concert of Journey in Manila, I hope Arnel Pineda won’t run for public office in 2010. Haha.

After the Philippine tour, Journey will be performing in Macau, Hawaii and then end their tour in Sacramento, California.

Philippine Travel: Review Of Montemar Beach Resort in Bataan

After New Year’s Day, the second of January 2009, I took a trip to Montemar Beach Resort in Bagac, Bataan to attend the wedding of my good friend Joey Zamora and his wife Geri.

I drove up to Bataan from my home in Paranaque, leaving home just a bit after breakfast at around 8am. The drive through EDSA in Manila was pleasant enough, and thanked the holiday season for not making it the congested traffic hell that Metro Manila is known for.

The drive along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) all the way to the end at Tarlac was also easy, and of course I really enjoyed the long straight drive along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), which leads directly to Bataan via the Dinalupihan Exit.

After the exiting the SCTEX, it’s roughly another hour to an hour-and-a-half of winding roads that eventually lead to Montemar Beach Resort. What’s interesting is that the roads to Montemar follow the path of the historic Bataan Death March and also provides a great view of Mt. Samat. But anyway, that’s how to get there. It’s a long drive, but as long as you follow the explicit directions to get to Montemar Beach Resort, you really can’t get lost. Well, not really.

Anyway, Montemar Beach Resort has been around a long time, and it has gone through some renovations to keep it rated AAA by the Department of Tourism. The beach itself is awesome, covered with mocha-colored powder and receiving a cool breeze from the South China Sea. Very little rocks and corals around the beach, which makes it perfect for wading and comfortably lounging around. The ocean’s pulse also sends shallow waves, which offers a good opportunity for skim boarding, but not strong enough to suck a wader out with an undertow.

Montemar Beach Resort also has a very cool lagoon pool, and an awesome “backyard” that is abundant with green shade and a well-maintained garden landscape. In fact, I really admire the manner with which the Montemar staff constantly busy themselves sweeping off dry leaves to uphold the pristine cleanliness of the resort.

The rooms of Montemar Beach Resort are very spacious. I was given a basic room with a double bed and a balcony overlooking the resort backyard with the sound of the ocean surf  just hypnotizing a few meters away. Montemar Beach Resort even has huge inns that are capable of hosting families.

All in all, the Montemar Beach Resort experience is very relaxing. The only complaint I had was the breakfast bufet. I don’t know if it’s because of the meal pass that came with the wedding guest deal, but when I went down for breakfast at the main cafe and restaurant, there was a delectable spread of awesome breakfast dishes – beef tapa, pork tocino, salted fish, salted egg, scrambled eggs and longganiza among others. I was about to choose around 2 viands, but was told that I could only pick one among the many offered. That was a bit disappointing. I just wish they could give the entire option for the breakfast buffet instead of relegating the guest to just one viand. But then, maybe that’s the deal for the wedding guests and might not apply to the “regular” customers, but still… It’s the only setback I faced despite a near-perfect on everything else about Montemar.

Sunrise At Montemar Beach Resort

What I found interesting also about Montemar Beach Resort is that their beach is actually a nesting ground for sea turtles, or what the Filipinos locally refer to as Pawikan. Sea turtles come to the shores of Montemar to nest their eggs. Once they hatch out, the sea turtles go back to sea, roam around the oceans to wherever, and return again to the beach once a year to nest once again.

The sea turtles nest every November, which prompted Montemar Beach Resort to come up with the Grand Pawikan Fest, which is held annually every November. Apart from witnessing the spectacle of the sea turtles in their nesting grounds, audiences are also informed on activities and ecological concerns of the sea turtle. As part of Montemar’s Eco-Tourism and Eco-Conservation efforts, a team tags the turtles and also raises funds through those who would wish to adopt sea turtles. Not that they get to take them home, but just that they get to name one and have a tagged turtle that bears their patronage.

In any case, the Eco-Tourism aspect of Montemar Beach Resort is something that I laud. It’s different and unique, and really offers something more than just what comes with just being a beach resort. Plus the fact, that Montemar Beach Resort really takes a step further in the conservation of the sea turtles is an admirable cause.

Anyway, for more information on Montemar Beach Resort, you can visit their site.

Philippine Sports: Neil Arce Wins Asian Poker Tour Manila Main Event

2009 APT Manila Main Event Champion Neil Arce

260 plus players made the $2500 buy-in for the main event of the Asian Poker Tour recently held at the Dusit Thani hotel in Manila. Three exciting days of No Limit Texas Hold’em tournament play saw some of the best poker professionals from all over Asia visit the Philippines and take their shot at a pot that was supposed to be a guaranteed $1 Million.

However, the lack of participants forced APT CEO and Chairperson Chris Parker to withdraw his guarantee for the $1 Million, but still the prize pool for the APT Main Event still was a whopping $600,000 plus. That’s still a lot of cash to play for.

And eventually, when it was all said and done, it was the Philippines very own Neil Arce who emerged as the APT Main Event champion, winning for himself a whopping $200,000, a pimp ass trophy to show off, and indeed a reinforced reputation as one of the best poker players in the country.

The poker success of Neil Arce was first noted when he became the first Filipino (with a Philippine address) to go deepest in the WSOP Main Event back in 2007 where Neil Arce placed 222nd in a field of 6,300+ players, also earning himself $51,000+.

Neil Arce also won the 2008 Filipino Poker Tour (FPT), and eventually caught the eye of the top brass of Pokerstars.net, and took Neil Arce into the family of Pokerstars.net.

A week prior to the APT Main Event,  Chris Parker confessed that Neil Arce had confidently told him that he was going to win the tournament, and he certainly kept true to that promise.

I had followed the progress of the APT Main Event since the doors to the APT opened on Tuesday January 27. I visited the Dusit Thani regularly, grinding out the cash games. But then, this post isn’t about my meager accomplishments as a poker player, this is about Neil “Dirty Ice Cream” Arce!

On the first day of the tournament, Neil Arce had a monster chip stack to lead all poker players on Day 1a. On Day 2, I caught Neil Arce struggling a bit, dropping from the chip leader to going around average. There were 18 poeple left the last time I checked his progress in the 2009 APT Main Event.

Going back for final table action, I wasn’t surprised to find Neil Arce there. But when I arrived at the Dusit Thani, there were only 3 players left, and I was already ecstatic for Neil Arce at being guaranteed $70,000 for his assured 3rd place finish.

Neil Arce assured himself of at least second place when he busted out Casey Kastle with a showdown of A-6 vs A-K. The A-6 of Neil Arce looked dominated by the Big Slick of Casey Kastle, but a 6 on the flop kept Neil Arce ahead, and eventually lead to the elimination of Casey Kastle, and forcing heads-up action against APT Macau runner-up Steve Yeah of Korea.

The heads-up showdown between Neil Arce and Steve Yeah lasted 25 minues with Neil Arce bullying Steve Yeah in several hands before the final showdown of K-Q suited of Neil Arce against the A-K Big Slick of Steve Yeah.

Neil Arce was indeed worried that Steve Yeah had the advantage with a better hand. In fact, the flop looked even more worrisome for Neil Arce as his hand failed to improve. However, a Queen showed her panties on the turn and Neil Arce erupted in celebration along with the legions of Filipino fans cheering their kababayan. The Queen held up to knock out Steve Yeah, and Neil Arce was then crowned 2009 APT Manila Main Event champion.

A fine performance for Steve Yeah who gets another 2nd place finish in the Asian Poker Tour main events, the first in Macau and now in the Philippines. And while Steve Yeah didn’t win, his two runner-up finishes certainly shows him as one of the best poker players in the Asian Poker Tour.

Of course, there to cheer Neil Arce on were his lovely girlfriend Maike Evers and his good friends Nick Galan and Miguel Cuneta of the Metro Card Club, (which is also where Neil Arce plays most of his poker).

Neil, galing bro! Let me know when the party is.

Philippine Music: Journey Performs In Super Bowl XLIII

Arnel Pineda of Journey Performs in Super Bowl XLII

Well, Journey wasn’t the main attraction of the halftime show. That honor would go to Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band. However, Journey did perform for the pre-game concerts with the Philippines’ very own Arnel Pineda as the lead vocals for Journey.

Most Filipinos could care less about American Football, and could even care less about Super Bowl XLIII, but then for those who know a little bit about the NFL, the Super Bowl is the grand daddy of all American sports, and is probably the most watched sporting event in the United States, and is a sports event that is given so much hype and promotions.

And with Journey being included in its program, then it’s definitely a big step up for Journey to get some acclaim. Not that they need it. I mean – Journey has been known in the music industry for the longest time ever since Steve Perry was their former vocalist. But, of course, for newcomer Arnel Pineda it must be a big milestone for his career to perform in this kind of event.

Anyway, the Philippines still awaits news on when Arnel Pineda will convince his band mates in Journey to consider a trip to the Philippines for a concert. Come soon, Arnel. We’re waiting!

Note: The picture was “borrowed” from the FLICKR account of California Redwoods. It is not the performance of Arnel Pineda in Super Bowl XLIII.

Philippine Sports: Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton On May 2

Ricky Hatton Is Next Victim of Manny Pacquiao

After the historical victory of Manny Pacquiao over Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao will now be set to fight Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Freddie Roach – the trainer of Manny Pacquiao – has expressed that Manny Pacquiao will be beating Ricky Hatton via KO. Floyd Mayweather Sr. – the trainer of Ricky Hatton – thinks that Manny Pacquiao will not stand a chance against Ricky Hatton. Big words from both trainers who definitely show confidence in their fighters. But – in the end – all will be settled in the ring.

As a Filipino – of course, I’m rooting for Manny Pacquiao. I believe he is a great boxer, but then also like many Filipinos I believe there is still that big question mark  looming in my mind about Manny Pacquiao. Trying to be an avid fan of Manny Pacquiao doesn’t come easy. I admire Manny Pacquiao as a boxer, but there are just other aspects of Manny Pacquiao’s person that I can’t stand.

There’s Manny Pacquiao the actor. Damn! I can’t even believe he even tried his luck there. Lucky for him, he got to lock lips with screen siren Ara Mina, but I’d rather watch Manny Pacquiao on TV while boxing in the ring instead of looking like an idiot acting for some action flick. He’s not even eloquent enough to answer basic questions, and yet he tries to go one step more into delivering movie lines. Puh-lease!

There’s also Manny Pacquiao the recording artist and singer. You’ve heard him speak. You really think he can sing?

There’s also Manny Pacquiao the politician. I really dislike the fact that he wants to enter the realm of Philippine politics. I’m really glad that the people of General Santos didn’t vote him into Congress when he ran in the last national election. It just goes to show that even the most prolific of Manny Pacquiao fans have enough wisdom to know that Manny Pacquiao’s place is in the boxing ring and not the political arena. I’m pretty certain that his wealth may buy him a seat in Philippine politics, but then he can always do good for the country even without sitting in government. Forming a foundation or a non-government organization should be good enough for Manny Pacquiao without having to add the title Congressman or even Senator to his name.

Manny Pacquiao the gambler, the cock fighter, the billiard king and the poker player. Manny – do something better with your money!

Anyway – that’s among the things I don’t like about Manny Pacquiao. But when it comes to boxing. Well – of course – I’m there as a staunch supporter of Manny Pacquiao, and will be among the millions who will cheer for him in beating up the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, and now Ricky Hatton. After all, Manny Pacquiao has earned my respect with the talent he has in the boxing ring. And that’s what I like.

I guess the big question mark about Manny Pacquiao, and what makes me have second thoughts about thinking whether he can win or not is because he has all these other distractions in other “career moves.” This lack of focus on his boxing career has led me several times to question whether or not Manny Pacquiao will come out the winner. I had doubts about his performance against Juan Manuel Marquez (I still believe Marquez was the better boxer in their rematch), and I certainly had doubts against Manny Pacquiao versus Oscar De La Hoya. But nevertheless, I cheer for him – for country, for Philippine pride.

Of course, I also can’t help thinking that maybe all these other distractions around Manny Pacquiao will one day catch up with him. One day some boxer will knock the shit out of Manny Pacquiao because Manny would’ve just been too distracted with promoting Magic Sing and locking lips with leading ladies. And when that day is realized – eventually I  will be forced to say that Manny Pacquiao is a joke. Give credit to where credit is due, and of course give credit to the fact that Manny Pacquiao will be a boxing legend around the world. At least he has that one good thing no one will ever take away. But if he continues to dabble into other distracting extracurricular activities – it’ll be difficult to put together a wholeness of respect for the total person of Manny Pacquiao.

Well – I have a feeling… Ricky Hatton is going to kick the shit out of Manny Pacquiao. But Manny – I’ll cheer for you nonetheless.

Mabuhay ka, Pac-Man!

Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton Tickets and Ringside Seats Available Here.

Philippine Theater: Repertory Philippines Stages Nick Joaquin’s Portrait Of The Artist As Filipino

I received an invitation from my old friend Ana Abad Santos to attend the staging of Nick Joaquin’s A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS FILIPINO, and would excitedly love to share the invitation with everyone who browses The Philippines Funwall.

However, my posting of the invitation might be too late since the staging dates of A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS FILIPINO will only be until this Sunday, the 18th. It’s already Saturday the 17th. In any case, let me just share what Ana Abad Santos shared. Besides, it’s been a while since anything has been posted on The Philippines Funwall. I think I’m still stuck in the Christmas Holiday hangover, and thus vacationed from the Philippines Funwall for a bit. And anyway, even if it’s late news, I still think that the staging of A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS FILIPINO by Repertory Philippines is still worthwhile news. And if anything – this is my little contribution to the promotion of Philippine Theater Arts.

Anyway – here goes the invite verbatim:

Ana Abad Santos in A Portrait of the Artist As Filipino

Repertory Philippines’ 2009 theater season begins with Nick Joaquin’s A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS FILIPINO, a timeless classic of Philippine theatre.

Set in pre-war Manila, it tells of two spinster sisters who continue to reside in their ancestral home with their aging artist father, in spite of conflicts that arise amongst family members to abandon the old house. The complexities of human frailties are brought to light as characters interact with one another in a tightly woven interplay of emotions.

The production brings together a confluence of momentous actors to flesh out this dearly-loved work that was first staged in early 1955 by the Barangay Theatre Guild (BTG), in the open-air theatre among the ruins of Intramuros. It was Daisy Avellana who first read the play in 1952 in the Weekly Women’s Magazine, and forthwith got Joaquin’s permission to present it on radio for the first time.

Repertory’s rendition of PORTRAIT is directed by no less than Jose Mari Avellana, Daisy’s son, who is a formidable actor/director in his own right. The cast features Irma Adlawan, Ana Abad Santos, Liesl Batucan, Joel Trinidad, Randy Villarama, Jeremy Domingo, Jay Glorioso, Dido de la Paz, Jenny Jamora, Astarte Abraham, Baby Barredo, Chinggoy Alonso, Lorna Lopez, Oliver Usison, Bonggoy Manahan, Celso Ylagan, Ernie Zarate, Jejie Esguerra, and Dingdong Rosales.

Performances run from January 16 to February 8, 2009 at Onstage Greenbelt 1 Theatre, Ayala Malls Makati. Catch Nick Joaquin’s A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS FILIPINO every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3:30 pm.

Call the Rep office at 887-0710 or Ticketworld at 891-9999 for ticket inquiries.

Philippine Sports: Manny Pacquiao TKO’s Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya congratulates Manny Pacquiao

I won’t bother to give an update on the fight as I’m sure every Filipino out there already had the chance to see the fight, or at least the highlights. Or if you didn’t watch the fight, then at least you should know by now that Manny Pacquiao defeated Oscar De La Hoya via TKO at the end of 8 rounds.

I’m pretty certain everyone has their take on what happened about the fight – what went right for Manny Pacquiao and what went wrong for Oscar De La Hoya – and I also have my own opinions. And while I might not be a boxing expert, all I can say is that Manny Pacquiao was just too quick for Oscar De La Hoya. No matter how big you are or how far your reach is, if you can’t tag your opponent with a meaningful punch, then how do you ever expect to even win a boxing match? Well, in the case of Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao was just the faster chicken, and he just couldn’t be touched.

But more than the highlights of the fight and Manny Pacquiao’s excellent boxing form, what I appreciated most about the outcome of the fight was the end of the fight. When Manny Pacquiao told Oscar De La Hoya, “You’re still my idol.” and Oscar De La Hoya replied, “No, Manny, now you’re my idol.” – that for me was the defining moment which capped off an awesome promotion for the fight. After all was slugged out, that little bit of pride, respect and honor was definitely the icing of the Pacquiao-De La Hoya circus. It sounded like that scene in the movie Top Gun – Iceman says, “Maverick, you could be my wing man anytime.” to which Maverick replies, “Bullshit, you could be mine.”

Of course, I had expected so much from the fight, and was expecting bot fighters to be bloodied up. I didn’t expect it to be the one-sided massacre it turned out to be. I mean - Oscar De La Hoya was a clear favorite, and what took place against Manny Pacquiaob, I didn’t ever think that would happen to someone as talented as Oscar De La Hoya. But then, I guess Freddie Roach was a bit correct in saying that De La Hoya couldn’t pull the trigger. Anyway, there’s more to be said than what wasn’t said, but I leave that up to the real boxing columnists and critics.

On a personal note, I had a ball watching the fight. I watched the fight at noontime in the Philippines, waking up at 7am to make it to Handle Bar Makati early enough to grab our chairs. My huge thanks to Dustin Derkinderen for taking the initiative in reserving a table. I had so much fun just cheering with my 6 year-old son Kaj, shouting at the top of our lungs and banging on the table top. Then, of course, the chance to be with some awesome people like Albert Gaw, Angelo Alvendia and Dustin Derkinderen. Looks like we’re the Handle Bar regulars for fights, whether it be Manny Pacquiao or UFC. Cheers, boys!

Anyway, so now they’re saying Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton. All I have to say – Did you see what he did to De La Hoya?

Manny, maraming salamat sa maligayang pasko.

Philippine Lifestyle: Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets Awards Night

Ines Cabarrus and Elian Habayeb

Ines Cabarrus and Elian Habayeb shared their passion for good food through a coffee-table book called Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets. The book, of course, was a hit among food-lovers all over. But then the question that most readers kept asking was – “So, what is your favorite restaurant?”

Elian Habayeb and Ines Cabarrus had a difficult time answering the question, and eventually they left the decision to around 80 capable judges that consisted of restaurant owners, top chefs, educators in the hospitality industry, columnists, food critics, magazine editors and food lovers to hand out points on whom they believed were the best restaurants in Manila.

There were 22 award categories all in all with around 4 top restaurants in each category, and all the winners were presented and awarded just recently at the Enderun College campus in Fort Bonifacio with an event aptly titled – the First Annual Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secretes Awards. The MBKRS Awards was billed by Ines Cabarrus as “the Oscars” of Manila’s restaurant industry in terms of the prestige a restaurant would gain from the votes cast by the 80 very capable judges.

Of course, the award itself is a boost to Manila’s restaurant industry, but I personally wouldn’t go so far as calling it “the Oscars.” While it may have been a star-studded cast among the restaurant industry’s finest, there could have been a lot of improvements with the presentation of the awards, which could’ve used a healthy adrenalin boost in the visual area, maybe showing pictures of the restaurants and the concoctions that have made them famous.

Nevertheless, the event had a glorious red carpet that led to a buffet tent that was catered by 10 awesome restaurants, covering every imaginable taste for your palate from Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Asian Fusion, Persian, Filipino and Thai food. There was also an overflow of awesome wines from 3 major wine distributors, and even an after party at the very trendy NUVO right after.

But, of course, the MKBRS Awards are all about the nominees and the awards, and the winners include the following:

• Best Italian Restaurant – L’Opera
• Best French Restaurant – Je Suis Gourmand
• Best Spanish Restaurant – Terry’s Selection
  
• Best Continental Cuisine – Lolo Dad’s
  
• Best Steak House – Elbert’s Steak Room
• Best Japanese Restaurant – Sugi
• Best Filipino Restaurant – Abe
• Best Thai Restaurant – People’s Palace
• Best Chinese Restaurant – Zong
• Best Central European Restaurant – Old Swiss Inn
• Best Specialty Restaurant – Hussein’s Persian Kebab
• Best Bistro – Sala Bistro
• Best Enoteca – Barcino Gourmet
  
• Best Fusion Cuisine – M Cafe
• Best Newcomer – Aubergine
• Best Restaurant/Bar – NUVO
• Best Wine List – Cav
• Best Hotel Restaurant (International Buffet) – Spirals (Sofitel)
• Best Hotel Restaurant (Fine Dining) – (will update once Ines reminds me who won)
  
• Best Hotel Restaurant (Specialty) – (will update once Ines reminds me who won)
• Best Chef – Ariel Manuel
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Larry Cruz (posthumous)

Philippines Fun Wall will have an exclusive interview with Ines Cabarrus in the very very near future, and we will talk more about the book Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets and other things, so keep a watch for that.

In the meantime, of course you are more than welcome to try out the restaurants that were awarded and see for yourself if these restos do live up to their reputation as being the best. You can also view the other nominees of each category at the Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets Multiply site.

To make an online purchase of the coffee-table book Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets, then go here.

Philippine Boxing: Can Manny Pacquiao Knock Out Oscar De La Hoya?

Manny Pacquiao Training With Freddie Roach

The Filipino People are getting excited with the upcoming boxing match between WBC Lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya.

Oscar De La Hoya, who has won 10 world titles in 6 weight divisions, is a slight favorite to win against Manny Pacquiao when these two great boxers clash on December 6 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, while the odds makers are favoring Oscar De La Hoya to win over Manny Pacquiao, boxing critics and boxing fans are excited of the prospect that Manny Pacquiao can certainly knock out Oscar De La Hoya.

Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao will be fighting at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Speculations by boxing critics are saying that Manny Pacquiao will be out of his comfort zone at 147 pounds since Manny Pacquiao is so used to fighting at 135 lbs. Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya should be able to dominate the fight, considering his size and reach advantage, plus the fact that he is comfortable fighting at the 147-pound welterweight limit.

However, Manny Pacquiao is also expected to knock out Oscar De La Hoya, who hasn’t had a professional boxing fight since May 5, 2007 when he lost a split-decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and also lost his WBC welterweight championship title in the process. Oscar De La Hoya doesn’t seem to have the steam he’s had during his younger years, and it might be difficult for De La Hoya to even keep up with the energetic Manny Pacquiao, who is at the prime of his boxing career.

Manny Pacquiao might certainly be able to knock down Oscar De La Hoya, but might not have enough power to actually keep De La Hoya down for a ten count. In his previous boxing fights against the likes of Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, Manny Pacquiao was able to successfully send these boxers to the canvas, and it was only Erik Morales who really felt the sting of Manny Pacquiao and was not able to recover from getting up on time to beat the ten count.

Manny Pacquiao has been KOed twice earlier in his career but that was way before he gained enough experience to become the boxing champion that he is. Meanwhile, Oscar De La Hoya has already suffered one KO against Bernard Hopkins Jr., who tagged De La Hoya with a left hook to the liver which was just unbearable for Oscar De La Hoya to recover from. As seen in Pacquiao’s previous fights, he turns into a monster when he gets hit, and when he gets fired up, his frenzy of combo punches are very solid. In the fight, if Oscar De La Hoya gets to hit Manny Pacquiao with 2 to 3 punches, you can expect Manny Pacquiao to come back with 4 to 6 punches of his own, and that area of Pacquiao’s fight strategy might be difficult for a slower De La Hoya to fend off. Definitely, Manny Pacquiao will be throwing more punches, and if a lot of them get in, it won’t be a surprise if Oscar De La Hoya will be seen picking himself up from the ring.

In any case, The Dream Match between Oscar De La Hoya vs Manny Pacquiao will be underway on December 6, and bets are available for the fight! Tickets for the fight have long sold out, and the only place left to get them are here.

De La Hoya-Pacquiao Tickets Are Only Available Here.

Opinion On Philippine Politics: Senator Manny Villar Starts Presidential Campaign For 2010 With A Crash

Senators Manny Villar and Pia Cayetano as Sponsors for Inah Revilla and Vince del Rosario Wedding ("borrowed" from vherpaulino2's Flickr account)

The 2010 Philippine Presidential campaign of Senator Manny Villar started barely a week ago, and it unofficially began with the resignation of Senator Manny Villar from his post as Senate President. Actually, Senator Manny Villar was about to be asked to step down when the majority of the Senate gathered enough signatures to petition for his ouster as Senate President. However, Senator Manny Villar jumped the gun and announced his resignation even before the move could be made to ask him to step down as Senate President.

When Senator Manny Villar was asked if his resignation had something to do with his campaign for the Philippine Presidency in 2010, Manny Villar eloquently repsonded, “Yup” before the elevator doors closed down, and he went off to the Senate floor to announce his resignation.

Taking Manny Villar’s place as Senate President is Juan Ponce Enrile, who at age 84 is the perfect interim Senate President leading up to the Presidential elections. Why? Well, because Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile has no real plans of a presidential campaign, and his seniority (in age and experience) among the other Senators keeps him the most qualified Senator to sit as Senate President. Of course, Juan Ponce Enrile is also easier for the majority opposition to control. For one thing – Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile doesn’t have a hidden agenda for 2010, and his concerns for the nation are much more objective than say 20 years ago when he was still an under-the-table mover and traditional politician – Yes, TRAPO!. But then, maybe a TRAPO is what is needed now with a whole bunch of Senators expected to campaign for the Philippine President in 2010. Basically, Juan Ponce Enrile might not have the energy for dirty back room politics anymore, and his seniority will make sure also that none of the younger Senators step out of line in respect to his seniority. Whatever.

The Senators who moved against Manny Villar and voted for Juan Ponce Enrile include Edgardo Angara, Rodolfo Biazon, Jose Estrada, Francis Escudero, Richard Gordon, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Ana Consuelo Madrigal, Ramon Revilla, Manuel Roxas II and Juan Miguel Zubiri.

Five Senators who abstained from the vote include: Francis Pangilinan, Joker Arroyo, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Benigno Aquino III and Aquilino Pimentel Jr.

Absent were Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Antonio Trillanes IV.

Manny Villar said, “The tenure of the Senate president, as everyone knows, depends on the number of members that supports him or her. I’ve been informed this afternoon that I no longer have the support of the majority members. I now, therefore tender my resignation.” (albeit not so tenderly)

“I congratulate the new Senate president, Honorable Senator Juan Ponce Enrile,” Manny Villar said. “You, Mr. Senate President, have my support.”

Manny Villar has admitted that while his work load in the Senate will be less since he no longer holds the post of Senate President, he will still be active in the chambers of the Senate in support of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and that just because he resigned doesn’t mean he will keep quiet in the halls of the Senate. Of course, Manny Villar has also admitted that he will have more time to spend with his family and prepare for his campaign for the Philippine Presidential elections in 2010.

And while it may seem that Manny Villar resigned to prepare for his 2010 presidential campaign, the move by a majority of the Senators to oust Manny Villar as Senate President also has to do with the discrepancies involving Manny Villar with regards to the national budget. Apparently, Manny Villar made a double-entry on the budget for the expansion of the C5 highway, and there are also incidents that suggest Manny Villar pushed for budgets on public work projects that directly benefit his real esate interests.

Former Philippine President Joseph Estrada was rumored to be part of the Senate coup, but the majority of the Senators insisted that Joseph Estrada had no hand in the coup. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo also said that Malacanang Palace did not have anything to do with the move against ousting Manny Villar. I don’t really see why they would want to have a hand in that anyway since it looks like Manny Villar went on self-destruct mode.

If Joseph Estrada were to have any involvement, it might have been as lending an ear as a caring father to his son Senate President Pro-Tempore Jose Estrada when the latter bitched about work during dinner and drinks. Former President Joseph Estrada may have also given his son Jose Estrada a double shot of Johnnie Walker Blue to aid in impairing the judgment of Senate President Pro-Tempore Jose Estrada. However, there is no real evidence to say that Jose Estrada was intoxicated or under the influence of Johnnie Walker Blue when he nominated Juan Ponce Enrile as Senate President.

In any case, Manny Villar has claimed – “I’m free!” Taken with a grain of salt and MSG, Manny Villar’s exasperated sigh of relief might send the wrong kind of message to start of his campaign. What are you free from, Manny? Free from responsibility? How do you expect to make a good President for the Philippines when you are relieved when made free from any national responsibility?

Better yet – how do you intend to become a good Philippine President when at this early stage of the ball game, you don’t have the support of the Senate majority? Well, good luck in building your slate for 2010. It looks like you might lack a few slots in the Senator category, but if you really need one more – I’m here for you! 30 million pesos lang, kaya ko na panalunin iyan! Kahit 3 gives.

Philippine Lifestyle: Rogue Magazine’s Art Issue Is Just Awesome!

Christina Bartges on Cover of Rogue November Issue

I had my misgivings about the October issue of Rogue Magazine, and felt that the guys at Rogue didn’t really come up with the meat-y, rogue-ish articles I had been accustomed to since the beginning of Rogue.
However, the November 08 issue of Rogue – The Art Issue – has got me back to giving raves and praises with what they put out. Of course, anything with regards to art is already very rogue to begin with, but then the perennial tug-of-war between the definition and bounds of art will always be a tricky subject, and one that won’t be a very easy pill to swallow. There’s just so much going on with art and its many expressions that make it difficult to conclude a sense of finality on the subject matter, but then it’s also a great reason to go nuts in pushing it to the limit, threshing out everything that can be said about it without having to exhaust oneself by saying too much.
I sincerely believe that Rogue has done well in tackling the subject of art, providing many substantial elements about Philippine art and artists and then some. The articles were well-conceived and the artists they featured give a fresh look to the Philippine art scene. Just when you thought the art scene was fading, Rogue gives a refresher on its vitality, and manages to capture the essence of the scene – well, at least Rogue has gone beyond the surface.

I read the magazine from cover to cover, and from the start of the issue with The Editor’s Letter of Jose Mari Ugarte, I was already grabbed by the balls. In a nice way. Jose Mari Ugarte did a fantastic job in explaining the process of piecing together the November issue of Rogue Magazine, and his insight to the orchestration of the process of magazine-making is a great story on its own.

I also enjoyed the piece on Kawayan De Guia written by Jay Abastillas. While I still think the transcription of interviews doesn’t really come up as an article, and looks like a style bludgeoned to death by FHM, there are times when it can work. I believe Jay Abastillas was lucky to have found such an awesome subject as Kawayan De Guia and he managed to string together great questions which really brought out the person and artist in Kawayan De Guia.
I also enjoyed the article on recyclable trash being turned into art, written by Audrey Carpio. Well, I might be a bit bias to favor Audrey Carpio since she’s been my Scrabble-mate before Scrabulous was taken away from Facebook, but she really does well in putting the piece together, giving the readers a sense of importance to how garbage and art contribute to our lives in the world. She gives that connection instead of just being subjective about the topic, and allows the readers to be connected to the subject because, at one point or another, we too are responsible for garbage. It’s really nice how Audrey Carpio fits it all in for her readers to understand what’s going on at a very personal level, and leaves the challenge to the reader to take part in the problem-solving of recyclable garbage and art without being too preachy about it. Very well-crafted words there.
I also got hooked on the awesome collage of Filipina artists – Nikki Luna, Lara De Los Reyes, Hanna Pettyjohn, Bea Valdes, Isa Lorenzo, Yasmin Sison, MM Yu, Bea Camacho et al, and at the very awesome piece on Rogue’s November cover girl Christina Bartges by Paolo Lorenzana. Of course, the pictures of Christina Bartges were just mind-blowing – just like what I would expect of Rogue.
Lastly, the best part of the November issue is the inclusion of my picture at The Wire section of Rogue. The picture was taken during the September wrap-party and birthday party of Rogue magazine’s marketing director Katrina Tuason. It was an unflattering picture, but I guess it’s my own fault for stinging out my tongue like that for the picture. After all, I should take full responsibility for my own actions (tongue-sticking and all) in front of any camera. At least, my kids thought it was really cool that everyone else was smiling and looking pretty, and I had my tongue stuck out.
“Dada looks like a rockstar!”
I can’t argue with that.
Anyway, grab the November issue of Rogue Magazine – out on stands now. For subscriptions, you may call M-Express at 852-0000.

Philippine Sports: Manny Pacquiao Striptease!

Manny Pacquiao and fan Sofie Garrucho

It’s confirmed! Manny Pacquiao is involved in a striptease scandal!

Well, the big boys from the World Boxing Council (WBC) are getting all hyped up over Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, and have got Manny Pacquiao involved in a strip tease. The WBC is charging Manny Pacquiao $130,000 total to cover a $30,000 fighting fee or something, and another $100,000 for some other boxing fee. If Manny Pacquiao fails to comply with the request at a given deadline, then the WBC will have no choice, but to loosen the WBC Belts of Manny Pacquiao and strip him off it.

The WBC has made every effort to get in touch with Manny Pacquiao, who has been very busy training for the fight against boxing great Oscar De La Hoya, in what many boxing fans and boxing experts have dubbed as The Dream Match.

The Dream Match between Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar Dela Hoya is a non-tile fight, and takes place on December 9, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao-De La Hoya Tickets and Ringside Seats are still available, but they’re getting to be more expensive as the date grows nearer. Why is that?

Anyway, Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya may not be a title bout, but then if Manny Pacquiao doesn’t settle his bill with the big boys of the World Boxing Council, he may not even have a title at all. Certainly, Manny Pacquiao has the cash to afford the $130,000. That’s just about the same budget Manny Pacquiao uses for his poker bankroll, and just about the same amount he gambles with at the billiard tables.

Dear Manny Pacquiao – neighbor, idol, champ – please pay your bill to the WBC. On behalf of the Filipino people, we don’t want you to get involved in a Manny Pacquiao stripper, strip-tease scandal involving the stripping of your belt. Di ka na champ niyan? Baka maging chump ka na lang!

Philippine Lifestyle: Ruffa Mae Quinto Is Rogue Magazine’s Latest Cover Girl

Ruffa Mae Quinto on Rogue

Ever since the first Rogue Magazine came out, I was floored. I found Rogue Magazine so awesome that I read everything from cover to cover, and really took in the well-researched and well-written articles. The people behind Rogue Magazine, I must say, have been doing a very wonderful job at coming up with a great magazine that really differentiates and stands out among other men’s lifestyle magazines. However…

I must confess that I am pretty disappointed with the latest issue. No offense to Chad Rialp (you are a cool guy), but the piece on Gary Lising was very “on the surface.” In fact, I don’t even think it’s an article because it ended up just being a question and answer article. Where the hell is the creativity in that? I mean – that’s not an article – That’s just transcription! I’m sure Gary Lising had all these fantastic things to tell about people he met and the stories behind it, but to just put it out verbatim from the tape recorder is just not my cup of tea when it comes to writing. I’m sorry to say this to the guys at Rogue Magazine, but for a moment there you went down to the level of FHM.

Also, I didn’t learn anything new at all about Ruffa Mae Quinto except her long list of involvements, which just made Rogue Magazine look like a showbiz tabloid. Great actress blah-blah-blah, but that’s all been said and done even in other magazines. Earl Ignacio made a decent attempt at making a funny story out of it, but it ends up being all about him and nothing at all about Ruffa Mae Quinto, who just happens to be the cover girl. I mean – you should write something that focuses on the cover girl, no? Some high school essays are even better than that. Once again, I hate to say it, but it went down to the level of FHM.

Even the dudes who wrote on Filipino humor and whatever – nothing new. That’s something we already know, and in fact has been written about several times over. Argh. I don’t want to complain anymore.

When I purchase an issue of Rogue Magazine, I’m always hoping to find something that stands out – pictures and especially the articles. I don’t even mind that the articles go for 8 pages because I love the fact that everything is talked about and nothing is missed. Refer back to the articles on Rene Knecht, BongBong Marcos, Mar Roxas, Shawn Yao, The Boracay Establishment and so many more. That’s the kind of writing I hope to find each time.

And of course the pictures! I love the fact that the pictures in Rogue Magazine give that edgy BOOM! Well, the ape stole the show, and I’m sure there are a lot of other pictures you could’ve considered, but I guess you decided to play safe.

Anyway, I hope you guys over at Rogue Magazine are not going soft! And I certainly hope the November issue of Rogue Magazine will be a lot better. With the stuff that I know it’s capable of churning out – edgy, meaty, gritty, controversial and notorious – you know, Rogue-ish!

PS- The midgets versus the gays – that was hilarious!

Philippine Sports: Philippine Girls Football Team To Play In Asian Football Confederation Qualifiers

I am a fan of football – the REAL football where you actually use your foot to control the ball – or what the Americans defined as soccer. Apparently, their brand of American Football has nothing to do with the foot.

Anyway, as a fan of football, I really sincerely hope that the Philippines would develop this sport because it could be something that we could be good at. Height is definitely not such a big requirement. After all, everything is equal when the ball is on the ground and at your feet.

Well I read an interesting article in the Manila Bulletin today that announced that the Philippines would be sending a Philippine Girls Team to compete in the Under-16 category for the Asian Football Confederation Qualifiers. The AFC is the Asian version of the UEFA Champions League, and it’s definitely a very prestigious football tournament that will be a great experience for the girls participating.

According to the reports in the Manila Bulletin, it will be the first time that a Philippine National Football Team for the Under-16 category was ever put up. Well, at least for girls. If I recall correctly, there was a point in the past when there was an Under-16 Philippine National Team for boys, which competed in the Gothia Cup and Helsinki Cup, and even won. But that’s another story.

Kali Navea-Huff, Cara Abaya, Marie Navea-Huff ("borrowed" from Kali's Facebook Pics)

In any case, 25 girls were named to the
Philippine Girls National Football Team (Under-16). These talented girls are: Sabrina Nierras (La Salle-Zobel), Ina Palacios (Colegio de San Agustin), Marie Nicole De Leon (Colegio de San Agustin), Camille Rodriguez (Miriam College), Natalie Nisce (Assumption), Sharlene Constantino (Miriam), Cara Abaya (Assumption), Stephanie Bantoc (South Hill), Ira De La Cruz (Woodrose), Monica Manalansan (Colegio de San Agustin), Catherine Orsolino (St. Paul University-Pasig), Micaela Romero (Poveda), Kristina Vergara (Poveda), Paulina Abadilla (Rosehill), Kali Navea-Huff (Poveda), Marie Navea-Huff (Poveda), Patricia Punsalan (Woodrose), Dominique Scott (Miriam), Caira Tagbo (La Salle-Antipolo), Mariz Magdolot (Philippine Women’s College of Davao), Leah Cruz (La Salle-Zobel), Marie Cadayona (Ateneo de Davao) and Christina De Los Reyes (La Salle-Zobel).

The Philippine National Girls Football Team will participate in the AFC Qualifiers, which kicks off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this coming November 8. The Philippine Team will be bracketed with the heavyweights Australia, Jordan, Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore in Group A.

National coach Casper Ian Ngo will be leading the Philippine National Girls Football Team.

Well, I certainly do hope that the girls will do well in the AFC Qualifiers. For sure, I’ll be cheering them on!

Go, Philippines!!!

Philippine Music: Wolfgang Releases New Album, Exclusive Interview With Wolf Gemora

I heard through the grapevine that Wolfgang will be releasing a new album called Villains. Well, knowing the history and capabilities of Wolfgang, I’m sure it’ll be a very interesting album. But anyway, I was chatting with former Wolfgang drummer Wolf Gemora (yes, the band took upon his namesake), and here’s what he had to say about the new album:

Wolf Gemora

8:39amJj

hey, bro!

8:40amWolf

hey dude!

8:40amJj

Wolfgang’s releasing daw an album called Villains?

Ano iyan? bago or luma?

8:40amWolf

its new

but i didnt record it with them

8:41amJj

What? Why not? So who’s in the recording?

si Basti lang?

8:41amWolf

manuel and basti i think

the others im not sure

8:41amJj

They recorded it here in Manila? Sayang naman. Eh what happened with you and Lokomotiv?

8:41amWolf

they passed it back and forth

bastis in the US

8:42amJj

galing naman. such is the power of technology nowadays.

8:42amWolf

lokomotiv called it quits na

we’re broke

brokomotiv

hehe

8:42amJj

so what are you doing now? hahaha

Baka naman may Hysteria reunion concert?

8:42amWolf

work

hahahaha

hahaha

8:43amJj

back to back with Chunggala.

8:43amWolf

thats highly unlikely

you in manila?

8:43amJj

Malamang. Di na ata marunong mag-gitara si Edmond. HAHAHA

Yup, in Manila.

Between 8:43am and 8:49 am, Wolf Gemora and I talk about more personal issues and do a little bit of catching up before we revert back to the topic of music.

8:50amJj

of course. anyway, nice chatting with you bro. Kala ko naman kasama ka sa bagong Wolfgang album. Eh pangalan mo pa ang dala nila.

Wolf’s gang.

8:50amWolf

oo nga eh hehe

8:50amJj

Eh paano iyan pag wala ng Wolf?

8:50amWolf

i’ll give them this one for now

gang na lang

8:51amJj

If they pass it back and forth, baka naman they can give you some tracks that you can fill in

at least one song!

or else, oo nga – gang na lang sila.

ang pangit!

8:51amWolf

hehe well the albums done na so its too late

next time

8:52amJj

oh ok.

8:52amWolf

thanks for the support tho

8:52amJj

who holds the rights to your old songs?

baka naman pwede mag-remix, re-master, something

8:52amWolf

the record company pa

8:52amJj

re-release. SOny na?

8:52amWolf

wala na sony sa pinas

kinain ng BMG

8:53amJj

oo nga pala.

Damn. So you can’t re-release those songs without their hands in it?

8:53amWolf

yeah…fuckers

8:53amJj

Ok sana iyan. Anniv album or something.

8:53amWolf

deal with the devil kinda thing

8:53amJj

Double disc!

Sayang.

8:54amWolf

hopefully in the future

8:54amJj

For sure in the future. Let’s just wait.

Game ako diyan.

8:54amWolf

ayus

8:54amJj

Eh kung pirated na lang gawin natin?

hahaha

8:54amWolf

oo nga eh

i was thinking of that

will be ther in Dec

8:56amJj

sure.

sige sige. kita kita tayo.

8:57amWolf

cool

8:57amJj

anyway – i gotta run. Thanks bro! Take it easy!

8:57amWolf

you too bro ingat

And well, that was the first-hand information coming from Wolf Gemora.

Philippine Events: Open Mic Poetry Reading at 360 Resto in A-Venue

Open Mic Poetry at 360

Curv Entertainment’s main guy Erwin Edralin recently sent me an invitation to an intoxicating night of wine, music and poetry at 360 resto-lounge which is located at the 2nd floor of the A-Venue Events Hall in Makati Avenue.

According to the invite – Kooky Chua and Kate Torralba will be the featured artists of the week at the open mic poetry sessions this coming Wednesday. Certainly, it would be nice to hear the verse of these two very outspoken and creative women. Of course, we now Kooky Chua as a singer and songwriter, and maybe she might even sing a few. And then, there’s Kate Torralba, who apart from being a designer can also perform some really cool acoustic music. Nice touch there.

It’s awesome that Curv Entertainment has decided to revive the open mic scene for the poets and for just about anyone who would want to speak to an audience. I remember how Triccia David and Aslie Aslanian used to host open mic poetry reading sessions at Sanctum in the Intramuros area a long time ago. Sanctum used to host their open mic on Fridays, and would gather a lot of poets and artists from all walks of life to speak up. Very entertaining stuff. Well, it’s nice to know that it’s being brought back again, and this time at the accessible heart of Makati. Surely, it’s something worth checking out.

Anyway, of course, wine and music will surely be a great compliment to the evening of poetry at 360, and I understand that 360 will be offering Lindeman’s wine for only P100 a glass with beer at a very affordable P50 all night long.

Cheap booze and free poetry. Kooky Chua and Kate Torralba. How can you go wrong?