Philippine Events: Rogue Magazine Wrap-Party and Black Tie Brawl

I was at the September issue wrap-party of Rogue Magazine at the sleek and chic Music Room at the Hyatt Hotel And Casino in Malate a few weeks back. Apart from it being a really cool party hosted by Rogue Magazine, it was also the birthday celebrations of the Thunder Goddess Katrina Tuason as well as the unveiling of the Black Tie Brawl event, which will be co-hosted by Rogue Magazine and the fine boys of the URCC.

Anyway, I was supposed to write this post a long time ago, but I was hoping to make use of the video footage I took from the party to include in the post. As it happened, the video camera got semi-drenched during the rain (it was a very, very rainy day/night and there was a 4-hour traffic jam earlier that day), and now the camera is experiencing technical difficulties and I can’t even play the tape. (Josemari, forgive me for the delay in editing the footage!)

Without any more excuses, and still without the footage, I decided to write about it anyway before my article really becomes late news.

Well, the party was fun. Got to see some really good friends – Karl Roy, Paolo Basa, Carlos Celdran, Kat and Felipe, Twinky Lagdameo, Dennis Lagdameo (you related to Twinky?), Marcus Maguidad, Erwin Edralin, Cacay Moras, Miguel Arellano and of course the awesome people of Rogue Magazine – Carmela and Miguel Mari, Josemari Ugarte, Brian Banta, Jay Pou, and the other Jay. Of course, DJ Danger Sanchez spinning some groovy tunes, and Rogue’s September cover girl Hindy Webber-Tantoco lighting up the room with her glow.

We had fun singing it out in the different KTV rooms of the Hyatt’s Music Room, and let me just say that the rooms were pimp! Huge couches, big-ass flat screen TV, private bath room for powdering, a bar. And just when we thought we would run out of margarita, the waiters were spot on time in bringing in a fresh tray of drinks and sossy munchies. Horse Devours as Jay Ignacio would say.

Rogue Magazine Presents Black Tie Brawl

Some time in the night – there was the unveiling of Black Tie Brawl, an MMA event which will be hosted by Rogue Magazine and URCC (Alvin Aguilar and Jed Dario reprezent!) on October 18, 2008 at the Hyatt Hotel And Casino. The MMA event will feature a 5-course sit down dinner while watching eight professional MMA bouts. Of course, strictly black tie. If you don’t know what that means, think James Bond. Or look at the damn picture.

The ticket prices range from P6,000 to P10,000 bucks per seat, and the tickets are limited. Of course, there are also special discounted room rates for those who want to avail of a room at the Hyatt to powder up before and after the fight. Room party anyone?

Anyway, I talked to some of the MMA fighters at Elorde Sucat when I went training, and I was excited to find out that Lando Espinosa, Bimbi Perezand URCC Middleweight Champ Caloy Baduria will be included in the fight card for Black Tie Brawl.

In the last URCC event held at A-Venue, the Elorde Sucat boys didn’t fare too well. Only Lando walked away with an impressive win via armbar submission. The rest – Bimbi, Caloy, Panchito aka Sugar Ray – disappointingly failed to book a win. At least now Bimbi and Caloy have the chance to redeem themselves with a win at Black Tie Brawl. That’s something to look forward to. And hopefully Lando can continue his win streak!

So there – in the middle of soup and salad, expect some blood, sweat and tears to add some spice in Black Tie Brawl. I’m certain it’ll taste yummy no matter what – after all, it’s a 10,000 peso plate, so it should taste great.

For information on tickets for Black Tie Brawl, you can call the Rogue Magazine office at 7297747.

Philippine Environmental Solutions: Desalination Plant Very Much Needed

On its basic definition, a desalination plant turns sea salt water into fresh water. Now, you take a look at the 7,200 islands of the Philippines, and you will very easily realize that the Philippines is surrounded by sea water, flanked in all angles by the wonderful Pacific Ocean.

It is obvious that fresh water is scarce in many places in the Philippines. In Manila alone, many residents are relying on water delivery trucks to provide fresh water into water storage tanks for their homes. Even potable drinking water is relied on delivery from businesses that focus their attention to water filtration.

In other areas, the rivers have been very much polluted by garbage and industrial sewage, and it looks like that water pollution won’t let up on the Philippine shores, which boasts of a very diverse aquatic eco-system with its many beaches and reefs.

In some parts of the Philippines, water is such a sought-after commodity that tribal wars have escalated due to disputes over land boundaries and water sources.

Water is Life

The bottom line – the Philippines needs an abundant fresh water supply soon. Because as it stands, fresh water is becoming a hard commodity to come by, and the fresh water sources of our country are not enough to keep up with the day-to-day demands for fresh water among the country’s residents.

The solution – to invest on the construction of a desalination plant that can convert sea water to fresh water, and eventually channel that fresh water.

Of course, the capital cost for such an ambitious project is huge. Based on research of the Melbourne desalination plant being prepared in Australia, the estimated cost of the project is said to reach AUD$3.1 Billion. That’s roughly Php100 Billion! The annual operating costs, after factoring the possible profits, will reach a total annual cost of around AUD$600 million.

The Melbourne Desalination Plant is expected to provide 150 gigalitres of water each year using the reverse osmosis method of desalination. The Melbourne Desalination plant is expecting its construction to commence in mid-2009 and should be ready for operation by the year 2011. The amount of fresh water that the Melbourne Desalination Plant will be enough to supply 33% of Melbourne City’s annual water needs.

The Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant, which is expected to be up and running this 2008, cost around US$150 Million to build, and churns up 95,000 cubic meters of water per day, which can provide water to a population of approximately 2 million people on a daily basis. The Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant is actually six years behind its original schedule of opening which involved a lot of bankruptcy among the companies who were involved in the ownership and control over the construction and development. However, once up and running, the Tampa Bay Seawater Desalination Plant looks to be the largest seawater desalination facility in the United States. And yet, it can accommodate at most a population of 2 million.

How big and how efficient will the desalination plant of the Philippines be remains a mystery. After all, plans and proposals have yet to be drawn up to look into the feasibility of constructing a desalination plant for the Philippines. The question remains though – are there plans being brought up to even consider the investing and construction of a desalination plant in the Philippines?

If there are no plans or proposals yet, then the Philippines better get their act together and come up with one soon. Fresh water sources in the Philippines are becoming depleted, and we cannot rest on our laurels and watch our fresh water eventually run out. The Philippines has to make an attempt at looking to the future, and should look into the option of converting all that salt water that surrounds our country and turning it into fresh water. Eventually, it will be our last resort for water when the fresh water in our 7,200 islands dry up.

Anyway, the National Water Resources Board of the Philippines is responsible for the management of the country’s water resource for present and future generations. As of now, they have their hands tied in trying to identify the many problems within the hundreds of water districts scattered all over the nation. The research alone is already a huge task to undertake, and certainly they might not be as well-funded or supported by the government, especially since it runs independent from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and from the government.

The work that the NWRB does is very, very urgent, and I am under the impression that maybe they are two steps behind in realizing their goals in order to improve the water situation in the Philippines. Well, at least, there’s an initiative on the part of the NWRB to make steps to manage the country’s water resources. At least.

In the meantime, the other citizens who don’t know any better continue to waste away our precious water resource with continuous wasting, polluting and disregard of its value.

While the entire world is looking for oil and going to war for fossil fuels, eventually the destruction of humanity and the beginning of super anarchy will be if we don’t have enough fresh water. We can adapt our lives if we run out of gas, and we’ll seek other alternative sources for energy, but if we run out of water, expect all hell to let loose.

Water is life. Save water! Save life!

Philippine Sports: Ateneo Blue Eagles One Victory Away For UAAP Basketball Championship

Ateneo vs La Salle (photo by Sir Mervs)

Ateneo 69, DLSU  61

The Ateneo Blue Eagles have defeated the DLSU Green Archers three times a row – all in this UAAP 71 Season for Men’s senior basketball. The Ateneo Blue Eagles busted the DLSU Green Archers twice during the elimination rounds of the UAAP Season 71 tournament, and then defeated the DLSU Green Archers for the first game of the best-of-three finals.

Leading all scorers during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 71 Finals between Ateneo vs DLSU was Blue Eagle Rabeh Al-Hussaini, who scored 27 points. Blue Eagle Nonoy Baclao also had a huge defensive game with 7 blocked shots, most of them on Green Archer Rico Maierhoffer. Of course, Cris Tiu and Jai Reyes added strong performances for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, who hope to win their 2nd UAAP Basketball title since the Final Four format began in the 1993-1994 season.

The DLSU Green Archers will be hoping to make it their 6th UAAP Basketball title, but then that’s highly unlikely as the Ateneo Blue Eagles are out to prove that this UAAP Season 71 is their season!

Philippine Events: UFC Champion Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell To Visit Manila

Chuck Liddell Is Coming To Manila

Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion of the World Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell is coming to Manila! Chuck Liddell will be here to have an open training session on mixed martial arts this coming Sunday, September 21, 2008, at the Atrium of SM Mall of Asia from 3pm to 5pm. Chuck Liddell will show off his MMA skills with his trainer Ian Parkinson, and will be entertaining MMA enthusiasts who might want to learn a thing or two from the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. The event is being sponsored by Colt45 and Solar Entertainment Corp. through their Balls Network on cable television.

Of course, apart from this major event, Chuck Liddell will also be out party-ing in Manila, hoping that the R&R in Manila might help heal some of the pain from his recent knockout against Rashad Evans during UFC 88. In relation to that, Chuck Liddell might also offer a bit of insight on what it takes to become a heavyweight champion, and also how it feels to get knocked out cold.

Whatever it is – certainly hanging out and seeing Chuck Liddell live should be a treat for any fan of the UFC.

On a personal note – I’d love to hang out with Chuck Liddell, and I am really a fan. Many are thinking that the UFC career of Chuck Liddell is over and done with, especially after getting knocked out by Rashad Evans, but I don’t think he’ll ever be done. After all, he is still one of the most exciting UFC fighters to step into the Octagon, and he really made my day when he beat the crap out of TIto Ortiz and even Wanderlei Silva. And while Chuck Liddell may have suffered some big KO losses, he is still one helluva fighter and has shown his resiliency in bouncing back from a defeat to go back to winning. What else is there to be said – Chuck Liddell lives to fight, and win or lose, he’s always pushing himself to the limit to kick some ass. Respect, bro.

Anyway, The Iceman Cometh!!! Don’t miss out!

Opinion: The Smart Thing To Do With SMART

Smart Billboard Is A Waste of Space and Money

Smart Communications, Inc. is one of the biggest telecommunications providers in the Philippines if not the biggest. Well, SMART is on a pissing war with Globe Telecom and indeed they are fighting for every inch of space in order to promote and advertise their brands and product services.

Anyway, because of the advertising pissing war, SMART and Globe have gone all-out in their budget for things like 30-seconder ads, outdoor advertising, newsprint ads, magazine ads and all sorts of other gimmicks like events, concerts and what-have-you. Certainly, it doesn’t take much math to figure out that SMART and Globe probably spend billions of pesos on advertising just so that the simple Filipino consumer will eventually use their products and services, or to continue to do so.

First off – let’s get it straight. The supposed target market for a company like SMART includes every single FIlipino in the Philippines, with a big percentage of them being the masses. The masses comprise about 70% of the population, and fall under the socio-economic bracket of D or E, which is probably in the minimum wage to less-than-minimum wage income earner. Now, while they have the numbers in terms of sheer volume, the amount of money they earn collectively is nothing compared to the kind of cash raked in by the small 5% of those that belong to the A or B markets.

Notwithstanding, SMART spends billions to continue to advertise to the masses. In fact, SMART spends billions on advertising period – whether it be for the masses or for those that are better off. Of course, the strategy is to have SMART subscribers remain loyal to the brand, but in truth, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BRAND LOYALTY among the Philippine masses. For the basic Mang Pandoy, brand loyalty comes as a matter of convenience. In Aling Maria’s Sari-Sari store, I can purchase pre-paid accounts of either SMART or Globe, either through pre-paid cards or E-load because Aling Maria carries both brands, and even has two cellphones (one Globe, one Smart) to pass the load of whatever the consumer requires. In the same manner, because of the added value of texting Globe-to-Globe or Smart-to-Smart, or even making calls Sun-to-Sun, most people have afforded to carry with them two or even three phones, with one phone representing each of the major tele-com providers.

Anyway, the whole point is that it is pointless for SMART to spend unnecessarily on advertising. For one, they already have a near-monopoly on their captured market, which is the entire Philippines. The entire Philippines already knows about SMART, and probably has a cellular phone with a SMART line. There is no need for them to spend on TV commercials, daily newsprint ads, magazine ads and especially outdoor advertising! We don’t need another SMART banner beside yet another Globe banner in the same store advertising the availability of sim cards or pre-paid load availability.

SMART already has the power of direct marketing. If they want information shared to their subscribers, then they have the capability of sending whatever information directly to the cellular phones of their consumers without the need to become redundant through print ads, TV commercials or outdoor advertising. Now, if they have a new service or product to endorse that might need a bit of introduction – say SMART money – then perhaps that could be used. But still, all those services cannot be explained in a 30-seconder, or in a catchy newsprint ad. The best way to explain all that information is still in the form of step-by-step instructions, especially if their target market is the masses who cannot comprehend beyond the creativity of a 30-seconder ad.

Next, SMART is wasting away money on their celebrity endorsers. So what if Angel Locsin is the number one thing happening in the country? Her face on a SMART billboard won’t increase sales, or improve the image of SMART. Perhaps an Angel Locsin endorsement might be good for beauty products, but for a telecommunications provider – it just isn’t necessary.

I would rather SMART re-allocated their budget for advertising to developing other businesses or other services, or maybe even for a worthy charity beyond what they normally give out for charity.

For example, I would love for SMART to allocate a budget in the development of a world-class stadium that can perhaps host huge sporting events, such as the SMART Philippine Open Tennis Tournament, which could be part of the Men’s and Women’s ATP Tour, and have the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova and Ana Ivanovic play tennis at our shores. Or maybe be able to invite the likes of Real Madrid or Manchester United to have an exhibition match. Or maybe even have the Los Angeles Lakers go up against the Talk N’ Text Phone Pals.

I would also love for SMART to sponsor let’s say the Ati-Atihan Festival, but instead of spending their money on their collaterals, banner placements, billboards and video screens – to just cover the entire production cost of the Ati-Atihan Festival, and not even have a single SMART logo advertised on the site. SMART will just merely send a text message to their subscribers saying that the Ati-Atihan Festival is free for everyone, and that they will be feeding and giving out drinks to everyone who goes, and then when everyone goes there – they won’t even find a single SMART ad or logo advertised anywhere. Angel Locsin can perform, and everyone would know already who brought them the party without the need to say it over and over again on the PA system, or to have banners at every street post.

Or maybe SMART can invest their profits or re-allocate their advertising budget for other things like a desalination plant, or for alternative energy sources, which they can eventually use to power their telecommunications equipment scattered all over the country.

At a rate of say 1 peso per text message sent, and the millions that they can easily earn on a daily basis, SMART indeed has a lot of profit at their disposal. While it may take also millions of pesos for operating costs of all their infrastructure, spending for unnecessary advertising is just a waste of profit. There are other things of greater concern. Eventually, SMART shouldn’t be the one advertising, but should be the one controlling the advertising, especially for products who might want their brand marketed to the subscribers of SMART. A hard-sell text message everyday about a particular shampoo might be an annoyance for their subscribers, but then it’s a paid text message ad from the shampoo company, and hard-sell is what they do anyway when they put up billboards and daily newsprint ads. Change focus, change strategy. DON’T WASTE MONEY.

I seem to have gotten carried away, and still have more to say on this topic. Eventually, I would really like to back up this claim with actual figures on advertising expenses, or maybe give a real insight on the kind of numbers that can be played with by a giant company like SMART. I do understand that SMART has other programs that include community partnership in regards to developing education facilities in small towns, disaster relief and even helping out with environmental causes. But then, maybe a shift on focus and budget could be made for those projects even more.

In totality, it’s not just about SMART, or Globe, or Sun. Every company should really re-think their budget for advertising, especially with bigger companies who have a monopoly on the market industry they represent. Everyone would drink San Miguel Beer on a daily basis even if Manny Pacquiao didn’t endorse it. Everyone would drink Coke or Pepsi regardless of the well-thought of tagline by the ad companies who do their ads. And besides, if Coke was the drink available on the sari-sari store next to my house, then that’s what I’d buy. I am practical enough not to have to travel 3 blocks to the next sari-sari store just to show my loyalty to Pepsi. I’m sure I’ve driven the point across.

Anyway – I’m sure there are other smart things that SMART can do, and I don’t need to be the one to say it. But hey – I’m just sharing my two cents worth, and that’s not even the price of a text message.

Philippine Events: The Carewell Star Night at Manila Polo Club

Carewell Community Foundation (photo borrowed from Carewell website)

On October 2, 2008, the Carewell Community Foundation will proudly present: The Carewell Star Night. This first-of-its-kind event in the Philippines will honor persons with cancer and, most especially, their “stars” – the family members, friends, and other loved ones who have enabled them to not only survive, but even thrive, amidst the challenges of their illness.

Over time, these “stars” steadfastly stood by and faithfully walked alongside their loved ones with cancer through every twist and turn of their cancer journeys. These amazing caregivers have done, and continue to do, so very much: running errands, helping out at work, and, most important, providing emotional support. Thus, it is only fitting that we honor and thank them by giving them nothing less than the starring role during our Star Night benefit concert.

A benefit concert featuring Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers will be also a highlight entertainment for the evening.

Tickets to the Star Night are available now for only P2000(regular) and P5000 (donor). The price of the tickets includes cocktails, admission to the performance of Ryan Cayabyab and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers, and to our very, very special multimedia presentation of the Carewell survivors and their stars! Please contact Abelle Sipin at 0917-538-2096, or call Carewell at 751-0242 and 815-1294 for tickets sales or for more information.

Philippine Sports: Ateneo Blue Eagles Basketball Team Sure To Be UAAP Season 71 Champions

Chris Tiu vs JV Casio, Ateneo vs La Salle (photo courtesy of inboundpass' flickr account)

Nothing is really certain until the UAAP Season 71 is over, but then, of course there are the based-on-fact predictions, especially considering the standings of the men’s basketball tournament of UAAP Season 71.

As it stands, the NU Bulldogs, Adamson Soaring Falcons, UP Fighting Maroons and UST Growling Tigers have been eliminated from the tournament. Entering the semi-finals of UAAP Season 71 are the FEU Tamarraws, La Salle Green Archers, UE Red Warriors and Ateneo Blue Eagles.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles are the top-seed of the semi-finals, having finished the elimination round with a very impressive 13-1 record, and will go up against 4th seed UE Red Warriors, who will have to win twice against the Ateneo Blue Eagles if they want to reach the UAAP Season 71 Finals.

The La Salle Green Archers and the FEU Tamarraws have identical records of 10-4, and will have to play one more game to determine who will have the twice-to-beat advantage in the semi-finals. La Salle will be looking to Jvee Casio, Simon Atkins, Rico Maierhofer and PJ Walsham to lead the team to the finals over the FEU Tamarraws.

The Ateneo Blue Eagles will be relying on their stars like Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao Jr., Chris Tiu, Jai Reyes and Ryan Buenafe to bring home the UAAP Championship, which they last held during the 2002-2003 season of the UAAP. Last year’s champions De La Salle Green Archers are not as prominent as they were last season, but still look to be a contender to win back-to-back UAAP titles.

Since the Final Four format was adopted into the UAAP basketball tournament in the 1993-1994 season, the La Salle Green Archers have won it 5 times, the UST Growling Tigers have won it 5 times, the FEU Tamarraws have won it 4 times while the Ateneo Blue Eagles have won it once.

Many basketball fans are expecting the classic Ateneo-La Salle rivalry in the finals of UAAP Season 71. Of course, Ateneo has dominated La Salle twice this season, and will look to do so again should the two teams meet in the UAAP Season 71 Finals.

From the way it looks – Ateneo are going to be UAAP Season 71 Champions!

Philippine Lifestyle: Hindy Webber Is On The Cover of Rogue Magazine’s September Style Issue

Hindy Webber-Tantoco On The Cover of Rogue's September Issue

Last August, Rogue Magazine had the Appetite Issue with the gorgeous Amanda Griffin-Jacob on the cover. For this September 2008, Rogue Magazine comes up with The Style Issue, and featured on the cover is the electrifying Hindy Webber-Tantoco, photographed through the lens of Mark Nicdao and with a story by Vanni de Sequera.

Other stuff found in The Style Issue of Rogue Magazine include a story on Elvira Manahan by Tats Manahan, plus an excerpt from Sante D’ Orazio‘s tribute to Gianni Versace, exclusive interview with Michael Bastian by Rafe Totengco, Steve Tirona and Ornussa Cadness talk about their wild trip in Los Angeles, California, including other interesting stylistic articles from the likes of Tals Diaz, Gino De La Paz, Jappy Gonzalez, Nick De Lange, Bong Salaveria and National Artist Butch Dalisay.

And of course, there is still many more. Online subscriptions to Rogue Magazine can be made at http://www.m-express.com.ph

Team Yap Is One Of The Top Contenders During San Mig Pub Quiz Night

If you’ve lived in the Alabang area, you know very much that San Mig Pub is an institution, being one of the oldest watering holes in the area. At one point, you must’ve at least been to San Mig for lunch or for a few drinks, or maybe a lot of drinks. Well, at least, you know where it is, and you can’t not see it when you go malling at Alabang Town Center.

Throughout the long history of the very famous San Mig Pub, it’s only now that they’ve had a quiz night. Every Wednesdays, San Mig Pub hosts a quiz night that is very different from all the rest of the other quiz nights/ trivia nights of places like Murphy’s or the old Blarneystone or something like that. While the other places give you a pen and paper to record your answers as an individual contestant, the San Mig Pub Quiz Night allows you to participate in the competition as a team along with your friends. And instead of submitting your answers on a piece of paper, you have to raise up your hands and beat out the rest of the other participating teams in being the first one to get the right question. In case of a tie, then there is the roll of the dice that will be the basis of breaking the tiebreaker.

Team Yap at San Mig Pub Quiz Night

San Mig Pub Quiz Night quizmaster Deeg Rodriguez started this just a few months back, and one of its consistent regulars is the group of Team Yap, who has the distinction of being the first ever winner of the San Mig Pub Quiz Night. In their first title defense, however, Team Yap had to settle for second place after quiz master Deeg Rodriguez skipped all questions pertaining to alcoholic beverages. Apparently, Team Yap is also discreetly(?) known as the S.S. Alcoholics, and just had a huge advantage in that category.

Team Yap went on a brief hiatus following the recent passing of the mother of a Team Yap member, but returned to earn another second place finish. In Team Yap‘s last outing, they had to settle for a third place finish.

Nonetheless, Team Yap is still noted among one of the top contenders during the San Mig Pub Quiz Night held every Wednesday nights at the San Mig Pub in Alabang Town Center. Members of Team Yap have included Brian Banta, Carlo Aguinaldo, Marge Camacho, Ysa Laurel, Tals Diaz, Ines Cabarrus, Yesu Cabarrus, Noel Orosa, Paolo Rosero and JJ Duque among other members.

This coming Wednesday night, Team Yap hopes to improve from its last disappointing outing and come away with a second victory – one that is long overdue. Apart from pride and recognition, the San Mig Pub Quiz Night winners get gift certificates from San Mig Pub. Team Yap is very well known for sharing the spoils with the other contestants when they win.

Double nipples for everyone!

Philippine Lifestyle: Wedding Belle Magazine Launches With A Bang!

A wedding gown fashion show highlights the Wedding Belle Magazine Launch

Birth, death and matrimony are life’s greatest transitions, but you only have control over one of them. You want only the best for your wedding day and beyond, but already preparations and worries have worn you down to a frazzle. How to deal with wedding prep blues? Get advice – loads of it, and from only the best sources. The hottest new source for bridal advice is now here with Wedding Belle magazine, which launched with a lavish party last August 28, 2008 at the Blue Leaf Pavilion in Bonifacio Global City.

The event was a foretaste of the magazine’s style: hip but with classic taste, and a showcase of event planning from the scrumptious food to the perfect venue and elegant décor. Beautiful flower arrangements adorned the venue courtesy of Scarlet Begonia Flowers. Guests were welcomed with wine and champagne courtesy of Rene Barbier and a truly flavorful and endless assortment of hors d’oeuvres and pasta by H Cuisine. The repast was rounded off with an overflowing open bar courtesy of Bailey’s, Artic Vodka and Belgian brews from Global Beer Exchange, while those with a sweet tooth indulged in confections from Marta’s Cakes.

The party was the model of a dream reception that it was. Nor were the brides missing, as designers Kristel Yulo, Louis Claparols, New Yorker and Jun Escario presented some stylish, contemporary gowns in a fashion show. Hosts Bianca Araneta-Elizalde and Miguel Rocha kept the appreciative crowd entertained and gave away nifty prize items.

The height of the evening was of course the unveiling of the magazine by Team Belle, the brilliant ladies behind the magazine. Wedding Belle is the newest magazine of Bella Luce Publications, already known for its highly regarded Digital Photographer Philippines magazine that won the Best Printing award in 2007. Publishers Marta Araneta and Pilar Tuason (herself a noted wedding photographer) along with the other Belles know very well the need for a comprehensive, stylish yet no-nonsense guide to marriage and married life for brides-to-be.

Realizing that “getting married” is a lifestyle in itself, Wedding Belle brings together top talents in fashion, beauty, photography, design, planning, health, wealth management, and sex to get you, the bride, ready for that biggest of big days. The magazine not only tackles the modern bride’s concerns around the event of the wedding but also prepares her for this transition with savvy and humor. The Wedding Belle reader is educated, independent-thinking, with a refined sense of style and open to exciting new ideas, a confident young woman planning her dream wedding who is prepared to spare no effort or expense on her wedding, honeymoon and future.

Moreover, Wedding Belle encourages brides-to-be to talk to each other and share over its community forum. In fact, www.weddingbelle.com.ph is set to be the hottest online destination for brides with its panel of experts ready to answer any question quickly and candidly.

Wedding Belle is a quarterly publication, and will retail for PHP 295; the maiden issue hits the stalls on September 8. Team Belle would like to express their deepest thanks to all its sponsors, especially Henry Pascual, H Cuisine, Hizon’s, Scarlet Begonia Flowers, and Sensitivity for making the launch party such a grand and successful event.

Philippine Music: Boys Like Girls In The Philippines

Boys Like Girls Performs In Manila

I didn’t know who the hell Boys Like Girls was, but…

My dad is in Manila on business from Australia, and is billed at the Hotel Intercontinental Manila in Makati. Today (Saturday), he was able to take a break and I brought over the kids to go see their grandpa, and have a swim at the Hotel Intercon pool. Anyway, when we were about to wrap up our visit, we headed to the lobby and were immediately swarmed by all these young teenage girls with their phone-cams whipped out, flashing away. For a second, I would’ve wished it was me they were taking photos of, but apparently they were more interested in the band members of Boys Like Girls, who were being escorted by their security to the elevators. As we were going out, Boys Like Girls were walking in, and so we brushed shoulders with them and their security detail.

The frenzy continued at the front desk as another band member of Boys Like Girls was still at the front desk, and we had to wait behind him at the front desk to wait for our complimentary parking ticket. I asked one of the many teens there who the band was, and someone said “boys girls” or something like that. My reaction, “huh?” and just let the moment slide.

Of course, not to be left out of the scene, I got home and looked them up, and eventually realized it was Boys Like Girls. I checked out the YouTube videos of Boys Like Girls and was impressed. Oh, and yeah, I know The Great Escape – heard it on the radio a couple of times but never really put a band’s name to the song. Having gone through their videos, I can say that I really like their songs Thunder and Hero/Heroine, which are all part of their self-titled album Boys Like Girls.

Anyway, Boys Like Girls apparently had performances at Alabang Town Center, Ayala Mall Trinoma and Ayala Mall Glorietta over the past week. Boys Like Girls is made up of band members – Martin Johnson (vocals, guitar), Paul DiGiovanni (lead guitarist, vocals), Bryan Donahue (bass guitar, vocals), John Keefe (drums, percussion).

So there. Now I know Boys Like Girls, and I think it was cool that I got to bump into them. Literally.

I wish I was quick enough to whip out my phone cam, but oh well.

What Manny Pacquiao Can Do With $23 Million Dollars

After several huge boxing matches with the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and David Diaz, Manny Pacquiao has already earned himself quite a lot of money. I’m sure everyone has heard rumors of how he’s spent his money, including a stint to compete for a congressional seat in the Philippine House of Representatives.

We also know of his many endorsement bonuses from Nike, No Fear, San Miguel Beer, Alaxan and even Magic Sing!

Anyway, let’s just say Manny Pacquiao is very well-off (to put it lightly).

Now, Manny Pacuqiao is set to fight Oscar De La Hoya in what could possible earn him $23 Million Dollars. With a 40 peso exchange rate to the dollar (and that’s being crude), that would be something like – 920 Million Pesos. Ho hum, now what to do? At this point, you may space out for a bit and give yourself some time to imagine.

If you’ve decided to continue reading…

Manny Pacquiao – 23 million dollars/920 Million Pesos!

Eto lang iyan, Sir Pacman:

Manny Pacquiao, you should invest 20 Million Pesos to live it up in Las Vegas for a while, and work on the possibility of getting Daniel Negreanu, Phil Helmuth, Barry Greenstein, Phil Ivey and Howard Lederer to teach you some texas hold’em, and you could probably earn at least 20% investment on your 20 million pesos each month.

On the remaining 900 million pesos, Manny Pacquiao should put up a corporation that would handle a group of companies that would specialize in: (1) providing alternative energy solutions for the Philippines; (2) constructing and managing a world class 100,000 seater stadium and sports center that can host big sporting events and possibly be the kind of secure and developed Philippine venue that U2 would agree to play on; (3) building and managing a desalination plant that could transform the surrounding Pacific Ocean to drinkable, potable water for the 7,200 islands of the Philippines; (4) promoting boxing fights and not just for Philippine boxers, but the good fights; (5) managing assets on co-ownership of a professional sports team like maybe the Boston Celtics or something that could use some improvement like the New York Knicks; and (6) produce Hollywood blockbuster movies, preferably by Pixar.

Manny Pacquiao Should Invest In Alternative Energy For The Philippines

It might sound like the bills might go over budget from 900 million pesos, but then that’s where the business sense of Manny Pacquiao should kick in along with the wheeling and dealing that is needed to transform 900 million pesos into something even bigger and greater. And while my list may seem a tad bit too far-fetched and exaggerated, there are some bright ideas there that I’m sure Manny Pacquiao can start with in order to provide a positive and worthwhile contribution to the development of the Philippines, and not just build his certain legacy, but also provide a sustainable thriving business that could multiply his money.

Oh, and Sir Pacman – if you ever need anyone to help you run such a cooperation, I would be honored to submit an application.

Meanwhile, our thoughts go with you in your next match against Oscar De La Hoya. They may not be favorable thoughts for you, but at least $23 Million dollars. Manalo, matalo – malayo na mararating niyan, diba?

Pacquiao vs Dela Hoya Tickets and Ringside Seats Available Here.

Philippine Music: Journey Concert Is Coming To The Philippines With Our Very Own Arnel Pineda

Filipino Arnel Pineda Sings For Journey (photo taken from Arnel Pineda's website)

Journey – the famous band that brought such hits as Open Arms, Faithfully and Don’t Stop Believing - will be coming to the Philippine shores. Well, it’s no surprise that Journey would opt to come to the Philippines. After all, it’s newest lead vocalist is none other than Filipino singer-songwriter Arnel Pineda.

For those who don’t know – Arnel Pineda had a singing career with show bands around the Philippines, belting out covers of songs by the likes of Aerosmith, Survivor, Air Supply, Kenny Loggins and of course – Journey. Arnel Pineda sang these songs with a band called The Zoo. Apparently, some of the videos of The Zoo doing covers of these 70′s and 80′s popular bands began appearing in You Tube. Eventually, Neal Schon, the guitarist of Journey, was very impressed with Arnel Pineda – his vocal range and his uncanny ability to sound so close to Journey’s former singer Steve Perry. Neal Schon contacted Noel Gomez, a close friend of Arnel Pineda who put up the videos, got the contact information of Arnel Pineda, and then invited Arnel Pineda via e-mail to audition for Journey.

At first, Arnel Pineda thought that it was a hoax, but when Neal Schon finally made the phone call, and a few days later, Arnel Pineda went off to San Francisco for a two-day audition. On December 2007, it was announced all over that Journey had a new singer and the news was even featured by CNN.

On February 2008, Arnel Pineda debuted as the singer of Journey, and performed at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival. Needless to say, Arnel Pineda became a big hit!

Since then, Journey has recorded a new album called Revelation with Arnel Pineda doing the vocals. There are a lot of old Journey classics in the album, but this time with Arnel Pineda‘s voice taking over what once used to be Steve Perry‘s unmistakable sound. The album debuted at No. 5 in the Billboard Top 200 Charts and has been in the Top 20 for over 6 weeks.

Of course, the success of the album plus the awesome reception at live gigs has reinvigorated Journey, and already plans are being drawn up to include a Revelation Tour to promote the album. Journey is currently touring with Heart and Cheap Trick, and has performed in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and in various cities across the United States. That tour kicked off on June 2008 and will continue on until October 2008. Towards the end of 2008, Journey will be expected to tour Japan, Australia, and – most certainly – the Philippines!

Information about all the Journey tour dates, including the schedule for the Journey concert in the Philippines is available at the Journey homepage.

To our kababayan Arnel Pineda – We are very proud and happy for your blessings and success. Good luck on your Journey. Literally.

Incidentally, Journey Concert Tickets are available here.

Philippine Sports: Freddie Roach Says Pacquiao vs De La Hoya Might Not Happen

No Fight If Oscar De La Hoya Is Overweight

Philippine boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya have already signed a contract to fight on December 6, 2008 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, there is still a possibility that the fight might not happen.

It is stipulated in their contract that Oscar De La Hoya will pay Manny Pacquiao $3 Million per pound that goes over the 147 welterweight limit. And if Oscar De La Hoya doesn’t make the weight and reaches 150 lbs. during the weigh-in, then Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach will just have to pull the plug on the fight, and that’s that.

Freddie Roach stated that if Oscar De La Hoya weighs in at 150 lbs., it will just be an unfair fight for Manny Pacquiao. According to Freddie Roach, it doesn’t matter if Oscar De La Hoya will pay $9 Million for the overweight, but fighting at 150 lbs. is a totally different story altogether. Oscar De La Hoya already has the height and reach advantage over Manny Pacquiao, and the weight will be the true equalizer for both boxers. If Oscar De La Hoya comes in heavier, then it just really stacks up the odds against Manny Pacquiao, and Freddie Roach is just being a wise trainer in protecting his boxer.

Freddie Roach thinks that if Oscar De La Hoya really wants this fight to happen, then De La Hoya should really do his best to meet the weight requirement. After all, it was Oscar De La Hoya who called out Manny Pacquiao to fight at 147 lbs., albeit after hearing that Freddie Roach said that De La Hoya couldn’t pull the trigger against Pacquiao. Hmmm… boxing trash talk.

Anyway – Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya stand to make huge amounts of money from this fight should the fight push through. In fact, after all the bills have been collected from ticket sales of the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the pay-per-view broadcasts, the sponsors and what-have-you – it is estimated that Manny Pacquiao can earn as much as $23 Million. Oscar De La Hoya stands to make more. It might come out to be the biggest purse in boxing history for a single fight.

Well, we have to wait first if Oscar De La Hoya makes the weight to see if there will be any fight at all. Yo, Golden Boy, stay away from those cream puffs!

Pacquiao-De La Hoya Tickets and Ringside Seat Tickets Are Available Here.

Philippine Television: DRiVE’s Porsche 30-Seconder Ad

Once upon a time in cable television, there was Couch TV. Couch TV had a series of shows that came out Sunday nights on the cable TV channel Prime Channel. That was a few years ago, and while the shows were a great source of entertainment, it was too price-y to keep producing without any source of income generated by the shows. Prime Channel was supposed to pay the producers of CouchTV for providing video content after two seasons, but the deal never pushed through.

Harriet

In any case, CouchTV had a motoring TV series called DRiVE, which was a reality show on motor sports racing and car customization. CouchTV would follow around the Intelco Racing Team and cover their riders in the races of the Asian Karting Championships, Philippine National Touring Car Championships and Asian F3 Races among other races. Whatever the result of the Intelco Racing Team – a first place podium finish or a crash – that would be our story.

Another part of DRiVE involved car customization, and the producers of CouchTV would hang out the garage of PR Autosport, and document the custom car modifications being done in their garage. We documented the customization magic done by PR Rubio when he converted a dead ’64 Chevy Impala into a winner in the Philippine National Autoshow at the SM Megamall a few years back.

In any case, it was a fun show, and it wasn’t your basic kind of story-telling even if it was a reality-based TV show. There were a lot of funny moments, and indeed a lot of great things that happened behind the scenes. Anyway, here is a link to of one of DRiVE’s 30-seconder ads, featuring a Porsche. There are also other videos on the site for DRiVE.