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    Mario Bautista, has been with the entertainment industry for more than 4 decades. He writes regular columns for People's Journal and Malaya.
    Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
    Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts

    Mar 20, 2019

    12:48 PM
    BUSINESS LEADER & PHILANTHROPIST LUCIO TAN received the ALAB Award from the Anvil Business Club which held its induction of new officers on March 15 attended by top government and business leaders and celebrities at Century Seafood Restaurant in Manila.In the same occasion, Anvil led by chairman Wilson Lee Flores and president Patrick Cua conferred on Dr. Lucio C. Tan its inaugural “Anvil Leadership Award for Business Excellence” (ALAB Award) in recognition of his “inspiring business success, outstanding community leadership and magnanimous philanthropy”.

    One of Asia’s wealthiest billionaires according to Bloomberg News & Forbes magazine, the self-made entrepreneur Lucio Tan is chairman of LT Group, Inc., Philippine Airlines (PAL), Philippine National Bank (PNB), Asia Brewery, Tanduay Distillers and many others. Tan is also chairman emeritus of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).

    Witnesses at the ALAB Award conferment ceremony for Dr. Lucio Tan were Trade & Industry Ramon Lopez, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Employers Confederation of the Phil. (ECOP) chairman Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of  & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) president Domingo Yap, Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PCCI) chairman George Barcelon, Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) chairman Jesus L. Carranza and China Embassy Commercial Counsellor Jin Yuan.

    Among the celebrities who also graced Anvil’s 28th anniversary event were Senator Grace Poe and her son Brian Poe Llamanzares, former Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, former Senator Bong Revilla and wife Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado Revilla, former PNP chief Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa, Malabon Vice-Mayor Jeannie Sandoval among many others.

    Leading the 2019 Anvil Business Club board of directors are chairman Wilson Lee Flores, president Patrick Cua, Hubert Chua, Jayson Sze, Christopher Yae, William Lim, Jr., Lexter Ang, Eusebio Lu, Jr., Christopher Go, Joeben Tai, Vicente Sy, Richmond Co, William Villanueva, Kenneth Dee, Aldrin Chua, Wilynda Chua, Claudine Sy, Sheryll Yu, Katherine Yap, Ian Cheng, Cherie Haw, Lorina Tan.

    Among past leaders still active with Anvil include chairman emeritus George Siy, honorary chairmen Michael Tan, Jeffrey Ng, Bernard Go, Peter Mangasing, Reynold Siy, Marcelo Co, Wilfred Co, Eduardo Cobankiat, Roy Chua, Michael Chenglay and others. 

    Among the diverse civic, cultural, economic and other undertakings of the organization includes promoting international investors to come to the Philippines; promoting business activities in provincial areas outside Metro Manila; socio-civic and cultural projects like 2009 donation of the larger-than-life Confucius Monument for Rizal Park’s Chinese Garden to honor all teachers of the world and holding an annual Teacher’s Day tribute to educators every birthday of Confucius on September 28; different forums and workshops with renowned business leaders; giving scholarship grants and also donating relief supplies during natural calamities.

    Anvil Business Club recently gave away 10,000 tikoy to urban poor families of Camarin and Barracks communities in north Caloocan City.
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    Mar 18, 2019

    1:00 PM
    MOWELFUND is now celebrating it 45th anniversary with Boots Anson Roa as its President and Trustee.  Since its establishment in 1974, the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (Mowelfund) has consistently and continuously dedicated its initiatives and programs for the benefit to of its 4,000 members who are all movie workers.

     This Saturday and they will have groundbreaking rites for their new building at 1 PM. The celebration kicks off with a thanksgiving mass to be officiated by its Welfare Director and Trustee Fr. Larry Faraon.

    Recognition will be given to major benefactors led by its founder, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada. Other benefactors include Mother Lily Monteverde, Susan Roces-Poe, Antonio Tuviera, film producer/distributor Ng Meng Tam, German Moreno (posthumous), Jaime Baltazar of CMB Film Services, Ramon Ang of San Miguel Corporation, Andrew Tan of McDonalds Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Metro Manila Development Authority, Film Development Council of the Philippines, and the Quezon City local government. 

    They will then launch an online platform, mowelfund.com, with Captivate Solution. Boots says: “In keeping with the signs of the times, Mowelfund goes digital. It now has a dynamic online platform, www.mowelfund.com, that will promote greater awareness for its social welfare and educational programs. Mowelfund is also undertaking a better database automation system enabling us to open up an additional 100 slots for new members.”

    They will also have a bonsai plant livelihood project for members in cooperation cooperation with EDTS Water Bonsai Marketing. Recognition will also be given to Mowelfund employees who’ve been working with them for 20 years and also to those former employees who have already retired. Also in the offing are greater prospects in film education through increased workshops on specialization and intensive filmmaking, collaborations with academic institutions with film schools, and the organization of the Mowelfund Film Institute alumni association of acclaimed indie filmmakers.

    There will be free medical and dental services offered to Mowelfund members and also parlor games, raffles and fellowship for the children of members. All Mowelfund members are encouraged to attend this anniversary affair whose tagline is “Onward to Greater Change for the Movie Worker”.

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    Mar 14, 2019

    8:20 PM
    SAM CONCEPCION admits that he is envious of Billy Crawford and James Reid. In their summer concert at the Big Dome on April 5, “The Crew”, Billy has his wife Coleen Garcia while James has girlfriend Nadine Lustre as their special guests. Since he has no special someone at the moment, he then invited Yassi Pressman to perform with him.

    ”Naiinggit talaga ako kasi sila, may significant others,” he says. “E, what can I do? Loveless po ako. But Yassi is a good friend of mine and we see a lot of her on TV right now. She is also very talented and has a lot to offer in music and dance, so I’m really glad when she agreed to be my guest in ‘The Crew’ so we can do some numbers together. I think she’s really a perfect choice for me. We’re both excited sa fun numbers that we are going to perform in the concert.”

    Both Billy and James praised him lavishly for being so talented, with James saying Sam is his own idol as he’s an even better singer and dancer than Chris Brown. “I’m blushing,” says Sam. “Nakakahiya and nape-pressure ako. I looked up to Billy and I have so much respect for James. I’m just so happy to be given the chance to perform with them on the same stage.

    "Ang feeling ko nga, may mutual admiration and understanding kaming tatlo. Kasi hands on kami sa concert, the three of us, from brainstorming and planning our numbers, to choosing the songs that we’ll do in our concert. With the three of us performing together, we promise the audience a big party of great songs and music together.”

    Sam is happy that he transferred to Viva Artist Agency as he now has a steady stream of projects. Aside from the concert, he is doing a new movie, titled "Indak". This will be dance movie which will feature original Pilipino music, directed by Paul Basinillio, who's also directing their "The Crew" concert. The movie will pair Sam for the first time with Nadine Lustre, who's a great dancer like him.
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    Mar 8, 2019

    10:50 PM
    Billy with James and Sam, THE CREW
    BILLY CRAWFORD doesn’t mind being considered the Kuya of James Reid and Sam Concepcion, his two co-stars in the summer concert, “The Crew”, to be staged at the Araneta Coliseum on April 5. “Ang feeling ko nga, bumabata ako dahil sa mga kasama ko,” he says at the concert’s presscon. “Ako naman talaga ang pinakauna sa aming tatlo na pumasok sa showbiz.”

    We ask James and Sam if they’re aware that Billy started as a child actor in the late 1980s and that he really made it big as a singer in Europe with songs like “Urgently in Love” and “Mary Lopez”? “Yes, I’m aware,  but I didn’t know na 80s pa pala ng mag-start siya,” says James. “But we really respect him and all the wisdom he imparts to us.”

    Billy now gets to collaborate with James in coming up with a new song, “Filipina Girl”, which is inspired by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray and which has the makings of a future classic. “Fate brought us to work together with our producer, Marcus Davis,” adds Billy. “I asked Marcus to produce my album, which is my comeback after ten long years that I concentrated on hosting and acting.
    "Then I invited James to do one song with me and he and Marcus wrote ‘Filipina Girl’, which has an infectious beat that listeners would surely groove to and lyrics that are so catchy, like ‘There ain’t nothing in this world/ nothing in the world like a Filipina girl/ there ain’t nothing in the world like a Filipina girl….’ Mala-last song syndrome ka talaga.”

    Billy is Fil-Am and James is Fil-Aussie. Billy has a Filipina wife, Coleen Garcia, while James has a Pinay girlfriend, Nadine Lustre, and it’s obvious that they really love the beauty and good qualities of Filipinas. Marcus himself is an American from California but he has lived in Manila for many years so he has learned to love and appreciate Filipinas. He’s also in love with a Pinay, Amber, who sang the big hit ‘Kembot’ that Marcus also produced.

    In their ‘The Crew’ concert, watch out for Billy and James do this great bouncy song live on stage. The song is part of a ten-cut album of Billy, “Work in Progress”, which will be released soon. Hopefully, it will reconnect him with his European fans again.

    “I’m really praying for that,” says Billy. “I really intend to take the album out of the country to show na gifted talaga tayong mga Pinoy pagdating sa talent, especially in the music industry kunsaan may ibubuga naman talaga tayo. I’m excited about this album na ‘Work in Progress’ ang title kasi I’m still growing and improving as an artist. I really put all my heart and soul into this album and I want to share that with my audience and listeners.”




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    Feb 21, 2019

    8:30 PM
    MADER RICKY REYES invited us to join his sorties in the provinces some years ago for his “Isang Gunting, Isang Suklay” program with the Filipino Hairdressers Association or FilHair. This offers livelihood programs to help jobless Pinoys learn how to do hair and make up and start their own salons. We didn’t realize that it was more than three decades ago.

    FilHair is now celebrating its 35th anniversary with a big event that aims to gather some 12,000 people in the beauty industry to a whole day event on April 23, the Tuesday after Holy Week, at the Metro Walk Tent in Ortigas Center starting at 9 AM. As president for life of FilHair, Mader Ricky says there will be competitions: best in men’s haircut, evening make up, bridal make up, and a color master award for the best in creative hair coloring. Other new categories are “Do Me a Barbie”, Nail Art and Mask categories, and a Fabulous Cleopatra look.

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    7:24 PM
    CATRIONA GRAY had a triumphant return to Manila as crowds of jubilang people really flocked to all the locations she went to eager to see her do her signature lava walk and slow motion twirl. To thank the millions of Filipinos who supported her to become the 4th Pinay Miss Universe, she was seen in Makati and Manila on Feb. 21 and in Araneta Center, Quezon City on Feb. 23.  A Homecoming Special in her honor will also be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 24. It will be aired exclusively on ABS-CBN.

    At her press conference, she says: “Standing here today, I am filled with utmost pride and I just wanna say thank you and this is all for you.” What would she do after her reign? “I would love to pursue music. I would further help developing our provinces and share more of what we have to offer as I fell in love with how rich and beautiful our culture is.”

    The ever compassionate Catriona also makes it a priority to visit to the charitable organizations she heartily supports such as Love Yourself (an HIV/AIDS education awareness group) and Smile Train (for underprivileged children).

    On Feb. 22, employees and officials of PLDT will be one with the Miss Universe in celebrating her victory as she pays PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan a courtesy visit at his offices in Makati City, a tradition that has been carried on since 2014, when PLDT HOME and Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. first forged their fruitful partnership in support of outstanding and inspiring women who make an impact in the international stage like the Miss Universe pageant.

    Andrew L. Santos, PLDT First Vice President and Head, Consumer Marketing, said “PLDT supports world-class Filipino talents and we take pride in the achievements of outstanding Filipinas like Miss Universe Catriona Gray. Together with Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc., we continue to support them in their mission to bring pride to the country and help uplift the lives of Filipinos through service and nation-building.”

    In 2017 when the Miss Universe pageant was held in the Philippines, PLDT HOME Fibr was at the forefront of the international event. PLDT Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan was an undeniable force that made the prestigious beauty pageant happen on Philippine shores and PLDT was a huge proponent of that effort. As a result, the leading and most powerful broadband network in the country, and leading mobile brand Smart, provided fixed broadband and mobile connectivity to power up the Miss Universe pageant.


    Filipina beauty queens have always been at HOME with PLDT. Their rich history together started with MJ Lastimosa in 2014, continuing on successively with Pia Wurtzbach in 2015, Maxine Medina in 2016, Rachel Peters in 2017 and Catriona Gray who won the Binibining Pilipinas-Universe title in 2018.

    PLDT has made it their commitment to sponsor major Binibining Pilipinas events and has been engaging most of the beauty queens and their respective courts as PLDT HOME brand ambassadors. As such, PLDT and the queens have both been reaching out to Filipinos from all walks of life spreading cheers and goodwill all over the country.

    These ladies have also managed to endear themselves to the hearts of those they work with in PLDT. These men and women uphold their admiration and respect for the ladies even outside of the boundaries of work. For one, Catriona Gray has impressed PLDT officers and staff when she graced the PLDT HOME Fibr event in Davao last June. Above and beyond what was expected of her, Catriona spent precious time with a PLDT subscriber and her family, even shared a meal with them because she said, “I wanted to get to know them.” Catriona is naturally sweet and generous to everyone she works with and is diligent in her preparation for the work ahead of her.

    And who would forget her answer to a question about whether she would bring a glam team to an out-of-town event or not? Catriona, without batting an eyelash, said there’s no need because she could take care of herself and do her own hair and make-up as part of her Miss Universe pageant training.

    PLDT Home ambassador and former Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2016 Nicole Cordoves, a close friend and one of Catriona’s mentors, can attest to the hard work and perseverance of the Queen through her Miss Universe journey. Nicole and Catriona will be meeting again as this week as she joins the activities as the PLDT Home Insider who will be giving exclusive access, interviews and sneak peak of all the happenings at the Miss Universe Homecoming.

    PLDT believes that the true markings of a real Miss Universe is showcased not just in the excellence of her physical attributes, but more so in the inner workings of her soul. For this, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray is a real beauty inside and out.

    Catch the Miss Universe Homecoming through live coverages of PLDT Home on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
    #CatrionaGray #MissUniverse2018 #MissUniverse









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    Jan 31, 2019

    4:29 PM
    OGIE ALCASID with MARIEL DE LEON
    OGIE ALCASID’s Valentine concert is titled “Master of Love”? Is he really one? “In fairness to me, ha, hindi sa’kin galing yang title na yan,” he says. “Galing yan sa Resorts World, ang venue ng concert ko on February 14. I don’t think Master of Love ako. Siguro, Master of Love Songs dahil sa dami ng nagawa kong love songs.”

    So he and his wife Regine Velasquez won’t be together on Valentine’s Day since she has her own Valentine concert? “Yes, magtatrabaho kami nang hiwalay, e. Kami ang magpapasaya ng lovers na nagde-date on Valentine’s Day. Nangyayari naman talaga yun. Hindi maiiwasan. Last year, we were together, but for some years before that, we had separate concerts.

    "So, di kami puede ng wife ko, kaya tatlo ang ipinalit ko sa kanya na very young talented singers na kasama ko sa ‘Master of Love’, sina Mariel de Leon with whom I’ll do a duet of ‘All I Ask of You’ from ‘Phantom of the Opera’, singer-songwriter Lara Maigue with whom I’ll do a special arrangement of ‘Sa Kanya’, and Tanya Manalang from Miss Saigon with whom I’ll sing ‘Hanggang Ngayon’. Then we’ll all have a special production with a medley that pays tribute to the songs of Mr. C like ‘Tuwing Umuulan’, ‘How Can I’ and ‘Once Upon a Life’.

    "Kasama rin namin ang Ryan Cayabyab singers who’ll sing and dance with us. I will also pay tribute to the late Rico J. Puno and James Ingram by singing their hits.”

    His musical director is a national artist for music no less, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. “I always enjoy working with him because of his wealth of knowledge in music. Pag nag-request ang audience ng song, konting tipa-tipa lang sa piano at kuha agad niya. And he has remained so humble kahit national artist na siya. Always so gracious at never ko pa nakitang nagalit.”

    He himself will direct the concert on the stage of the Newport Theatre in Resorts World. “Actually, mas gusto ko yung venue ng concert ko ngayon kasi it’s a smaller one. Mas intimate ang dating kasi I can go down to the audience, talk to them, engage in some banter and I can feel closer to them.”

    Is it true he’s doing a new sitcom with his wife for ABS-CBN? “We don’t know. Walang balita so far. Basta as of now, tuloy-tuloy lang pa rin ako ng taping for ‘Home Sweetie Home’ for them. Ang matutuloy, yung stage musical na conceptualized by Johnny Manahan. Many of my old songs will be used but I’m also writing new songs for it. Pareho kaming excited ni Regine doon.”
    Tickets for “Master of Love” are available at Ticket World Outlets, tel. 891-9999, and at the Resorts World box office.
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    Jan 30, 2019

    7:45 PM
    TONIGHT IS the night for the Suklay Diva, Katrina Velarde, and she can’t help feeling tense and nervous as she’s staging her first big solo concert, “SiKAT Ako”, at the New Frontier Theatre in Cubao. Katrina is one singer who has really paid her dues, rising from poverty selling rice cakes in Tondo and being a kontesera in amateur singing contests, to be one of our top belters today.

    She has endured many battles in life, including her bout with the illness called Bell’s palsy that affected the right side of her face, making it paralyzed, including her tongue. “I thought I’d never be able to sing again,” she says. “Ni hindi ako makakain ng tama. When I’d drink, tumutulo yung iniinom ko sa sides ng mouth ko. At yun na nga, pati boses ko was badly affected. But thanks to God, after one year of medicines and therapy, nagalaw ko rin uli ang mukha ko. May konting paninigas pa rin sa facial muscles, but the important things is nakakanta uli ako.”

    And now Viva Live has given her the chance to show what she’s got in “SiKAT Ako”. “I promise to give my very best in every number,” she adds. “Director Paolo Valenciano has lined up some very good songs for me, mga naging part ng buhay ko sa showbiz. I will also do my new original song, ‘Kung Naging Tayong Dalawa’, na napakaganda talaga. I really want to thank Boss Vic del Rosario of Viva sa tiwala niya sa’kin. Sure siyang maraming manoood sa concert ko, e, and I fully trust his long years of experience as the big boss of Viva.”

    Viva Entertainment Group has truly diversified and now has several platforms. Aside from Viva Live that produces concert like ‘SiKAT Ako’, of course, they have Viva Films that produces full length local movies and their latest release is “Hanggang Saan” on February 6 with Xian Lim and Louise de los Reyes. They have Viva International that distributes Hollywood releases and their latest release is “Serenity” on February 13 starring Matthew MacConaughey and Anne Hathaway.

    And they now also have Viva International Food and Restaurant, Inc. that offers various eateries all over the city. Right now, they have different food companies: Paper Moon that is well known for its great cakes and coffee, Botejyu for authentic Japanese cuisine, Pepi Cubano for Cuban dishes, WingZone for burgers and wings and Yogorino for yogourt products, flavored milk tea and tapioca drinks. You can easily google the various outlets of these shops to go visit the ones nearest to you.
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    Jan 22, 2019

    9:31 PM
    DO YOU KNOW that a lot of stars are into baking cupcakes, like Marian Rivera, Jennylyn Mercado, Bea Alonzo, Ara Mina and Bettina Carlos? This should not be a surprise as it can be a good business, as seen in the case of James Anton Uy, winner of the Bakery Fair Cake Display in 2013. He’s a food tech graduate who used to work with a big donut company when he joined the Bakery Fair contest for the first time and won over more established bakers. He now owns Cubcakes Bakery and you can order from him in bridal fairs and online.

    Now, he’s designing the 7 ft. tall and 4 ft. wide giant cake that will usher in the fair this year, Bakery Fair 2019, to be held at the World Trade Center from February 15 to 17, a perfect post-Valentine and post-Chinese New Year affair. The giant cake he’s making is a cute pig as this is the Year of the Pig. He brought a sample during the Bakery Fair 2019 presscon, hosted by Shirley Pizarro and Wilson Flores at the Oriental Palace, and the piggy he made is just so cute.

    The Bakery Fair is held every two years, organized by the Filipino Chinese Bakery Association Inc., with Peter Fung of Ling Nam as current president, to be succeeded by William Ong of Baker’s Fair. “The fair began in 2001 to foster awareness on the importance of updating our industry on the latest trends in baking technology and ideas, equipment, ingredients, latest packaging concepts,” says Mr. Fung. "We hope the Bakewry Fair can promote, strengthen, and elevate standards of the Philippine bakery industry not only as part of the country's dietary, lifestyle and culinary culture, but also to help boost economic development through expansion of small and medium scale enterprises."

    If you want to attend the 3-day fair for free, you can do so by registering on line. If you’d go there as walk in, the registration fee is only P100 per person, no kids allowed. There will be cake baking competitions, one for more established bakers and one for first time homebakers. For the latter category, 67 new bakers have already registered to join. The prize is P80,000 and there will be 6 foreign judges from Hongkong, Vietnam, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and China.

    There will be 187 exhibitors of different baking products, equipment, supplies, packaging services and various baking seminars conducted by local and international experts during the weekend. For February 15, the seminars are Going Guiltless with Sugarlyte Baking Competition by Peotraco and Premixes for Better Quality and Cost Control by Southeast Asia Wheat Foods.

    On February 16, they have Classic Filipino Pastries by Chef RV Manabat, Divine Confection by Chef Gene Gonzales, Chocoholic Recipes by Clyden San Pedro and Bake To Go by Chef Wim de Smet by Puratos.

    On February 3, they have Artisan Cookies and Tarts by Chef Bam Soliman, Chocolate Cakes Love Affair by Chef Dan Basilio, Familiar Filipino Flaors by Tenten Casasola and Bakeology by Dr. Wilfredo Bejar of Artistan Baking Institute and Matt Galang of Atlantic Grains.

    For details, check out the FCBAI facebook account at fcbai.ph or their website, bakeryfair.com.ph and fcbai.com.ph.
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    Jan 19, 2019

    6:24 PM
    GABAY GURO is something we should all commend for what they are doing to help the plight of our teachers nationwide. Its tribute to teachers at MOA Arena was a star-studded affair attended by Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Gabby Concepcion and other top stars who paid homage to our educators. We all know our teachers are unsung heroes who are underpaid but overworked, but Gabay Guro is helping them with its various Pillars of Learning.

    First is the Scholarships Pillar which has 2,000 scholars in 52 state colleges and universities nationwide; 500 successful passers in the Licensure Examination for Teachers, plus 800 graduates, 234 of whom are honor graduates.

    The other pillars are Livelihood Programs; Housing and Educational Facilities (49 classrooms constructed and donated in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Capiz); Broadband and Computerization (47 partner schools received computer donations and broadband connection); Teachers Training (trained over 40,000 teachers in over eight training programs); Teachers’ Tribute, and the latest addition, the Innovation Pillar.

    Introduced last September at the MOA Arena Grand Gathering, Innovation Pillar will equip teachers, school leaders, school staff and other stakeholders with an empowering innovation mindset meant to connect schools, industry and communities together. Soon, Innovation Pillar will be trumpeted by the launch of the Gabay Guro app where teachers, parents and students can benefit tremendously. The interactive app can help the teacher access lesson plans, educational materials, upload grades, etc. which will also be accessible to the parent and the student.

    The last few days of 2018 gave PLDT’s Gabay Guro a fitting conclusion to its worthy endeavors by receiving an Aliw Awards trophy for Best Special Event on the occasion of Gabay Guro’s 10th grand anniversary grand gathering. This is a fitting testament to all the hard work and tireless efforts that the volunteers behind the foundation, led by Gabay Guro Chairman Chaye Cabal-Revilla, have been putting into it. The award was received last Dec. 13 at the Manila Hotel by Gabay Guro volunteers and PLDT executives Marissa Conde, Francis Bautista and Jet Tabanera.

    The citation gave the Gabay Guro volunteers more reason to gear up for a bigger, better 2019. Ms. Revilla said they see the new year as another challenge to hold more trainings and teacherfest events all over the country, continue to increase the number of scholars and partner-schools. Ms. Revilla and the Gabay Guro team of visionaries advocate that, “our nation’s children depend on our nation’s teachers to lead them to the future.”

    She added, “All these are being done towards a single-minded purpose we share with PLDT Chairman and our boss, Manny V. Pangilinan, and that is to ultimately do more for the Filipino teachers, our heroes. Ms. Revilla and her team of dedicated volunteers work behind the scenes tirelessly and for free for Gabay Guro.

    In 2018, Gabay Guro has been to the provinces of Agusan, Bulacan, Bataan and Navotas conducting trainings and workshops, and bringing the much-awaited teacherfest right to their doorsteps. Gabay Guro is now running on its 12th year, carrying with it a history littered with awards and citations. Along with its latest from Aliw Awards, Gabay Guro was also recognized by Gawad Tanglaw, Anvil Awards and from the Phil. Association of National Advertisers (PANA) and the Philippine Quill Awards.

    MVP said: “we believe in what Gabay Guro stands for. We give our all to make our teachers feel special but at the end of the day, we are the ones who feel so much more blessed. The gratitude they show is priceless. It makes everything worth it.”

    For more information please visit the Gabay Guro official website    www.gabayguro.com, and follow them on twitter and Instagram at @PLDTGabayGuro.

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    Jan 18, 2019

    1:48 PM
    Expect a powerhouse line-up at this year’s Sinulog Festival as Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo banner the list of GMA stars who will be in Cebu City this weekend as part of the Network’s participation in one of the country’s grandest and most anticipated festivals.

    On Friday (January 18), the lead stars of the much awaited GMA primetime drama series Kara Mia—award-winning Kapuso actresses Barbie Forteza and Mika dela Cruz—will be at Gaisano Grand Mall Jai Alai Cebu City for a Kapuso Mall Show at 3 p.m.  Joining them for back-to-back performances and surprises are their co-stars Jak Roberto and Paul Salas.

    Another treat awaits Cebuanos as young Kapuso actresses Kyline Alcantara and Therese Malvar of another upcoming drama series, Inagaw na Bituin, join them in the said mall show. Afterwards, the cast of the two shows will head on to Ayala Center Cebu to sing, dance, and party with their fans in a Kapuso Fiesta at 6 p.m.

    The following day, January 19, Cain at Abel’s Dingdong and Dennis will be in Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall Tabunok in Talisay City for a Kapuso Mall Show at 3 p.m. Flying in to Cebu as well are their co-stars in the primetime spectacle—multi-talented Kapuso actress Solenn Heussaff and sought-after Kapuso leading lady Sanya Lopez.

    The Cain at Abel cast will later head on to Robinsons Galleria Cebu for a fun-filled Kapuso Fiesta at 6 p.m.

    On Sunday (January 20), Dingdong, Solenn, Sanya, and Dennis will board the Kapuso Float and tour the major streets of Cebu City during the Sinulog Grand Parade.

    GMA Cebu will also have a live coverage of the parade beginning at 7 a.m. The “Pit Senyor: The Balitang Bisdak Special Live Coverage” will be hosted by Balitang Bisdak anchors Bobby Nalzaro, Alan Domingo, and Cecile Quibod-Castro, together with Balitang Bisdak correspondents Chona Carreon, Lou Ann Mae Rondina, and Nikko Sereno.

    Online, the “Pit Senyor: The Balitang Bisdak Special Live Coverage” will be seen via livestream from 7 a.m. onwards on GMA Regional TV's official website www.gmanetwork.com.

    “While 2018 has been a great year for GMA Regional TV, we believe that we can do more,” shares GMA RTV Vice President and Head Oliver Amoroso. “And this 2019, we prepared a lot of activities and surprises for our Kapuso all over the country. We are bringing no less than Kapuso Primetime King Dingdong Dantes and Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo to the Sinulog Festival. We are also treating our viewers with various mall shows featuring the most-sought actors of this generation. Even before, we believe our regional viewers play a crucial role in our success as the leading broadcast company in the Philippines. This is why we remain committed to giving them quality shows and activities on ground, on TV, and now even online,” he ends.

    All the freshest news, events, and updates about GMA Regional TV are now available on www.gmaregionaltv
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    Nov 16, 2018

    4:42 PM
    THE QUEZON CITY International Pink Film Festival is currently going and offers 64 films that capture the different facets of LGBT life. We were invited in its formal opening at Gateway last Wednesday night with Jethro Patalinghug's "50 Years of Fabulous”, a docu presenting the history of the Imperial Council of San Francisco, the world's oldest surviving LGBTQ+ charity organization founded in 1961 by flamboyant drag queen and performer Jose Sarria, the first openly gay man who ran for public office.

    The Council has helped in shaping LGBT life and social history in the last five decades. The film documents the scope of the organization’s historical evolution up to its contemporary efforts in finding relevance in the present world where it has helpd foster civil rights achievements.

    Councilor Lena Marie “Mayen” Juico, author of QC Gender Fair Ordinance says this year's lineup touches on topical themes like human rights, mental health, and the rising cases of HIV/AIDS.

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    Oct 17, 2018

    9:35 AM
    QCINEMA FILMFEST will start on October 21 and, aside from the local entries, they offer a wonderful lineup of first rate foregin titles that film lovers everywhere will surely love. The opening film is “Shoplifters”, by Hirokazu Kore-eda”, a Japanese film that won the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the 71st Cannes Film Festival. It tells the story of a family who earn their living as criminals in downtown Tokyo. Their story takes an interesting turn when they adopt a little girl despite their impoverished livelihood. This honestly sounds like the Cinemalaya entry, “School Service”.

    The closing film is “Piercing” starring Christopher Abbott and Mia Wasikowska, an acclaimed film by Nicolas Pesce based on a novel Ryu Murakami. This is a horror-comedy that tells of a man who checks himself into a hotel room to accomplish his long-time dream, which is to execute a perfect murder. But then, he meets this mysteriously unhinged call girl played by Mia.

    In the Asian Next Wave section, the entries are:

    Yeo Siew Hua’s “A Land Imagined” - Winner of the Golden Leopard Award for best film at the Locarno International Filmfest, it’s about a lonely construction worker from China goes missing at a Singapore land reclamation site, and a sleepless police investigator investigates what happened.

    Bi Gan’s “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” - A Chinese film that won the ICS (International Cinephile Society) Cannes Award, it’s a man who returns home to Guizhou and recalls the summer he spent with a mysterious woman 20 years ago.

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    Oct 11, 2018

    8:55 AM
    THE FANS OF the stars of the hit morning soap, “Kapag Nahati ang Puso”, will be in for a treat this weekend as Bea Binene, Benjamin Alves and David Licauco do a free mall show at Robinsons Novaliches this Saturday, October 13, 5 PM.

    See them do sprightly song and dance numbers as they entertain the crowd and do a meet and greet with their fans. Also on hand to entertain the fans is Kapuso Original Sound Trackn Princess, Hannah Precillas, who was the grand winner in “Bet ng Bayan”, and was the original singer of theme song of “Kapag Nahati ang Puso”.

    Be sure to be there early so you can get good seats. And be sure to tune in on “Kapag Nahati ang Puso” every morning just before “Eat Bulaga” as the show’s new episodes becomes more intriguing with new twists and revelations plus more catfights between Sunshine Cruz and Bing Loyzaga as they fight for their own place in the sun and in the heart of Zoren Legaspi.
    #ShowbizPortal #KapagNahatiAngPuso #MallShow
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    Sep 18, 2018

    10:50 AM

    GABAY GURO was conceptualized by Chaye Cabal Revilla in 2007 with a group of friends in their efforts to improve our country. “We decided it’s best to help and encourage teachers since education is the best answer to our problems,” she says.

    Now, on its 11th year and in time with National Teacher’s Month, PLDT-Smart Foundation’s education advocacy and flagship program, Gabay Guro is once again staging the annual Grand Gathering on Sunday, September 23, at MOA Arena. Organized as the biggest tribute to our teachers, it features top stars who'll entertain the teachers, led by Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera, Jaya, Gabby Concepcion, Randy Santiago, and Christian Bautista, among others. As a grand treat to teachers, Gabay Guro is also raffling off exciting prizes, including gift certificates, smartphones and gadgets, home appliances, livelihood packages, vehicles, and a brand new house and lot. The event is exclusive to teachers, and admission is FREE. For a chance to secure tickets, teachers may visit Gabay Guro's official Facebook account at www.facebook.com/gabayguro and follow its official accounts on Twitter and Instagram at @PLDTGabayGuro for updates.

    “The Grand Gathering is our way saying 'Thank You' to all our beloved teachers who dedicate their life to the invaluable role of educating our children," says Chaye, Gabay Guro’s chairperson. "They are our partners in nation-building through education, and we look forward to continuing our mission to support and uplift them as we mark our 11th year.”

    Gabay Guro empowers teachers across the country through seven pillars: housing and educational facilities; scholarships; trainings; livelihood programs; broadbanding and computerization; innovations; and the Teachers’ Tribute. Since its founding, Gabay Guro has built and donated over 40 classrooms nationwide and provided over 1,300 scholarship grants through its 47 partner schools. Of its scholars, 800 have graduated, with 234 finishing with honors. Over 500 graduates have also passed the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Over the years, more than 40,000 educators have also benefited from Gabay Guro's regular training programs, which include personality development, emotional intelligence, English proficiency, information technology, leadership, and creativity, among others.

    To promote an innovative mindset and unlock opportunities for teachers, school leaders, staff, Gabay Guro also links schools to communities and industries through workshops and interactive seminars. The organization has also partnered with local government units to bring the "Grand Gathering" experience to the provinces through the "Teacherfest" celebration, which was recently held in Bataan, Butuan, and Bulacan, and will soon be staged in Ilocos, Cebu, and Davao.

    Gabay Guro Grand Gathering 2018 is made possible with the support of Colgate-Palmolive; Devant; Enchanted Kingdom; FINTQ; Foton; Gen Korean BBQ House; HBC; Honda; Kettle Foods Corp.; Landco; Manila Doctors Hospital; Motorlandia; MPTC; MVP Rewards; MyPhone; PECCI; Penshoppe; PLDT Home; Red Planet Hotels; Reyes Haircutters; SGV Foundation; Smart; Standard Insurance; Stanford University Batch 2018; Sun; Sunsilk; Suzuki; Telescoop; TNT; and Yamaha. For more info, visit the Gabay Guro’s official website at www.gabayguro.com and follow the organization's official Twitter and Instagram accounts at @PLDTGabayGuro.
    #ShowbizPortal #GabayGuro #ChayeCabalRevilla #GrandGathering
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    Sep 17, 2018

    8:52 AM
    JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE is elated to be chosen as one of the Kapuso artists who will perform for our kababayans in California in GMA Pinoy TV’s early Christmas concert, “Kapusong Pinoy: Paskuhan at Kantawanan sa Anaheim”, a concert she’ll do with Ai Ai de las Alas, Marian Rivera, Christian Bautista, Super Tekla and Donita Nose at the Grove of Anaheim in L.A. on October 7. Local talents there who will also perform are Erwin Andaya, Sharon Rose Orozco, The Dancing Moms of LA, Clarish Enaje, Haydee Angeline and Michal Zuniga.

    “This is exciting for me as the Christmas season is always magical, a very happy time for everyone, and I’m glad to be one of the GMA Artists who will spread the joy and spirit of the early Christmas season to our Kapuso countrymen living in California,” she says. “We have prepared a wonderful and joyful entertainment package for them, full of fun song and dance numbers, pasabog performances, plus lots of comedy and we can’t wait for them to see us entertain them in Anaheim. Sana, ngayon pa lang, bumili na sila ng tickets kasi we promise not to disappoint them at mapi-feel nila ang saya ng Pasko sa Pilipinas na kanilang country of origin.”

    After “My Guitar Princess”, Julie Anne is now waiting for her next acting assignment. Meantime, her fans rejoiced when she celebrated her birthday sometime ago and she got the most saccharine greeting from her boyfriend Benjamin Alves who wrote on social media: “Happy birthday to you, my love. May all your days be filled with smiles and your world be full of pleasant surprises. Let’s continue this story and grow old together, shall we?”

    This loving message written as a poem sent their fans to the highest “kilig” levels. Julie Anne is also proud of Benjamin for his fine portrayal of the young Manuel Luis Quezon in the current historical epic, “Goyo, Ang Batang Heneral”, which is now doing well and extended in several theaters.
    #ShowbizPortal #JulieAnneSanJose #GMAPinoyTV

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    8:11 AM

    SOLAR ENTERTAINMENT sports reporter/ producer Monique Cuyugan Tuzon, who has interviewed sports stars both here and abroad, joins the Miss World Philippines 2018 pageant and she’s candidate number 14. Opera singer and actress Fides Cuyugan is her grandma. “Pinsan siya ng grandfather ko,” she says. “She helped train me in classical singing when I joined Miss Asia Carolinas in 2012 in the U.S. and I won.”

    Mo (her nickname) was born in the U.S. on May 6, 1993 then her parents returned to Manila and she stayed here for 11 years before going back to the U.S. again. The eldest of two sisters and two other stepsisters, she now holds dual citizenship as both Pinay and American. Her parents eventually separated and at 18, she became independent. She joined the Miss Asia Carolinas pageant in North Carolina and her prize was a scholarship in college.

    She now has a mass communications degree from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. NC is famous for the novels of Nicholas Sparks like “The Notebook”, “Message in a Bottle”, etc. and she says she has visited all the places mentioned in Sparks’ novels.

    How determined is she to win? “I’d do whatever it takes to win. They told me I look a bit fat at 130 lbs. so I intend to lose 10 more lbs. before the pageant’s finals at the MOA Arena on October 7. I’m also training with Aces and Queens of Jonas Gaffud.”

    Who among local actresses does she favor? “I’m not really that familiar with all of them but I really admire Anne Curtis, not only as an actress but also the way she handles her entire life and career.”

    Would she be willing to try showbiz also? “I’m open to it, I’m easy to train, but my dream really is to be a lifestyle reporter or host, especially about cooking since I love Filipino food. My grandma is Kapampangan and I just love her kare-kare and embotido.”

    How many boyfriends so far? “Only two. I had one in the States, a Caucasian but we broke up. Then I met a half Filipino-half Indian guy in Sinulog and we’ve been on since January. He’s training as a pilot with Cebu Pacific.”

    Aside from her stunning good looks, one advantage of Mo over the other candidates is her being very articulate since she’s so used to speaking in public. We’re sure she’ll easily excel in the Q&A portion. Her advocacy is supporting the LGBT community’s quest for equal rights. “My two stepsisters are both gay and my uncle, who’s my best friend, is also gay, also two aunts who are both gay rin. Marami rin akong kaibigang gay so I really support them all.”
    #ShowbizPortal #MoniqueCuyugan #MissWorldPhilippines2018


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