Exceptionally Homely at the Grand Prix Hotel and Suites Manila

One most singular trait of Filipinos, based locally or abroad, is their having close ties with their families.  Sprung from the matriarchal (patriarchal?) concept of society, handed from one generation to another since the time of Lapu-lapu; of Rizal, Bonifacio and Aguinaldo; of Ninoy, Cory and Noynoy;  culturally,  is as convenient in its economy as the tabo (dipper) in the bathroom, or the kwek-kwek  lined up beside the Baclaran Church every Wednesday.  The Gran Prix Hotels and ResortsGrnad Prix Hotels and Suites currently sprouting branches in the busiest cities in the country - particularly in Pasay, Manila, Cubao, Tarlac, Cebu and Boracay - noticeably treasures the Filipino's valuation of hospitality. 

They invited 12 bloggers, for an overnight party, at the Gran Prix Hotel and Suites, Manila on May 7, 2011, through Orange Magazine TV. Located along Mabini Street in Ermita, the low-rise Tesoro building bespoke with the rest of the city about its faintly echoing ancestry – with a quaintness depicting the period after WWII had broken loose whilst women had not.

Upon my late entrance, the receptionist, donned in a simply cut tailored suit, her hair tied up in a neat bun at the nape of her neck, flashed a coquettish smile, unmistakably an epitome of my ate (elder sister), as she extended her hand in a manner graceful as a ballerina to direct me to the elevator. Sixth floor she said. I could choose who to room with at the sixth floor, I recall her gentle instructions. I was the 9^th guest to arrive and was given a Superior Room with the fabulous Alex Dizon.

Although I found the amenities of Gran Prix Hotel and Suites Manila to have the grace of comfort well thought of, it was not until after dinner that I recognized its priceless well-meaning.

The FAST5 Experience of the IMAX Virgin

Rio, an exotic paradise rich in culture and drug lords, one that rapes its splendor from inside itself- that is how it was shown in the story – is the setting of FAST5. The fifth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise, the movie is about a team of American car thieves' cleverly pulling a $100M​+ job, while on the run from US authorities, against one of the most exceptionally corrupt businessmen in Brazil.

Incidentally, a friend was invited by Solar Entertainment to a special screening of FAST5 Rio Heist, set on May 2, 2011 at the IMAX theatre in SM Mall of Asia. Fortunately, we happened to talk a week prior in which it was mentioned that the invite included a “+1”. Proudly admitting of being an IMAX virgin, it definitely was not accidental that the “+1” privilege was awarded to me.

Now, Fast and Furious had always satisfied the audience with sexy cars, exciting road stunts and exhilarating chases; testosterone induced, muscles clenched bashing sequences; and, of course, unpredictable twists in the plot injected with more than a small dose of humor, romance and irony . FAST5 Rio Heist is greatly telling in this way, leaving the audience wanting more and looking forward to the next Fast and Furious episode.

Dole is rounding up all healthies for My Superfruit Day!

Press Release


Jon Avila, Tuesday Vargas, and Sitti on Dole’s My Superfruit Day

What do hunky Jon Avila, the funny Tuesday Vargas, and the gorgeous Sitti all have in common? They’re all happy, healthy people full of energy, vigor, and life. Happy and energetic people know how to eat well and complement their diet with a good helping of fruits.

There’s no question that fruits are an important part of a healthy diet. As the importance of having a balanced and healthy diet and exercise is becoming more and more evident, Dole celebrates My Superfruit Day, a celebration of wellness, freshness, and fun! It’s time to eat healthy and live healthy!

Shedding the Shred at the Colt 45's Shred to Slam 2011

Sometime during the '80's, a movie was made about the soul's quest for truth; about good conquering evil, and the triumph of the human spirit.  In Crossroads, Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid 1, 2 & 3) played a young guitar prodigy struggling between the pursuit of excellence and "serving two masters at the same time": the blues and classical music.  A "duel" was set in a climactic scene with Steve Vai (Frank Zappa Band, Whitesnake) as the devil's advocate.  It featured highly technical guitar shredding accompanied by soulful orchestrations any true-blue musician would love - once  realized that pretense is in the show and not on the skill.

(L-R) Arvian Bialoglovski of Colt 45, Neil Gregorio of Warner Music, Francis Reyes of NU107, Colt 45 Shred to Slam Champion Patrick Cruz, Wally Gonzales of Juan de la Cruz, Colt 45 Shred First Runner-up Jan Clyde Polintan, Manuel Legarda of Wolfgang, Colt 45 Shred 2nd Runner-up Emman Saumillan, and Joseph Consul, Brand Manager of Colt 45.

Mirroring this concept of drama and anticipation was a challenge to guitar virtuosos all over the Philippines. Colt 45, with its thrust towards promoting "real music for real men",  held a series of competitions across the archipelago by gathering the best electric guitar players in the country, to compete in the finals of  the first ever guitar shredding contest.