Sabado, Disyembre 16, 2017

“This is our way of showing support and solidarity with the Filipino people – to be able to contribute in the rebuilding process.  Music is one of the things that threads through every person, regardless of age, religion, culture, and socio-economic bracket.  We are committed to help the communities that we serve, especially in times like these that we have to come together to rebuild not just the physical structures, but most importantly, the lives of the people. ”~Stephan Czypionka, Marketing Director of Coca-Cola Philippines

I am one of the people who joined last December 9, 2017, for the Coke Studio Live Benefit Concert at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.  And enjoyed some of my favorite Coke Studio artists live on stage. 

The youth donate their empty bottles to help fund the construction of a Little Red Schoolhouse for Marawi children

Plus I showed support by bringing empty Coca-Cola PET bottles for a recycling drive that would help contribute to the construction of a Little Red Schoolhouse for Marawi kids. 

“We are committed in helping rebuild Marawi and the communities impacted by this conflict.  In partnership with relevant government agencies, we in the private sector will be bringing our sustainability initiatives to the area.  Our 5by20 entrepreneurship programs will be provided for the spouses of soldiers deployed in Marawi, while water systems will also be installed in the communities.  We’ll also build a Little Red Schoolhouse.”  ~Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, Public Affairs and Communications Director of Coca-Cola Philippines

Coca-Cola Philippines brought thousands of teens together to help rebuild Marawi through a unique benefit concert that celebrated the Filipinos’ love for music as it empowered the youth to move as one creative force for a great endeavor.  Coca-Cola Philippines committed to building a Little Red Schoolhouse as part of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation’s (PDRF) United4Marawi campaign. 

Bringing music back to Marawi

It was a night filled with music and hope shared their voices and talents for Marawi.  Their amazing performances included renditions of Christmas favorites as well as their groundbreaking collaborations with Coke Studio artists including:

Noel Cabangon &

Curtismith

Noel Cabangon and Curtismith dedicate the empowering lyrics of their Coke Studio collaboration “Payong Kaibigan” to the victims of Marawi

The vocalist of UP’s STLO belts out the lines of the university bands’ special composition for the people of Marawi

Gracenote

Gab and John of Urbandub

Moonstar88

The Ransom Collective

Autotelic

BP Valenzuela

Sandwich

To further involve the youth in the advocacy, Coca-Cola also selected artists from the top UAAP schools: SLTO of the University of the Philippines Diliman, PAPA PETA of University of Santo Tomas, The Cohens of Ateneo de Manila University, and Matt Junasio of De La Salle University to perform an original collaboration piece.  Other artists from different universities were also present to entertain the crowd in the pocket stage at the Tunebayan area. 

All the Coke Studio artists unite to sing a moving rendition of “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” for the people of Marawi

Aside from the upbeat performances, there were also several emotional moments.  Coke Studio artists Noel Cabangon and Curtismith led the audience in observing a few minutes of silence as they offered a prayer for the victims of Marawi.  Afterwards, they both sang the empowering lyrics of their collaboration “Payong Kaibigan”.  There was also a special group performance where the Coke Studio artists all sang “Oh Come, All Ye Faithful” to inspire unity in supporting the Maranaos especially this Christmas season. 

Thousands of people come to show their support for the worthy cause at the Coke Studio benefit concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds

During the event, attendees enjoyed exciting activities like singing along to their favorite tunes at the Coke Studio Karaoke and receiving personalized Coke bottles with their names on the labels at the Coke Jukebox.  There was even a Christmas food fair and bazaar where guests feasted on good food, best paired with a refreshing drink. 

Overall, it was a great night worthy of its even greater advocacy which showed just how music truly unites and inspires Filipinos to come together. 

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands and nearly 3,900 beverage choices.  Led by Coca-Cola, one of the world's most valuable and recognizable brands, our company's portfolio features 21 billion-dollar brands, 19 of which are available in reduced-, low- or no-calorie options.  These brands include Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero, Fanta, Sprite, Dasani, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply, Del Valle, Georgia and Gold Peak.  Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, we are the No.  1 provider of both sparkling and still beverages.  More than 1.9 billion servings of our beverages are enjoyed by consumers in more than 200 countries each day.  With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our company is focused on initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint, create a safe, inclusive work environment for our associates, and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate.  Together with our bottling partners, we rank among the world's top 10 private employers with more than 700,000 system associates.  For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com, follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo, visit our blog, Coca-Cola Unbottled, at www.coca-colablog.com or find us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company. 

Huwebes, Disyembre 14, 2017

“Christmas is a special occasion in the Philippines, but it’s also one of the busiest and most hectic times of the year, especially in Metro Manila.  At Shopee, we offer both savings and convenience for Filipinos when it comes to completing their festive shopping online, so that they can spend more time with their families and friends. ”~Terence Pang, Chief Operating Officer of Shopee

Philippines will always be the most festive and fun you will ever see int he world who celebrates Christmas and to add up the longest country who do celebrate the season.  Together with Shopee with the them Paskong Pilipino we get to wear our traditional Filipiniana outfit last Novemebr 29, 2017 at Shangri-la The Fort. 

Lots of Games and Raffle prizes was given away durign the event and one of the highlights is shown int he video with co-bloggers getting a bit drunk while dancing (don't worry no one gets drunk during the game hehehe). 

This Christmas, Filipinos can check off their Christmas shopping lists from the comfort of their homes with Shopee’s free delivery and cash on delivery options. 

To add to the festive cheer, from 11 November to 25 December, the Shopee Super Christmas Sale will be featuring huge discounts across popular gift categories including Health & Beauty, Home & Living, and Mobile & Gadgets. 

On December 11 and 12, shoppers can also look forward to non-stop exciting promotions, including P12 deals, discounts up to 90% off, giveaways, flash deals and many more.  Participating brands include Cosmetique Asia, Unilever, Timeless Manila, Coca-Cola, Polaroid, Imarflex, Indoplas, and Infinix. 

There is no better way to get your Christmas shopping done than on Shopee. 

About ShopeeShopee is the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.  It is a platform tailored to the region, providing customers with an easy, secure and fast online shopping experience through strong payment and logistical support. Shopee aims to continually enhance its platform and becomes the region’s e-commerce destination of choice.  Shopee has a wide selection of product categories ranging from consumer electronics to home & living, health & beauty, baby & toys, fashion, and fitness equipment. Shopee, a Sea company, was first launched in Singapore in 2015, and has since expanded its reach to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.  Sea is a leader in digital entertainment, e-commerce, and digital financial services across Greater Southeast Asia.  Sea's mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology and is listed on the NYSE under the symbol SE. 

“The viewer response to Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 has been truly overwhelming on both pay-TV and social platforms and we are thrilled to produce such a well-loved series for AXN audiences across the region.  I extend my warmest congratulations to The Sacred Riana and to all the other grand finalists who made it so far.  Asia’s Got Talent is the world’s biggest talent show and we hope that the series inspires the next generation of Asia’s stars to pursue their dreams.  Our esteemed judges, David, Anggun and Jay, have been integral to the
Asia’s Got Talent experience this season.  Their quick wit, immense style, humor
and insightful advice helped secure Asia’s Got Talent as the number one series
on pay TV every Thursday night. ”~Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia

The Sacred Riana Winner Asias Got Talent Season 2

Marie Antoinette Riana Graharani or better known as The Sacred Riana, spooked Asia and an illusionist of very few words and does not break character even off-stage, appeared to single out and petrify judge Anggun in each of her acts.  After 10 riveting weeks and hundreds of acts from 15 countries, Asia has voted ‘possessed’ Indonesian illusionist The Sacred Riana as the winner of Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 on AXN. 

The Sacred Riana Winner with Asia's Got Talent judges

David Foster, Anggun, Jay Park

She becomes the most anticipated act of the season.  In the grand final, The Sacred Riana made a star tattoo suddenly appear on the superstar’s hand, before disappearing into a small box and re-emerging seconds later behind a shocked Anggun.  Her spooky persona and terrifying magic tricks during the judges’ auditions, semi-finals and grand final episodes collectively achieved over 70 million views on Facebook and YouTube, making her a global sensation. 

The Sacred Riana faced serious competition in last week’s grand final show and was up against the season’s most dynamic and popular acts including:

Runner-up DM-X Comvalenos from the Philippines

Mongolian digital dance/artist Canion Shijirbat

Malaysia-based illusionist Sobhi Shaker

Indonesian harpist and singer Angela July

ADEM Dance Crew from Kyrgyzstan

Ukulele child prodigy Feng E from Taiwan

Beatboxer Neil Rey Gracia Llanes and Urban Crew both from the Philippines

The hit-rated season of Asia’s Got Talent culminated with powerhouse judges, David Foster, Anggun and Jay Park taking over the stage with individual performances.  David delighted the audience on piano with his world-famous piece, “Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire”; Anggun dazzled with her new single “What We Remember” from her latest album ‘8’; and Jay Park performed the world premiere of his new single “Forget About Tomorrow” with Yultron, backed by eight Korean hip-hop dancers. 

Asia’s Got Talent is the 67th adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia.  The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries. 

Asia’s Got Talent is supported by presenting sponsor Traveloka, the leading travel booking app for all flight and hotel needs; sponsoring partner Great Eastern Life, the market leader in the conventional life insurance business and the largest life insurer in Malaysia by asset size; GoDaddy, the world's largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures and 100Plus, the number one isotonic drink. 

In the Philippines, Asia’s Got Talent is brought to you by Cherifer, Tangkad Sagad, KFC Delivery and Vivo Smart Phone.  Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading business, leisure, and entertainment destination, is the official venue partner of Asia’s Got Talent. 

Ultimately, it was The Sacred Riana who rallied the most votes to take home the grand prize of US$100,000, courtesy of presenting sponsor, Traveloka. 

About AXN

AXN is Asia’s leading general entertainment channel, featuring exclusive top-rated drama series, blockbuster features, reality programs and groundbreaking original productions.  The channel appeals to a discerning audience seeking content that is smart, intriguing and unexpected, all delivered close to US telecasts.  From The Blacklist and MacGyver to Asia’s Got Talent and The Amazing Race Asia, AXN is defined not by a genre, but by an attitude that truly redefines action. 

Launched first in Asia in 1997, AXN is a global channel brand with a presence in Latin America, Africa and Europe.  In Asia, the channel is enjoyed in 126 million households across 19 territories and is available in both SD and HD. 

AXN Asia is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, which also operates leading channels including Animax, Sony Channel, ONE and GEM. 

Lunes, Disyembre 11, 2017

"This particular production is by far the largest Disney On Ice show we currently have touring bringing together everyone's favorite Disney characters from Snow White, Donald Duck, Mickey ouse and Minnie Mouse to Elsa and Anna.  Our vision is for audiences everywhere to dance and sing along to their favorite Disney songs, so we've included 30 tunes that they know and love. "~Nicole Feld, Producer

Ultimate Disney Stories Experience features more than 50 Disney Characters will come to life at the Mall of Asia Arena, it's like watching different Disney movies in one and I am excited to see them all sing and dance.  My nephews will also be very to happy to see the special appearance by the Stars of Disney's Zootopia characters in an exclusive show. 

"This is a show, more than any other, that is truly for everybody.  When I sit with the audience, I see those that are grandparents, like I am, enjoying a lot of the classic Disney stories, while young kids and young parents really respond to Frozen and all the latest Disney stories and animation. "~Kenneth Feld, Producer

Grab your Mickey ears and get ready for the celebration of the century at Disney On Ice celebrates Everyone's Story.  Produced by Feld Entertainment, a sing-along score of melodious masterpieces, stunning choreography, beautiful costumes and intricate sets. 

Guest will also enjoy a special appearance by royal sisters Anna and Elsa from the number-one animated feature film of all time, Disney's Frozen.  Enter the kingdom of Arendelle and journey up the North Mountain with hilarious snowman Olaf and rugged mountain-man Kristoff as they help the sisters discover that true love conquers all. 

The collection of Disney melodies includes family favorites like:

Hakuna Matata

You've Got a Friend in Me

Let it Go

Turtle Rock

At Last I see the light

A whole new world

A captivating show with a cavalcade of Disney characters, the father-daughter producing duo of Kenneth Feld and Nicole Feld called on the best and brightest in the business.  With Director Patty Vincent leading the way and creative team of choreography and designers, Disney On Ice celebrates Everyone's Story is sure to be a timeless favorite among all Disney fans. 

Christmas comes early at the Mall of Asia Arena as tickets are now available for as low as Php 190.00.  With official sponsor PLDT Home Fibr and associate sponsor Metrobank Card, Disney on Ice invites you to celebrate Everyone's Story this December 25, 2017, to January 3, 2018, with a wonderful experience you and your family will never forget. 

Disney on Ice celebrates Everyone's Story is on sale today at www.smtickets.com or in SM Cinema ticket booths nationwide.  Watch your favorite Christmas story on ice unfold at @MOAArena on Instagram and Facebook.  Now that's a celebration every Disney fans should watch out for. 

Linggo, Disyembre 3, 2017

Horticulture is the science and art of growing (plants) – fruits, vegetables, flowers, and any other cultivar.  It also includes plant conservation, landscape restoration, soil management, landscape and garden design, construction, and maintenance, and arboriculture.  In contrast to agriculture, horticulture does not include large-scale crop production or animal husbandry. 

I Love Plants no matter what the shape and color it is... if only I had my own huge garden I would love to grow different plants, flowers and event vegetables if could. 

Nowadays living int he metro with all the hustle and bustle of pollution and noise I came to realize while I take a glance of all the beautiful indigenous & hybrid plants how do they manage to breathe a clean air because I do believe they also have lives and needs a clean air to breathe as well as water and sunshine to keep them alive.  And then seeing all of those masterpieces made me think still that what a wonderful world we live in having those little work of art in a form of plants...

How rarely do we find plants that are rare and can only be found in a certain area such as one of which is Waling-waling that is proudly found only in the Philippines and nowhere in the world? 

What are a Horticulturists

Horticulturists apply their knowledge, skills, and technologies used to grow intensively produced plants for human food and non-food uses and for personal or social needs.  Their work involves plant propagation and cultivation with the aim of improving plant growth, yields, quality, nutritional value, and resistance to insects, diseases, and environmental stresses.  They work as gardeners, growers, therapists, designers, and technical advisors in the food and non-food sectors of horticulture.  Horticulture even refers to the growing of plants in a field or garden. 

The Philippines has several active horticulture societies that hold regular plant shows throughout the year.  To mention a few these includes:

The Philippine Orchid Society

Philippine Horticultural Society

Philippine Bonsai Society

Los Baños Orchid Society

Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. is one of the most known among who documents societies’ events and winners.  And speaking of events Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. will be having an event entitles "HortiKultura Filipina 2018" on February 2 - February 11, 2018, at The Gardens of Quezon Memorial Circle & QCX Museum, Quezon City. 

New attractions are the Terrarium, Aquascape and Vivarium Exhibits, Edible Urban Landscapes and a lot more!  A series of lectures and workshops for the 10-day duration will be provided to upgrade information on horticulture and related topics, to spell out business opportunities on horticulture and relevant topics on native plants conservation, landscaping, orchid growing, etc. 

Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. The mission is to unite hobbyists, horticulturists, commercial growers, and lovers of plants into a society for the attainment of the organization’s objectives. 

It is celebrated annually, together with its partners, as the largest horticultural event to be held in the Philippines.  To know more about Philippine Horticultural Society, Inc. follow their social media accounts https://www.facebook.com/phsi76