Marvin Agustin considers 2012 a landmark year

The year 2012 is undeniably a landmark year for Marvin Agustin, for it is this year that he has been lauded on basically all his endeavors – as a TV/movie actor, entrepreneur, restaurateur, entertainment producer, and a society mover.

Before the end of the year, Marvin bagged two important entrepreneurial awards – the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the annual Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and being one of the recipients of the MVP Bossing Awards. These awards highlight the immense contribution of Marvin as a young entrepreneur, being one of the men behind one of the most successful food chains Sumo Sam.

These achievements were acknowledged by various brands’ support to Marvin by asking him to be their endorser. Currently, Marvin is the face of brands like Knorr, Carbtrim, Tupperware, among others.

Welcoming The New Year With With Sky Lanterns at Light Up NUVALI

The New Year is upon us and ending 2012 should be something unique and significant. And I won't pass on the opportunity to try out this. On Rizal Day, December 30, We went to Nuvali, the premiere eco city in Laguna which is now becoming a popular place for people and nature, conducted their annual Sky Lantern event which will light up the Laguna sky. It will be my first time to fly these lanterns and also make a wish for 2013 and beyond.

Nuvali is also the perfect place for Sky Lanterns as it would be hazardous to fire when done in the urban area. And with the multitudes of lanterns flying up is a great sight to see as they appear like stars floating up to the sky. Which also reminds you of an animated movie which also had their annual sky lanterns. The lanterns are also specially made to prevent fire incidents with eco friendly materials. 

Well Well 2012! Where Have You Been 2013?

For the last post of the year, I want to first send a big THANK YOU for everyone who made my 2012. Yes you, the one who are reading this year-ender post. To all of you who have in one way or another have touched my life.

And I am very happy where I have ended 2012 with a more than I expected and with a lot of wins more than the fails. Going back to school, winning raffles, receiving things from friends and  events. These things affirmed my faith, boosted my morale and even pushed me to be a better person.

I do admit that there are still down times of sadness and sickness, but most of them actually provided an opportunity for recovery. RECOVERY, yes this is the word that I would describe 2012, as 2011 was one hell of a year and almost drove me crazy.

“Sosy Problems" a must-see movie this Christmas

Heart, Solenn, Bianca, Rhian topbill GMA Films’ 2012 MMFF entry “Sosy Problems”

This Christmas, GMA Films will bring summer-level heat to the supposedly cool season as it ushers four lovely and gorgeous “sosy” ladies on to the big screen with “Sosy Problems,” its official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The light comedy movie stars Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heussaff, Bianca King and Rhian Ramos with Kapuso hunk Aljur Abrenica.  

“Sosy Problems,” which opened in nationwide theatres today, December 25, is about four rich and famous ladies and their seemingly trivial, but nevertheless, hilarious sources of stress.

Their main problem, however, is that their favorite hangout place, The Polo Club, which reminds them of all the memories of their “firsts” in life – including their first kisses and love affairs – is in danger of being torn down and replaced with a mall that is not so much for the rich and famous: in other words, not a “sosy” mall.

The “sosy” ladies will do everything they can in order to stop the Polo Club owners from pursuing their plans, and they will risk everything -- even their poise and glamour – to achieve their goal.  In the end, out of desperation, they make a fool out of themselves -- and that’s the joke.

“Sosy Problems" a must-see movie this Christmas

GMA Films’ official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, “Sosy Problems,” opened in nationwide theatres (December 25) along with the rest of the entries in the annual festival. 

Directed by Andoy Ranay, the comedy film stars Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heussaff, Bianca King and Rhian Ramos with Aljur Abrenica.

Also starring in the movie are Mikael Daez as Santi, Alden Richards as Iñigo, classy character actress Cherie Gil as Martina, Mylene Dizon as Bernice, Mikey Bustos as Denmark, Tim Yap as Jamie Yap, Agot Isidro as Glory, Maritoni Fernandez as Dada, Johnny Revilla as Gabriel, Ricky Davao as Sebastian, Nova Villa as Lola Patria, Barbie Forteza as Becca, Kristoffer Martin as Israel with the special participation of Ruffa Gutierrez as Luca.

REEL DEAL: ‘Sosy Problems’: Comedy to the ‘sosiest’ level

Beginning today, Christmas Day, GMA Films will make moviegoers experience a holiday treat to the ‘sosiest’ level with “Sosy Problems,” its official entry to the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

The movie, which stars four of GMA Network’s hottest leading ladies: Heart Evangelista, Solenn Heussaff, Bianca King and Rhian Ramos with Kapuso hunk actor Aljur Abrenica, is set to deliver a different kind of comedy: one that is light and “sosy.”

“Sosy Problems” is anything but slapstick comedy, although one could dub it as ‘lipstick comedy’ in that aside from titillating the funny bones of fans of comedy films, it will surely whet the appetite of movie viewers who are interested in high life fashion. 

The movie tells about four rich, famous and gorgeous ladies who have one major problem: their favorite hangout place, The Polo Club, is in danger of being demolished and its owners are planning to build a not-so-sosy mall in its place.  The ladies will join forces and combine their resources in order to bring the demolition to a halt.  They will risk everything – even their poise and composure – to send their message across.  

Disney on Ice 2012: Believing is the Beginning

Less than 100 days before Christmas, anticipation about the annual ice spectacle at the Big Dome is reaching fever pitch. 

This year, the message of Disney on Ice is all about believing. 

This Christmas, dreams will come true in “Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes”, a beautifully created show of artistic skating and graceful acrobatics. Witness those defining moments when the wishes of eight Disney Princesses (Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Tiana), come true with the help of their devoted princes. Representing the magic of Disney, special guest and everyone’s favorite Tinker Bell takes audiences from one inspiring story to the next.

Beyond fulfilled wishes, this year’s show ushers in a world where heroes and hearts prevail. Join Ariel as she yearns to explore the world above the waves and Prince Eric as he breaks Ursula’s spell to reclaim his true love. See Prince Philip defeat the evil Maleficient as she transforms herself into a fire-breathing dragon in a race against time to rescue Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora. Be there to discover a whole new world with Jasmine and Aladdin as they evade the royal guards in a high-speed marketplace chase! And, watch in awe as the dreams of Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Rapunzel and Tiana all come true!

Families will scream in excitement as they watch Aladdin swing across the ice on a rope as he escapes from the marketplace guards in a chaotic getaway scene. And, one of the most unforgettable scenes will be that of Prince Philip fighting with a tenacious 20-foot fire-breathing dragon!

Romance accompanies adventure in the production numbers inspired by The Little Mermaid. The show illustrates how Ariel’s dreams are unlocked from under the sea in one magical moment, and how she finds happiness in an exploration above the waves.

Disney on Ice presents Princesses and Heroes is a holiday presentation from the Araneta Center, Smart Araneta Coliseum and Lactum. Official transport partners are Philippine Airlines and H&M Transport. Official TV partner is ABS-CBN. Other media partners are the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Summit Media.  Official Residence is Holiday Inn. For ticket purchases, simply log on to TicketNet Online, www.ticketnet.com.ph or call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

REEL DEAL: Bwakaw REVIEW

Cinemalaya films are penetrating into the mainstream cinema because of the reception it got from its viewers. The first one was "Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank", and now comes "Bwakaw" starring Eddie Garcia. The Film is one of the Directors Showcase 2012 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival and Competition 

Bwakaw is a drama-comedy about growing old, and everyone's fear of growing old alone. Rene is a gay man who came out of the closet at age 70. Ailing in his twilight years, he thinks it is now too late for love, even companionship, and that all there is to look forward to is Death. He has made a will, bequeathing his few possessions to his even fewer friends. Everything is packed and labeled, ready for distribution. He has even paid for a coffin, taking advantage of a funeral home's Summer Sale. Nowadays the only companion Rene has is Bwakaw, a stray dog that hangs around his house and follows him wherever he goes. As Rene waits for the day of his death, he gets the surprise of his life when it is Bwakaw who suddenly falls ill and is diagnosed with cancer. 

The Seach For The New Teen Azkals Is On!

As Football (Soccer) is the next big sport in the country with the rise of the Philippine Azkals (Philippine Men's Football Team) in winning competitions and may also lead for a future at the FIFA World Cup. Many adults and kids are getting interested and playing the games, and goes beyond being just a craze.

Summer Komikon 2012 Tomorrow!

This year Summer Komikon 2012 gets hotter just like the weather as it will be filled with komiks, komiks and many other things still related to komiks! The event has been the most awaited event of the season. It was so in demand that the Independent Komiks slots were filled in less than a day! I actually failed to get a slot, but this means I have more time to go around the place and enjoy the komikon just like I did before. So Mark your Calendars now for May 26 at the Bayanihan Center in Pasig City from 10 am to 7 pm!

Specials for this years Komikon are Elemer Damaso, Freely Abrigo and Heubert Khan Michael. There will be also the Independent Komiks Tiangge and a 24 Hour Comic Creation Contest. Get to meet your favorite comic book artists and also their latest work hot and fresh and of course have them signed!

For more information visit www.komikon.org.

Mabuhay ang Pinoy Komiks!

The 1st Catholic Social Media Summit

Times are indeed changing and the church and the the ministers are using the social media networks and other technologies in evangelization and  ‎education.  And 2012 has been declared the Year of the Mission.

And today we have now the 1st Catholic Soaical Media Summit with the theme: "Ministering Grace to this Generation"

Happening on July 14-15, 2012 at the Renaissance Convention Center, River Banks Center Marikina City, Philippines

Registration Fee: 1,000.00

For more information email them at  ypopportunities@gmail.com

Also contact them at 09164831443 / 09321469436 / 09228426820

Telefax: (02) 709-64-86

This event is brought together by the Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines, CBCP Commission on Mission, Youth Pinoy, Plus Big and the Catholic Media Network.

May Events Fiesta!

May brings so unexpected events that I am very excited to cover and also be a part of. Aside from the endless fiestas and santacruzans in different parts of the country, May also brings a lot of milestones for the year 2012.

The search for the best songs of this generation will have its champion and will spark a new revolution of creating more OPM songs that will become timeless classics. The deadline of the submission of entries is on May 10, 2012. Also today, is Mr. Cayabyab's Birthday! Happy Birthday Maestro!

The most awaited sporting event in the country bringing the best athletes from the islands of the Philippines cme together in the beautiful province of Pangasinan for the Palarong Pambansa 2012. This Sporting event is said to be the most interactive and digital in the history of the games. This will happen from May 6-12, 2012.

The very first blog conference in the Cordillera Region which brings bloggers from Baguio and the nearby provinces. This will happen on May 19, 2012 at University of Baguio Square Hall.

REEL DEAL: The Avengers REVIEW

It took about almost 4 years as it has been the most awaited movie with 5 movies to pave the way for its worldwide debut. The Avengers bring together the earth's mightiest heroes namely Iron Man, Captain America, Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, and Black Widow and the S.H.I.E.L.D. led by Nick Fury. There is also a lot of pressure among the producers, writers and also the cast as this has been the movie everyone has been waiting this 2012.  It is also brings the biggest names like Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America,  Mark Ruffalo as Dr. Bruce Banner/ The Incredible Hulk, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton / Hawkeye, Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill and also apperances of Clark Gregg, Stellan Skarsgård and Gwyneth Paltrow as Phil Coulson, Erik Selvig and Pepper Potts respectively.

The movie has exceeded my expectations and also happy to see the unlikely yet very entertaining characters. Also a great debut film for Hawkeye who has not have his own film. You will also get to know the secret organization S.H.I.E.L.D. and the people that runs the organization.  

I did enjoy the movies and each of them brought great anticipation for comic fans and non fans together, and even you might have never seen the previous films still makes every scene something to watch out for. And they have also been familiar to the public as the characters have been in comic books, TV series and also earlier movies that made their names familiar for generations. 

MUSIC LYF: Earth Day Jam 2012

The biggest street party music tribute will be happening on  April 28, 2012 at the 9th avenue in Boni High St., Bonifacio Global City as we celebrate this year’s EARTHDAY JAM 2012 ! 

EARTHDAY JAM, the musical marathon for Mother Earth, on its 12th  year  shows no signs of slowing down as it starts  at 6 PM, with guitar donning, drum beating music ambassadors of Mother Earth in various genres as diverse as world music, alternative, rock, reggae and acoustic. Kicking off the festivities are salsa-samba El_Martinos drumbeaters whose performance segues to the Philippines premier Brazilian-fusion artist Nyko Maca with band Gafeiera. These will pave the way for an exciting journey of various musical performances from folk guru Noel Cabangon to the reggae laced set of Peace Pipe, an internationally renowned group who has won several awards abroad including “Artist of the Year” from Zim Carib radio in New Zealand. The pop-rock set will be dominated by women-fronted bands Imago, and jazz pinoy soul quartet, Sino Sikat. The rock-alternative scene, on the other hand, will bring in major bands, Kjwan, Mayonnaise, Radio Active Sago Project with witty frontman Lourd De Vera  along with veteran artist-producer Lou Bonnevie. Boni High St. regular habitués are out to get a dose of modern 60’s with Bloomfields  and the 80’s babies will reminisce with True Faith’s long list of hits from “Perfect” to “Huwag Na Lang Kaya”. Pop sensations Nina and Juris will dish out their hits while pledging to Mother Earth on breaks while pop-novelty act Tanya Markova delivers their string of hits including the fave “Picture Picture”. All these music are interspersed with environmental tips from various speakers representing “green” NGOS and various leading government agencies. Splashes of AVP’s & envi-music videos will also dominate the video screen as bands perform. There will be “advocacy” booths near the stage, fronted by DENR, Greenpeace, Tieza, among others that will be open to the public starting at 4pm showcasing various “green” products and various campaign enlistment.

VISITA IGLESIA DIARIES 2012 (PART1)

Like I have experienced, the journey of 14 churches for Visita Iglesia is better as a personal retreat with God. The tradition has been popular with Pinoys because its provide a chance to  travel during the Holy week especially when malls are closed and there is no regular programming on TV.  It's actually a great time to bond with family and friends this week. 


As my family are quite far from me, I usually go visita iglesia on my own for the past few years now and for this journey, I made another Visita Iglesia Diaries dedicated for this holy week. 

VISITA IGLESIA DIARIES 2012 (PART2)

For this second half, the churches might be sometimes close to each other, the feel and experience with each of them is really different though there are all i just one city. the feel of each one is one of a kind and makes you want to kneel down and pray. As most of the churches are indeed nearby, my feet are also getting tired as well as my knee from walking at distances with also a difficult terrain that could injure the feet.


The whole trip was tiring but at same time, very touching as each step and sight gives more than just history but also a more meaningful message.

MUSIC LYF: Smash TV Series Soundtrack

SOUNDTRACK OF NBC HIT “SMASH” SET FOR RELEASE IN MAY

Fan-Favorite Original Tunes and Covers to Be Included

NBC and Columbia Records announced that the soundtrack from the first season of NBC’s musical hit “Smash” will be released in May 2012. The soundtrack will be released in the Philippines by Ivory Music & Video, the exclusive licensee of Sony Music. 

The highly anticipated album will feature stars Katharine McPhee (Karen), Megan Hilty (Ivy Lynn) and other cast members performing the original music created for the show’s narrative and for the musical-within-a-musical.  The freshman series already has been renewed for a second season.

Highlighted on the album will be the Broadway-caliber songs written for the series by Tony and Grammy winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The “Smash” album will also include some of the pop tunes that have been adapted for the show, such as Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful,” the show-stopping song that Karen sings so effectively for her audition that she is plucked, literally, from obscurity to audition for the musical’s starring role.  

Visita Iglesia Diaries

As we are in the Holy Week, malls are closed, a very long weekend and also a tricky weather I would pressume but this is also an opportunity for us to reflect, rest and also to temporarily  disconnect from our hectic lives. After Misa de Gallo Diaries, and Traslacion 2012, here I go again with my personal devotion and shared here in the blog. Today I start my Visita Iglesia Diaries. 

The journey starts today, I hope I would be able to share things and places of worship that others can also find inspiration in which I also did. So stay tuned and I hope to also bump into several friends along the way. For now, here are the videos I made last year for the Visita Iglesia back in 2011.

May you have a meaningful and blessed holy week!

Electrolux Design Lab Theme 2012: Design Experience

Electrolux Design Lab’s 10th Anniversary challenge to international design students is tied to Electrolux professional heritage in a theme that stimulates all senses.

Electrolux Design Lab is a global annual design competition inviting students and recent graduates of industrial design to compete for a six-month paid internship and prize money by submitting ideas that develop the sensory experience of home appliances. This year the jury will also take special note of the aesthetic qualities of the concept and the way textures and surface materials have been used.

Brief: Design Experience

As demonstrated in the Cube by Electrolux, the world of professional cooking is all about the experience. It’s not about achieving the perfect inner temperature of a steak for the sake of science or performance. It’s about designing the best possible experience for your guests. The creative force behind the experience is the merger of intuitive and innovative appliances with the creativity of the chef and carefully selected high quality ingredients. 

XSTIG: Dell Launches 12th Generation Servers

Dell announced a portfolio of blade, rack and tower PowerEdge servers optimized for use in demanding enterprise environments. As the only one of the top five server vendors to grow server revenues in Q4 2011 with 9.7 percent year-over-year revenue growth , Dell continues to innovate to deliver features that are industry firsts and make the PowerEdge 12th generation servers the company’s highest performing, most manageable servers ever. With this new server series, customers ranging from small businesses to hyper-scale data centers can help maximize efficiency by streamlining and automating operations, help achieve better business application performance and business continuity.  

“Dell designed the new PowerEdge servers with input gathered from more than 7,700 customer interactions in 17 countries across four continents,” said Christopher Papa, Country Manager, Dell Philippines. “Our customers told us that they need end-to-end solutions to handle the complex workload problems they face every day. As such, we built our new generation of servers, systems management and workload solutions to address the needs of business end users who require maximum performance to run mission-critical applications and IT departments which demand more efficient, secure and reliable operations.” 

PowerEdge 12th Generation Server Portfolio 

The new PowerEdge R820, R720, R720xd and R620 rack servers, the M620 blade server, the T620 tower server and C6220 based on a shared Dell infrastructure server built on the Intel® Xeon® processor E5 product family are the foundation of a complete, flexible IT solution including Dell’s extensive portfolio of storage, networking and client components and professional IT services. The next-generation PowerEdge servers, along with systems management and workload solutions, are designed to deliver performance and management gains to effectively power the most demanding applications, including collaboration, IT and web infrastructure, high performance computing, decision support and business processing.