Arenaball Philippines Now on New Season!

Soccer might have found its way to popularity in our shore via the Azkals, but there is another football that is also gaining fans and also teams. As we might not be die hard fans of American football, but when a group of Pinoys who love the sport came up with the decision to bring the game here, players and fans appeared. The games are actually open to groups given. Now on its second season, it promises more excitement and action. Held at the Marikina Sports Center, I was amazed to see the sport up close and personal and the action is so fast yet things can get rough but fortunately they always have protective gear.

ArenaBall Philippines Inc. (ABP) is the first Philippine SEC-registered corporation to introduce American or tackle football (Philippine style) in the country, complete with football game gears and uniforms. The team comprises of mostly Filipino player with the remaining slots for foreign nationals who would also love to get into the action. They hope that the sport will grow and would spread all over the country as more and more people now know the sport and soon form team and soon a big league. Who knows, we might have our own super bowl someday.

ABP's main objective is to introduce the game, educate and invite prospective players, technical support staff and coaches, composed primarily of students and professionals in Metro Manila. ABP currently has four committed teams, the Juggernauts, Wolves, Barracudas and Bandits, to do exhibition games in schools, villages and other sports venues, with the end goal of forming other teams.

ABP is founded and established by Bernardo "Dodi" Palma II, with American partners headed by Eduardo "Jon-Jon" Yamsuan Jr.
  

Arenaball Philippines Season 2 launch is sponsored by Cushe footware, Banapple, Dragon Fireworks, and Muscletape. Here are the schedules for the games:

Fujitsu Lifebooks Suits Every Lifestyle

Mobility and Power, these are the most important things to keep ourselves updated with information and also do our task much quicker and efficient. This is why we have computers especially laptops which provides portable yet effective tools for our work or even in play. And with a lot of brands promising to provide us with a lot of features yet most of them can either be too much or too less than what we really need. Fortunately from Fujitsu, one of the world’s known brands for computer electronics, they came up with the Lifebook series which has 9 different laptops that have its own expertise and features that can cope to what one really needs and the right tools that come along with it.

LIFEBOOK SH 761

• · Light weight
• · Long Battery life (5hrs)
• · Performance Grade VGA (1GB)
• · 300nits Brightness Screen
• · High Capacity Battery
• · Spill Resistant Keyboard.
• · Green IT
• · Removable Modular Bay
• · LED RF Finger Print Sensor
• · Dust Filter
• · Scroll Wheel
• · USB 3.0

LIFEBOOK P771

· Light weight (1.3 kg)

· Long Battery Life (8hrs)

· Spill Resistant Keyboard

· Small Footprint

· 3.5G/GPS Support

· Made in Japan

LIFEBOOK LH531

· Relatively Light weight (2.3Kg)

· Long Battery life (6.5hrs)

· NVIDIA Optimus Technology (1GB)

· 4x USB 2.0: Anytime USB Charge

· Spill Resistant Keyboard

· Beautiful Color Options

LIFEBOOK NH751

· Built for Gaming

· NVIDIA Optimus Technology

· 17.3" Full HD Display

· 5.1 Speaker with DTS

· Dual HDD Option

LIFEBOOK MH330 MeeGo

· Maximun Efficiency

 Lite OS

 Optimized Performance

· A whole new user experience

 Integrated social networking

 Integrated instant messaging

 Work, Surf, Play & Enjoy

· It’s about you!

 OS Language

 Keyboard Input

 Infinity App store (coming soon)

LIFEBOOK LH701

· Business Focused

· Anti-Glare HD Display

· RF Finger Print Scanner

· XP Drivers Support

· International Warranty

LIFEBOOK BH531

LIFEBOOK SH561

LIFEBOOK AH531

One of the best things that these LIFEBOOK SERIES has is the GREEN IT technology, which helps the environment yet still keeps optimal performance for all it features. It is also save energy by reducing the current that goes into the device by revolutionizing a zero current consumption even when the laptop is plugged in to an outlet. Thus reducing the “vampire current” and save electricity.

Each Fujitsu product also has a guarantee of having undergone to a lot of test including stress tests to ensure the quality of the laptops before they are distributed to the market. Edmund Lim, Product Marketing Manager of Fujitsu Asia ensures that these laptops are of top quality. I would definitely go for a Fujitsu Lifebook laptops for my computing needs and if were to choose what would be my choice, it would be the LIFEBOOK MH330 MeeGo as it is very portable yet have all the tools I need for blogging, social networking and also writing. Plus it is handy enough to bring with my bag.

They have a lot in store for Fujitsu, and I am pretty excited for it, for now if you want the news about their products ane event just visit their facebook and fujitsu website.

MUSIC LYF: Humanfolk

HUMANFOLK

Para sa Tao

Looking for a different genre of music that combines your love of electronic and traditional instruments that are indigenous to our culture? HUMANFOLK is a  band that is composed of world class talents who are hailed as music experts in their own genre. The band is composed of Johnny Alegre, Susie Ibarra, Malek Lopez, Cynthia Alexander, Roberto Juan Rodriguez, and Abby Clutario.


Johnny Alegre is a recording artist whose pioneering albums and performances have received favorable notices from the jazz press in London and L.A., as well the Philippines.


Susie Ibarra's name is a legend in the rarefied ethno-musical avant grade genres in the global landscape, with a cachet of recordings and formidable collaborations with Derek Bailey, John Zorn, Mark Dresser, David S. Ware and so forth. She was voted "Rising star" in the 57th Annual Critics Poll (2009) of Downbeat Magazine in the Percussion Category.


Cynthia Alexander is a singer songwriter composer and multi-instrumentalist known for her prose poetry and alter tuned guitar with an ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level. She uses Philippine rhythms in a folk world format with a unique and fresh approach. Her award winning music has captured the imagination of formidable cult following in the contemporary Philippine indie music scene.


Malek Lopez is the keyboardist and Electronic musician behind the groups such as Drip and Rubber Inc. His collaborations with kindred artist such as Chris Brown and the Teichmman Brothers have bought Manila's underground electronica culture to venues of convergence in Berlin and Kuala Lumpur


Roberto Juan Rodruguez, from his heady days with Cachao and the Miami Sound Machine, is breaking ground afresh with his and Susie's fusion of electronica, ethnic music and jazz in Electric Kulintang, and with his own Afro-Cuban ensemble, Septeto Rodriguez. 


Abby Clutario is HUMANFOLK's newest principal member. She is also the longtime frontman composer of progressive rock group Fuseboxx.


Humanfolk has conceptualized as  world music project by Johnny Allegre. In 2008 , the New York based composer-percussionists Susie Ibarra and Roberto Rodriguez flew to the Philippines to make field recordings of indigenous music in Mindanao. While in Manila, the two meet met Alegre who introduced them to Alexander and Lopez. It was the concept of free expression that drew these formidable artist to the recording sessions. "We made a proposal to create music with the elements to folk," says Lopez. "Basically, we wanted to create something that we won't normally do."


Alegre brought five songs to the table, and the group embarked on a project f improvisation, modifying the songs and careening off into spectacular tangents. With musicians of such caliber spontaneity makes for a captivating suite of recorded compositions that appeals to an eclectic audience.

HUMANFOLK songs do not have title or lyrics; they are instead numbered and hummed. They were written as absolute music , says Alegre. That was part of the collaborative concept in keeping with Susie's classical and avant-grade persuasion. the numbers are movements of a suite, thus they are played in sequence. 


PARA SA TAO and BORN TALK were recorded "post Susie" and with Abby Clutario singing lead vocals. These songs, says Alegre are "Programme Music" wherein the titles are suggestive or the songs contain lyrics that impart meaning-through the lyrics PARA SA TAO are merely the letters of the Tagalog alphabet.


Humanfolk has performed in the 4th International Jazz and Music Festival, Jazz at the Ayala Museum, and collaborated with the Australian didgeredoo virtuoso, Willam Barton in celebration of Australia day.


I also asked them if they had a hard time fusing the pieces together since there could be a clash with the rhythm or the sound, but they said that you just have to have a good ear in listening to the sounds so that you can blend them together perfectly. They also have their music video and the clip available below. I highly recommend this world music for people who wants to dicover new music and also appreciate the sounds of different intruments since most of the songs don't have lyrics. And undoubtedly, with each member known for their craft and the love of music that binds them together,  they will create more amazing songs and hopefully collaborations in the future.


And now, here is there music video for the single PARA SA TAO.

Special thanks to MCA Universal Philippines, the distributor of HUMANFOLK's Album PARA SA TAO.

MUSIC LYF: Someday Dream launches Their First Video

SOMEDAY DREAM

Hey Daydreamer

Actually thats not it. This is only a video I made when I went to its launch at A. Venue. And I do admit I love the song as it is close to Daft Punk which he also performed on that night. Someday Dream is under MECCA MUSIC which is promoted by lead singer of Hale, Champ. And for this band, they have already received a lot of hits on radio charts and also a lot of young girl fans.

At first, I thought Rez is the younger brother of Champ since they have similarities. But the're not related by blood, but through music. They don't have any album yet but they have made a good impression on their first single. And I hope it is also as good as the first one. Now Someday dream fans, you don't need to wait further, here is the video for the hit song HEY DAYDREAMER. enjoy!

AboitizPower displays spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility in Albay and Batangas

AboitizPower Corp., through its wholly owned subsidiary AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI), held a series of outreach programs during the holidays in the communities where its geothermal facilities are located.

AboitizPower held the activities as its way of thanking and helping the residents of its host communities—Tiwi in Albay and Makiling and Banahaw (MakBan) in Batangas—as well as promoting the spirit of volunteerism and social responsibility among its employees.

Children’s Christmas outreach and dental mission in Tiwi

Signing of MOA between APRI Executives: Mr. Juan Alfonso SVP, Corporate Services, Mr. Januario Maralit Facility Manager APRI Makban Geo and Mr. Jose Gerald Cubias, CSR Manager and Bitin Elementary School Principal, Ms. Adoracion Quiatchon.

APRI Tiwi's 40 volunteers and 18 scholars acted as kuya (big brother) and ate (big sister) to 100 indigent children from Bgy. Putsan in Tiwi, Albay during their Christmas outreach held at the APRI administration building.

Here, the children received gifts and enjoyed lunch, games, a magic show, and a photo session with Santa Claus.

Aside from the Christmas party, they also held a “Ngiting Kumukutitap” series of dental missions for the residents of the 25 barangays of the municipality with the help of the Rural Health of Tiwi. Volunteers from the Philippine Army Dental Team and the Albay Provincial Health office as well as Dr. Jezriel Mendones were on hand to render their services. 
Around 700 residents enjoyed free dental health services that included tooth extraction and dental consultations.

APRI Executives with Dra. Loreto Leonizo, DepEd Superintendent (Laguna District),
 BES Teachers and Kinder Class of BES one of the recipients of the Upuang Handog sa Paaralan Program.

APRI Corporate Services SVP Juan Alfonso and APRI Tiwi facility management consultant Bill Ruccius graced the missions that were held at the administration buildings of barangays Joroan, Naga, Cale, Tigbi and Nagas.

Christmas outreach, free visual screening,

and school donation in Makiling and Banahaw

Kapitan Apolino Navarez giving his thank you speech

APRI MakBan, meanwhile, held its first Christmas outreach activity in the area. As with the program in Tiwi, indigent children were treated to lunch, games, gifts, a magic show, a photo session with Santa Claus an entertainment number from APRI MakBan volunteers and 13 APRI scholars.

Alfonso, APRI MakBan human resources manager Arnel Sumagui, and facility manager Januario Marali joined them in bringing Christmas cheer to 150 indigent children from Barangays Bitin, San Vicente and Limao.

APRI’s outreach activities for the month of December also included a free vision screening for nine elementary schools from seven barangays in MakBan and armchair donations to Bitin Elementary School.

These programs were part of AboitizPower’s thrust of ensuring suitable learning to the students of its facilities’ host communities.

Eye consultations were conducted to help detect and correct visual problems that may hinder them from learning, while eyeglasses were given to those who had problems with their vision.

Alfonso and Maralit, meanwhile led the turnover ceremony at Bitin Elementary School, with the donations being accepted by municipality representative Jao Cabral, Bgy. Captain Apolino Navarette, the Department of Education Laguna’s representative Dr. Loreto Leonizo, and school principal Adoracion Quiatchon.

“We are making these donations to help provide these students a suitable learning environment wherein they could nurture their dreams,” Alfonso said.

APRI’s outreach activities are testaments to AboitizPower’s commitment to go above and beyond mere power generation and distribution by initiating programs and projects for the educational, livelihood, health, environmental, and infrastructure needs of its host communities.

AboitizPower is the holding company for the Aboitiz Group’s investments in power generation, distribution, retail and power services. It is a major producer of renewable energy in the country with several hydroelectric and geothermal assets in its generation portfolio. The non-renewable portfolio consists of plants throughout the country. The distribution utilities it owns and operates are located in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (www.aboitizpower.com)

Inspired and Blessed on Location of 100 Days To Heaven

After watching the press screening of 100 Days to Heaven last Sunday, It really feels good to look forward to the show that will air on May 9, 2011. We also met with some of the cast and crew after the event and were able to talk to them for a while. And fortunately, we were lucky to go directly to the shooting location of the series to meet the cast and crew personally. And what seems to be just a simple visit turned out to be more than we expected and surely unforgettable.

We came across first the set where we recall some of the scenes and lines from the show. Of course, we won't let the moment pass by without having a short interview with them. And we were able to talk to Jodi Sta. Maria on her role as Sophia and having to portray a scam artist. She has worked with Xyriel back in NOAH, and now she is also happy working with Ms Coney Reyes.

When the kids (Xyriel and Luis) were there an on break time they have their time to rest and play around the set. Even with challenging roles they still manage to enjoy being kids. We went to the actual house of Sophia (Jodi) and we recalled the scenes from the screening just 2 days ago. It was fun to see how much effort they do to make in making a teleserye.

After that we were able to talk to Ms. Coney again, but for this interview we were able to get up close and personal with her. She said that she is thankful to the Lord for the blessings that she received when she got this show. And when she was asked how was she able to portray a personality that is opposite of her real self, she said that there is a little Anna Manalastas in all of us that comes out when we get into situations. Also with her previous show CONEY REYES ON CAMERA she has already tried different and challenging roles which molded her acting through the years. Now with 100 days to heaven, she said that she loved the character and also interested on how the story goes. After the interview, Ms Coney prayed for our group and also would like to read our blogs in the future.

The experience was indeed inspiring and a blessing at the same time, no wonder that the series caught our emotions and also moved us. Nevertheless, I do highly recommend these series for the whole family.100 days to Heaven will air tomorrow night on May 9, 2011 after TV Patrol only on ABS CBN.

MUSIC LYF: 1:43 Releases Debut Slambook-Album

1:43

Time for Love

OPM pop heartthrobs 1:43 (pronounced as “one forty-three”) have finally released their much-anticipated debut slambook-album titled “Time for Love” under MCA Music.


Now available in all major record stores nationwide, the slambook album or “slambum” features interesting and revealing trivia about the boys of 1:43; exclusive photos; and a collection of feel-good original Pinoy pop songs, including their minus one versions.


1:43 is composed of four talented, charming, and stylish lads, namely, Anjo Resurreccion, a University of Santo Tomas Psychology graduate and a member of a university theater group; Gold Aquino, a Business Administration student from the Centro Escolar University (CEU) and a campus heartthrob; Kim Nicolas, a Nursing student from Trinity University of Asia and a Candy Magazine model; and Yuki Sakamoto, an Hotel and Restaurant Management student from CEU-Makati and the main vocalist of the group.


“Time for Love” is a mini-album that contains a refreshing mix of five original and distinctly Filipino pop songs, plus their respective minus one tracks. The slambum aspires to define the sound of today’s OPM pop genre, as it brings together critically acclaimed producer and arranger Jonathan Ong of SonicState Studio and brilliant singer-composer and vocal arranger Myrus in an impressive creative synergy.


The opening track and 1:43’s latest hit single, “PiNK” (Pag-Ibig Na Kaya?), is a collaboration track with Myrus. Penned by Eric Cabahug, “PiNK” is a catchy song about falling in love. Top music blogger www.justinbreathes.com describes the song as "an example of how good Filipino pop can be."


“Para Kang” is a song composed by multi-awarded composer Jojo Panaligan. It is a witty, metaphorical expression of the miracle that is love. Fun, playful and lively, the lyrics and melody are reminiscent of the sound of 90s pop rock.


Fans will definitely fall in love with “Sa Puso Ko’y Ikaw”, a song that declares a deep, sincere and honest love. The is the first recorded song composition by Myrus--and listening to this track is like getting hit by Cupid's arrow! It’s potentially a big hit with its catchy, radio-friendly, easy-listening melody and commercial appeal.


“Time For Love”, the title track, is the only English song in the album. It is an upbeat song that gives tribute to 1:43’s cult following and their official fans club who call themselves “Time for Love” or T4L. This song is a collaboration between Cabahug, who wrote the lyrics, and Myrus, who did the melody.


“Merry Christmas Na” is another Cabahug composition. Released as a promotional single in December 2010, this is the controversial song that made the boys of 1:43 instant Youtube celebrities. The song became number one for several weeks in the P-Pop Music Chart, and has garnered over 85,000 views in Youtube.


This early, the slambum has received encouraging reviews from music critics. According to www.justinbreathes.com: “With this album, I find that 1:43 is committed to become an OPM pop act with a direction. The overall sound is genuine and distinctly good Filipino pop, something I rarely hear in mainstream music today, and something the boys of 1:43 are willing to deliver.”


“Time For Love” by 1:43 is presented by Glitz and Dreamgirl Cosmetics by 4U2 and is supported by Freshgear Jeans, Avida Towers, and the Mendez Medical Group.


More information and updates about 1:43 are available in their official Facebook fan page or you may call Chris Cahilig Talent Services at 6647213 or 6872649 and 92.

Judy Ann for Del Monte Pineapple

Judy Ann is here to cook something special, especially for the kids and kids at heart. She partners now with Del Monte Pineapples as her secret ingridient to make ordinary dishes, into extra ordinary surprizes like Adobo which is loved by 9 out of 10 kids. As she herself now is a full time mom, she make sure that what she cooks is healthy and also delicious. Graduated from cullinary school and also played roles as a chef in her teleseryes, she has a lot of experiences in the preparation and also the elements needed to satify not only her kids but also her husband, Ryan Agoncillo.

Del Monte Pineapples does give out a healthy side to dishes as it contains 5 times more fiber and also other vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Manganese and Pythonutrients from natura that help increase the body's overall health and immunity. Del Monte Pineapples are picked and packed on the same day to lock the important nutrients. The good news is, there are a lot of favorite dishes that can be "Pina-Level Up!". These are recipies for Pork Humba, Pancit Guisado and a lot more where you can add Del Monte Pineapple to add zest and nutrients to your favorite dishes. Just visit www.kitchenomics.com for recipes.

Judy Ann Santos knows her food and the ingridients that go well with it. She is very health conscious, which is why according to her, " As a mother and an avid cook, it is very important for me to give my family, most especially my kids, the proper nutrition by serving them delicious and nutritious meals. Therefore I'm always looking for new delicious and healthy recipies that will surely whet my family's appetite."

So like Judy Ann, add Del Monte Pineapples to your everyday dishes like Adobo to make it "Pina-Level Up sa sarap at sustansya". 

Blah Blah Blogs: Blessed Pope John Paul II, the patron saint of Bloggers

Aside from the Royal Wedding of the Century of Prince Charles and Kate Middleton, another worldwide event that caught the eye of the world was the Beatification of the late Pope John Paul II, which is the most loved pope of all time because of his influence especially to the youth. I myself has been inspired by his life and works that also contributed to what I am today, he affirmed my Catholic faith and also inspired me to be God's servant. And as he is elevated to the title of being Blessed, I would like to say that as a blogger I would consider him as the patron saint of bloggers or Blessed patron of bloggers, technically everywhere. I think its time for him to have that title as he himself was the pope at the age of the Internet and other technologies. His influence rippled into the world with it, he was also the first pope to send an e-mail and launch audio CDs. There were also saint who were given a patron title for new innovations like St. Claire of Assisi as the patroness of television. Pope John Paul II (also known as Karol Józef Wojtya), also started the World Youth Day which is attended by millions of Youth all over the world. And this year, it will be held in Madrid Spain, and of course I would like to go there since I have not directly participated in the world youth day 1995 where I was only in grade school back then. Truly beloved by Catholics and other faiths worldwide, he made connections with Muslims, Jews and other Religions that also paved for peaceful reconciliations. I do hope that his canonization will come in the next few years as many are now testifying by his intercession. And even just with his charisma has already won the hearts of many. 

As he is now part of Blessed Circle, she joins the rank of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and our own Pedro Calungsod, who were Beatified just years ago. And the process of Sainthood is never easy as it goes through rigorous investigation and confirmation. He is very lucky to be beatified in the span of less than 5-10 years which most would take decades or even centuries. And like what I said that he is the patron saint of bloggers, may his intercession bring more inspiration and hope for us who also speak out and evangelize using the new media.

Kuha Mo? A Second Chance happens in 100 Days To Heaven Starting May 9

A Second Chance can change your life forever, and this is coming on ABS CBN Primetime. From the makers of 'May Bukas Pa", comes another inspirational yet entertaining series, 100 DAYS TO HEAVEN.

It tells about the story of Anna Manlastas, played by both Xyriel Manabat (as the young anna) and Coney Reyes (as the adult Anna). Though a very successful businesswoman with the largest toy company in the country, she is both feared and hated by many. However, after her sudden death, she is destined to be sent to hell for her wrongdoings, she then makes a deal with the gatekeeper of heaven to give her a second chance to be worthy to enter heaven. But she has to do her mission and in just 100 days.

Veteran actress Coney Reyes has been part of several primetime shows like 'Ysabella' and 'Rubi' and Xyriel was known for her performance in 'Agua Bendita' and 'Noah'. The 100 DAYS TO HEAVEN is dirceted by Malu L. Sevilla, and other cast include Jodi Sta. Maria as Sophia, Louise Abuel as Kevin, Joel Torre as Andres, Dominic Ochoa as Bobby, Valerie Concepcion as Miranda, Rafael Rosell as Bart, Smokey Manaloto as Bruce, and Niel Coleta as Jopet.

This series will win your hearts as it not only shows the struggles of living but also contains values young and old can reflect on. I myself was moved by the scenes and can't help shed a tear but also be prepared to be entertained by the funny moments and brilliant acting of the cast that makes you want to know what happens next until the 100th day. 

100 DAYS TO HEAVEN will be part of ABS CBN primetime bida on May 9, 2011.