Blah Blah Blogs: Why Blogger, Why... and other Internet Juice

Why BLOGGER, why?

A question that linger to me last week as we (bloggers using blogspot) experienced the outage that happened to blogger.com. It was a headache for me to think that I have a lot of post to do here. I admit that I don't have a connection at home so that is why I have to go to the wifi hotspots to do my uploads and posts. But unfortunately Monday last week I was greeted by a spinning wheel inside the post area. This phenomenon caused a lot of frustration to the users of this platform. I ried several remedies like switching from draft.blogger to the regular version, even html won't work.

This made me think if I need to have a domain or change to wordpress. And I am also worried that there would be the possible future to blogger closing down (thinking of it gives me the shivers). But the outage is now gone and hopefully there won't be any additional problems especially since they will be migrating to the new blogger interface, which I have tried when I was using draft.blogger.com.

I know changes are innevitable, however I hope Blogger/Google would apply changes or upgrades without much hassle like this one. By the way, we (the Philippines) are now known to be the social networking capital of the world. And this does testify the power of the internet to the Filipinos  and even there is still poverty, people are getting more access to it every day. One proof is the the exponential rise in computer and internet users in the country. And its not far, that it could reach every island of the country.  More reasons to blog and more reasons for you to read Blah Blah Blogs!

Celebrate I Love Earth Weekends at Nuvali

Loving the only planet that we live in is the best thing that we can do for Mother Earth. Though we celebrate Earth Day every year, are we living a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle? How do we also teach our kids the importance of a Green community? We could actually find answers to those questions at the month-long celebration of I love Earth at NUVALI in Sta. Rosa. 

NUVALI is the country's larget sustainable eco-community, has put together 30 days of fun and learning designed to boost environmental education, action, and understanding topics affecting health and well-being of the world we live in; as well foster the need to protect, preserve and conserve our Earth.

The celebration kicks off on May 14, with a symbolic ribbon cutting ceremony, tree planting and a parade of Ms. Earth candidates, and unveiling of a life-sized art installation, all showing NUVALI's commitment in sustainable development. May 15, is the start of the eco-art exhibit at the Evoliving center, showcasing various art installations by Zeus Allan Bascon, Vermont Coronel , and other diverse and talented artists with environmental preservation issues as a theme. The launch was also supported by Greenpeace, a non-profit organization against pollution and wastes, as it sees NUVALI being very serious in creating a eco-friendly zone.

Mat 14 and 15, is also a weekend of health and wellness, two days focusing on what eating healthy and living healthy exactly mean.  May 14 is also a day of fun and exercise, with aerobics sessions from Slimmer's World and special yoga sessions and meditations talks by Yoga Philippines, exploring their benefits on one's physical and mental being. In continuing the theme of living healthy, a showcase of organic and healthy food; food the nourishes.

May 21 and 22 is a weekend that explores the beauty of going green, featuring talks and exhibition green technology on the 21st as well as arts and crafts; sowcasing new ways to reuse items deemed as trash. The weekend will also play host to various activities regarding lanscaping, including exhibits and workshops on bonsai and flower arrangement by the Philippine Bonsai Society and Blue Barn Flowers on the 22nd.

'SEA' of Koi

A photography weekend will be held on May 28-29 with a photo contest and exhibit with environmental awareness and protection as theme. Other activities include public art corner, encouraging the general public to create their own masterpieces with recyclable materials, tree planting where guest can pledge a tree in their name and have it planted in their behalf, and as arts and craft session where guests get to know new and innovative ways of using recyclable items and at the same time, getting a renewed sense of appreciation for our planet. A photo workshop and exhibit will be held on May 28 and an on the spot competition will be held on May 29, with winners being announced on the same day.

Aside from these activites one can also go on a eco-journey at NUVALI with its environmentally friendly facilities like the EvoCenter and Solenad and the Lagoon now known to have a 'sea' of Koi which  many people like to see. The Lagoon also provides a bird sanctuary which the HARIBON foundation found several species of birds now living in the sactuary which proved that development can also create ecologies.

With NUVALI's I love Earth celebration, the activities will inspire the public to take a stand and drive positive changes to the environment, to get the public involved and learn how every little green thing counts. NUVALI encourages everyone to get involved and take action, to embrace a better way to do things, and celebrate the planet everyday. NUVALI believes that together, we can make a difference.

Celebrate with NUVALI and pay tribute to Planet Earth with art displays and activities, in commitment to environmental awareness and appreciation. Since summer is almost over, its time to spend it with the family and friends. And with great and green amenities, you will be inspired to celebrate Earth Day everyday!

END HUNGER Walk the World for 2011!

Though the world have achieved great heights in progress and technology, there is still an age old problem that affects one of every six person in the world: HUNGER. In the Philippines, there is still an increase of people who are hungry in the past few year even though the GDP of the country rose. Its a silent  problem still left unresolved until today. However, The United Nations World Food Programme is now helping affected areas especially in Central Mindanao.

To make the program successful is continuity, and funding these projects would involve having partners in making this dream a reality. As of the moment, World Food Programme (WFP) teams up with Pizza Inc. (Pizza Hut), Uniliever (Knorr) and TNT to make sure distribution would reach the benificiaries. And also to help fund the campaign, they launched END HUNGER WALK THE WORLD.

This event aims in raising funds with a walking and running event that will be held in the SM Mall of Asia grounds on May 29, 2011. Everyone is encouraged to join, and also walk with WFP ambasador, KC COncepcion and other advocates.

You can choose from a 2K walk, 5K or 10K run for the event. Registration can be done online at www.walktheworld-pilipinas.org and pay thru bank and race kits will be delivered on or before May 28th 2011.

There will also be an onsite registration from May 2-28, 2011 at the following stores:

• ROX Bonifacio high street, Tagiug
• Brat Pack, Robinson's Place Manila
• Brat Pack, Greenbelt 5, Makati
• Columbia, North EDSA, Quezon City
• Columbia, Mall of Asia, Pasay City
• Res Toe Run, Robinson's Galleria, Pasig City
• Res Toe Run, Gateway Mall, Quezon City
• The Travel Club, Trinoma, Quezon City
• The Travel Club, Newport Mall, Pasay City
• The Travel Club, Alabang Town Center, Alabang
• The North Face, Building A, SM Megamall, Pasig
• The North Face, Mall of Asia, Pasay City
• Sanuk, The Block, SM North EDSA, Quezon City

For more information and registration you can call (02)5197010 or go to their website www.walktheworld-pilipinas.org

MUSIC LYF: Justin Bieber Grand Fans Day

JUSTIN BIEBER

GRAND FANS DAY

Although I was not able to go to the talked about and successful MY WORLDS TOUR Concert of Justin Bieber, I was able to experience something like it at the Justin Bieber Grand Fans Day held at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia on May 6, 2011.  Fans can have photos taken with a JB cutout and also post their message on the freedom wall. There is also face painting and free baller or shirt for a CD purchase. Fan can also have the chance to win VIP tickets, for the concert on May 10, 2011 on the Mall of Asia concert grounds, which excites the whole crown into screams wanting to have one.. There were also limited edition items like JB shirts and posters given to attendees. 

Loved my millions of fans especially young girls and oddly even some teenage boys, Justin Bieber did came a long way from a small town boy to worldwide youtube and music sensation. And as he tours around Asia and Australia. And they have the concert fever already even its still 4 days away.

For the Fans day there will be several acts that will perform like 1:43. And of course, they will sing some of the songs by JB. Fans who shared their message to JB via the freedom wall which looks like a giant love letter. Though not really a fan myself, I just wondered how he was able to catch the hearts of so many girls (and boys) around the world. Probably most the artists we have right now are not of the 'teen' age, and Justin Bieber was at the right place at the right time. So as of the moment, aside from the heat wave, we are also stuck with the Bieber Fever. So are you also a BeliBier?

Legend Villas Crystal Wedding Helps You Plan that "I DO"

June is just weeks away and we all know that its the wedding month. And with couples still confused on how to plan that day. Budget is also the main concern for anyone. However, you don't need to go further to have that dream wedding because there is the Crystal Wedding Packages from Legend Villas at Pioneer. You can choose from their magical Quartz or sophisticated Onyx - Bridal themes which makes truly unforgettable weddings.

"Our Cyrstal Weddings packages guarantee luxury of service, stylish set-up and stumptuous feast. The Legend Villas is your perfect venue as we take care of all fine details of your special day," said Ginger King Villavicencio, Cheif Operating Officer of Legend Villas.

The Quartz Package is ideal for couples who prefer a fairytale-themed wedding. The classical table setting reflects timeless elegance while the luminous decor accentuates an aura of magical merriment.

Stylish and Chic, the Onyx package is meant for couples who want to veer from the traditional wedding motifs. The Black and White set-up evokes a hip atmosphere of drama and high class.

Complementing the impressive venue set up is a mouthwatering array of dishes. Served buffet style, guests will certainly enjoy lip smacking food prepared by the hotel's well-trained chefs.

Thioe who wish to hold their nuptials within the hotel may do so in The Legend Villas's tastefully decorated ceremonial hall. The intimate setting is ideal for the couple's solemn exchange of vows.

The starting package rate for 100 persons cost only Php 155,000.00 Depending onf the client's chosen package, this is inclusive of a buffet meal with freshly baked breads, your choice of soup and fresh salad, four main courses, pasta and carving stations desserts and botmless beverages.

All tables will be styled with crytal trees and floral centerpieces, candles in pedestal votives, mint-filled jars and personalized menu cards. Aside from the usual registration, souveneir and cake tables, a special wish table will be provided complete with note cards, pencils and apothecary jars.

Also there are exhibitors like wackypix photobooth, Leonard Co Tailoring, Remedy All Natural Soaps and Events by the Friday Club. And with the location near EDSA yet the hotel has Filipino Inspired designs and fixtures that makes you feel your not in the crowded city. And for those who love connection, there is free WIFI, which you can share the moments and happenings in the web instantly.

It is a OPEN HOUSE event from May 13-15, 2011 from 10 am to 7 pm with food tasting and in house promo. For further inquiries call 702-2712 or visit their site www.legendvillas.com.ph.

MUSIC LYF: MYMP is Back with The Unreleased Acoustic Collection

M.Y.M.P.

The Unreleased Acoustic Collection

MYMP is back after quite some time and while they were away, the acoustic scene in the Philippines slowed down a bit but there were also the rise of other acoustic artists making cover songs. But we love the one who started it all, and although Juris left the band, they have a new member Juliet that is a promising lead vocalist and have something new to offer yet have kept the band's classic songs charisma and feel.

Now with their new album THE UNRELEASED ACOUSTIC COLLECTION, with 14 tracks that were most requested and popular songs. Some of them were the renditions they made in their past gigs that still became a hit even it was never part of any of their albums. Now as they returned, they are giving their supporters what they want and more. Similar to their albums in the past, this collection tells us something about love and its many phases: friendship, intimacy, passion, reminiscence and loss. The whole package is sure to win the hearts of the love daydreamers and hopeless romantics.

Juliet Bahala was introduced on January 24, 2010 as the new vocalist of MYMP on ASAP. Juliet, an 18-year old regional singing champ, hails from Davao where Juris also came from. The other new members of MYMP are: Jeff Lima (drummer), Hannche Bobis (keyboardist); and Ibey Haber (bassist).

Still in the run towards the title as one of the most popular band acts of the Philippines, Make Your Momma Proud or MYMP still does it better. Contrary to some false updates, the band is strongly keeping up with all five members intact and working harder than ever. To prove such is the said release of their newest song collection.

We have all been familiar to the band’s acoustic show tune and pop rock approach, and it still hasn’t failed us. In this album, they tried to improve more on the sound, making sure each version of each revived song introduces their music’s distinctiveness over the other existing renditions. Juliet  shares her soothing performance of covers of the greatest hits of the 90’s such as, THINK OF LAURA (Christopher Cross), ‘TIL THEY TAKE MY HEART AWAY (Claire Marlo), POWER OF TWO (Emily Saliers), PIANO IN THE DARK (Brenda Russell) and BABY NOW THAT I FOUND YOU (John Macleod). The said songs topped the radio charts in their time and even the Filipinos’ most frequent song entries in the karaoke, making the album a must-have. Other songs included are SUPERMAN, FOREVER BLUE, CRUSIN’ , SOMEDAY WE’LL KNOW, DON’T DREAM IT’S OVER, BUSES and TRAINS, PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE, BREAKOUT and the carrier single SWAY (Bic Runga).

MYMP The Unreleased Acoustic Collection is an array of songs that have already been performed by the band in a lot of their gigs all over the country. Apparently, the song selection is based on their most requested songs. 

After years in the business and releasing 11 platinum albums, the band, in the ownership of Jacques “Chin” Alcantara (also their guitarist), continues to produce the country’s best acoustic covers. Indeed, MYMP is ready to do it again. 

MYMP The Unreleased Acoustic Collection is now available in all record bars nationwide, released by Galaxy Records distributed by PolyEast Records for only P299.00.

Catch MYMP The Unreleased Acoustic Collection on Robinsons Malls Mall Tour dates schedule. Special thanks to Mossimo and Shimmian.

May 13 – Robinsons Sta Rosa. Laguna

May 14 – Robinsons Summit Ridge Tagaytay

May 15 – Robinsons Lipa, Batangas

May 28 – Robinsons Starmills, Pampanga

May 29 – Robinsons Dasmarinas, Cavite

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!