MUSIC LYF: Markki Stroem - Thousands of Pieces (Album)

Singer - songwriter - theater actor and now being tagged as “Sexy Soul/Jazz Artist” Markki Stroem may have been introduced via the talent show Pilipinas Got Talent years ago, but it was last year that the public realized how gifted he is as a musician when he released an original song and music video online and on MYX “Steal Your Soul”, easily topped the charts and stayed there for couple of months. The song highlighted the distinct sound of Markki and unique songwriting style.

Because of the favorable response the song received, he was given the chance to star in a concert “Make Me Sweat” last February in Music Museum with the G-Force and now released his much awaited debut album “THOUSANDS OF PIECES” produced by Cornerstone Music. The CD includes his carrier single -  a jazzed-up cover of Carley Rae Jepsen’s hit song “Call Me Maybe”, which is currently becoming a big radio hit. Markki also gave Britney Spear’s “Toxic” an exciting twist which is definitely a surefire hit once released.

Homemade food still best for tots, says Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan

Many busy moms nowadays have no time to prepare nutritious baby food. But when opting for store-bought bottled food, moms are not assured of the freshness and quality of these mixes, and that is why homemade food are still the better choice, says mother of five and Philips Avent brand ambassador, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan.

 “I am very particular when it comes to feeding my children. While there are many respectable brands of bottled baby food in the market, I still believe that nothing compares to homemade food that has been greatly thought out and considered for baby’s particular needs,” Maricel explains. 

MUSIC LYF: JAMES MORRISON Live! In Manila -The Awakening World Tour

A special evening is in store for Filipinos as the English singer-songwriter and guitarist JAMES MORRISON performs in Manila on October 9, 2012 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

JAMES MORRISON achieved worldwide success in 2006 with the release of his debut single “You Give Me Something.” His first album, Undiscovered under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines), debuted at the top of the UK Album Chart and sold millions of copies, making him the biggest-selling British male solo artist in 2006. The album, which also has the hit singles “Wonderful World,” and “The Pieces Don’t Fit Anymore” won him a BRIT Award in 2007 for Best British Male Solo Artist.

Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal reignite onscreen tandem via Pinoy remake of COFFEE PRINCE

Fall in love all over again with the all-time favorite Koreanovela COFFEE PRINCE as GMA Network brings to primetime TV the Pinoy remake of the well-loved drama series. It will replace One True Love beginning October 8 on the Telebabad block.

Coffee Prince became one of network’s highest-rating Koreanovelas in 2008 and captivated the hearts of Filipino viewers for its engaging storyline, witty dialogues and endearing characters. 

And to reprise the immensely popular characters of Arthur and Andy in the Pinoy adaptation is the hottest and sought-after loveteam of Aljur Abrenica and Kris Bernal. The two Kapuso artists are both primed to star in this romantic-comedy series with their excellent onscreen chemistry and natural acting skills.

MUSIC LYF: The Killers - Battle Born (Album)

The Latest and Greatest Chapter from THE KILLERS!

From out of the wreckage of the American Civil War, the great state of Nevada came into being on October 31st, 1864. Its creation immediately helped to secure the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment and, ultimately, the future of the union. Today, that proud but painful history is enshrined in the two words emblazoned on the upper left-hand corner of the state flag: ‘BATTLE BORN’.

That phrase has always resonated with Brandon Flowers. It’s what THE KILLERS named their studio in Las Vegas, and when the band reconvened last May to start work on the follow-up to 2008’s Day & Age, it became first a song title, then a thematic touchstone, and eventually the name of the album itself. But not all battles are blood and thunder: after a yearlong hiatus that saw three of the four Killers launch solo careers, they quickly discovered that timing and circumstance can be daunting adversaries in their own right. Safe to say, Battle Born’s title was well-earned. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, no question,” says Brandon. “It’s the longest we’ve ever taken to make a record, and the longest I’ve ever spent on the lyrics. We thought we had enough songs, but then we realised that we didn’t, and so we had to pound away and grind it out until we were certain that we were ready.”

FASHIONISTA: 75 Legendary Years of Ray-Ban

leading eyewear brand Ray-Ban is celebrating its 75^th anniversary through its Ray-Ban Legends communication campaign.  Branded Lifestyle, Inc., exclusive distributor of Ray-Ban in the Philippines is spearheading initiatives that highlight the commemoration of Ray-Ban’s 75 remarkable years in the industry – from its historically relevant beginnings to its iconic status at the present.  

Ray-Ban Legends tells the history and the spirit of 75 years of being yourself and freely expressing your beliefs and personality. Since its creation in 1937 and up to the present day, honouring the values of authenticity and uniqueness constitutes the DNA of Ray-Ban.

Icons and legends of the past, present and future: this is the key message of Ray-Ban Legends. Shot by photographer Mark Seliger in California, the campaign frames seven legendary moments (one per decade), each inspired by a real life and particularly iconoclastic figure. Every character wears a Ray-Ban Icon. Each image evokes a specific story and is epitomized by the chromatic tones that are faithful to the relevant decade (black and white, sepia and, naturally, colour).

Who WIll Guest At "Sarap Diva" Pilot Episode?

Kitchen Master Chef Boy Logro and Queen of the Newsroom Jessica Soho join Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in Sarap Diva’s pilot episode

This Saturday (October 6), join Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid as she shows off her culinary expertise and whips up delightful dishes via her newest cooking talk show, Sarap Diva.

For its pilot episode, Regine shares how she cooks Ogie's favorite sea bass dish. She also welcomes into her kitchen two royal guests: King of the Kitchen Chef Boy Logro and Queen of the Newsroom Jessica Soho.

The Master will divulge the recipe that earned him the respect of the King of Oman. This recipe was so well-loved by the King that he was promoted to be the head chef of the royal kingdom. He will teach Regine how to cook his recipe of PORK LOIN RACK.

Avida Settings community center mall for quality, sustainable living

RESIDENTS OF AVIDA PROJECTS in Cavite will soon enjoy leisure and convenience with the construction of a commercial center situated beside Avida Settings Cavite.  The mall with a gross leasable floor area of 10,000 square meters will house over 70 stores and 40 dining choices.  

The mall aims to serve and give convenience to the residents of Avida communities along Molino-Paliparan Road and the surrounding developments.

According to Tess Tatco, Marketing Manager of Avida Land Corp., the construction of the community center is consistent with Ayala Land’s thrust of building sustainable communities in all its developments. Ayala Land is Avida’s mother company. 

Revisiting I-Witness' 'Kubling Yaman ng Cama Juan'

There are hidden riches in the far-flung farming community of Nueva Ecija. Such was the premise of Sandra Aguinaldo's documentary "Kubling Yaman ng Cama Juan," which aired last year on GMA-7's I-Witness.

In the documentary, Sandra went to the remote barangay of Cama Juan in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija where she met five friends bound for college after graduating in a public high school. Camille Basilio, Arlene Ramos, Jessica Duran, Jerick Marin, and Mherry Camarota were honor students of their graduating batch in Zacarias Aquilizan High School. Their teachers call them "kubling yaman"-students with hidden exceptional potential, but lack the final touches that would make them truly stand out.

Son and daughters of fishermen, all five friends knew that finishing college would provide them a ticket to a better future. But they were also aware that it would take more than their passion for learning to put them through college. In a country where education ends up being a privilege to a few, Camille and her friends knew that their dream may never become a reality.

Noel Cabangon’s Tuloy Ang Byahe concert a resounding success

Platinum singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon, in his latest concert Tuloy Ang Byahe at the Music Museum, proved that indeed less can be more. His about three-hour-long concert consisted of finely-performed OPM classics presented in the sincerest manner.

The said concert, attended by President Noynoy Aquino, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, Senator Kiko Pangilinan, Pop Diva Kuh Ledesma, among others, packed the Music Museum last September 28.

With Bob Aves as Musical Director, the concert gave Noel’s songs a different turn. Noel was backed-up by a full band with a string quartet, saxophonist, and the Opera for the concert.