MUSIC LYF: Ogie Alcasid’s new album The Songwriter and the Hitmakers celebrates 25th anniversary

Twenty five years into the business and Ogie Alcasid has established himself as one of the most successful hitmakers and most prolific songwriters of the Philippine music industry. In celebration of this milestone, Universal Records is releasing his most ambitious project, the 18 track album The Songwriter And The Hitmakers. 

The album gathers all the biggest singing and recording artists in the country to breathe life to Ogie’s compositions, including both his biggest hits and new songs. Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Piolo Pascual, Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Arnel Pineda, Noel Cabangon, Richard Poon, Jed Madela, Kuh Ledesma, Rachelle Ann Go, Kyla, JayR and Jaya are part of the album.

“I feel so honored to have been given a project as big as this,” says Ogie. “I am in awe of all the talents involved here.”

Tayong Dalawa, a heartwarming duet of Ogie and his lovely wife and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez is also included in the album.

JUAN MINUTE: A Great Year For Jessa Zaragoza

It was this year that I met Jessa Zaragoza for the first time for the launch of her album under GMA Records, and she showed that she is indeed a down-to-earth star with a great voice and bubbly personality. And this year has been a great year for her and her husband Dingdong Avanzado as they both enjoy the projects and successes that came in their way.

Being a mother, singer, actress are some of the qualities of Jessa that make her a sought-after personality even after their hiatus for some time. Now that they are back in the limelight, things are going into place and sometimes going beyond their expectations.

And even both of them are busy with their own projects they do find time for each other and their daughter. She also maintained to stay fit and flawless (same goes with Dingdong who celebrated his 25th anniversary in showbiz) which still makes them very recognizable to the public even after years has passed.

Now let's look back on the things that Jessa Zaragosa did this year...

MUSIC LYF: Dingdong Avanzado SPOTLIGHT

The music industry in the Philippines has made a lot of singers and superstars, but one of the things that makes a music artist complete is to make a mark in the business and of course the fans and listeners. Recently, a handful of singers celebrated their anniversary with concerts, albums and shows. And one of them is singer-composer Dingdong Avanzado.

Dingdong is celebrating a great year together with his wife Jessa Zaragoza who is also having a lot of projects with GMA Network and also launched an album with GMA Records also within the year. The couple is very happy with all things which goes beyond their expectations. Its also surprising for me that Dingdong reached his 25th year in the industry, yet he does look young (no kidding, which means I was just born when he started his career). 

KATOTO: Kaibigang Totoo, Kardinal Chito!

Youth of the Archdiocese, its time to meet and greet our newly appointed cardinal with a special event meant to spend time with the beloved Chito Cardinal Tagle!

KATOTO: Kaibigang Totoo, Kardinal Chito! A Thanksgiving celebration for a gift of a Cardinal to the Philippines. This coming December 4, 2012, Tuesday 6PM at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Vito Cruz, Ermita, Manila.

Its FREE to all! So bring your family, friends and even your parish to this monumental event! For inquiries, contact the Archdiocese of Manila through 523-2814 or 404-3673

LakBayan: Nurture Spa Village

Circulation is Life, Stagnation is Death.

This is the mantra that I want to speak in everyday life for a new lifestyle that I want to happen, gradual yet effective. 

Don't panic, I'm still the same crazy blogger you know for this blog, but I am now trying to trying a better lifestyle with the help of my experience in my first Glamping Experience at the Nurture Spa Village in Tagaytay City. It was actually my first time in the wellness spot even though I am a frequent visitor in Tagaytay. 

Glamping come from two words, Glamour and Camping. Seems to be two words with very opposite meanings. But at Nuture Spa, they actually made it to a reality with a very unique experience for each individual. Indeed Nurture Spa Village has been known througout the years a a great place to unwind and also for couples wanting to escape the very hectic and stressfull city living. And even up to now, they are a favorite venue for weddings, proposals and even a weekend getaway from their busy lives.

MUSIC LYF: Martin Nievera - Martin 3D: TATLONG DEKADA (Album)

MARTIN NIEVERA’s landmark album titled MARTIN 3D: TATLONG DEKADA,

Thirty years after the song “Be My Lady” have been one of the most  favourite  love songs of OPM and as the rise of the Concert King Martin Nievera, PolyEast Records celebrates a legendary career  with the release of the album MARTIN NIEVERA 3D: Tatlong Dekada. 

The new album represents Martin’s every aspect of his career – from recording to touring to endorsements to best-selling albums.  “Here’s a CD of 15 newly written songs just to add more magic to OPM. I’m just so proud of this album because it’s going to celebrate my 30 years in the business without having to look back. Let’s just say, today is first day of the rest of my career,” Nievera said.   

As the album celebrates Nievera’s achievements of the past and the promise of the future,  MARTIN NIEVERA 3D: Tatlong Dekada is now available in stores released by PolyEast Records which comes with a CD plus DVD-- collecting music videos of Nievera’s monumental anthems that played a pivotal role in his musical history. 

Pepito wants a vintage car this Christmas

For avid followers of the comedy sitcom Pepito Manaloto, here is an insider scoop on what will happen on the show this Sunday, December 2.

Pepito's household is frequented by a group of carolers who disguise themselves as philantropers caroling for a cause.  But as what they will soon discover, the group is a hoax.

Meanwhile, Pepito has a wish this Christmas: he wants to buy himself a vintage car as a gift. Unfortunately, his wife Elsa is not sold on the idea.  She reasons that there is no need for such car and that there is no more space left in their garage. Consequently, Pepito gets disappointed with Elsa. In the end, Elsa yields to Pepito's wish but Pepito later learns that the car brings with it some "bad luck."  What will he do with it now?

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: Stolen REVIEW

Will Montgomery (Nicolas Cage) is a master theif who after being double-crossed in a heist gone awry is sent to prison for 8 years. Upon his release he is ready to leave his criminal past behind and try to rebuild a relationship with his estranged daughter Allison. The FBI and his old cohorts believe that he hid the loot from the last heist 8 years ago, $10 Million in Bonds. To get his hands on it, his old partnet Vincent (John Lucas) kidnaps Allison and demands the entire $10 Million as ransom. Keeping her in the soundproofed trunk of a taxi cab, he is able to stay mobile amongst the trongs of taxis out during Mardi Gras making it nearly impossible to find.

Montgomery only has one day to get the $10 Million ransom but much to the disbelief of the FBI on his trail and Vincent, Will doesn't actually have it. Instead he must trust his instincts and his old partner in crime, the beautiful and smart Riley (Malin Ackerman), to do one more clever heist to get his daughter back alive before its too late.

MUSIC LYF: Elton John’s Most Interesting Quotes

He’s out to take over the Big Dome on December 8 and every Filipino worth his musical salt is waiting for Sir Elton John to bring his Rocket Man concert in Manila. From his numerous awards – six Grammys, four Brit Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Tony Award – to his knighthood for his services to music and charitable services bestowed upon him by nothing less than Queen Elizabeth II, Elton John has proved to the world why he’s hands down, one of the most successful music idols in history.

Elton John is not just a mere English singer and song writer. He’s a rare personality that sparks a lot of interest along the way as he releases one hit song after another from the humble start of his career mainly because of his exceptional personality. The Rocket Man is not just famous for a long and ongoing series of hit records, he’s also quite popular for his thoughts as well.

On pop princess Britney Spears:  “I do like Britney Spears. I think she’s cute. I think she’s fun. And I like her records.   You know, I’m not a pop snob whatsoever. I think she makes great pop records.”