Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 8 - GREETING

First Reading: Micah 5:1-4

Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

Second Reading: Hebrews 10:5-10

Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

I was thinking with the series of churches I went for the Misa De Gallo are the usual churches I went to, but I was hoping that there would be something new, like the one I had in Trinoma upon disovering the chapel of St. Michael and the Archangels. 

Still on an event filled day, my last destination for the day was in Luneta where we will check out the Cape Lupe shop near the dancing fountain area. And just in front of the fountain is a stage set up for the Simbang Gabi which will start at 8:30 PM. It was great news because we can have the event and also don't need to go far to attend the mass. And the best part of it is the open air where the air is cool, and the spirit of Christmas can be felt with the number of families and friends going around the biggest urban park in the Philippines.

Avida Land launches gift-giving Facebook app for OFWs

GIFT-GIVING is in the Filipino DNA. Proof of this are the multitude of gifts that get exchanged every Christmas season between family members, friends, co-workers, and classmates. No matter how grand or simple the gift, it’s really the thought and caring behind that gift that matters most to us.

In this spirit of gift-giving and sharing, Avida Land, one of the Philippines’ most trusted property developers, is spreading the holiday cheer among our OFWs and their families through an online gifts promo application on its Facebook page, titled, “Avida Pasalubong Project for the Global Pinoy,” which can be accessed at  http://apps.facebook.com/avida-pasalubong/.

OFWs now have the chance to give free gifts to their families in the Philippines. All they have to do is go to the Avida Facebook page and use the Facebook app especially created for the gift-giving promo. 

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.  

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 7 - THANKFUL

First Reading:1 Samuel 1:24-28
Psalm: 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8
Gospel: Luke 1:46-56

Just after the "End of the World," which did not really had anything catastropic (Thank God) but actually was a shower of blessings for me when I got of opportunities that gave me things, I though I never had in my life. First, in recent days I recieved several packages in the mail. Then I also got gifts like a very nice pair of Nike running shoes which I am very thankful of. I also recently had genrous events that made me feel Christmas is indeed here. 

It was indeed a busy December 21 for me which also made me miss the anticipated masses, so I would have to do the dawn/early masses. Which I have churches in mind, but have no idea about the schedules. Uh Oh, dilemma brewing.

LakBayan: OneA Events Place

Planning to have bonding time with family and friends? Why not try something different and a little outside the busy Metro Manila but not way too far. And Antipolo comes to mind, there could be some places to go but which has good food, great music and a stunning view all in one.

Well all of these can be found in OneA Events Place (Pronounced as O-Ney-Yah) in Sumulong Highway. And we had several events held here which we truly enjoyed the venue very mush especially the view of Metro Manila. Just over a year in operation but it has held many events and also is becoming a favorite place for KTV.

We had a small get together with Bloggers to battle it out who will be the OneA Videoke King and Queen. So did I win? Check the results at the bottom of the article.  We also had a time to dine at Cafe Lupe which provided the great food we had while enjoying the new music and videoke. #Cheerio

Thankful For Chocolate This Christmas

I am a Chocophile, a chocolate addict. It seems that my day won't go on without a taste of chocolate in my mouth. The reason I am also bubbly and active because of the sugar rush made in each chocolate product. This Christmas, I'm hoping to receive chocolate gifts (please)! 

There was a quote that says “chocolates are made of cacao beans, and bean is a vegetable and that sugar that makes chocolates sweet came from either sugar cane or sugar beets, and since both are plants they would be in the vegetable category, therefore chocolate is a vegetable.” If this is really true, then hooray goes for those who love chocolates!

Well, hold your horses, chocoholics and vegans. Before you jump for joy or go up in arms, this is just a little twist of logic to give humor to a universally loved concoction that has withstood the test of time. Whatever your race, religious or political beliefs, or social and economic status, chocolate—in whatever state—will always be chocolate and should be loved by all and be thankful for.

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2012 - DAY 6 - LAUGH

First Reading:Song of Solomon 2:8-14 or Zephaniah  3:14-18
Psalm: Psalm 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21
Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Again the busy schedules still continues which is one of the things that I fear would be the biggest hindrances to the simbang gabi journey, but I guess that if there is a will there is a way, and also some help from above.

Just like Day 5 I was planning to have the next anticipated simbang gabi at the place where I would go. And since I went to an event up at SM North EDSA, I though I would be hearing mass at the nearest churches there. But since it was too early when the event ended, I don't want to spend too much time waiting or might get carried away doing blogs and updates at the customer lounge. So I decided to go to the similar supermall which is much nearer to home. So I took the MRT and got off at Ortigas and yes, it was Megamall.

MUSIC LYF: Lawson Poised To Become 2013's Band To Watch

Filipino fans of rising UK band Lawson can look forward to some exciting times come 2013 as the boys from Britain is reportedly visiting Manila in the coming months ahead. Date and venue are not yet finalized. But the quartet already expressed their high anticipation of going to a place they can only describe as "beautiful." 

In a chat with MCA Music which locally distributes their recorded material, Lawson members Joel Peat and Ryan Fletcher showed their good feeling about the high possibility of reaching the Philippine shores and perform in front of their fast-growing fan base here.

Brown recently harmonized with rock icon Sir Paul McCartney and another British giant Robbie Williams for the charity single "He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother’ which is dedicated to Liverpool supporters and families still looking for justice after the Hillsborough disaster.

Derrick Monasterio, Jake Vargas star as Mr. Pogi winners in "Magpakailanman" this Saturday

This Saturday, GMA's reality-based drama anthology program hosted by Ms. Mel Tiangco, "Magpakailanman," will feature the lives of Jaylord Casino and John Edric Ulang, winners of Eat Bulaga's "Mr. Pogi" contest.

Just like most aspirants who want to enter show business, Jaylord and John Edric have always dreamed of becoming popular stars one day and they saw showbiz as a way out of poverty.

Although they both reached the same juncture in their journey, they came from very different worlds.  

Jaylord was never an achiever in school.  Despite the efforts exerted by his parents to give him a good education, he just couldn't meet their expectations.  He grew up feeling the burden of being his parents' biggest disappointment but he figured that there must be something special about him that could make his parents proud.  One day, a friend approached him and encouraged him to audition for "Mr. Pogi," a competition for male wanna-be TV stars hosted by the longest running noontime show, "Eat Bulaga."

Jaylord was confident that he has got the looks, charm and talent to win the title.  However, his parents are not as optimistic.  Besides, this is not how they have envisioned their son to succeed in life.

Meanwhile, family is not a problem for another Mr. Pogi winner John Edric. From the very beginning he has always shown the makings of a star and his parents, especially his dad, have always been supportive of his plans. Unfortunately, John Edric's ambition of entering show business came to a halt when he unexpectedly impregnated his girlfriend, Michelle.

Consequently, John Edric's focus shifted from pursuing his dream career to providing for his own family.  He thought he would never catch up on his dream until the opportunity to audition for "Mr. Pogi" came one day.  He grabbed the chance and the rest is history, so to speak.

Join veteran journalist Ms. Mel Tiangco as she unravels these two inspiring stories of triumph with Kapuso teen star Derrick Monasterio and Jake Vargas portraying as Jaylord and John Edric this Saturday in "Magpakailanman," airing after Kap's Amazing Stories on GMA-7.

Child wonder Ryza Mae Dizon joins Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid in Sarap Diva this Saturday

This Saturday (December 22), unwrap Sarap Diva’s special gift for Kapuso viewers as it presents a morning of good food, engaging conversations and great music perfect for the most special day of the year – Christmas!

Join Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid as she prepares a special Christmas feast for the whole family!