And the Converse Get Loud Band Competition Winner Is...

We have seen them first in action as they were gathered here in Manila from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Now the 5 finalist bands are donw with their tours, recording, and preperation to the most awaited finale to know who will be the first winner of the Converse Get Loud Band Competition for the Philippines. 

But before we reveal the winner, let us first get to know what they have done during the one month preparation here in Manila.

Part of proceeds of Regine Velasquez’s latest album Hulog Ka Ng Langit goes to charity

In line with the recent tragedies faced by the country the past few weeks, Universal Records has decided to donate to Philippine National Red Cross part of the proceeds of the sales of Regine Velasquez’s latest album Hulog Ka Ng Langit during its album tour slated Robinson’s Magnolia (Nov. 16, Saturday), Robinson’s Manila (Nov. 20, Wednesday), SM Marilao (November 28, Thursday), SM Pampanga (December 1, Sunday), and SM Sta. Rosa (December 11, Wednesday). All shows start at 5:00 p.m.

The Asia’s Songbird’s much-awaited album Hulog Ka Ng Langit celebrates the joy of love and motherhood. And, the Asia’s Songbird wants her fans to celebrate her blessings with her in a string of special shows.

#YolandaPH : PAGCOR, Solaire and Resorts World Manila Comes Together To Help

Setting aside entertainment and gaming rivalry, the big players have come together to be a blessing and hope for the people affected by the "storms" that affected Visayas and the rest of the country.

PAGCOR together with @SolaireResort & @RWManila encourage everyone to be a part of this #ReliefPH operation for #YolandaPH victims.

Interested volunteers may proceed to Manila Marriot Hotel basement parking (Newport Blvd, Manila) on November 16, 2013 (Whole Day)

#SolaireCares #1Tayo #IsaTayo #YolandaPH

GMA Network celebrates the true meaning of Christmas

GMA Network celebrates our Redeemer’s birth in its 2013 Christmas Campaign dubbed, “Sundan Natin Ang Bituin Pabalik sa Kanyang Piling,” inspiring viewers to be reminded of the real meaning of the Yuletide Season.

“At the heart of the Christmas celebration is God’s gift to us, the birth of His only begotten Son,” says GMA Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. “Through this campaign, we hope to enjoin every Kapuso to rejoice in this most precious and significant demonstration of love ever bestowed on mankind,” he adds.

ART IS A BANG: "Mulan" Set To Open November 20

Many would love to have a production that will both entertain kids and at the same time teach them life lessons. With movies more inclined to the grown ups, a theater production under Kids Acts gives a special treat with "Mulan".

The story of Mulan, a popular Chinese heroine, comes from an old Chinese folktale entitled “The Ballad of Mulan”. Originally a poem – Hua Mulan’s story has been adapted into a number of different versions over the years.

As a pre-X’mas offering to all schools, parents and children, Kids Acts Philippines proudly presents “ MULAN ” with script and lyrics by LUIGI NACARIO and music by EUGENE BELBIS.

SM Foundation Sends Out 50,000 Relief Packs to Yolanda Victims

The SM Group of Companies, through the SM Foundation's disaster relief program, Operation Tulong Express, has started relief operations in typhoon-stricken areas across Luzon and the Visayas region to provide assistance to the families greatly affected by super typhoon Yolanda.

“The SM Group of Companies has mobilized SM Foundation’s Tulong Express disaster relief facility. We are distributing 50,000 kalinga packages to typhoon victims in Tacloban, Samar, Panay Island (Iloilo, Antique, Capiz), Cebu, Bicol and Bacolod," said SM Foundation executive director Debbie Sy.

Anne Curtis On The Cover of Metro's Holiday Headstart Issue

On the cover is Anne Curtis like you’ve never seen her before: Risqué in luxe showgirl pieces by Metrowear Icon Francis Libiran, perfectly celebrating her one-of-a-kind star status as the Princess of All Media and the first Filipina to have her own E! News Asia Special. From being a teenybopper actress, she has become a household name, a brand of her own, and an icon in the truest sense of the word. Metro gets the real deal on what it’s like to be her nowadays.

With Christmas coming up, Anne’s personality serves as the perfect way to brighten up the season that’s just around the corner.

Also in Metro’s November issue, the magazine goes into how the time for gift-giving is well on the way—and in the month of November, wrappers and ribbons are being rolled out to take readers’ Christmas shopping skills to a whole new level that’s stylish and stress-free.

DepEd establishes command center in Cebu for post-Yolanda efforts

LAHUG, CEBU – The Department of Education (DepEd) has established a command center at itsEcotech facility in Cebu Tuesday to secure information on the whereabouts of its personnel. Interim offices have been set up for each of the Eastern Visayas divisions that are still not operational:  Leyte, Tacloban, E. Samar, Catbalogan,Biliran, Borongan and Baybay.

Each interim office is manned by staff from the Cebu office and tasked to establish contact with all personnel – from the superintendent to school heads – and get updates.

Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC reminded everyone of the urgency to account for people saying“Before anything else, we look for people. List all regions. Regions, contact divisions; divisions, contact schools; schools, establish contact with teachers and staff. First things first, tao muna (people first).”

#YolandaPH: SM FOUNDATION announcement

In the wake of damages brought about by the recent 7.2 earthquake and the super-typhoon Yolanda, SM Group announces its plan to allocate P100M as a calamity fund for areas devastated by the earthquake and the typhoon, particularly in, Tacloban, Ormoc , Samar, Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo Capiz, and Bicol.

The fund will focus on five different types of assistance: rebuilding homes, community centers, schools, and churches, and providing immediate relief through food and supplies. 

SM Foundation is taking the lead in the relief effort with the nationwide reach of SM Cares of the mall group, SM Savemore, and BDO Foundation. Each group has a different expertise in the community support program, and will be working with community groups to expand the efforts and widen the reach of the relief operation.

HEALTHY LYF - Kat de Castro: A mother vigilant against dengue

When broadcast journalist Kat de Castro noticed that her nine-year-old daughter Khloe—an exuberant, active and outdoor-loving child—was falling ill and burning with fever, she immediately rushed her to the hospital. The doctors diagnosed the illness dengue in its early stage. “It’s a good thing naagapan kaagad,” Kat says. “We found out that she contracted it from her school. That was the time I decided that she should wear an insect repellent even when just going to school.”

Kat found an ally in Green Cross Insect Repellent Lotion Gentle Protect, which is clinically proven to be safe for a child’s skin and offers protection against insect bites (specifically against the dreaded dengue-lamok) for up to eight hours.

“Green Cross is a brand that we have known for generations already,” she says. “Even my mom and my dad use it. When I found out that the company has an insect repellent lotion, hindi ka na magdadalawang-isip eh. You are assured that you are protected at walang magiging problema kasi trusted brand.”