Misa De Gallo Diaries 2013: Prayers for Healing (DAY ONE)

The year has been very tragic to many of Filipinos especially to those affected by Typhoon Yolanda, Visayas Earthquake and the Zamboanga Crisis. It would be fitting that the first mass is offered to all those who fell victim to these unfortunate events. And as of this writing, news of the accident which happened on the Skyway is also heartbreaking.

The start of the Simbang Gabi is the most important and challenging of all of the masses since it will be the first and missing it would affect the spiritual momentum. I chose to start with the territorial parish which reminds me that I have to start with where I am first before going to different places. 

Misa De Gallo Diaries 2013

Christmas may come easy to many as it would be the season of festivities  and gifts but has it also come to mind to many about the tradition of Misa De Gallo or Dawn Masses which has been part of the Filipino culture even dating back before the revolution. And if you have been reading MTL for quite some time, these days also mean the start of  having the Misa De Gallo Simbang Gabi Diaries.

Rex Navarrete @ Solaire Resort & Casino!

Fil-Am Rex Navarrete, the 2011 Aliw Awardee for Comedy is back in Manila for a special one night only show!

Navarrete started doing comedy at the age of 19. His portrayals, which ranged from his ESL teacher Mrs. Scott to his Uncle Boy and to Maritess the domestic worker gave him the voice to air his thoughts on issues and speak about things that otherwise wouldn’t be mentioned.

Navarrete gathers all of his material from what he calls “real Rex moments,” reality and shared life experiences. “I think everything has humor; you will always find humor. I don’t always make stuff up. Even though most of my material is geared for a Filipino audience, if you’re smart enough you’ll understand the universality of it”, he explains.

REEL DEAL: Experience An Unprecedented Kind of Real In "Walking With Dinosaurs The 3D Movie"

For the first time in movie history, audiences will truly see and feel what it was like when dinosaurs ruled the Earth.  “Walking with Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie” is the ultimate immersive, big-screen adventure for families.  You’ll meet dinosaurs more real than you’ve ever seen as you embark on a thrilling prehistoric journey, where Patchi, an underdog dino, triumphs against all odds to become a hero for the ages.

XSTIG: Teens fleeing from Facebook

Digital expert looks into the trend, sees opportunity for mobile messaging apps

Facebook made a rather staggering confession during its Q3 earnings call recently. David Ebersman, Facebook’s chief financial officer said, “We did see a decrease in daily users specifically among younger teens. We wanted to share this with you now because we get a lot of questions about it.”

To a certain extent, the exodus may have been brought about by moms, dads, titos (uncles) and titas (aunts) invading Facebook walls of teenagers and generally – bursting their personal digital bubbles.

SM Consortium confident to win light rail single ticketing project

SM Consortium, led by SM Investments Corp. with members BDO Capital and Investment Corp., Advanced Card Systems Ltd. and Penta Capital Investment Corp., is confident of a favorable result in the ongoing financial evaluation of the MRT/LRT Automated Fare Collection System Project.

“With no cost to the government to build and modernize the ticketing system and a one-time concession fee of P1,088,000,000 to be paid to the government unconditionally, we believe that our proposal is most advantageous to the government and the riding public,” said Norman T. Pe, senior vice president of Penta Capital.

The Department of Transportation and Communication is now evaluating the proposals of the three bidders – AF Consortium led by BPI, SM Consortium and Comworks Berjaya Consortium – which passed the technical proposal stage.

Christian Bautista continues partnership with Ink-All-You-Can

Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista has made bold moves the past months and engaged in projects that stretch his artistry. Acknowledging the singer’s unparalleled dedication to his craft, Ink-All-You-Can continues to support the singer in all his endeavors.

Last November 28, Christian Bautista represented the Philippines in the ASEAN-Japan Music Festival – Music For Healing After The Earthquake, which hoped to deliver hope and courage through music to all those affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The festival held at the NHK Hall in Shibuya Japan was attended by 4010 people, and was aired over at NHK Channel.

MUSIC LYF: OPM Artists Record "The Prayer" For Yolanda Victims

On October 15, 2013, an earthquake with the energy equivalent to “32 Hiroshima bombs” devastated the Visayas, and parts of Mindanao and southern Luzon.

Two days later, the Loboc Children’s Choir sang, “The Prayer,” with the rubble of the hundred year old Loboc Church as their backdrop.

Their performance moved so many people here and abroad. Then, tragedy struck again.

On November 8, Typhoon Yolanda, the most powerful tropical cyclone of the year hit East Samar, Samar and Leyte.

Thousands died. Millions were left hungry, desperate and homeless.

Relief efforts from the Philippines and the rest of the world are currently helping the victims survive and find temporary homes.

REEL DEAL: Party In The Jungle - "Rio 2" Poster Revealed!

The merriest of characters in the worldwide hit animation “Rio” reunite in “Rio 2” where they now head to the Amazon from the vibrant city of Rio De Janeiro as seen in this latest poster from 20th Century Fox. 

The film’s macaw lovebirds Blu and Jewel (voiced by Jesse Eisenberg and Anne Hathaway) are now facing parenting issues whether to stay in the city or make a new nest in the jungle to raise their children.  Along with their friends,  “Rio 2” continues the grandeur of adventure as we see Blu and Jewel raise their children while unexpectedly meeting relatives in the wild and dodging dangers brought about by familiar and new set of villains.

“Rio 2” opens April 9 in 3D nationwide from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.

Visit 20thCenturyFox/Philippines Facebook page, 20thCenturyFoxPh YouTube channel and Twitter handle @20centuryfoxph for more breaking news on your most anticipated movies.

MUSIC LYF: Linkin Park Will Have Benefit Concert For The Philippines

When Linkin Park had their concert here in Manila last August, many loved to have them back soon.  Now even while in the US, they are extending their help to the victims via a benefit concert alongside The Offspring, and other special guests on Saturday January 11th, 2014 for CONCERT FOR THE PHILIPPINES at Club Nokia in Los Angeles, CA.

Get a ticket to the CONCERT FOR THE PHILIPPINES at musicforrelief.org by donating or raising a minimum of $250 for Music for Relief’s Typhoon Relief effort.

As an incentive to those outside the LA area, fans have the opportunity to donate a minimum of $10 to win one of two special VIP tickets packages including airfare and hotel. Visit www.musicforrelief.org for details.