MUSIC LYF: 1:43 Releases Debut Slambook-Album



1:43
Time for Love

OPM pop heartthrobs 1:43 (pronounced as “one forty-three”) have finally released their much-anticipated debut slambook-album titled “Time for Love” under MCA Music.


Now available in all major record stores nationwide, the slambook album or “slambum” features interesting and revealing trivia about the boys of 1:43; exclusive photos; and a collection of feel-good original Pinoy pop songs, including their minus one versions.


1:43 is composed of four talented, charming, and stylish lads, namely, Anjo Resurreccion, a University of Santo Tomas Psychology graduate and a member of a university theater group; Gold Aquino, a Business Administration student from the Centro Escolar University (CEU) and a campus heartthrob; Kim Nicolas, a Nursing student from Trinity University of Asia and a Candy Magazine model; and Yuki Sakamoto, an Hotel and Restaurant Management student from CEU-Makati and the main vocalist of the group.


“Time for Love” is a mini-album that contains a refreshing mix of five original and distinctly Filipino pop songs, plus their respective minus one tracks. The slambum aspires to define the sound of today’s OPM pop genre, as it brings together critically acclaimed producer and arranger Jonathan Ong of SonicState Studio and brilliant singer-composer and vocal arranger Myrus in an impressive creative synergy.


The opening track and 1:43’s latest hit single, “PiNK” (Pag-Ibig Na Kaya?), is a collaboration track with Myrus. Penned by Eric Cabahug, “PiNK” is a catchy song about falling in love. Top music blogger www.justinbreathes.com describes the song as "an example of how good Filipino pop can be."


“Para Kang” is a song composed by multi-awarded composer Jojo Panaligan. It is a witty, metaphorical expression of the miracle that is love. Fun, playful and lively, the lyrics and melody are reminiscent of the sound of 90s pop rock.


Fans will definitely fall in love with “Sa Puso Ko’y Ikaw”, a song that declares a deep, sincere and honest love. The is the first recorded song composition by Myrus--and listening to this track is like getting hit by Cupid's arrow! It’s potentially a big hit with its catchy, radio-friendly, easy-listening melody and commercial appeal.


“Time For Love”, the title track, is the only English song in the album. It is an upbeat song that gives tribute to 1:43’s cult following and their official fans club who call themselves “Time for Love” or T4L. This song is a collaboration between Cabahug, who wrote the lyrics, and Myrus, who did the melody.


“Merry Christmas Na” is another Cabahug composition. Released as a promotional single in December 2010, this is the controversial song that made the boys of 1:43 instant Youtube celebrities. The song became number one for several weeks in the P-Pop Music Chart, and has garnered over 85,000 views in Youtube.


This early, the slambum has received encouraging reviews from music critics. According to www.justinbreathes.com: “With this album, I find that 1:43 is committed to become an OPM pop act with a direction. The overall sound is genuine and distinctly good Filipino pop, something I rarely hear in mainstream music today, and something the boys of 1:43 are willing to deliver.”


“Time For Love” by 1:43 is presented by Glitz and Dreamgirl Cosmetics by 4U2 and is supported by Freshgear Jeans, Avida Towers, and the Mendez Medical Group.


More information and updates about 1:43 are available in their official Facebook fan page or you may call Chris Cahilig Talent Services at 6647213 or 6872649 and 92.

Judy Ann for Del Monte Pineapple

Judy Ann is here to cook something special, especially for the kids and kids at heart. She partners now with Del Monte Pineapples as her secret ingridient to make ordinary dishes, into extra ordinary surprizes like Adobo which is loved by 9 out of 10 kids. As she herself now is a full time mom, she make sure that what she cooks is healthy and also delicious. Graduated from cullinary school and also played roles as a chef in her teleseryes, she has a lot of experiences in the preparation and also the elements needed to satify not only her kids but also her husband, Ryan Agoncillo.

Del Monte Pineapples does give out a healthy side to dishes as it contains 5 times more fiber and also other vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Manganese and Pythonutrients from natura that help increase the body's overall health and immunity. Del Monte Pineapples are picked and packed on the same day to lock the important nutrients. The good news is, there are a lot of favorite dishes that can be "Pina-Level Up!". These are recipies for Pork Humba, Pancit Guisado and a lot more where you can add Del Monte Pineapple to add zest and nutrients to your favorite dishes. Just visit www.kitchenomics.com for recipes.
Judy Ann Santos knows her food and the ingridients that go well with it. She is very health conscious, which is why according to her, " As a mother and an avid cook, it is very important for me to give my family, most especially my kids, the proper nutrition by serving them delicious and nutritious meals. Therefore I'm always looking for new delicious and healthy recipies that will surely whet my family's appetite."

So like Judy Ann, add Del Monte Pineapples to your everyday dishes like Adobo to make it "Pina-Level Up sa sarap at sustansya". 

Blah Blah Blogs: Blessed Pope John Paul II, the patron saint of Bloggers

Aside from the Royal Wedding of the Century of Prince Charles and Kate Middleton, another worldwide event that caught the eye of the world was the Beatification of the late Pope John Paul II, which is the most loved pope of all time because of his influence especially to the youth. I myself has been inspired by his life and works that also contributed to what I am today, he affirmed my Catholic faith and also inspired me to be God's servant. And as he is elevated to the title of being Blessed, I would like to say that as a blogger I would consider him as the patron saint of bloggers or Blessed patron of bloggers, technically everywhere. I think its time for him to have that title as he himself was the pope at the age of the Internet and other technologies. His influence rippled into the world with it, he was also the first pope to send an e-mail and launch audio CDs. There were also saint who were given a patron title for new innovations like St. Claire of Assisi as the patroness of television. Pope John Paul II (also known as Karol Józef Wojtya), also started the World Youth Day which is attended by millions of Youth all over the world. And this year, it will be held in Madrid Spain, and of course I would like to go there since I have not directly participated in the world youth day 1995 where I was only in grade school back then. Truly beloved by Catholics and other faiths worldwide, he made connections with Muslims, Jews and other Religions that also paved for peaceful reconciliations. I do hope that his canonization will come in the next few years as many are now testifying by his intercession. And even just with his charisma has already won the hearts of many. 

As he is now part of Blessed Circle, she joins the rank of Mother Theresa of Calcutta and our own Pedro Calungsod, who were Beatified just years ago. And the process of Sainthood is never easy as it goes through rigorous investigation and confirmation. He is very lucky to be beatified in the span of less than 5-10 years which most would take decades or even centuries. And like what I said that he is the patron saint of bloggers, may his intercession bring more inspiration and hope for us who also speak out and evangelize using the new media.



Kuha Mo? A Second Chance happens in 100 Days To Heaven Starting May 9


A Second Chance can change your life forever, and this is coming on ABS CBN Primetime. From the makers of 'May Bukas Pa", comes another inspirational yet entertaining series, 100 DAYS TO HEAVEN.


It tells about the story of Anna Manlastas, played by both Xyriel Manabat (as the young anna) and Coney Reyes (as the adult Anna). Though a very successful businesswoman with the largest toy company in the country, she is both feared and hated by many. However, after her sudden death, she is destined to be sent to hell for her wrongdoings, she then makes a deal with the gatekeeper of heaven to give her a second chance to be worthy to enter heaven. But she has to do her mission and in just 100 days.


Veteran actress Coney Reyes has been part of several primetime shows like 'Ysabella' and 'Rubi' and Xyriel was known for her performance in 'Agua Bendita' and 'Noah'. The 100 DAYS TO HEAVEN is dirceted by Malu L. Sevilla, and other cast include Jodi Sta. Maria as Sophia, Louise Abuel as Kevin, Joel Torre as Andres, Dominic Ochoa as Bobby, Valerie Concepcion as Miranda, Rafael Rosell as Bart, Smokey Manaloto as Bruce, and Niel Coleta as Jopet.

This series will win your hearts as it not only shows the struggles of living but also contains values young and old can reflect on. I myself was moved by the scenes and can't help shed a tear but also be prepared to be entertained by the funny moments and brilliant acting of the cast that makes you want to know what happens next until the 100th day. 

100 DAYS TO HEAVEN will be part of ABS CBN primetime bida on May 9, 2011.

Coughing Myths and Cures

There are a lot of misconceptions in the treatments of coughs
 which may prove detrimental to our health in the long run.
Coughing is one health condition we have encountered at least a dozen times in our lives. Some people even go to the extent of using various remedies and treatments available in their quest to relieve their cough.

However, there are many misconceptions and non-scientific practices in the treatment of cough, which may even prove detrimental to our health in the long run.


One popular practice is eating hot soup to help cure coughs and colds. While this practice does help soothe an irritated throat, it does not, unfortunately, help cure one’s cough.

Eating soup may help soothe the throat,
but it does not however help in curing coughs.
Reliance on chemical medications may be second-nature to most people, but there are hidden hazards to such a practice. Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com), a respected medical research organization of around 2,500 physicians, warns against giving children “two medicines with the same active ingredients, such as an antihistamine, decongestant, or pain reliever.” “Too much of a single ingredient could lead to an accidental overdose,” it says.

There are likewise certain ingredients in some chemical-based cough medications that may cause serious and even life-threatening effects in children.

Codeine, which is found in cough suppressants, for example, may have adverse effects on the central nervous system. Dextromethorpan (DXM), meanwhile, may lead to serious side effects such as brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness and irregular heartbeat if not formulated properly.
 
It's best to use an all natural medication in treating coughs 
such as Ascof's cough syrup, made from 100% lagundi leaves.
Cough preparations such as Carbocisteine have valid use only in persons suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD).

The Philippine College of Chest Physicians recommends and advocates the following as best home remedies against cough : 1) Increased fluid intake; 2) lots of rest and 3) good nutrition. However, there may be times when you need added help to reduce the severity and duration of your cough, without necessarily resorting to chemical-based medicines that may have side effects. Your natural remedy? Take Lagundi.

Philippine traditional medicine have long proven the efficacy of the Lagundi plant in treating cough, as well as other common ailments such as fever, headache, toothache, asthma, and even superficial bleeding. Through the years, modern science has also validated Lagundi’s power as an effective and safe cough and asthma remedy, through various clinical studies.

So what’s your best solution against cough? It’s the proven combination of nature and science— made from 100-percent Lagundi leaves, like ASCOF Lagundi.
The best home remedies are 1) increased fluid intake, 
2) eating healthy, and 3) getting lots of rest.
Clinical trials show that Lagundi is much safer because it does not have the harmful side effects usually associated with chemical cough medicines. It works in three ways : one, it opens up the bronchial tubes to facilitate airflow, therefore making it easier to breathe; two, it dissolves mucus so it’s easier to expel; and three, it reduces the inflammation in the respiratory passages due to its anti-histaminic action.
ASCOF’s efficacy and safety as a cough remedy is backed by two decades of research and analysis conducted by the National Integrated Research Program of Medicinal Plants (NIRPROMP), a consortium of top medical and academic institutions and scientists in the country.

What’s more, ASCOF Lagundi, a product of Pascual Laboratories, Inc., is a convenient remedy for cough. It is available in tablet, capsule and syrup formats, and are available at leading drugstores nationwide.

So the next time you treat your cough, separate the myths from the true cure – reach for the natural and safe remedy that will effectively relieve you without any worries.

BPI takes Wealth Management into New Heights with Investment 3.0

As BPI celebrates its 160th year in the banking industry, they made another innovation to bring finance management into a new light and technology. On April 26, they introduced Investment 3.0. With the convenience of the internet and the security of its servers, this makes investors aim for great future stability with the help of Investment Councilors always available. 

Themed Investment 3.0, BPI Asset Management exhibits its latest innovation in the banking industry - BPI Investments Online, a new online facility through which the bank’s clients can maximize the use of internet to manage their assets, transact, and access their investment portfolio, without the restraint of time or place. 
Through BPI Investments Online, BPI enables customers to apply, inquire and transact investment funds via the internet platform. The project is part of the Bank’s commitment, through the Asset Management and Trust Group (BPI Asset Management), to educate and empower Filipinos on how they could build wealth through investments, thereby converting savers into savvy investors.


Clients can now enjoy the convenience of initiating investment transactions through the internet quickly, inexpensively, and virtually anytime, anywhere. With the launch of this online facility, investors can easily make transactions that would otherwise entail clients to visit their branch. Clients can now access portfolio information, explore further investment opportunities, subscribe to additional funds, redeem investments, and make regular contributions via the Regular Subscription Plan (RSP) at their utmost convenience.

AURELIO R. MONTINOLA III
President and CEO
Bank of the Philippine Islands

Mario T. Miranda

Vice President and Head of Wealth Management
Asset Management and Trust Group
MARIA THERESA MARCIAL JAVIER
Senior Vice President
Group Head and Chief Investment Officer
Asset Management and Trust Group
“With the onset of our 160th year in serving Filipinos, we are staying true to our tradition of leadership and technological innovation,” says SVP Maria Theresa Marcial-Javier, Group head and chief investment officer of BPI Asset Managment. “We continue to remain relevant and even one step ahead as we move toward technology that will make it easy for our clients to make their money work for them."

Ms. Javier adds, “We’ve migrated our investment facility online to take advantage of the pervasive internet technology that will empower our investor clients to transact anywhere at any time at their convenience. This frees up more of their precious time that could be spent on other important business agenda or with their families. Truly, growing and managing investment funds is easy with BPI Asset Management.”


Banking via the internet is getting more popular to investors for the ways it saves in time and costs. I am looking forward to make my investments in the future. It does pay to make organize investments to make us financially smart and secure.

To find out more about BPI’s Investments Online Facility and its services, interested parties may visit www.bpiassetmanagement.com, or visit any BPI branch near you.




photo credits from jeman villanueva.

Bravia for a Cause, for Japan




It has been over a month since the tragedy in Japan, but aftershocks are still being experienced by the residents and there’s the nuclear threat to be dealt with. As a leading Japanese based company, this tragedy is very close to our hearts. We hope to get your support in this endeavor. Aside from the BRAVIA purchases, there are other means to help - please click on this link for more details - http://www.sony.com.ph/microsite/AprilNewsletter/BraviaCause.html


This will run from April 15-May 15, 2011 – For every purchase of a BRAVIA unit, Sony Philippines will give PhP100 for the Japan Relief Operations. Other ways to help is by dropping cash donations at Sony Centres or depositing donations in the specified Sony account.