Shop Digitally With Multiply.com!

Safe, convenient and hassle-free, Multiply connects virtual shoppers to 88,000 online stores

With 88,000 shops accessible with just a click, Multiply has officially become the country’s largest digital mall that offers everything from today’s hottest fashion finds, gadgets, mobile phones to the latest in beauty, mommy and baby products.

What began primarily as a social networking site where millions of people went to share photos and videos, Multiply has evolved to become a fully functioning e-commerce site that not only connects shopping success for virtual shoppers but also real-life business success for its merchants.

“When Multiply made the shift into becoming an e-commerce site, one of the first things we wanted to accomplish was to be able to offer more than convenience and variety to the Multiply shopper,” said Jack Madrid, country manager of Multiply Philippines. “We also wanted to create an e-commerce platform that was reliable and secure that will be able to connect entrepreneurs to their market,” he added.

Be The First Karakoke World Championships Philippines Champion!

The Philippines has Charice, Billy Crawford and Arnold Pineda as world class Filipinos in the music industry today and recognized all over the world. Now its your chance to be one of them! Join the KWC Philippines which is happening from May 30 to July 23, 2011. The winner of the  National Finals will represent for the Philippines for first time since KWC started in 2003. The 2011 KWC world finals will be held from September 8-10 in Killarney, Ireland.


KWC stands for Karaoke World Championships. The sole aim of the KWC is to annually produce a male and female karaoke World Champion in a highly competitive but entertaining manner while respecting copyright laws and the rights of songwriters.

Started in 2003 by Oy KWC Organization, Ltd., Finland (the owner of the event license), KWC has been held annually ever since. It brings together singers from more than 30 countries, regardless of race, nation or religion. It provides amateur singers the opportunity to showcase their amazing talents to the world, at the same time fostering camaraderie and goodwill among participating countries.

Participants to the KWC must go through a national trials series within their own country. Country trials are strictly governed by event rules mandated by Oy KWC Organization, Ltd., Finland. Country champions are then flown to the KWC event host country to compete in the world finals. World event finalists are given the opportunity to perform in front of an international audience and judges.

Currently participated in by more than thirty (30) countries, KWC has become the world’s biggest and possibly the most respected karaoke event.

This year, 2011,it will be the first time for the Philippines to send its very own male and female karaoke country champions to this world event. KWC Philippines also hopes that we would have our representative each year and also obtain the championship in both male and female divisions and finally that the KWC world finals will also be held here in the country in the future. And I have no doubt and with full support to those who will be chosen to be the first KWC Philippines Champion because we are a nation of singers and talented artists. So, if you are the one, go and audition now!


 For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/kwcphilippines.

DAYS OF LITERATURE: Rizal sa Call Center (Part 1)

"Hello, haw kan I help you?" hindi ko alam kung ako nga ang may problema o mali lang ang narinig nila. Isa pa. "Hi Good Day to you all, haw kan I help you?" Maayos naman hindi ba?

tinignan ko ang orasan... putik! malalate na ako sa interbyu ko! Ano ba yan! baka hindi na naman ako matangap! ang layo pa nang pupuntahan ko. Trapik pa. Diyos ko, ano bang nangyayari sa buhay ko, akit palagi na lang ganito.

Sa pagsakay ko ng jeep patungo ng alabang, nakasalubong ako ng matinding trapik. Sheet naman! palagi na lang ganito, kaya siguro di ako matangap-tangap sa trabaho. Hindi ko alam kung ano ang gagawin ko, minsan inisip ko na sana tumalon na lang ako at lumipad papunta sa inaaplayan ko. 10 minuto pa, sa lagay ng trapik may uusad naman medyo matagal nga lang. napabuntonghininga na lang ako. Pero, himala umusad ang mga sasakyan. At unti-unti bumalik ang pag-asa sa aking puso, may oras pa, maychance pa ako, sige lang, wala na sanang trapik.

Yes,dininig yung dasal ko. Isang minuto na lang late na sana ako. Yun nga lang hingal nahingal pa ako pagdatig ko sa receptionist ng kompanya. "Umm...hhhhuhhi I'm here for da interbiew, here is my resumé". "Okay, please just wait until your name is called" pangiting sinabi ng babae sa akin. Napatungo na lang ako sa pagsang-ayon. Napaupo na lang ako sa hilera ng mga upuan , kasama ang ilan sa mga aplikante na katulad ko.

May oras na ako upang huminga, pero bibilis ulit ito sa pagsalang ko na sa intebyu. Hay naku. Bigla naman bumagal ang oras para sa akin sa paghihintay. Bakit ganun? bakit kung kailangan ko ng oras laban sa trapik parang ang bilis ng oras. Isa pa hindi pa nagtetext yung gf ko. Akala ko full support siya sa akin, ang tinext lang niya sa akin yung mga quotes na "God Bless", "Have a nice morning", at "Mwah". Oo nga nagtetext siya pero lalo lang yata akong kinabahan, ewan ko, basta bahala na...

Lumabas ang isang babae na may dalangmaraming papel, "Attention, people please proceed to the interview room over there. Okay, let's start...Marcus, uhmm... De Escueta, Padilla, Saliente,..."

Sapat na sa akin na marinig ang Saliente, hindi ko na iintindihin ang pangalan ng iba pa, lalo lang akong kinakabahan. Kahi man sa pangngalan mas nais kong tawagin sa aking apelyido, Saliente, magaling. Hindi kasi ako naging magaling sa anuman, sa pag-aaral, sa sports, wala nga akong talento na maipagmamalaki. Buti na lang may babae pang nagmahal sa akin, hindi ko nga lang alam kung mahgal niya ako sa aking buong pagkatao o mahal lang niya ako dahil naawa siya sa akin. Sa pagbangit ng babae ng pangngalan ko buti hindi niya ako tinawag sa aking unang pangngalan, baka lingunin nila ako. Pero kahit anuman ang gawin ko, hindi ko pa rin maikakalila ang aking tunay na katauhan...

"Please sit down. Now please introduce yourself one by one, then describe someting about yourself. Is that okay?" Wika ng interviewer na kamukha ni Jessica Soho, pero may boses ni Sharon Cuneta. Sino ba ang una... teka ako yun ah!? Bad trip! Ayoko ko ngang mauna, parangnagpakamatay ako, lalo na wala akong magaya ng style sa pagpapakilala. Bigla na lang nagalanko ang utak ko. Pero kailangan kong sumagot, kung gusto ko ng trabahong ito, bahala na si Batman.

"Hi, Hello... My Name is Rizalino Salinete, you could call me Rizal for short..." Matapos nun hindi ko na maalala ang nasabi ko nung oras na iyon. Nalaman ko na lang ang realidad ay nang makaupo na ako. No Saliente

Itutuloy...

DAYS OF LITERATURE: Rizal City (except from 2XXX)

As a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal, Manual to Lyf will be featuring some of my writing inspired by his life and his works. Most of them are work in progress while some ar archived from past years of writing radomly but still have this Jose Rizal feel. And I will be doing this the whole month as my contribution for the 150th birth anniversary of our National Hero. MABUHAY SI DR. JOSE RIZAL!

Rizal City

(excerpt from my "upcoming" novel 2XXX)

The lights from the Manila Tower illuminates the district together with the old Neon and LED lights of the new Vegas of the East, along with Macau and Sentosa, Rizal City is both exemplifies and denounce the teachings and values of the hero the city was named after. In the middle of man-made reclaimed island city is the controversial monument of Dr. Jose Rizal which  rivaled the original Rizal Park, or Luneta. The monument though bigger than the other is surrounded by places of sin. A Casino on the East, a floating hotel in the south which is rumored to be the haven of forbidden lovers and prostitutes. And at the west where Rizal is facing is a glass pyramid like in Louvre, which is also a controversial structure which led to a lot of conspiracy theories connecting to groups such as the masons. And finally in the north is Manila's finest sightseeing spot that is the Manila tower. Rizal City is indeed a image of a progressive as there is no sight of poverty or discrimination. Though seen as the dream city detached from Metro Manila but connected by the Great Maynilad Bridge and the LRT 8 Underwater Train. 

Originally planned to be just a simple artificial island city but investors demanded more. Skyscrapers, shopping malls such as SM Rizal City and Robinsons Nueva Intramuros, and a theme park called Manila Star Park. Air traffic is still remains at NAIA but thanks to the LRT 6 connected to LRT 8 provides easy access.

The statue of Rizal posing facing west and trying to face eastward like his stance when he was shot XXX years ago, but not a face of anger but with a odd combination of confusion and eureka. The artist defended that his work reflects Rizal when he is thinking. And unlike in Luneta, the statue stands alone and is illuminated by spotlights at night and a fountain around him. The almost extinct Rizalista group would revere the monument as a mecca and sometime perform baptism rituals on the fountain and thus forcing to impose tighter security for the park and the whole city.

Philip and Anderson drove into the elite city which requires an exclusive access using the National ID system. Philip just only got his first at age 16 and quite hesitant that it would not be accepted. 

"To get in Rizal City is a rite of passage here? "Asked Anderson while driving through Quirino Avenue to Roxas Boulevard. "Yes it is, and even with an ID, there is no assurance that we can get in, I just got this last year" Philip replied "But how can you get in? You're an American, and getting a expat ID takes time". 

"Trust me, you don't know how influential ANIMA is, and  how far we can go for the vision" Anderson proudly said. Arriving now at the access road to the Great Maynilad Bridge to the city. Coming across the checkpoint for identification and car X ray, Anderson stick out his head out the window and exclaimed "Boss, ANIMA RIZAL" The guard seems to know what Anderson mean and pulled a pen which have a scanner. Anderson then put out his palm to be scanned and it was clear and before continuing the drive he whispered something to the guard which was replied with a nod and a smile. Philip then was puzzled what Anderson said to the guard which 

made him grin. Also the fact that they were not asked any ID which is a strict requirement inside the city.

"Can you tell me what is the password?" he asked.

"It was not a password, I just told him that he is doing a great job" Anderson replied

"You're lying, it so obvious but I also can't believe that they let us in without asking for our IDs... I 

mean, none of my friends has been here because of the security but you just showed you hand ans whispered something and thats it?"he questioned.

"Well, even I am an American we look up to Rizal as one of the best intellectuals of all time along with the Greek philosphers Plato, Aristotle .... and great leaders like Gandhi and Obama,"he explained and continued to drive into the heart of the city and passed by the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.

*2XXX is a novel by FPJ Jr about a college student and a secret agent  looking for the answers about his past and his abilities. Set in the future Philippines, showcases the changes and innovation the world has become after undetermined years.*

REEL DEAL Movies and Television: THE KITCHEN MUSICAL

Its indeed a musical world especially in television which is not only exclusive for western series, this time Asia will be invaded with the first Pan-Asian musical series, THE KITCHEN MUSICAL, featuring a pool of Asia's talented casts comprising both veteran and up-and-coming new faces from around the region, The Kitchen Musical is a tantalizing tale stretching 13 episodes of an hour each, centered around good food, great wines. 

Christian Baustista as Chef Daniel

Each episode will be wrapped in specially re-arranged and re-recorded popular hit songs animated with dance sequences. A menu of delicious dishes and dessert will be featured every episode that promises to be as luscious and addictive as the show itself. The Kitchen Musical is set in the musical world of a famous restaurant and anchored around the storyline of a rich young girl’s journey of self-discovery when she starts working in the kitchen of the restaurant, straight out of Le Cordon Bleu, Paris. Starring Stephen Rahman Hughes from Malaysia, and proudly Pinoy Diva Karylle Tatlonghari,and  balladeer Christian Baustita. Other Pinoys included in the cast are Joseph "Thou" Reyes (I Love Betty La Fea) and Ikey Canoy (Akafellas). The series is now shooting with the Filipino cast leaving for Singapore on Wednesday. Food + Music + Dance + Drama = a perfect serving of appetizing treat for viewers across Asia. And hopefully it will reach the western television too.

The Pinoy Cast with The Group and Studio 23 executives

A sample recipe that will be featured in THE KITCHEN MUSICAL

The Kitchen Musical will be shown in nTV7 (Malaysia) Studio 23 (Philippines), Metro TV (Indonesia), AXN (19 Asian Countries). Air date will be on October 2011.

REEL DEAL Movies and Television: Be STREET SMART this July from NatGeo

Are you a curious Pinoy? As in you would go to the details up to the atomic structure just to know how things tick? Maybe scientific and complicated but NatGeo will be launching a new show that will quench those vain curiosities and also talk about Pinoy topics. Hosted by Mitzi Borromeo and the show is the first locally produced series by National Geographic Channel (NGC) with the first three episodes dedicated to food. 

On the pilot episode SINISINTANG CHIBOG,  it deals about the Filipinos insatiable love for food. She embarks on a gastronomic adventure into the metro's food places like Binondo. It also featured 3 (different) food loving people namely Tania Vaca-Son (the sweet tooth), Corey Lee Wilson (the vegetarian), and Alex Lizot-Garcia (the meat lover). Each maybe unique in life choices in food but also shares the pros and cons of what they eat which also defines them. As we loved the pilot episode, we are looking forward to the other two episodes, FLAVORS OF OUR LIVES and CHIBOG CHISMIS.

Its not a cooking show but it looks more like Beakman's World less the labs, rats, and suits. It shows in depth analysis with images and videos for further understanding. Aside from food, the show will also discuss about technology, music, love and beauty. And in the launch they also invited several experts to talk about other food facts that we could learn, from the connection of food to sickness and also the never ending debate on diet which also made us think twice to grab a bite at the buffet. STREET SMART will air on July on NatGeo, but there are also plans to make the cable channel show accessible to more Filipinos in the future. Its really fun show to watch and get ready to educate yourself, which also lives out NatGeo's motto to LIVE CURIOUS.

The Manila Fashion Academy Opens its Doors

London, New York, Paris, Milan, Tokyo. 

These are places of fashion known all over the world. Here in the Philippines, particularly in Manila, the fashion scene is rising and also getting recognition. From Philippine Fashion Week, and the Ford Model of the World, our models and designers are climbing the fashion ladder to worldwide recognition. And lately, a new fashion school opened that offered a holistic approach to this trade. The Fashion Academy of Manila located at A. Venue Mall in Makati opens it doors for aspiring models, designers and photographers. The Academy partners with the biggest modeling company of the world ELITE, home of supermodels like Tyra Banks and Hiedi Klum. 

The launch is indeed star studded as celebrities graced the event particularly two prominent families, The Gutierrezes (Ruffa, Raymond, Anabelle, Eddie)and the Magalonas (Pia, Frank, Maxine, Elmo & Sab). It was like Philippine Fashion Week again plus more. Other stars sighted were Angel Locsin, Solenn Heussaff, Anne Curtis, Liz Uy and many more.

The event is a fusion of art and fashion as it also displayed an exhibit of photographer Xander Angeles. Elite Models were also there to distribute copies of the limited VISUALSINE, with Raymond Gutierez as Guest Creative Editor for issue. With this launch, there is now a venue for people who aspires a fashion career either be in modeling, photography, make up and design.

Kudos to the Manila Fashon Academy and Elite Manila!