Manila Ocean Park 2012 Exhibits

We took the kids out on a trip to the Manila Ocean Park two weekends ago. It was not easy taking care of children and their dad on a family day out. Their dad doesn't usually like taking the kids out to public places because he's always feels up to neck about taking care of the three. It's not that the kids misbehave, it's just that they're still too small to be be left unattended for even one minute. What we do is take them one at a time, while running errands or doing the grocery. Boring life for children, I know. It sucks to be children growing up around concrete with little greenery. I myself grew up climbing rocks, getting scraped by talahib and catching bugs from mango trees. Hopefully by next year we can find our own little house so the children has more space instead of the sad penthouse with no playmates.

The high ceiling at opening past the entrance looks like this. The glass separates the park entrance from Hotel H20.

It opens up to an even higher atrium, with three floors of attractions and retail/dining areas.

The kids take a quick pose at a photo of a shark while an attendant gathered our tickets

A flight of stairs led us to the first few exhibits, with thriving vines that hung from the ceiling

Have your photo taken while feeding koi (Php100)

Daddy E with the three Ms

And of course, with Mommy!

The iPhone4s takes wonderful photos :)

With one of my favorite fishes, the lionfish

This deck houses schools of larger fishes and gives them ample space to move like how they do in the wild

Huge pampano

This diver cleans the tank by vacuuming all the fish poop. 

More on the next post!

The Bourne Legacy Exclusive Screening at The Podium

This post is long delayed, I know. :) I got two invites to watch The Bourne Legacy starring Jeremy Renner, Ed Norton  and Rachel Weisz in The Podium Mall, courtesy of Sumo Sam. Sumo Sam launched their cinema ad with this exclusive screening, and I must say they did an amazing job. Owner Marvin Agustin was there himself to welcome guests and introduce the newest ad for Sumo Sam. 

Although The Bourne Legacy elicited from me mixed reactions, actors Norton, Renner and Weisz undeniably gave a great job in leading the cast. It's mind-blowing to watch Manila in its Hollywood form, the unsightly shanties made of light materials harmonized the mix-match of Renner and Weisz like they really didn't belong there.

The chase scene that lasted only a few moments was completely justifiable, as one cannot possibly make a drag race out of Manila's horrible traffic. The indigenous use of the Philippine's current economic state like profitable business outsourcing of multinationals to the country, and the use of the local jeepney and motorcycles put so much realism in the film. The ending was lacking, it could have used a little more airtime than a brief 10 seconds of panning the El Nido scenery. They could have played on the Renner-Weisz loveteam a little more, ending up in some remote island where they can live in total peace and harmony. But that's just me and happy endings. :) 

I dragged my friend, Carlo Guison to watch with me. 

Krizza Neri Protégé Grand Winner Listening Party

Protégé grand winner Krizza Neri, now a mainstay at Party Pilipinas, sang to bloggers snippets from her self-titled album, "Krizza." The album carries most requested songs from Protégé and OPM originals like "Ba't Di Ko Ba Nasabi," the original soundtrack from GMA-7's The Good Daughter. Protégé mentor Aiza Seguerra produced the album under her label Blackbird Music and contrinuted two original tracks, "Kung Malalaman Mo" and "Look My Way." 

 

Krizza's sweet, edgy and soulful R&B voice is a product of years of honing from her mom, who used to be a wedding singer. Her hometown in Cagayan de Oro is very supportive of her newfound career, hardly believing the changes in her life brought about by show business. Krizza looks at her fans as her friends, because she still feels humbled by the experiences Protege opened for her. 

Among the songs she was absolutely excited to have is an original composition about unconditional love with Maestro Ryan Cayabyab, "Kung Malalaman Mo." Krizza is a beauty in her own right, very morena and chinita,  sweet and adorable. She feels grateful that her career is growing wonderfully, with her family and a happy lovelife backing her up. 

Sans any musical accompaniment, Krizza sang to us “Narda” (originally sung by Kamikazee band) and her lovely voice reverberated through the halls of GMA, and the powerful medley of standard pop birit we’ve seen Krizza Neri sung, “If I Could/Wind Beneath My Wings” and “Could Have Been”. Finally, the Mentor, Singer-Songwriter, Music Icon Ogie Alcasid shares his original song, “Bakit Ka Lumayo” completing the powerful melody of love in the album. Krizza is distributed under Universal records.

Aiza Seguerra 25 Years in Showbiz Bente Singko: The Anniversary Concert in Smart Araneta Coliseum

To celebrate her long success in show business Aiza Seguerra wishes to share her gratitude for her silver anniversary milestone with Bente Singko:  Aiza Seguerra Anniversary concert on September 28, 2012 in the Smart Araneta Coliseum, a production from Blackbird Music Creations, That's Ntertainment Productions and line produced by Media Nation Inc.

Aiza Seguerra has captivated audiences since she was 3 years old. Her claim to fame as the witty, funny Little Miss Philippines first-ever winner, sealed the deal to stardom. We've seen her growing-up years as Vic Sotto's daughter in Okay Ka, Fairy Ko up to the day she blossomed as one of the country's most respected acoustic singer-songwriters with hits such as Pagdating ng Panahon and Akala Mo. Even with over 30 movies under her belt, Aiza Seguerra continues to give joy as she signed a deal with ABS-CBN to star in "Be Careful with My Heart." Now 28 years old, she may be the youngest in the country to ever celebrate her 25th year in her profession.

We met for an early dinner with Aiza, who came in without an entourage, casually dressed and looking relaxed and laid-back. This grand, Araneta concert is far from Aiza's simple and down to earth attitude. "Ayoko nga sana ng engrandeng concert, gusto ko yung maliit lang na celebration lang, tugtugan, inuman lang. Gusto ko parang, wow, 25 years na pala. Tara, inuman!"

"Kung gusto 'nyo ng Araneta, sa isang kondisyon. Kunin nyo ang Philharmonic." To her that was a long shot, something she deemed impossible when she told her producer friends that she'll only agree if the Philharmonic was there. And boy, did they deliver! The deal to Araneta was sealed. The ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra will provide musical depth to the evening under the guidance of accomplished conductor Gerard Salonga. Mike Villegas and Ria Osorio will be the musical directors. 














But more than anything, she feels indebted to the public who continues to support her which made her lasting presence in showbiz possible. "Utang ko sa tao ito, na tumangkilik sa 'kin sa loob ng 25 years. Para sa tao ang concert na 'to."

It wasn't long before people started taking notice of Aiza with us dining inside Sumo Sam Gateway. Some immediately whipped up their phone cameras and took snaps, while others were enthusiastically giggling over being so close to a star like Aiza, whose recent role in "Please Be Careful with my Heart" as a lesbian dad-mom endeared herself to Filipinos once more.


This concert is a gathering of people who has made Aiza a success: from Eat Bulaga and the big role of Tito, Vic and Joey in her career, Gary Valenciano who was her co-starrer in one of the best movies of my childhood "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?," as well as Concert King Martin Nievera. Also joining the roster of performers are Krizza Neri,  The Company, fellow ASAP Sessionistas Juris, Richard Poon, Princess and Nyoy Volante, Gloc 9, Bayang Barrios and Cookie Chua of Color It Redd.

For reservations call 234 2117. Ticket Prices: VIP P3,500 | Patron P3,000 | Lower Box P2,500 | Upper Box A P750 | Upper Box B P400 | General Admission P300

To get the latest updates on Aiza Seguerra BENTE SINGKO Anniversary concert, like MediaNation Inc. on Facebook www.facebook.com/MedianationInc or follow them on Twitter @medianationinc #aizabentesingko.

Angel's Pizza Opens in Eton Cyberpod Ortigas

It's revelation that Angel's Pizza packs a lot of punch in taste and size. The freshly made hand tossed dough makes all the difference, it stays moist and soft all day! That's a welcome addition to its fresh taste, generously topped with cheese, meat and vegetables and loaded with mozzarella. I especially like that it isn't greasy and laden with oil, it becomes even softer when heated on the stove or in the oven.

The Ortigas branch (formerly located in City Golf) moved to its new location in Eton Cyberpod in Ortigas (across Robinson's Galleria.) Customers flocked the first mall-based Angel's on its opening, and we had first dibs on what the store has in offer. Angel's Cyberpod is open Mondays-Fridays at 10am-12 midnight and Saturdays-Sundays at 10am-3am. (Phone number 234-9782) It's just 5 minutes away from my home in Kapitolyo, Pasig.



My bunso, Mattie, is Angel's newest fan. He finished his slice of ham and cheese. As a mom, it's always a delight to see my boys finish their food, it's a sign that the food is good. You can buy by the slice for as low as P35 pesos, a perfect for a filling mid-afternoon snack.

Aside from pizza, they also offer a full menu of pasta selections, calzones, combos with chicken,  rice toppings, drinks and dessert. There's always something new to order with every visit. There's more savings when you buy group sets, more fun for the whole barkada.

And the best deal for delivery: Buy one, take one pizza!

Angel's Cyberpod is open Mondays-Fridays at 10am-12 midnight and Saturdays-Sundays at 10am-3am. (Phone number 234-9782) 

Cosmo 69 Bachelors and Centerfolds Bachelor Bash 2012

Since we're lovers of all things bright and beautiful, presenting the Cosmo 69 Bachelors and Centerfolds 2012!

And this hot, hot, hot video of the hunks lipsynching to One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful" 

I spy a lot of familiar faces including JM de Guzman, Baron Geisler and a LOT of models, some of which I've seen in the San Miguel Party All Night event. Grab a copy of the Sept issue of Cosmo and get a free ticket to the Cosmo Bachelor Bash!