Krissy Villongco Releases Debut Album

Krissy Villongco Releases Debut Album

Krissy Villongco , the talented singer/composer of the the hit single 12:51, releases her first solo album entitled "Songs About You."  She's only 20-years old and a college student at Mint College in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

  

Krissy became a YouTube sensation together with her ate Ericka, who is only 10-months older than her, way back in 2009.

Krissy and Ericka, both sing and play the guitar and were labeled as the Philippine version of M2M.  According to Krissy, it was her ate Ericka who taught her how to play the guitar. I asked her if she's related to the stage actress and singer Cris Villongco. Krissy said she's her aunt. 

After years of working hand in hand with her sister Ericka, Krissy now turns solo and releases her debut album “Songs About You”.

“Songs About You” is an all original album written by Krissy herself that will certainly move the hearts of many listeners especially the young generation.

It features the carrier single “We Can’t Be”. Other tracks include “Weekend With You”, “Piece Of You”, “Distance”, “The Game”, “Don’t Forget Me”, “Gone Away” and the piano version of the hit single “12:51”. “I’m very much proud of this album because for the first time in my 5 years in the music industry, I was able to come up with an all original album, which has been my dream for as long as I can remember,” Krissy said. The album’s carrier single, “We Can’t Be”, a heartbreak song, will surely touch the listeners’ hearts just like her previous hit compositions “12:51” and “In Your Arms” during her days as a duo with her sister Ericka, whose videos got million hits in YouTube. Its music video recently premiered on MYX when she experienced mixed of emotional breakdowns and joyful happenings in her life.

According to her, each song is composed of unsaid words and unexpressed feelings to the guys she used to date. Krissy kind of wish that she told how she felt to those guys she almost had a relationship with. But then again, if she had done that, then she wouldn't have been able to write all those songs.  Krissy said that the listeners would not only feel sadness but also happiness, anger, loss or yearning on her album. These makes the songs truly relatable for lots of girls and some guys.

“Part of songwriting in every artist comes doubt in wondering whether we will ever be accepted for the things that we create, that’s why I’m always going to be thankful for the fans that have not only supported me but also gave me a chance to speak up and let my story be heard,” Krissy added. “Songs About You” by Krissy is now out on CDs at Astroplus and Odyssey outlets, through digital downloads via spinnr.ph and iTunes and can also be streamed via Deezer and Spotify. 

The album is released under MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines). Here are the links:

Spinnr- http://smarturl.it/SongsAboutU
iTunes- http://po.st/O3cVwi (Mastered for iTunes)

For bookings and inquiries, contact Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist
Management at +632 9162504 local 107, +639178565174 and +639209682991. For more new and updates on Krissy, log on to the following sites: www.facebook.com/mcamusic or www.twitter.com/mca_music.

Message from Krissy:

Please share which song(s) from #songsaboutyou captured you the most and who would you like to dedicate this song to? Sending them my warm huugs too - Krissy

#saybts

MITOY YONTING: Releases Hanggang Wakas Album

MITOY YONTING: Releases Hanggang Wakas Album

Dreams do come true even at age 44, says Mitoy Yonting, winner of the first season of The Voice of the Philippines. 

Yes, folks. Finally, Mitoy Yonting releases his 30 years in the making album entitled Hanggang Wakas at Resorts World last Saturday to the delight of his fans.

It is my first time to see him perform live together with his band Draybers.

Mitoy is such a funny man. He would crack jokes while singing and in between numbers but he was half joking when he said that it took him 30 years to finally release his very own album. He said that 30 years ago, he dreamt to release an album and finally that dream is now a reality. Not only that, he also wrote several songs in this album such as “Ikaw Hanggang Wakas,” “Kaibigan” and "Magulang" featuring Bassilyo, which happened to be my favorite. According to Mitoy, he wrote "Magulang" in three (3) days when he and his band draybers were conned by a commissioner in Macau. 

The album also features the hit carrier single “Pinaikot-ikot” (written by Vehnee Saturno), “Pangakong Tapat” (Aster Adriano), his version of Florante’s “Handog” whose lyrics he sung from the heart because the song reflects his life story. The album also includes “Minahal Kita,” “Solitaire,” “Hahabol-habol,” “Somewhere” (his duet with his coach, Tony Award winner Lea Salonga) as well as his medley of Air Supply hits ”Every Woman In The World,” “I Can Wait Forever,” and “Here I Am.”

So dream big and believe just like Mitoy.

Mitoy Yonting’s Hanggang Wakas (Universal Music Philippines) in CDs is available at Astroplus and Odyssey outlets and digital downloads via spinnr.ph and iTunes. It can also be streamed via Deezer and Spotify.

For bookings and inquiries, call Sammy Samaniego of MCA Music Artist Management at 916-2504 local 107, (0917) 856-5174 and (0920) 968-2991. For more new and updates on Mitoy Yonting, log on to the following sites: www.facebook.com/mcamusic or www.twitter.com/mca_music.

ZAMBALES MINERS: Begs DENR to Lift Suspension on 4 Mining Firms

ZAMBALES MINERS: Begs DENR to Lift Suspension on 4 Mining Firms

Thousands of Zambales miners and their families hold a protest caravan and made a stop at every Barangay Hall in Sta. Cruz last Saturday, August 9, 2014. The alliance of miners appealed to DENR to reverse the suspension order slapped on the four major mining companies in their province so they can go back to work and earn an honest living.

“We appeal for your compassion and consideration to alleviate the miseries not only of the affected employees and their dependents but also of the business establishments, the communities, and all others that depend on the mining operations of LnL Archipelago Minerals Inc.( LAMI) for their day to day existence” according to the group of workers from the companies called Coalition of Mine workers, Families and Communities (CMWFC).

“We witnessed how LAMI adhered to their commitments to implement best practices in environmental management, safety, and health; and their sincere desire to equitably share the benefits derived from their mining operations to the concerned communities through generous implementation of its Social Development Management Programs (SDMP) and unselfish grant of substantial Corporate Social Responsibility contributions and initiatives,” the group added.

Dozens of LAMI’ scholars especially those in college studying from as far as Pangasinan and Baguio City are in danger of stopping their schooling.

Cabangon said he and his constituents want the EMB and MGB to explain the bases for granting Molino’s complaint and suspending LAMI’s operation.

Orlan Mayor, spokesperson of the CMWFC, said that mining is the main livelihood of residents in the area.

"Malaking tulong ang trabaho naming sa minahan, wala naman ibang trabaho dito sa probinsiya maliban dyan, pwede naman magsaka pero seasonal lang naman 'yun," Mayor said. "Pano na 'yung pamilya nung libong mangagawa ng minahan kung patuloy kaming walang trabaho?"

The miners felt so powerless. They are desperate to go back to work. Director Danilo Uykieng, please hear their cries.

#LiftSuspension #HearOurAppeal #CMWFC

ROBIN WILLIAMS: Loses battle from Depression

ROBIN WILLIAMS: Loses battle from Depression

Photo Credits: Google

I am so sad today. Why? Because I learned that my favorite established comedian Robin McLaurin Williams died at age 63 on August 11, 2014. 

He's a very successful American actor, voice actor, and stand-up comedian. Who would have thought that behind all the glamour, riches and fame is a scarred soul. He was suspected to have committed suicide by asphyxia after a long battle with depression. But a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made.

Update! Robin Williams, who had been undergoing treatment for depression, died of asphyxiation after he hanged himself with a belt.

Authorities declined to elaborate whether a note was found or there were indications of drug or alcohol use. The final cause of death will be determined in about two to six weeks after toxicology results are released.

But, why would we focus on his death when we could paid a tribute to the comic genius, right?

One of the most notable roles he had is when he played as Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire in Mrs. Doubtfire.

In Mrs. Doubtfire, Williams played a man willing to go to any lengths to be with his family, including masquerading as a buxom nanny in the hopes of winning his wife back from Pierce Brosnan. A part that campy could have sunk many actors’ careers, but it just cemented America’s love for Williams. A sequel was planned for 2015.

He rose into fame with his role as the alien Mork in the TV series Mork & Mindy, Dead Poet Society, Hook, Genie in Aladdin, Dr. Sean Maguire in Good Will Hunting and many other roles.

Thank you for making us laugh and cry with you. 

Goodbye Mrs. Doubtfire #RIPRobinWilliams #help #FightDepression

Thank you. God bless you!

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the Information and Crisis Intervention Centers (ICICs) at 0917-588-HOPE (4673) and a toll-free number 2919 for Globe and TM subscribers 

or you could also call

Manila Lifeline Centre
Contact by: - Phone
Hotline: (02) 8969191
Hotline: Mobile phone: 0917 854 9191

For free, anonymous and confidential telephone counseling that is non-sectarian and non-judgmental, call Crisis Line at 893-7606 or 893-7603, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is help at the end of the line.

HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM VARIOUS MONEY EATING SERVICES OF SMART

HOW TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM VARIOUS MONEY EATING SERVICES OF SMART

Break free from your network's SMS-VAS (Value Added Services).

Why? Because these networks value added services eat up your load.  

I know that a lot of you can relate with me and my brother.  This incident often happened to me and to a lot of my family and friends. 

Scenario: You just loaded Php300 yesterday but you had the shock of your life when you checked your balance today. You have zero balance. The only thing you've done is registered an unli call and text yesterday.

Well, aside from the usual mobile data charges from using FB on your phone you also have to unsubscribe from your network's SMS-VAS (Value Added Services) subscriptions.

To terminate your subscriptions to services received via SMS such as the following:

• weekly tips
• ringtones or other content

All you have to do is key-in CHECK and send it to the access number that regularly sends the information to you (Example: Type CHECK and send to 288).

You will then receive a notification indicating all the services you are subscribed to.

Follow the instructions on how to cancel the service. (CHECK service is not available for access code 283 since this is maintained by different content providers.) Cancellation procedure is FREE. If it charges you call their customer service.

You may also send STOP ALL to a specific access number to unsubscribe to all services from that source.

To stop receiving alerts from SMART, send ALERTS OFF to 211.

#Smart 

UMBRA SHIFT: Hanger Chairs For Small Spaces

UMBRA SHIFT: Hanger Chairs For Small Spaces

After a long hiatus from the  blogging world, I am finally back (with a vengeance?) 

I was recently invited to the Toronto-based brand Umbra exhibit at Cav Wine Shop Cafe in BGC. 

Umbra launched its collection labelled as Umbra Shift in the Philippines. From among the 14 contemporary and handcrafted designs presented by Umbra Design Director Matt Carr, my favorite is the designer's smart, space-saving folding chairs that double as clothes hangers. 

Sigh, I could envision it on my tiny home! The Hanger Chair is the ultimate storage solution that I'd been looking for. The Phillippe Malouin's Hanger Chairs look very simple but it is perfect for condo dwellers like me especially now that I'll be having guests for my *th birthday real soon.#iwantumbrashifthangerchair. My clothes would look good when I hang it using umbra shift hanger chair. Pak na pak #bongga.

Other notable new collection of Umbra Shift are the following:  

Roll bottle opener from the Umbra Shift collection made of solid brass. 

Umbra Shift Cup Lamp that doubles as a pen holder and even has a built- in USB bulb. 

Umbra shift spoon clock 

A playful way to tell the time, the SPOON CLOCK by Albert Lee is part hand mirror part clock. #UmbraShift

Yes, dear! Umbra Shift used different materials, such as brass, wood, mirror and woven goods.

Did you know that the woven abaca rugs and the Coiled Low Stool from the ‪#‎umbrashift‬ collection are made in the Philippines! 

The Coiled Stool was inspired by the traditional basket-making techniques of the Philippines.

#‎umbrashift‬ collection are available at ‪#‎dimensione 

For more information visit www.umbrashift.com

#Umbra #Umbrashift #furniture #accessories

VIRGIN ISLAND: Bohol Philippines Hidden Gem

VIRGIN ISLAND: Bohol Philippines Hidden Gem

Yehey! It's my second time around at the Virgin Island in Bohol and it never failed to give me a feeling of happiness, a sense of freedom and tranquility that my soul seeks.

Virgin Island in Bohol, Philippines is an island with lots of sea urchins and trees.  It is known to locals as "hidden oasis." There is no shade, electricity nor inhabitants there. All you could see are pristine waters and that long curving stretch of powder-like white sand and those coconut trees.

After the other guests left, I had the island all to myself and I love that!

 Commune with God and nature in Virgin Island. God is good all the time. I love being there!

We are on the lone tourist boat there.

Our Boatman and his side kick jumping away their stress! They were so happy!

Tranquil Virgin Island is like no other- That yellow boat that I captured in the picture offered sea urchins, also known as "swaki," which you could dip in vinegar or "suka". Those on the yellow boat also sell sea shells, pearl accessories, shell meat, starfish and buko juice.


I will never get tired of visiting Bohol's Virgin Island again and again.

PIOLO PASCUAL: Uncensored On E!

PIOLO PASCUAL: Uncensored On E!

I always admire Papa P or Piolo Pascual since I first saw his movie many years ago. Piolo, as you all know, is a household name in the Philippines. He's been in showbiz for almost 20 years now.  That's why when I received an invitation from E! I did not think twice. Yes agad ako. 

So what's new with Papa P? Piolo will be featured in the brand new 30-minute E! News Asia Special that will start on September 28, 2014, at 9 pm.  Finally, you and I will see Piolo in his most candid interview, talking about all the rumors and myths surrounding him. 

I think that is so cool! I am so excited to have a glimpse of his day to day personal schedule, his bonding time with his 17-year old son Inigo, Piolo's private habits and a lot more.

#ENewsPiolo

Marriott Café All American All Good Food

Marriott Café All American All Good Food

Commemorate American Independence not only for a day but for the whole month of July.

Yes, folks, the Philippine premier American hotel Marriott Café will serve an extensive American buffet from July 9 to 31, Sundays to Thursdays. With the goal to satisfy the most demanding appetite, Marriott Café will serve an extensive American buffet dishes which will include rib eye steaks ( rejoice meat lovers ), pies and cakes that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Available for only P1,950 all in.

Last July 8, we were pampered by Marriott Hotel Manila with  "All American, All Good Food" such as Angus beef, Jambalaya Rice, luscious rib eye steak, shrimp gumbo with homemade sausage, Key Lime Pie, Dixie Pies, flavorful mini burgers, crispy nachos, cornbread, delectable cupcakes, free flowing Beringer wines and Jack Daniel’s whiskey and Southern rock music. The event was hosted by G. Toengi and attended by Executive Chef Meik Brammer, Guest Chef John Havens of Certified Angus Beef (CAB), Food and Beverage Director of Marriott Hotel Brendan Mahoney, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg, and Marriott Hotel Manager Anna Vergara. 

The lovely Patricia Hizon and husband Vince Hizon were also present during the event. Sad to say, my dslr camera and LX7 camera were robbed the day after the event at the paid steel parking of Cash & Carry in Makati City. My God, the establishment doesn't even have a CCTV to deter those bad elements from breaking inside your parked cars.

Anyway, let's get back to what happened during the event at Marriot Hotel. I so love the Russian performers who graced the stage with their flawless dance number. 

And not only that, acrobats also entertained the crowd with heart pounding stunts. I actually captured it on my dslr but as you know it is now in the hands of those bad people.

"Out of the Box," a casual social event will also be held on July 11. Indulge yourselves with Robert Mondavi's crisp wines while being entertained by Chef John Havens’ live cooking demo of appetizers using U.S. Certified Angus Beef from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

On the next day, July 12, Chef John Havens will once again join the fun by sharing his love for American food by providing cooking class for only P2,000 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

And on the July 17, you will get the chance to be one of the selected few whom Chef John Havens will serve dinner to by placing a reservation on a dinner wine set for only P3,250 net.

Celebrate 4th of July at Marriott Hotel Manila.  #AllAmericanAllGoodatMarriott

Thank you Dennison Uy for the invite and for lending me your photos.

WARNING: Never Park Your Car at Cash & Carry Makati

WARNING: Never Park Your Car at Cash & Carry Makati

If you want your valuables to be gone in sixty seconds then park your car at Cash & Carry in Makati.

Earlier today we parked our car at the steel parking area of Cash & Carry. Complacent that since it is a paid parking, there will be several cctv's and security guards that will guard and monitor our car while we eat lunch and purchase our groceries.

We are very wrong because the moment we stepped out of our car, my equipment a Canon 550 D with a 32 gb micro sd card, my lipsticks and make up and my samsung cp together with my gc's had gone into thin air just like that.

We learned from the guard on duty that he was the only one roving the parking area. Gross negligence was committed by the parking management by not providing cctv in the area. According to the management, they only have a cctv at the second level of the steel parking area. Kumikita sila ng milyones sa parking pero wala silang pang bili ng cctv???

I find that hard to believe. But then again, we experienced first hand how lax the security was in that part of Makati.

So VP Jejomar Binay ganyan po ba ang Makati? #MAKATI #GanitoKamiSaMakati #JejomarBinay #JunjunBinay #Police #Cash&Carry #Cash&CarryPugadNgSalisiGang

PHILTRANCO: Celebrating 100 Years Of Service To The Filipino People

PHILTRANCO: Celebrating 100 Years Of Service To The Filipino People

I was amazed by the fact that my favorite Philippine transport company Philtranco is celebrating its centennial year.

Believe it or not, at 100 years, it is the 3rd oldest bus company in the world! 

I was born in Bicol. And Philtranco is part of my growing up years simply because it is the transportation of choice of my family and of many other Bicolano families to and from Metro Manila.

Did you know that my family and I used to go to Manila either by:

• airplane 
• with our own car 
• train
• via Philtranco. 

My dad refuses to go to Manila via bus unless it is Philtranco. Are you wondering why? Well, it is simply because Philtranco is very reliable, fast and safe plus it has its own toilet. Years ago toilet stops on the way to Manila were dangerous because of hold-ups and sometimes passengers, after alighting to eat or to go to the restroom at stops during the trip, get dizzy and mistakenly hop on a different bus.

Congratulations to the 100 years of fast, safe and reliable transport of Filipino passenger, Philtranco! Continue the biyaheng masaya for another 100 years! Mabuhay!

#Philtranco #hundredyears #100years #legacy the #leading #transportation #proud #company #celebrations #happy #centennial year #passenger #HappyPassenger #Contented #Filipino #Bus #PhiltrancoBaby

MAYON VOLCANO: ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) RIDE

MAYON VOLCANO: ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE (ATV) RIDE

Photo courtesy of Cannon Leongson Capiral

What better way is there to capture your memories of the beautiful perfect cone of Mayon Volcano than to have your pictures taken with the majestic Mayon as the backdrop.

Better still, you can explore the scenic places at the foot of Mount Mayon aboard the All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) that are available for rent from different ATV operators at Barangay Pawa in Legazpi City or at Cagsawa Ruins at Barangay Busay in Daraga, Albay. 

Photo courtesy of Cannon Leongson Capiral

Oh, these bunch of young at heart must be having the time of their lives while cruising through rough terrains on board the ATVs at the foot of Mount Mayon. You could almost feel their adrenaline rush as they skillfully maneuver the ATVs through narrow streams along the ATV trail.   

For you to have a clearer picture of the various ATV trails available, you can take a look at the map below. 

NOTE: We are not in any way connected with the ATV Operators

On the map, you'll see the starting point of the ATV trails in Barangay Pawa, Legazpi City. 

Here is how to go to Barangay Pawa:

You can take a tricycle or cab or jeepney. 

If you ride the Legazpi-Daraga jeepney, take Loop 1 or Loop 2 jeepney route, get off at Sagrada Familia Chapel at Barangay Bogtong and walk along the street leading to Barangay Pawa.

The other starting point of the ATV trails is in Cagsawa Ruins site at Barangay Busay in Daraga, Albay where you can hit two birds with one stone by visiting the Cagsawa Ruins and taking the ATV ride through various trails at the foot of Mayon Volcano.

 

And to give you an idea of the various trails and prices of ATV tours being offered in both areas, here are the trails and prices:

ATV Tours & Pricing of YOUR BROTHER TRAVEL & TOURS

As of May 2014

TRAILS	150 CC Single	350 CC Single	350 CC Double	Can-Am ATV
MAYON ATV CHALLENGE (3.5 kms.; 45 mins. trail ride; see purple line in map)	PHP 599	PHP 799	PHP 1,200	PHP 2,500
MAYON TO BASE CAMP (2 hours mix adventure; see light blue line in map)	PHP 1,800	PHP 2,500	PHP 3,500	PHP 4,500
MAYON ADVANCED TRAIL (3 hours to lava front; see green line in map)	PHP 2,000	PHP 3,000	PHP 3,800	PHP 5,000
MAYON ATV SUMMIT (4 hours; halfway to Mayon; see red line in map)	N/A	PHP 6,500	PHP 7,500	PHP 9,000
CAGSAWA TRAIL (to Cagsawa ruins)	N/A	PHP 3,500	PHP 4,500	PHP 7,500
MAYON 360 (basecamp, advanced, Cagsawa trail)	N/A	PHP 4,000	PHP 4,500	PHP 7,500
4X4 JEEP (to lava front)	PHP 3,500(up to 4 pax)

ATV Tours & Pricing of BICOL ADVENTURE ATV

CAGSAWA SITE

TRAILS	150CC	350CC	500CC
CAGSAWA SHORT TRAIL  (7 kms.; 45 mins. trail ride)	PHP 699	PHP 1,400	PHP 1,800
GREEN LAVA WALL (1968 lava bed) TRAIL (45 Mins. trail ride)	PHP 1,500	PHP 3,000	PHP 3,500
CAGSAWA-BLACK LAVA WALL (1978 Lava bed) TRAIL (6 kms.)	PHP 1,850	PHP 3,700	PHP 4,200

NOTE:  This is not a paid post. We are not in any way connected with the ATV operators mentioned above.