OCTOBER 15, 2013: A Non-working Holiday

OCTOBER 15, 2013: A Non-working Holiday

Good News to all students and employees out there! 

I know that a lot of you are always on the look out for a possible holiday or time off from your hectic working or class schedules. So, the timely announcement by Malacañan Palace declaring a holiday on the 15th of this month is a welcome respite, right?

FEAST OF SACRIFICE or Eid’l Adha will be celebrated on October 15, 2013, Tuesday, a public holiday throughout the country as declared by President Benigno Simeon Aquino, Jr. through Proclamation No. 658. 

The President based the proclamation on Republic Act No. 9849 which provides that Eidul Adha (Eid’l Adha) be celebrated every year as a special nonworking day.

Eid’l Adha is one of the two greatest feasts of Islam, but the date of the festival is based on the declaration made by Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body.

The other is Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Breaking the Fast that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Eid’l Adha is the 10th day in the month of Hajj, or the pilgrimage to Mecca, during which Muslims pay homage to Abraham’s supreme act of sacrifice that signifies mankind’s obedience to God.

This year the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos had recommended that the observance of Eid’l Adha be on October 15, “and the Eid’l Adha prayer be performed on the final declaration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” according to Malacañan Palace.

VIDEO: A Message To All Women

VIDEO: A Message To All Women

Every woman must know who she is.
 

I stumbled upon this video and I want to share this with all of you my dear readers because you are special. It is one of the most uplifting video I ever watched. When life had kicked you to the ground so many times, it comes to a point when you feel ugly, unwanted and unloved. Through this video, reclaim your spirit. You are beautiful. You are loved. You are awesome. Hear and believe it.                          

                                                                                                                                                           

We do not own the video. No copyright infringement intended.

Who Will Be The Next Miss Resorts World Manila?

Who Will Be The Next Miss Resorts World Manila?

From hundreds of beautiful girls who auditioned in the search for Miss Resorts World Manila 2013 that began last September, twenty (20) lovely contestants were chosen. They are:

Candidate No. 1 - Jamie Herrell
Candidate No. 2 - Gabrielle Runnstrom
Candidate No. 3 - Rhea Nakpil
Candidate No. 4 - Samantha Purvor
Candidate No. 5 - Nastazha Cardel
Candidate No. 6 - Roz Mikaela Callejo
Candidate No. 7 - Avonlea Paraiso
Candidate No. 8 - Zahara Soriano
Candidate No. 9 - Erika San Buenaventura
Candidate No. 10 - Nikita Pia McElroy
Candidate No. 11 - Jaysel Arrozal
Candidate No. 12 - Elizabeth Sese
Candidate No. 13 - Natasha Julian
Candidate No. 14 - Priscilla Kim Dela Cruz
Candidate No. 15 - Anjellica Lopez
Candidate No. 16 - Roxanne Corluy
Candidate No. 17 - Regine Chung
Candidate No. 18 - Diane Joyce Ramirez
Candidate No. 19 - Canielle Faith Santos
Candidate No. 20 - Abigail Joyce Mendoza

This year’s finalists were officially presented to the media last Tuesday night, October 1, during a swimsuit competition held at The Plaza in Newport Mall in Pasay City.

The Darling of the Press was also chosen based on votes from the media people who attended the event.

23-year-old Jaysel Arrozal (Candidate No. 11), a fashion design student, won the Best in Swimsuit award.

On the other hand, 19-year-old student Nastazha Cardel (Candidate No. 5) of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) was voted Darling of the Press. 

Both received P25,000 worth of gift certificates from Calayan SurgiCentre Corp.

Before the Final Runway at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on November 30, the finalists will participate in a series of exciting events and activities including personality development training; hair, make-up and wardrobe seminars; and styling and fashion workshops among others. All the contestants will also be part of a glamorous fashion show while selected candidates will be included in the Resorts World Manila 2014 Calendar.

The winner of this year's crown will get over P1.5 Million worth of cash and prizes, including an exclusive holiday cruise to Hong Kong via Star Cruises.

As RWM’s brand ambassador for an entire year, Miss Resorts World Manila 2013 will play a key role in events hosting, radio and TV guestings, fashion show and print ad modeling, and representing RWM in various events and activities.

Miss Resorts World Manila 2013 is a celebration of beauty, congeniality, luxury and world-class elegance. Experience these thrills and more only at Resorts World Manila, where nothing compares.

For updates and schedule of events of Miss Resorts World Manila, visit www.rwmanila.com or call Tourist Hotline at (02) 908-8833.

ABOUT RESORTS WORLD MANILA:

Resorts World Manila (RWM) is the first one-stop, nonstop entertainment and tourism destination in the Philippines that features exciting recreational thrills, outstanding performances, unique events, and spectacular lifestyle and leisure options. Conveniently located across Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, RWM is an instant gateway to world-class Philippine hospitality.

The premier integrated lifestyle hub is home to three superb hotel brands: the all-suite luxury MAXIMS Hotel; the five-star brand MARRIOTT Hotel Manila; and REMINGTON Hotel which offers cozy and superb accommodations for great value. With a variety of sumptuous dining options of over 50 food and beverages outlets ranging from international fine dining to casual quick service restaurants, RWM also offers a wide range of culinary fare.

RWM also serves as the home of The NEWPORT Mall which features high-fashion and international luxury brands. Experience a unique viewing experience at The Newport Cinemas with stadium seating and ultramodern cinema technology. Watch grand-scale performances at the 1,500-seater Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT), which boasts of state-of-the-art lights and sounds innovations, and the largest LED wall in all of Southeast Asia, or relax in the cozy interior and superlative 24/7 entertainment provided at Bar 360, located at the casino ground floor.

Spend a whole family day affair with the many attractions offered by GameZoo amusement center, which includes the exclusive multi-dimensional virtual rides, an assortment of arcade games, a soft play area for toddlers, and more exciting activities for kids of all ages.

Supplement all the thrilling excitement offered exclusively by Resorts World Manila by becoming a cardholder! Membership at RWM is free and provides an instant pass to numerous discounts, freebies, and exclusive invites to RWM events.

Resorts World Manila— Nothing Compares.

RICHARD YAP: Sir Chief Launches Solo Debut Album

RICHARD YAP: Sir Chief Launches Solo Debut Album

Richard Yap, a.k.a. "Sir Chief," the Chinito crush ng bayan from Cebu, conquered not only the heart of "Maya" but also the rest of the Philippine population via the ABS-CBN popular television program “Be Careful With My Heart". 

Not the type that will rest on his laurels, Richard Yap entered a new stage in his career as a singer when he launched his solo debut album at Palacio de Maynila last Friday, September 26, 2013.

The Philippine music scene will never be the same again as "Sir Chief" serenades his fans with ‘easy listening’ song selections such as his cover version of Ric Segreto's original  "Don't Know What To Do, Don't Know What to Say" which "Sir Chief" personally handpicked.

His self-titled debut album under Star Records features the following songs:

• Promise Ain’t Enough
• Think I’m in Love Again
• Can Find No Reason
• You Take My Breath Away
• Chasing Cars
• High
• Afterglow
• Oh Babe (Chinese version)
• Please Be Careful with my Heart (bonus track)
• Salamat (bonus track)

Richard Yap, a.k.a. Sir Chief, shared to everybody that the album is a dream come true. It's a realization of his childhood dream to sing professionally.  He said he is very thrilled and thankful to his very popular TV program “Be Careful With My Heart" at ABS-CBN  because through the said program, people from Star Records discovered that he can sing.

Watch Sir Chief's sample singing prowess in this video.

Richard Yap grew up listening to the music of: 

• Queen
• Barry Manilow
• Kenny Rogers
• Hall and Oates
• Phil Collins
• Mike Francis

He said that he doesn't feel any pressure getting compared with other talented singers in the country. Richard Yap believes that his album covers all genres, from pop to ballad to alternative. "Sir Chief" further explains that his solo album will surely appeal not only to fans of his age group but also teens.

Richard’s album is now available at all record bars nationwide under Star Records for P250 only. Digital tracks can also be downloaded via Amazon.com, MyMusicStore.com.ph and iTunes.

For more information visit Star Records’ accounts – Facebook and Twitter.

Official List of 2014 Public Holidays Released by Malacañan Palace

Official List of 2014 Public Holidays Released by Malacañan Palace

Oh, la la! Great News, my friends! The Official List of 2014 Holidays was released by Malacañan Palace through Proclamation No. 655 dated September 25, 2013.

You can now plan your vacations months earlier. There are a total of 19 holidays and special (non-working) days next year. Plus there are four (4) long weekends expected next year. 

Students will jump for joy because they'll get to enjoy most regular and special holidays that will fall on a weekday.

The holidays on the official list are as follows:

A. Regular Holidays

1 January (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day

9 April (Wednesday), Araw ng Kagitingan

17 April, Maundy Thursday

18 April, Good Friday

1 May (Thursday), Labor Day

12 June (Thursday), Independence Day

30 July (Wednesday), Eid’l Fitr (tentative date only)

25 August (Monday), National Heroes Day

30 November (Sunday), Bonifacio Day

25 December (Thursday), Christmas Day

30 December (Tuesday), Rizal Day

B. Special (Non-Working) Days

31 January (Friday), Chinese New Year

19 April, Black Saturday

21 August (Thursday), Ninoy Aquino Day

05 October (Sunday), Eid’l Adha (tentative date only)

1 November (Saturday), All Saints Day

24 December (Wednesday)

26 December (Friday), additional non-working day

31 December (Wednesday), additional non-working day

C. Special Holiday (for all schools)

25 February (Tuesday), EDSA Revolution Anniversary


Note: For regular holidays, an employee will be paid in full even if the person does not report for work and will be paid double if he or she does.

For special holidays, the employee will not be paid if he or she doesn’t work but will be entitled to 130 percent of the usual pay if he or she does.

THE VOICE OF THE PHILIPPINES: Grand Winner Mitoy Yonting

THE VOICE OF THE PHILIPPINES: Grand Winner Mitoy Yonting

Congratulations to the most popular contestant of ABS-CBN’s reality talent series, “The Voice of the Philippines”, Michael “Mitoy” Yonting, the first ever winner of "The Voice of The Philippines", a franchise from "The Voice of Holland".

"The Voice of the Philippines" winner can't believe that he now holds the title "The Voice of the Philippines".  

He is thankful, first to God, then to his family and his supporters.

The 43-year old frontman of the rock showband Draybers used to be a regular mainstay of Eat Bulaga . 

He used to appear in EB together with Gladys Guevarra in a portion called "Chuchay and Mitoy".
                                 

Circa 2007

@mitoyonting #VoicePHFinale #TheVoicePHFinale

Megan Young of the Philippines is the new Miss World 2013

Megan Young of the Philippines is the new Miss World 2013

Photo: Philstar.net/Inquirer.net/AP

Bali, Indonesia proved to be a lucky place for our very own Miss World Philippines Megan Lynne Young. Finally, in the pageant’s 63-year history, a Filipina won the much coveted title, besting 126 other candidates (according to my friend Jory Rivera who personally witnessed the historical event in Bali, Indonesia)! Congratulations to the first ever Pinay Miss World. We're so proud of you, Megan!

Photo: Mirror UK

Important fact: When Megan Young was crowned, the emcee asked her about how she felt. Megan spoke in Tagalog though she's very well versed with the English language! Panalo!  (Winner!) She thanked all the people especially all the Filipinos that supported her all the way to this monumental feat. She is truly a wonderful MISS WORLD.

Photo: Inquirer.net/ AP

The most coveted Blue Crown is now in the head of the newly crowned Miss World 2013 Megan Young of Philippines, center. Megan waves to the crowd, after winning the Miss World contest, in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. Megan won in a year with the most number of delegates ever. Yes, dear Megan Young beat candidates in 126 countries and became the first ever Filipina to win the title.

     Photos: Jory Rivera 

Beat this!

PHILIPPINES is the FIRST COUNTRY to win ALL THE MAJOR TITLES in all Major Beauty Pageants in the whole wide world:

Miss Universe - 2 (1969, 1973)
Miss World - 1 (2013)
Miss International - 4 (1964, 1970, 1979, 2005)
Miss Earth - 1 (2008)
Miss Tourism Queen International - 1 (2006)
Miss Supranational - 1 (2013)

Thank you Megan Young for completing the list!

Megan was born in the United States and moved to the Philippines at age ten. She attended Thidrum high school in Trinity University of Asia in Quezon City. She is currently majoring in Digital Film Making at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) in Manila.

The truth is the news made me cry! I don't know why I got so emotional when I learned that Megan won the elusive title! Maybe, I just empathize with Megan. Feeling beauty queen. Aba, who would not feel proud of Megan. She represented the Philippines with so much grace (under pressure) proving to the rest of the world that the Filipinas exude beauty and talent.

Photo: AP

Miss Philippines Megan Young, right, reacts after she was called as the New Miss World.

In a sparkling finale on the Indonesian resort island of Bali Saturday, Young bested 126 other beauty queens from around the world to win the coveted title in a contest broadcast to more than 180 countries worldwide.

In the finals, Young beat five other finalists, including France and Brazil. 

Question: Why should you be Miss World?

Miss World Philippines Megan Young: I treasure a core value of humanity that guides people why they act the way they do. I will use this to show other people how they can understand each other as one,so we can help society.

Photo: Jory Rivera

She thanked the judges for choosing her and promised to “be the best Miss World ever”.

The 23-year-old Filipino actress pledged to “just be myself in everything I do, to share what I know and to educate people.”

Thank you my friend Jory Rivera for the photos.

Congratulations Megan Young (@meganbata) #MissWorld2013 #MW2013 #INDONESIA #Bali #MissWorldPhilippines #PHILIPPINES

Westlife's Shane Filan Live at Skydome Tonight

Westlife's Shane Filan Live at Skydome Tonight

Attention: #Westlife fans #ShaneFilan Live at Skydome tonight! MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) See you!

One quarter of the most successful boy band of the last decade- Westlife is here in Manila! Twelve years, ten albums and 44million sales into their career, Westlife rocks!

I got so giddy when I learned that Shane Filan is in town for Everything to Me promo! Who could forget Westlife?