RULES DURING KADAYAWAN: No Backpack, No Parking

RULES DURING KADAYAWAN: No Backpack, No Parking

Hello, loves! Mabuhay! For all tourists visiting Davao to witness the Kadayawan festivities like the Indak-indak sa Kadalanan (Street Dancing) and Pamulak Kadayawan (Floral Float Parade), please be informed that DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) urges the public to refrain from using backpacks and big bags.  Vehicle (motorcycles included) owners or drivers are also not allowed to park their vehicle on restricted areas particularly along the parade route. Ignoring security measures especially during the major events of the Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival is a big No No!

Davao police are really serious in implementing security measures to protect the city and its people. More than 2,000 police and military personnel were deployed in the city for Kadayawan, including the 600 additional security from police and military provincial headquarters in Davao Region.

The resolution passed by the Davao City council stated that individuals carrying backpacks will be prohibited from entering the identified routes of the parade and street dance unless properly inspected by security personnel.

Davao police discourages the public from carrying the following types of bags during Indak-indak and Pamulak:

• backpacks
• sling bags
• utility bags 

To avoid inconvenience, please use see-through bags or clear plastic bags instead.Please be warned that police authorities will arrest anybody, even media, who resists or refuses to have his/ her backpacks inspected. Don't worry they will not jail you. But they will arrest you if you do not cooperate and please note that you will not be allowed in the restricted areas. All confiscated bags can be claimed at the San Pedro Police Station.

The police will do everything as humanly as possible to secure everybody. They appeal to all to follow the rules set so that you will not be inconvenienced. With regards to parking, no vehicle will be allowed to park along the parade route.

Any vehicle seen parked along the parade routes will be towed.  Zero parking starts on the night of August 16, 2013.

By the way, hobbyist photographers who will be covering Indak-Indak sa Kadalanan and Pamulak Kadayawan on Aug. 17 and 18 are advised to get their sticker passes from the City Information Office (Rm. 18, 2nd Floor. City Hall of Davao). Bring with you any valid ID. You can also bring your old Kadayawan IDs or Photo Club IDs.

There will be no coverage fees imposed for non-media photographers and hobbyists for access to Kadayawan events.

Please follow the rules and have a happy Kadayawan! Be safe everyone! Enjoy!

KADAYAWAN 2013 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

KADAYAWAN 2013 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

Kadayawan Festival is a week long thanksgiving celebration in Davao. And according to the people in Davao the term "Kadayawan" is derived from the Mandaya word “madayaw”, which means a warm and friendly greeting used to explain a thing that is valuable, superior, beautiful, good, or profitable.

Allegedly, long time ago, Davao’s ethnic tribes residing at the foot of Mount Apo would converge during a bountiful harvest. This ritual serves as their thanksgiving to the gods particularly to the “Manama” (the Supreme Being).

Various farming implements, fruits, flowers, vegetables, rice and corn grains were displayed on mats as villagers give their respect and thanks for the year's abundance. Singing, dancing and offerings to their divine protectors are the highlights of this ritual.

EKSTRA: Now Showing in Cinemas Nationwide

EKSTRA: Now Showing in Cinemas Nationwide

This is the first time that I saw Vilma Santos with no make up in a movie. She deserves to be called the star for all season. She is really a wonderful actress.

Please do watch the indie film "Ekstra". It will be shown in theaters nationwide beginning August 14, 2013. You will surely not regret watching the film. Go and see the movie in theaters. Let's help our Philippine movie industry. No to pirated DVDs.

Top 10 weird visa applications

Top 10 weird visa applications

Are you applying for a Visa to go somewhere? Maybe to work or live out your dream? 

Are you aware that your reasons for applying do matter when filling up the application or when interviewed? So, I suggest you put your acts together and make sure it agrees with the laws of the country that you want to access so you'll get higher chances of getting approved. Global Visas is a private company that helps individuals and businesses wishing to secure visas in the country of their choice thus, Globalvisas.com has put together a list of the ten weirdest applications they have come across with in the last 12 months. When asked for their reasons for travel, applicants gave an unusual array of answers - from the illegal, to the unexpected, and the frankly odd.

We are all unique individuals in every sense of the word, that’s already given, we all have certain hopes in our lives, which might have been inspired from your favorite show, a novel or maybe sparked from an article you read in the past. This somehow, though slim in chance may have pushed us to gain interest in trying our luck and living that glorious aspirations outside the Philippines. I guess everything is possible now-a-days but then do consider the list I have below, if you are under this spell, and consider this wise.

According to them, the ten strangest reasons for applying for a visa are the following:

1) A South African man applied for a European visa, by saying he wanted to go to Romania to become a vampire hunter.

2) On his UK visa application, a Brazilian man said he wanted to bring "flamenco to the streets of Norwich".

3) A Russian woman applied for a European visa, so she could work as a prostitute in the Netherlands.

4) An embalmer from Mexico applied for a visa to ply his trade in Spain. When his criminal record was unearthed, the visa was refused.

5) On his European visa a Mali man said he was skilled with a pirogue, and wanted to transfer his skills to gondola driving in Venice.

6) A UK man listed his profession as a dog food taster on his US visa application.

7) A man in the Philippines applied to travel to Australia because he was "evading the local authorities".

8) One woman applying to move from France to the US gave her profession as 'foot model'.

9) A woman applied for a UK visa, saying she had "seasonal work as a zombie" .

10) A Peruvian man applied for a European visa to work as an "alpaca shearer" during "shearing season".

Note that every country has certain laws and limitations when come to this. So for an absurd reason of running from the a crime here in Manila, don’t count your luck on it. If ever you fall into one of the list or you are at loss of what better career options to file for, it would be good to seek out professionals who are adept to this kind of application, and those that could assure your visa approval.

Don’t get into shameful discussions about your reasons and thus getting disappointed on a disapproved application and eventually not finding a vampire or zombies in some countries.

On Global Visas

Global Visas has won for its clients the most difficult battles as far as visa facilitation is concerned, such as immigration to Australia. The expertise of the Global Visas team allows it to deliver the best quality service in the lodgment of spousal, fiancée, tourist and working visas. The company holds the distinct advantage of having personnel in destination countries as well as constant updating of visa regulations in these areas: the USA, Canada, UK and other parts of Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Asian territories. Visit http://www.globalvisas.com/ for more information.

UPDATED LIST TUESDAY AUGUST 20, 2013: Class Suspensions

UPDATED LIST TUESDAY AUGUST 20, 2013: Class Suspensions 

Due to the effects of Tropical Storm Maring and the enhanced southwest monsoon, classes in certain areas have been suspended for August 20, 2013.

Please check back on this page for updates. This list was collated from announcements made online by schools and LGUs. For more details on the rules for suspension, please read Executive Order No. 66, s. 2012.  This list was last updated on 6:55 a.m., August 20, 2013. For real-time updates from the media and different organizations, please track the #walangpasok hashtag on Twitter. For updates on the weather, please visit http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/.

Metro Manila

1. Caloocan City (all levels)
2. Las Piñas City (all levels)
3. Makati City (all levels)
4. Malabon City (all levels)
5. Mandaluyong City (all levels)
6. Manila City (all levels)
7. Marikina (preschool to high school)
8. Muntinlupa City (all levels)
9. Navotas City (all levels)
10. Parañaque City (all levels)
11. Pateros City (all levels)
12. Pasay City (all levels)
13. Pasig City (all levels)
14. Quezon City (all levels)
15. San Juan City (all levels)
16. Taguig City (all levels)
17. Valenzuela City (preschool to high school)

By Province

1. Angeles, Pampanga (preschool to high school)
2. Antipolo, Rizal (preschool to high school)
3. Bataan (all levels)
4. Batangas (all levels)
5. Cainta, Rizal (all levels)
6. Cavite (all levels)
7. Laguna (all levels)
8. Pangasinan (preschool to high school)
9. Baliuag, Bulacan (all levels)
10. Bocaue, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
11. Calumpit, Bulacan (all levels)
12. Hagonoy, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
13. Malolos, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
14. Meycauayan, Bulacan (all levels)
15. Obando, Bulacan (all levels)
16. San Jose del Monte, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
17. Dagupan, Pangasinan (all levels)
18. Angono, Rizal (preschool to high school)
19. San Mateo, Rizal (preschool to high school)
20. Taytay, Rizal (all levels)
21. Tanay, Rizal (preschool to high school)
22. Rodriguez, Rizal (all levels)
23. San Fernando, Pampanga (all levels)

School Specific

1. Ateneo de Manila University (all levels)
2. Ateneo Law School
3. Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
4. Arellano University – Main, Mandaluyong, Pasay, Malabon campuses (all levels and office operations)
5. Baliuag University (all levels)
6. Central Colleges of the Philippines (all classes and office operations)
7. Centro Escolar University – Manila, Malolos Campus (all classes and office operations)
8. De La Salle University – Dasmariñas (all levels and office operations)
9. De La Salle University – Taft and STC, Makati, and Ortigas (all levels and office operations)
10. De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde
11. De La Salle Lipa (preschool to high school)
12. Don Bosco Technical College
13. Far Eastern University – Manila; FEU East Asia College; and FEU Makati (all levels and office operations)
14. Fatima University – Valenzuela, QC, Antipolo, Pampanga (all levels)
15. FEATI (Far East Air Transport Incorporated) University
16. La Verdad Christian College, Caloocan
17. Letran, Manila
18. Mapúa Institute of Technology (all levels)
19. Makati Medical Center College
20. Miriam College, Quezon City (all levels)
21. National University (all levels and office operations
22. Perpetual Help – College of Manila (all levels)
23. Philippine Women’s University – PWU Taft, PWU HS, JASMS INDIANA, JASMS QC (all levels and office operations)
24. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Bataan (all levels)
25. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Parañaque (all levels)
26. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Maragondon (all levels)
27. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – San Pedro, Laguna (all levels)
28. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa, Manila (all levels)
29. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Rosa, Laguna (all levels)
30. Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sto.Tomas, Batangas (all levels)
31. Saint Francis of Assisi College (all levels, all campuses)
32. San Pedro College of Business Administration (all levels)
33. San Sebastian College – Recoletos, Manila (all levels and office operations)
34. St. Paul University, Manila and Quezon City
35. STI College, Balagtas, Bulacan
36. University of Asia and the Pacific (all levels and office operations)
37. University of the East, Manila and Caloocan (all levels)
38. University of the Philippines – Diliman, Manila, Los Banos
39. University of Perpetual Help – Biñan Campus (all levels)
40. University of Santo Tomas (all levels and office operations)
41. Letran, Manila (all levels)
42. Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite (all levels)
43. Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila (all levels)
44. Xavier School Nuvali (all levels)
45. Additional: DILIMAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL | #walangpasok - Aug 20,2013 - ALL levels

Government Offices

1. Courts of the National Capital Judicial Region, including the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, Court of Tax Appeals, and Sandiganbayan. (For courts outside NCJR, discretion is given to the Executive Judges to suspend.)
2. Senate
3. Pasay City Hall
4. No work for Q.C. GOV'T EMPLOYEES TODAY. DRRM team to operate. -- Mayor Herbert Bautista #walangpasok
5. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) offices in NCR (both field and main)

Source: This entry was posted in Briefing Room, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. 

For any questions, concerns, or complaints, contact us: action@deped.gov.ph | 02 636 1163, 02 633 1942 | 63 919 456 0027

USEFUL EMERGENCY NUMBERS

USEFUL EMERGENCY NUMBERS 

Charge your cellphones everyone! Please take note of the following  useful Emergency hotlines:

National Disaster and Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) hotlines
(02) 911-1406, (02) 912-2665, (02) 912-5668, (02) 911-1873

Philippine National Police (PNP) Hotline Patrol
117 or send TXT PNP to 2920

Bureau of Fire Protection (NCR)
117, (02) 729-5166, (02) 410-6319 (Regional Director, Information Desk)

Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) hotline
7890 or (02) 726-6255

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
136, 882-0925 (flood control)
Trunkline: (02) 882-4150-77 loc. 337 (rescue), 255 (Metrobase)
Metrobase: 882-0860

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
(02) 304-3713, (02) 304-3904

Red Cross hotline
143, (02) 527-0000, (02) 527-8385 to 95

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) hotlines
(02) 3-5000 and (02) 580-8910

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) hotlines
(0920) 96-SCTEX (72839) (traffic hotline) or (045) 459-0522

Skyway System Hotline
(02) 776-7777, 0917-539-8762 (globe), 0999-888-0893 (smart), 0932-854-6980 (sun)


South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) hotline
0917-6877539 (globe), (049) 508-7509, (02) 584-4389

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) hotline
(02) 433-8526

Philippine Coast Guard
(02) 527-3877, (02) 527-8481, 0917-724-3682 (globe), 0917-PCG-DOTC (globe)

Manila Water Hotline
1627

PHIVOLCS
Trunkline: (02) 426-1468 to 79, local 124/125 (emergency);
Text/call: 0905-313-4077 (globe)

DSWD
(632)931-81-01 to 07, local 426 (Disaster Response Unit); (02) 951-7119

Local government units (partial)

Manila Traffic Hotline – 527-3087
Cainta Traffic Hotline – 646-0044, (02) 248-1743 (hotline)
Las Piñas Traffic – 874-5756, 874-3927, 874-5754, 874-5753
Mandaluyong Hotline – 534-2993 (traffic); 533-2225 (Command Control Center)
Taguig Traffic – 838-4301 loc. 7112
Marikina STOC – 646-1651, (02) 646-1633 (traffic)
Pasig Traffic – 643-0000 (Command Control Center); 643-1111
Makati Public Safety Dept – 844-3146, 819-3270 to 71

PRAYER: Almighty Jesus, kindly spare the Philippines from the ravages of Typhoon Labuyo. Amen.

Keep safe everyone!

QUEZON CITY: No Classes on All Levels

QUEZON CITY: No Classes on All Levels

#LabuyoPH #walangpasok

For work suspension. Please standby for announcements from your LGU officials and respective companies.  Monitor updates via https://www.facebook.com/travelonashoestrings and stay safe!

Classes Suspension for Monday, August 19, 2013

Classes Suspension for August 19, 2013

Attention: Students, Teachers, Parents




Upon the recommendation of PAGASA, the Executive Secretary has ordered the suspension of classes in ALL levels over Pangasinan, Benguet, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro and Metro Manila. Likewise, the Executive Secretary has also ordered the suspension of work in the Government Offices in Metro Manila except those involved in disaster risk reduction and management.

For any questions, concerns, or complaints, contact us: action@deped.gov.ph | 02 636 1163, 02 633 1942 | 63 919 456 0027

Here is a list of schools and areas that have declared class suspensions for Monday, August 19, 2013.

They will be joining Quezon City and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon, which will have no classes on Monday in celebration of Quezon Day.

Upon the recommendation of PAGASA, the Executive Secretary had ordered the suspension of classes in ALL levels over:

• Metro Manila
• Pangasinan
• Benguet
• Bataan
• Zambales
• Tarlac
• Pampanga
• Bulacan
• Rizal
• Laguna
• Cavite
• Batangas
• Occidental Mindoro

*** Quezon City and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon, which will have no classes on Monday in celebration of Quezon Day.

Local government units in the areas listed below also announced suspension of classes due to heavy rain from by tropical storm "Maring".

In Metro Manila:

• Caloocan City (all levels)
• Las Piñas City (preschool to highschool)
• Makati City (all levels)
• Malabon City (all levels)
• Mandaluyong City (all levels)
• Manila (all levels)
• Marikina City (all levels)
• Muntinlupa City (all levels)
• Navotas City (preschool to high school)
• Parañaque City (all levels)
• Pasay City (preschool to high school)
• Pasig City (all levels)
• Pateros (all levels)
• San Juan City (all levels)
• Taguig City (preschool to high school)
• Valenzuela City (preschool to high school)

Outside Metro Manila:

• Bataan (levels)
• Benguet (all levels)
• Cavite (all levels)
• Laguna (all levels)
• Occidental Mindoro (preschool to elementary)
• Pampanga (preschool to elementary)

• Antipolo City, Rizal (preschool to high school)
• Bocaue, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
• Cainta, Rizal (all levels)
• Dagupan City, Pangasinan (preschool to high school)
• Hagonoy, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
• Malolos City, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
• Marilao, Bulacan (all levels)
• Meycauayan, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
• Montalban, Rizal (all levels)
• Obando, Bulacan (all levels)
• Olongapo City, Zambales (preschool to high school)
• Rodriguez, Rizal (all levels)
• San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan (preschool to high school)
• San Mateo, Rizal (all levels)
• Subic, Zambales (all levels)
• Taytay, Rizal (all levels)

Classes in these schools and areas are suspended due to heavy rain brought by tropical storm "Maring".

The Department of Education's guidelines on the suspension of classes include:

- Signal No. 1: No classes in kindergarten
- Signal No. 2: No classes in elementary and high school
- Signal No. 3: No classes in all levels including college

Please stay safe everyone!  #walangpasok #noclasses #maring

VIDEO:"Without You" by Anne Curtis and Martin Nievera

VIDEO:"Without You" by Anne Curtis and Martin Nievera

Actress Anne Curtis collaborated with concert king Martin Nievera in a mash-up video that is taking the internet by storm.

Yes, loves! Anne Curtis and Martin Nievera performed a duet of Without You for the YouTube channel of musical director Marvin Querido.

Anne said she did not expect that she will receive hundreds of compliments after her mash-up video was uploaded on you tube.

I was so amazed on how she carried all those notes! The video shows Anne belting out notes like we’d never seen her before. Oii, Anne you should hire your vocal coach for this song forever! Ang galing! Nailabas niya ang ganda ng boses mo dear! Taray mo dito teh!

We are not aware that Anne could rap very well! You will surely be in awe. This video is something to love Anne for even more.

Chito Miranda's Son Leaked The Chito-Neri Private Video?

Chito Miranda's Son Leaked The Chito-Neri Private Video?

After the leakage online of the sex video of Parokya ni Edgar's vocalist Chito Miranda with girlfriend Neri Naig comes alleged Facebook messages about alleged letter/s (and picture) of an alleged son of Chito Miranda owning to the leakage of the Chito-Neri sex video.

Is this for real? 

In reaction to this, Chito Miranda posted on Facebook that he doesn’t have a son. 

In other words, the alleged messages/ letters are fake.

CAMIGUIN: A word of caution about going to the WHITE ISLAND

CAMIGUIN: A word of caution about going to the WHITE ISLAND

When in Camiguin, don't ever go to the WHITE ISLAND, also known as Medan island. 

Don't tell me later that I did not warn you beforehand.

Please. Don't go to the White Island . . .

. . . because you will surely fall in love with that place. You will enjoy frolicking on and rolling over and over the white sands of White Island, which is actually a small stretch of uninhabited sandbar off the coast of the main island of Camiguin. 

You will be like these two individuals in the picture below who so love lying on and rolling over the sands in White Island. 

Oh, the guy on the left said he got off balance and that explains why he seems to be rolling over the sands when this shot was taken. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!

The sands in some part of White Island are not as fine and powdery as Boracay's but the serenity in the area and the volcanoes in the main island of Camiguin in the backdrop will more than make up for that.

In fact, many foreign tourists liken visiting White Island to having a luxurious Hawaii vacation apparently  because of the volcanoes in the mainland that serve as backdrop to the pristine white sands of White Island which is surrounded by crystal clear waters. So you need not go to Hawaii (and spend a lot) to experience this kind of luxurious vacation.

Some tourists go to the White Island for diving. White Island is sandwiched by colorful coral reefs on one side and black corals on the other. A word of caution though: The water current surrounding White Island can be very strong at times.

There are no trees, vegetation or permanent structures on White Island that could give you some shade or protection from the sun. So, make sure to bring umbrella, hat, sunglasses, sunblock, food and water with you.

It's better to go there as early as 5:00 a.m. or 6:00 a.m. and leave at 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. to avoid the scorching sun at midday. You can also go during late afternoons but some parts of the sandbar may be submerged due to high tide.

As of late, however, makeshift stalls made of bamboos and tarpaulin tents were set up by vendors who sell food and water and offer tables, chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gears, life vests and other items for rent. Of course, the prices are a bit high compared to those found in the mainland. So, better bring your own food, water, and other items that you may need while on White Island. 

In my opinion, these makeshift structures destroy the beauty of White Island. Instead of putting up stalls, vendors could sell their wares from their banca (outrigger boat) while docked on the White Island. They should not be allowed to set up stalls on White Island itself. 

How to Get there

Source: Wikimapia

The jump-off point to White Island is the pier in Barangay Yumbing which is about fifteen (15) minutes away by multicab or eastbound tricycle from the town proper of Mambajao, Camiguin

The tourist police outpost at Barangay Yumbing pier beside Paras Beach Resort also serves as a cashier where you can pay Php480 to rent a banca (outrigger boat) to take you to the White Island within ten (10) minutes and back. Each banca can carry up to a maximum of 6 passengers. So you can share the rent with other passengers to minimize your expenses. Port operation is from 5:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Starting March 01, 2009, you also need to pay an environmental fee of Php20 per passenger for marine life protection and cleanliness drive of White Island.

You may also hire outrigger boats from nearby beach resorts like Paras Beach Resort or Pabua's Cottages or Paguia Cottages where rates may be lower than those at the pier. 

Enjoy!

VIDEO: Chito Miranda and Neri Naig Very Private Video Leaked

VIDEO: Chito Miranda and Neri Naig Very Private Video Leaked

Celebrity couple Chito Miranda and Neri Naig posed for a photograph on a beach in this screenshot on Instagram. This photo was posted by the Parokya ni Edgar founding member and lead singer Chito Miranda last Saturday, August 3, 2013.

The current trending topic on Twitter, Facebook, instagram and even blogs is the alleged sex video of Parokya ni Edgar lead singer Chito Miranda (37 years old) and his girlfriend Neri Naig (27 years old).

As I type this article, netizens scour the web for a sex video allegedly involving the Parokya ni Edgar frontman and celebrity girlfriend Neri Naig.

Chito Miranda-Neri Naig video scandal is another lesson to all couples to stop video recording their own private affairs. But then again both of them are of age already and they certainly know the difference between right and wrong, so who are we to judge them?

The 7:17-minute video allegedly shows a naked couple who allegedly appears to be Miranda and his television actress-girlfriend Neri Naig making love in various sexual positions. It was first downloaded on YouTube but was quickly taken down.

A cat-and-mouse chase has since occurred between YouTube and the uploader of the alleged sex video. As users sneak in to post a copy of the sex tape, the popular video-sharing website delete it just as swiftly.

Porn and file-sharing sites have allegedly since carried the steamy film.

Miranda used the social network Instagram last Saturday, August 3, 2013, to say sorry for a “leaked private video of me and my girlfriend” and later tweeted to explain that his computer hard disk drive and “several other stuff” were stolen from their residence. The singer-songwriter posted on Instagram a photo of him and 27-year-old Naig on a beach, bearing the caption: “Di n’yo kami matitinag.” later that day.

MARIO MAURER: Pee Mak Red Carpet Premier in TriNoma

MARIO MAURER: Pee Mak Red Carpet Premier in TriNoma

Mario Maurer is in the Philippines again!

I was invited to the Philippine red carpet premiere of “Pee Mak” at TriNoma Cinema 7 earlier today, August 3,2013 at 7 p.m.

Mario Maurer was deglamorized in this box office hit horror-comedy film Pee Mak which will be shown in Philippine cinemas starting on August 28, 2013. 

We had a chance to preview the movie a few hours ago. And boy, was I surprised how funny the movie is. I really had a good laugh.

Pee Mak's fresh take on a familiar tale quickly rode high to Thailand’s box-office as it reached USD 33 million with 10 million tickets sold nationwide in Thailand.

Sypnosis:

During the beginning of the Rattanakosin Dynasty, many Thai men were drafted to serve in the war. Pee Mak was no exception and had to leave his pregnant wife to join the flight. While at war, he met, saved and formed a close bond with four fellow soldiers. Played by Thailand’s funny foursome namely, Nuttapong Chartpong, Pongsatorn Jongwilas, Kantapat Permpoonpatcharasuk and Attharut Khongrasri. Once the war was over, Mak invited his four best friends to visit his hometown called Phra Khanong. When they arrived at the town, Mak introduced them to his beautiful wife Nak and his newborn baby boy Dang. Pee Mak's four friends decided to stay in Phra Khanong for a while and moved into the old house opposite to Mak's house. Despite having met Nak and Dang, a village rumor was going around that Nak had died giving birth to her stillborn baby, Dang.

Thai sweetheart Davika plays Mario's wife in “Pee Mak”.

#StarCinema20 #PeeMak #Trailer #Movie #Philippines #

Released and distributed locally by Star Cinema.

MARIO MAURER: Pee Mak Official Trailer

MARIO MAURER: Pee Mak Official Trailer

Mario Maurer is in Manila, Philippines again to promote his new film "Pee Mak," Thailand's highest grossing film of all time. Here is 'Pee Mak' Full International Trailer Video:

Thai Official Trailer :-) #StarCinema20 #PeeMak #Trailer #Movie #Philippines #

           

BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION: Extends Visa-Free Entry to 30 days.

BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION: Extends Visa-Free Entry to 30 days.

Good news peeps!

The Bureau of Immigration in the Republic of the Philippines extends visa-free entry privilege of aliens from 151 countries to 30 days!

VISA ENTRY FOR 30-DAYS STAY UNDER E.O. 408

Countries whose nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay not exceeding thirty (30) days under E.O. 408, provided these foreign nationals are holders of a passport valid at least six (6) months, beyond the period of stay in the Philippines and return or outward bound tickets to country of origin or next country of destination.

Who am I?

Who am I?

I am one of the many. A human who walks on the face of the earth. I am a ruptured brain aneurysm survivor. One of the lucky few who survived. And I want to create awareness that Brain Aneurysm do exists! And it is like a thief in the night that could take everything away in an instant. Unannounced.  

I've been criticized in the past for always sharing my story to everyone who cares to listen. Maybe, I was so desperate to save other people's lives. Forgive me. I only felt that by sharing to everyone my story, he or she might in turn share it with others and the cycle goes on and on. 

To all of you, my dear readers, if you have symptoms like, for example, a recurring headache. And you have the money, please o pretty please have a brain scan and show it to your neurologist for proper interpretation. If you have brain aneurysm, then by all means undergo surgery. If you don't, then praise God to high heavens. I know you would want to spend more time with your friends, family and love ones for a long long time. And it is one of your ardent wishes to be able to say goodbye to your love ones, then show your love for them by attending to your health, now na!

Here is my story. Please click here! Thank you!

I would like to give credits to the owner/s. Original Song by Casting Crowns. Cover: JMM Photo above: Lauren Melnick-Lamb And for those who might want to sing along, here is the lyrics of the song:

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Bridge:
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.
I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

PHILIPPINES: All Set to Conquer World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Japan

PHILIPPINES: All Set to Conquer World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Japan

WCS, which is dubbed as the "Olympics of Cosplay," is every cosplayer's ultimate dream. 

After three grueling years of applying for a spot at WCS, the Philippines made it this year as one of the "observers," along with representatives from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Hero TV's Hero Face Off winners Erika Jean Garbin and John Vincent Estapon are the very first Filipino Cosplayers to represent the country in this year's World Cosplay Summit (WCS) in Nagoya, Japan on August 3 and 4, 2013.

Erika Jean Garbin, 23, from Cavite is one of the two cosplayers who will be sent by the anime channel Hero TV to the WCS. 

I was the first one to arrive during the press conference and I can't help but notice that Erika looks like international singing sensation Charice Pempengco. She looks like Charice before her transformation. I told her to join "It's Showtime" celebrity look-alike segment after she comes back from Japan. She then related to me an instance inside the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) train that while she was standing, holding to the railings, some people called her "Charice, Charice." When we asked her if she acknowledged them, she said she shyly answered only with a smile.

Erika Garbin said she already feels the pressure to step up her game because she and Estapon, who was not present during the media briefing, are set to make a first impression on the attendees in this year's WCS.

When asked how she feels about being one of the two cosplayers representing the Philippines, she said: "Excited na ninenerbyos po ako kasi first time, tapos as a cosplayer, it's been my dream to represent the Philippines in a world stage. Napakalaking honor po ng naibigay sa akin ng opportunity na ito and at the same time, malaking responsibility din, kasi ito ang unang impression nila sa mga cosplayers ng Pilipinas. (I am excited and nervous because it's my first time and, as a cosplayer, it's been my dream to represent the Philippines in a world stage. It's a great honor that I am given this opportunity and at the same time, it's also a big responsibility because this would be their first impression of the cosplayers in the Philippines.)

The two cosplayers do not get to participate in the competition this year, but their presence is considered a stepping stone to being one of the official contenders in 2014. If they do well, then there is a big possibility that the Philippines can compete next year. So guys, let's pray for them.

"Kahit hindi kami magko-compete, at least ma sho- showcase yung creativity and craftsmanship ng mga Filipino cosplayers," (Even if we will not compete, at least we could showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Filipino cosplayers)  Erika quips.

I really like Erika's costume which she personally made. 

Erika Garbin shared some details about her winning costume.

"'Yung costume na ito, inspiration ko 'yung mismong character. Parang na-in love ako sa kanya. Maganda talaga 'yung costume and 'yung personality ng character is something I want to be. If I was given the chance to help other people, siguro ako 'yung character na ito,”  (About this costume, my inspiration is the character itself. As if I fell in love with it. The costume is really beautiful and the personality of the character is something I want to be. If I was given the chance to help other people, maybe I am this character.) she said of her Freya costume.

Erika Garbin said she normally creates costumes in less than a month. 

"Mahilig ako sa mga complicated na costumes. One week for painting and two weeks for crafting. Ayaw ko i-rush para maganda talaga siya kapag prinesent na," (I like complicated costumes. One week for painting and two weeks for crafting. I don't want to rush so that it will come out beautiful once presented.) she said. 

Erika also thanked her mom who does the emulsion on her costumes. And she also mentioned her brother, boyfriend and her fellow cosplayers for their unwavering love and support for her. She'll be bringing two (2) costumes to Japan. One for the parade and the other one for their skit. The organizers of WCS requested Erika and Vincent to do a skit in Japan. This is the first time that an observer will be performing on stage even though they are not competing. Way to go Team Philippines! Woooooot! 

The other Philippine representative to WCS John Vincent Estapon is still in his home province (Davao) during the press con.

Meanwhile enjoy his winning costumes which I grabbed from Vincent's FB. Credits to their owners.

Look at that costume! Vincent is fierce! 

Vincent Estapon (One of the 2 Mindanao Qualifiers) and Erika Garbin (One of the 7 Subic Qualifiers) won Hero TV's recently concluded Hero Face Off competition, where they cosplayed as Freya from "Zangeki no Reginleiv" and Haseo from the ".hack G.U. Trilogy," respectively.

Break a leg guys! Goodluck! Go for #WCS2014

Special thanks to Miggy Valentin for lending me his pictures.