PHILIPPINE FASHION WEEK 2011

We recently celebrated another week long fashion event last October 23rd-30th, the second installment of the Philippine Fashion Week for this year, which was, the Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012. World-renowned Filipino fashion designers Salvacion Lim and Michael Cinco showcased their collections together with other leaders in Philippine fashion such as Arnold Galang, Jun Jun Camber, Lizanne Cua, and Gerry Katigbak, among others.

This was the complete schedule for the Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012:

This is a free Fashion Show, but you need to have an invite to get in. Invites can be requested by logging in at www.philippinefashionweeklive.com.  For all fashionistas out there, I suggest you sign up for their newsletters to receive updates on the succeeding event dates.

http://philippinefashionweeklive.com/home/2011/spring-summer/about-pfw/

Wanna know how I got my Philippine Fashion Week 2011 invite?  Watch out for my Philippine Fashion Week Spring Summer 2012 part 2 blog.

NICHOLAS SPARKS, Live in Manila

"A Walk To Remember," "The Notebook," "Message in the Bottle," and "The Last Song," all of these are famous novels with blockbuster film adaptations brought to us by the brilliant novelist, Mr. Nicholas Sparks.  The famous author is now on tour to promote his latest book entitled, "The Best of Me," and it was just recently that he visited Philippines for the said book launch.

To grab the signing passes, National Bookstore who sponsored the event released the following mechanics:


1. All purchases of Nicholas Sparks’ new book “The Best of Me” from National Book Store or Powerbooks will come with a Lucky Draw Coupon. Note: The Lucky Draw Coupon in not a guaranteed Signing Pass.
2. A person may purchase as many copies as he/she wants and each purchase will come with a Lucky Draw Coupon.
3. The Lucky Draw Coupon shall entitle the bearer to one (1) attempt at a Lucky Draw on Friday, October 28, 2011 at the atrium of The Podium. Lucky Draw will start upon registration at 1:00 pm.
4. Every person who draws a marked winning stub shall be entitled to a signing pass to have one (1) book signed by Nicholas Sparks at the event.
5. There will be a minimum of six hundred fifty (650) winning stubs in the the Lucky Draw.
6. In addition, there will also be fifty (50) Early Birds. The first fifty (50) persons to arrive at the venue will be allowed to have their Lucky Draw Coupon automatically exchanged for a Signing Pass. Limit is one (1) signing pass per Early Bird.

It's no longer a surprise that the event would be a success, (of course, it's Nicholas Sparks eh! dudumugin talaga ng tao yan! ) but one thing that impressed me was the dedication of one fan who lined up at Atrium since 2'o clock in the morning. Whew! I salute you Ms. Sam Sanchez! =)

A friend of mine, Edalyn Vargas, also lined up early and took a vacation leave just to make sure that her dream of meeting the legend, Mr.Sparks is met.  This is what she had to say, (parang interview portion lang sa TV, hehehehe):


"I went to Nicholas Sparks book signing event last Friday, Oct 28 (VL ako!hehe) around 9:30am hoping to get an early bird slot yun nga lang may mas fanatic pa saken (2am pa lang andun na) so I had to rely on my lucky charm to get a signing pass & thankfully I did get one, nag-antay na ko till 5pm para sa signing, dumating sya mga 5:20pm, pandemonium sa venue parang si Justin Bieber ang dumating (hehe) pag-akyat ng stage super kaway sya sa mga fans tapos may konting interview regarding sa new book nya (the best of me) tinanong sya kung ano favorite nya among his novels (a walk to remember) then tinawag na yung #1 fan nya (sam sanchez) konting chitchat, binigyan nya ng t-shirt & pinirmahan na yung lahat ng books na dala nya (kaka-inggit) start na ng book signing, 50 persons per batch, maya maya biglang bumaba si nicholas sa stage para puntahan yung lolang naka wheel chair (mala real life message in a bottle ang love story nya), tapos tuluy-tuloy na ung signing, 176 ang signing pass number ko. pumila na ko sa stage, medyo mahigpit ung organizers bago ka pa umakyat kinukuha na nila yung book at camera, pag-akyat ko, he said hi to me, I shook his hands, he signed my book tapos picture taking na. Wala pa atang 1 minute tapos na pero it was the best moment for me,worth it ang paghihintay at pagod plus I met new friends who shares the same passion in reading & love for our favorite author! Dream come true talaga!"

Edalyn with Nicholas Sparks

Her signed "The Best of Me" book.

Thank you Eds for sharing your wonderful experience & congratulations! =)

http://www.nicholassparks.com/meet/tour
http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Book-Store/72546266913

MARIO MAURER for PENSHOPPE

The Thai actor, Mario Maurer is the new face for Penshoppe following Gossip Girl star, Ed Westwick.  This young actor, turning 23 on December 4th, arrived in Manila last Wednesday, and since then his schedule has been full!  He gained his popularity for his 2007 film, "Love for Siam" where he won Best Actor from Cinemanila the following year.  He received much love from Filipino fangirls and fanboys, as P'Shone for his 2010 film, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love."  If you have not seen both films, I would say you're missing a lot!

Penshoppe, one of the Philippines successful clothing line, launched a Fan Conference for Mario Maurer, last Friday, October 28th, 2011 at the PICC Plenary Hall.  As expected a lot of fans and press people came in to see this young, adorable Thai actor.  I was one of the many who was able grab a couple of Passes to see him in person.  The show was scheduled to start at 1PM.  Some fans who weren't able to get an invite, lined up in the event as early as 5AM for a chance to get some free passes, and I believe all of them who lined up were able to enter at the venue. 

Our Passes

This was around 9am, haba na ng pila!

Long lines again...

Proof of Entry =)

The Plenary Hall

The stage

Loot bags for all attendees! (I love freebies!)

The girl group BLUSH did the opening number

See how close we are from the stage?

Ganda ng stage design!

VJ Utt

VJ Utt and Mario Maurer

By the way, this is Manilyn, our new fangirl buddy! =) 

His signature killer smile!

Solenn Heussaff 

P'Shone!

Mr. Alex Mendoza, Penshoppe's Brand Director 

Photo-Op with Penshoppe Models and Penshoppe CEO, Mr. Bernie Liu

limot ko na what they were talking in here

He has really nice skin,

and super sweet and sincere too.

He'll come back soon to do a movie with Star Cinema.

As we head to the Exit, we happened to bumped with Megan Young.

After event jitters.

Before leaving the venue, we saw Mario's look-a-like, lol

See you again P'Shone Ka! =)

credits to Manilyn (ganda ng cam mo sis!) and Sheena for some of the photos. 

My BLACK EYED PEAS Experience

Months before I learned that Black Eyed Peas is coming back for another concert in the Philippines, I told my friend Richard while watching "Black Eyed Peas on 2009 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show," on Youtube, "Sana bumalik BEP! Let's watch them ha?"  And to our surprise, our wish was granted!  The only problem was we can't afford to get the VVIP ticket and filing for a leave was impossible. Toink!

Anyhow, I still felt lucky because the concert venue is just adjacent to my office building plus, yung stage ay sa tapat ko lang from my desk (oh, well I mean sa likod ko pala) like 2-small steps away! Yipppeeee!   So, I came in earlier than my normal schedule last night for the concert, and OMG! I got the best seat in the house and it's free! hehehe.

Here are the still shots I got with my point and shot camera:

 Jam packed! 

Blockbuster sa dami ng tao! :) This is just half of SVIP & VIP Section.

 Nice stage layout!

 

Now for the videos I took with the same cam:

Disclaimers: Pardon me if there are a lot of background noise. =(  Also, it's my first time to tag a video so I had a bit of a problem with it. I'll make sure that the "unregistered version" will no longer appear on my succeeding videos. If anyone knows how, can you lend me a hand? I would appreciate it! =)

I know that it would be a great feeling, if I was partying with the crowd. Perhaps I could join in next time.

For now, I'm content with what I have experienced.  Even if I'm on the 7th floor of our building, the view was awesome!  Great concert B.E.P!

The best things in life are really for free! Wouldn't you agree? =)

FT ISLAND SHOWCASE

FT ISLAND was the first KPOP group I've liked!  This was because of the Korean drama, "You're Beautiful" where Lee Hongki, FT Island's lead vocalist, was one of the main cast portraying the role of Jeremy.

FT Island is short for Five Treasured Island, composed of Choi Jong Hun (leader, guitar & keyboards,) Lee Jae Jin (bass & vocals,) Song Seung Hyun (guitar & vocals),  Choi Min Hwan (drums,) and Lee Hongki (lead vocals) and debuted in 2007.  The group visited the Philippines for their first ever Showcase last March 6th, 2010 at the PICC Plenary Hall, and of course I was there to witness it! As always, I tagged along my sister with me! =)

Ready for the pix spam?

Our Tickets.

 Smile! (excited much?! lol) 

Banner outside PICC. 

Welcome FT Island! 

 Waaah! Lakas ng tili ko dito! hehehe

 Hongki & Jong Hun Saengil Chukha Hamnida!

I had a blast!  Thank you SpinManila and Fangirlasia.com for bringing them to Manila! Next time ulet please? =)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FT_Island

FACE TO FACE with 2AM

2AM visited Manila last April 28th-30th, 2011 to promote their Saint O' Clock album. They toured the metro and had a Fan Sign event on 3 locations, at the Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila, The Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill, and Eastwood Mall Open Park.

Being a fangirl is something that me and my sister share.  The first day of the group's 3-Day event was at the Newport Mall and since we live nearby, we decided to be there early like around 3pm hoping to get a pass, but to our dismay, mas marami pang fans ang dumating earlier than us. Most of them came before 10am, and take note, Newport Mall opens at 12 noon, and people were there even before it opened. In short, day 1 was a failure. =(

Day 2 of their tour was at The Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill.  This time, coming from work I slept only for about an hour, my sister went at the venue early, like 9am just to be sure! I arrived at the venue around 1pm, and surprisingly, CDs and Passes are still available hindi kagaya last time na ubos na 'yung passes!  We thought maybe because McKinley Hill was too far that most people got stuck on traffic elsewhere.

I couldn't recall how many songs they sang, siguro mga 2-3 songs only, and then after they proceeded with signing on the CD inlets.  No cameras are allowed when you're on stage while Jo Kwon, Changmin, Jinwoon, and Seulong signs your CD.  I had a brief encounter with them.  I remember Jo Kwon shaking my hand, and Changmin looking at me while he says "Thank you"  while the other two does the same.  Being a fangirl is really an experience after all.

Our Meet & Greet Pass

Meeting the 2AM

At the Backstage (pasakay na sila ng bus)

 my Signed CD

I have an extra signed CD, anyone interested to buy? PM me. :)

MTV EXIT 2011

MTV EXIT is an event that aims to promote awareness on the scourge of human trafficking all over the world through a concert.

Human trafficking as defined by United Nations is, "The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation."  One reason I see why this has been an ongoing problem for our nation is poverty and lack of education. Kahit yung mga nakatapos at mayroong degree needs to be informed too, so you can lend hand to others.

Catch MTV Exit at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, this Saturday, October 29th, 2011.  Featuring K-POP star, Jay Park with local artists like, PUPIL, Parokya ni Edgar, Itchyworms, Ebe Dancel, and emerging American alternative rock band, Evaline. Show will be hosted by VJ Holly and will promptly start at 6pm.

To get tickets visit:

www.facebook.com/astroplus1
www.facebook.com/myphone
ph.omg.yahoo.com/mtvexit


I've got mine already!

http://www.unescap.org/esid/gad/issues/trafficking/index.asp
http://www.mtvexit.org/?lang=en_us

BLACK EYED PEAS Live in Manila

Let's make way for the biggest concert this year!  The Black Eyed Peas is back to Manila for a one-night concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on October 25th, 2011, 8PM!

For those watching, please take note of the following prohibited items. In short, don't attempt to bring any if you don't want to be banned inside the concert grounds.

• Professional still and video cameras
• Big posters/banners/placards/signage
• Laser pens and pointers
• Weapons and/or any sharp objects
• Candles, fireworks, and/or any kind of pyrotechnics
• Glass/pet bottles, cans, hard plastic containers, etc
• Large back or waist packs and bags will be subject for inspection
• Alcohol beverages and illegal drugs
• Large chains, spike bracelets, wallet chains, large metal belt buckles
• Food (Kiosks are provided inside)
• Chairs

Also, for those pregnant women and minor entering the concert grounds, they should sign a waiver prior to entry. For safety reasons, children below 4 feet are not allowed inside Bronze and General Admission Sections.

Don't have tickets?
You may call Futuretainment Inc. at +63 2 577 2075, or SM Ticketnet +63 2 470-2222, or Ticketworld +63 2 891-9999.

Want to get discounts on your ticket purchases?
Choose to pay using your Citibank Cards, they are giving away 15% off on your BEP ticket purchases:  VIP seated - ₱12,000 / VIP A -  ₱10,000 / VIP B - ₱8,000 / GOLD - ₱6,000 / SILVER - ₱3,000 / BRONZE - ₱1,000.

You may also get your Party Section tickets by San Miguel Oktuberfest through Ensogo.com, CashCashPinoy, Metrodeal, and tcat.com.ph for only ₱499 with 1 free beer!

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/338537/black-eyed-peas-ticket-sales-phenomenal-set-make-history-manila-oct-25

http://www.facebook.com/futuretainmentinc

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

♫ "When you read you begin with A-B-C. 
 When you sing you begin with Do-Re-Mi...Do-Re-Mi...Do-Re-Mi" ♪

I, like everyone of you perhaps, grew up knowing the DO-RE-MI song like how I learned to sing the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, only a little bulol at sintunado, but still audible to my parents ears.

Do-Re-Mi was so popular na sobrang saulado na ng lahat ang lyrics nito!  Who could forget Julie Andrews' portrayal of Maria, the beautiful hillside view, the adorable Von Trapp kids and their captivating voices! 

We all know too that the Von Trapp family are real, and that the "Sound of Music" was based on Maria's book "The Story of Trapp Family Singers" published in 1949.  Although according to Joan Grerin on an article she wrote for www.archives.gov  there were many alterations and ommissions to the real family's history (click on the link to read full article.) 

True or not, The Sound of Music  is still a classic and a must-see for all ages!  Now's your chance to relive their story and to sing-along with the Von Trapp kids as Resorts World Manila presents "The Sound of Music" at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, running from October 15th - December 11th, 2011.

Ticket Prices:
VIP: ₱2000 / Premiere: ₱1700 / Deluxe: ₱1300 / Balcony: ₱1000

Show Schedules:
8PM - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
3PM & 8PM - Saturday
3PM - Sunday

Call RWM Hotline 8366333 & 9088833 or Ticketworld 8119999 for reservations.

http://www.songlyrics.com/sound-of-music/do-re-mi-lyrics/
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/winter/von-trapps.html
http://www.rwmanila.com/the-sound-of-music