Les Miserables in Manila: I Dreamed a Dream

"I Dreamed a Dream." Oh well, just one of the song I like most from the phenomenal musical Les Misérables. And, how could I not love the song, "On My Own."

I want to watch this!

Les Mis is set to hit the stage on March 2016 to April 2016 at The Theatre at Solaire.

I dreamed of having tickets musical experience. It would be a great experience to watch the musical and hear our very own Filipina actress Rachelle Ann Go, as she reprise her role as Fantine.

Do you already have tickets for Les Mis?

I didn't get surprised when checked out Ticketworld website - tickets are almost sold out! Well, there are still few good seats left.

Les Miserables Schedule and Ticket Prices

Tickets are available at Ticketworld.com.ph and all TicketWorld outlets.
Ticket Prices:
VIP Php 7,000
A Reserve Php 5,800
B Reserve Php 4,500
C Reserve Php 3,350
D Reserve Php 1,750

Starting September 29 to October 29, 2015, Smart Infinity Members enjoy Priority Booking and a 10% discount on all tickets; and Visa Cardholders can enjoy 10% off on tickets.

Performance Schedule:
Tuesday to Friday 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday - 2:30PM & 8:00PM

*sigh* #theaterdream
Will I be using my Citibank Visa card to buy tickets? Or accept that some dreams remain to be just dreams? To those who are watching this musical, share your experiences with me!

Unrequited love.
Broken dreams.
Passion.
Sacrifice.
Compassion.
Redemption.

Les Mis is phenomenal for a reason - it's heart wrenching and truly beautiful at the same time - with real life messages and valuable lessons that live on.

"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." 

Ballet Manila's Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang

The Friday rain didn't stop us from going to Aliw Theater to watch the ballet production "Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang." It's the season opener of Ballet Manila's 20th Season with the theme "From Page to Stage."

ready to watch the show :)

Like most Filipino, my hubby and I knows that Lola Basyang as a legendary storyteller. His stories had been part of our childhood. It's good that through this ballet show, we were able to share it with our kids. They even became aware of who Lola Basyang is (the pen name used by Severino Reyes) and his stories.

#TatlongKwentoNiLolaBasyang

It's a trilogy of love, fantasy and adventure.

First is the story of "Ang Prinsipe ng Mga Ibon." It tells about a princess who falls in love with a bird prince and fought for this love despite her father’s disapproval. It shows us that love truly conquers all.

Next is "Ang Kapatid ng Tatlong Marya." It tells the story of a young hero's search for his three sisters who strives to fulfil their father’s dying wish. It shows love in a different light.

Finally, "Ang Mahiwagang Biyulin" tells about a poor worker who received a magical violin when he helped an old lady. The enchanting rhythm transforms the unkind rich man and sends it listeners to a trance. My son's favorite! :)

These are classic Filipino stories which my kids appreciate.

great show! 

Veteran actress Luz Fernandez reprises her role as Lola Basyang.

Apart from the great performance, choreography, dancers, costumes, production design and music, it great how Ballet Manila preserves our Filipino culture, literature and art through its dance and performances.

Glad that Ballet Manila gave us a wonderful experience. The perfect treat for the whole family. Truly deserving of that applause and standing ovation.

Best thing, I was able to grab their crazy 20-pesos promo tickets!

And of course, the presence of Prima Ballerina Ms. Lisa Macuja made it all extra special!

the prima ballerina with my sister 

with my kids :)

#BalletManila #FromPageToStage

You can still watch Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang on August 28 and 29 (8:00 p.m.) and August 30 (3:00 p.m.).

Also watch out for Ballet Manila's 20th Season Performances -

• Paul Vasterling's "Romeo and Juliet"
• Osias Barroso's "Pinocchio"
• Martin Lawrance's "Rebel"
• Alan Hineline's "Hansel and Gretel"

So, see you again at the theater!

Ballet Manila - Tatlong Kwento ni Lola Basyang
Aliw Theater, Pasay City

Golden moments at Lisa Macuja's birthday concert

Ms. Lisa Macuja's A Truly Classical Concert special birthday concert is truly golden!

The show marks two important milestones in her life - her 50th birthday and her 30th anniversary as a professional ballerina. I'm grateful, and my daughter was more than grateful for seeing this one-night only special concert.

busy reading about the prima ballerina's journey

Such a great performance!

We saw her perform Juliet in Romeo and Juliet with Ballet Manila principal Rudy de Dios. Wow! She's still in her best form... and that's perfection at its finest!

Everything - from the guest artists from Ballet Manila, Philippine Madrigal Singers and ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Gerard Salonga - complements the classical theme beautifully.

Lisa Macuja then performed the role of Princess Aurora in Marius Petipa’s Sleeping Beauty Divertissement. Her partner, guest dancer Mikhail Martynyuk (as Prince Desire) of the Kremlim Ballet Theater was exceptional as well.

At the curtain call, the prima ballerina came out on stage in her glittery golden long gown. There, everyone joined in singing the Happy Birthday song.

Happy Birthday!

My daughter and I were in awe and admiration... a woman at her age can still dance with so much grace, passion and brilliance! She's a really treasure with a golden heart!

People who bought Lisa Macuja's pointe shoes get to meet and greet the prima ballerina after the show.So lucky!

my daughter wishes to have one of Lisa Macuja's signed pointe shoes

But then, we're grateful for this chance :)

And our brief yet golden moments with the prima ballerina!

happy to meet you Ms. Lisa... may you continue to dance, inspire and touch lives :)

Thank you so much Papa John's Pizza Philippines for the VIP tickets! We wouldn't be there without you. :)

GOLD: Lisa Macuja - A Truly Classical Concert
Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City
October 4, 2014

Maleficent movie redefines True Love

"I will not ask you for forgiveness. What I have done is unforgivable. I was so lost in hatred and revenge. I never dreamed that I could love you so much. You stole what was left of my heart. And now I’ve lost you forever." - Maleficent

The movie provides a great twist on the tale of Sleeping Beauty, told in full from Maleficent's point of view. Beneath the dark exterior, there is kindness within Maleficent. But just like Maleficent's character, the movie wavers between magnificence and misery.

We first saw Maleficent as a young fairy with a radiant beauty and a pure heart. She lived in the Moors magical land near the kingdom.

When she met Stefan, they became friends and it morphed into a romance; eventually leading to what is perceived to be "True Love's Kiss."

But the ugliest human emotions- greed, jealousy and hunger for power - intervened. It shaped Maleficent into a villainess and turned her heart into a cold stone. Saying that Maleficent was betrayed and scorned would be an understatement. Her curse, cruelty and evil acts might not be justifiable, but it can be understandable somehow.

"I had wings once. They were strong. But they were stolen from me." - Maleficent

The tragedy of love and betrayal is totally heart-wrenching! Awwww.

Maleficent seeks hateful revenge. Similar to the original story, Maleficent paid a visit to cast a spell on baby Princess Aurora. A spell which can only be broken by the kiss of true love.

"But before the sunset on her sixteenth birthday, she will prick her finger on a spindle of a spinning wheel, and she will fall into a sleep like death! - Maleficent

King Stefan sends Princess Aurora in a hidden cottage to protect her from the spell; where she was kept safe by the three fairies. Since the fairies are hopeless in taking care of the baby, Maleficent turned out to be the fairy godmother. She cared for Princess Aurora from a distance.

The grace and goodness of Princess Aurora made Maleficent's tortured heart begins to thaw.

" Aurora, there is an evil in this world, hatred and betrayal. And I cannot keep you from it."  - Maleficent


[Okay. Watch the movie and see what happens.]

Angelina Jolie stars as the dreaded iconic villain. She is magnificently majestic and perfect for her Mistress of All Evil role. She has the style and charm that captures the audience's attention. Truly fantastic! She made the movie interesting and worth watching.

Even if this is not a stellar Disney movie you'll enjoy watching all over again, you won't get to enjoy the movie if you fail to see the beauty of the story in its own merit.

Love is not a vague, emotional feeling. And yes, true love exists but not in the traditional way we expected it to be. In this movie, I feel witness the triumph of love over hate and saw that true love exists in the love between a mother and a daughter (or in this case, the godmother).

Maleficent redefines True Love!

Credits: I got to watch Maleficent movie with my daughter at Shangrila Mall. Thanks to Nuffnang PH and Globe PH for the exclusive screening.

Maleficent stars Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

Barbie Live! The Musical

Get your sparkle on!

My daughter and my niece definitely enjoyed seeing the world’s favorite doll – Barbie together with her friends in a lively musical production.

A simple yet valuable production that kids and adults can definitely relate to. The show encourages goodness and being a friend to others.

The story follows Barbie and her best friend Teresa during the filming of a new movie, set in a Hollywood sound stage.

Teresa is insecure about her acting abilities and doubts her talent. To make it challenging, their co-star Raquel wants to steal Teresa’s role in the movie. Barbie rescues Teresa and takes her on a tour through time to boost her confidence.

Barbie uses lessons from her movies “Swan Lake," "Barbie the Mariposa" and "Princess and the Popstar" to teach Teresa how to conquer her fears. In the end, Teresa gains confidence and believe in herself and her abilities

get your sparkle on!

It’s a lively story of true friendship and the journey towards self-confidence. Audience surely realized the importance to face their fears and do what they love.

The stage, music, choreography, lighting and of course the cast are really amazing! The costumes are indeed glam, and the lighting and set designs are all spectacular.

Girls, Barbie fans and even adults had a great time with the upbeat songs such as "Look How High We Can Fly," "Just Be A Friend," and "Get Your Sparkle On."

girls were in awe seeing this beautiful room :)

It’s also enjoyable to see the cast interact with the audience.

This is indeed a must-see show!

Barbie cast

They also have a Meet-and-Greet event after the show for Php 1,500. It's a fundraising affair for the benefit of Yolanda survivors  which comes with the show’s souvenir program.

Barbie Live! The Musical runs until Dec 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Thank you Inquirer Libre for the tickets! 

Ballet Philippines' A Christmas Carol

Our Christmas Season started by watching Ballet Philippines' A Christmas Carol at the CCP.

This ballet show, choreographed by Ms. Edna Froilan is based on Charles Dickens' popular novel, A Christmas Carol.

What I love about it is the modern twist and fresh approach on the novel and ballet dance. Both the music and choreography are excellent!

Combining classical ballet, contemporary dance and hip hop is such a genius idea! Its unique and cool concept kept us interested throughout the show. The dancers, even the little kids, are amazing as always.

Despite the grim theme of ghosts and loss, the show is far from being dull.

It will bring you as Ebenezer Scrooge journey through the past, the present and the future to find the spirit of Christmas.

The Ghost of Christmas Past brought him to his boyhood days, the delight of seeing his sister Fran, up to the day he was sent to be an apprentice at a warehouse. In Fezziwig's warehouse, he found happiness, friendship and love... but turned to bitterness after breaking off with Belle because of this chase for wealth.

with the Ghost of Christmas Past

The arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Present in his lively Christmas tree costume is such a joy (didn't get to take a photo with him after the show).

He took him to the homes of Bob Cratchit's and to his nephew Fred's. It's fun to watch the lively dance with hip-hop showdowns of the villagers.

Here, Scrooge gets to see how they had fun and celebrate the season; but gets shocked when he learned how people sees and makes fun of him.

The Ghost of Christmas Future shows him the death of Tiny Tim and his dismal future.

with the Ghost of Christmas Future

In the end, the cold-hearted Scrooge changed and rekindled his good-natured spirit. He traded his "Bah, Humbug!" with warm Christmas greetings.

See, there's still hope!

This is a must-see production.

A Christmas Carol will let you journey through sadness, comedy, hope and fear. But in the end, the spirit of the Christmas season - love, giving and sharing, rule above all.

Don't let those bad stuff and misfortunes that happened in your life be an excuse to like "Scrooge" or feel grouchy. The Christmas Season is a time to be grateful and yes, there's always a reason to celebrate.

You still have time to catch this show until December 8.

December 5: 3 PM
December 6: 10 AM & 3 PM
December 7: 6 PM
December 8: 2 PM & 6 PM

JNA Dance and Fitness Center

We didn't get to watch the TV feature of JNA Dance and Fitness Center on Generation RX. The segment was aired last October 6, 2012 on Generation RX Studio 23.

Good thing, were able to watch the video on YouTube. Glad to see my daughter in the video too!

Having healthy bones help prevent Osteoporosis. Watch and learn about the benefits of fitness and dancing to our bones.

Take time to expose your kids to ballet, dance, martial arts and other sports. It would bring great benefits their health and overall well-being.

Dolphy, Through The Years

"Through the years, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you ... Through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you
Through the years"

Dolphy passed away and the whole nation and Filipinos around the world was deeply saddened. The outpour of prayers, posts, tweets, sympathies and tributes for the King of Comedy was tremendous.

I felt touched by the heartwarmingly-tearful eulogy when Zsa Zsa Padilla shares life with Dolphy and sang the song "Through the Years" during ABS-CBN's necrological service.

Dolphy created a profound impact in the Filipinos lives. He brought real laughter and smiles of happiness into our lives for decades. He gave hope during those saddest times. He touched lives not just through his comedic ways, but more through his great character and values.

I respect him for his humility, the talent he shared with the Filipinos and his commitment to his craft. True enough, he was more than a comedy actor.

I symphatize with his family and I join everyone in saying goodbye to Mang Dolphy! May your soul rest in eternal peace.

Coca-Cola 100 Years of Happiness

It's Coca-Cola's 100th years in the country!

Music and happiness united on the concert ground of SM Mall Asia last March 23. True enough, Coca-Cola made happy history with a massive nationwide concert party for the Filipino youth to celebrate its 100th year in the Philippines - the Coca-Cola Concert ng Bayan! I got an invite pass but sad to miss being part of this event.

I’m sharing parts of the press release for I always enjoyed drinking my cup of Coke (and my family can drink bottles of Coke everyday)!

What is this Coca-Cola Concert ng Bayan about?

• It is one of the grandest legs of its centennial celebration in the country. This event was simultaneously shown in key locations nationwide and streamed via coca-cola.com.ph. So everyone across the country had come to witness the energizing music, the unlimited festivities and the overflowing happiness.
  
• Top Pinoy bands joined forces to perform refreshing music. The country's A-list performers Gary Valenciano and Sarah Geronimo and fast-rising electro-pop artist Somedaydream performed the fun and upbeat, chart-topping Coca-Cola 100 Years anniversary anthem, Tuloy.
  
• To ignite more happiness, this 10-hour concert also features groundbreaking building projection and fireworks displays. It signifies the long-standing relationship between Coca-Cola and the Filipinos throughout the years; 100 years of shared happiness that shall continue to flourish in the next century!
  
• Coca-Cola Happiness President Caloy shared a few words of happiness and thanksgiving for the constant and unmatched support Pinoys are giving Coca-Cola.
  
• International superstar, Craig David was also there to join the party! He came over to share the sound of happiness across the whole nation with Coca-Cola!

Guillermo Aponte, president and general manager of Coca-Cola Philippines said: "The Coca-Cola Concert ng Bayan is our gift to the Filipino teens whose positive spirit, refreshing creativity and passion for happiness have always been indestructible. In tandem with our Coca-Cola Happiness President Caloy, they have made this historic event possible! In this epic year, we are all-out in giving the whole nation more and more reasons to be happy. The last 100 years would not have been a success if not for the Filipinos who made Coca-Cola part of their everyday lives."

No question, the epic Coca-Cola Concert ng Bayan signals the start of a summer filled with even bigger surprises as the 100th year celebration of Coca-Cola gets to a whole new high. And we can only be sure our favorite beverage brand shall continue to collaborate with every single Pinoy to give the whole nation nothing less than refreshing happiness!

Visit the Coca-Cola Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/presidentforhappiness) and/or coca-cola.com.ph or follow @Coke_HappyPrez on Twitter to see highlights of the show and more information.

Coca-Cola. Maraming Salamat sa 100 Taon ng Saya! Ituloy ang Happiness!

Maria Aragon Sings Holiday Cheer as the Voice of SM Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner!

Celebrate this joyous season by spending it with your family and friends at your favorite SM Supermalls! Shopping for gifts will be a breeze because all of your favorite things are found at any SM Supermalls.

SM Supermalls launches its annual ChriSMs greetings featuring one of the youngest international Youtube sensations, Maria Aragon, as the official Voice of SM Christmas.

This holiday season, spend time with your friends, family and loved ones at your favorite SM Supermalls, and together hear Maria Aragon as the voice of SM Christmas.

Watch this TV commercial:

She was signed by Star Records and has since released her self-titled album consisting of seven tracks including her rendition of Lea Salonga’s “You’re My You” which was used for the movie, “Way Back Home”. She has appeared in several local TV shows and even lent her voice to sing the theme song for the local version of Junior Master Chef. Her singing will again be featured as she has been chosen by Manny Pacquiao to sing the National Anthem on his upcoming fight with Manuel Marquez on November 12, 2011, and being chosen as the Voice of SM Christmas as she will sing a remixed version of SM Supermalls’ official holiday tune, SM Christmas ChriSMs Bop. (SM Supermalls PR Email)

Spreading the Christmas cheer to everyone!

Like SM Supermalls' Official Christmas Fan Page!

Ballet Philippines' Inamorata: A Woman in All Her Glory

Ballet Philippines presented Inamorata, its second season offering, last September 23 to 25 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Main Theater. My daughter and I was able to watch the September 23 evening show.

Inamorata is the heart of its 42nd Season: Faces of Eve. It highlights the 100th years of International Women’s Day by presenting the many facets of woman as it gives tribute to woman through her triumphs and travails.

The show starts with "Harlequinade", a pas de deux comedic dance that shows a woman's wit and fanciful ways.

“Hardin ng Balo” (Garden of the Widow) depicts an old widow reminiscing the happy life she had lived with her family and how she yearned to be with her husband who had gone before her. It ends with a sweet note as she finds her husband summoning her to join him, but this time, for eternity.

The vocal performance of soprano Rachelle Gerodias was amazing! She also gave a powerful rendition in Quando Me'n Vo (Pagputok ng Dibdib).

"Flames of Paris" is a fascinating pas de deux. It shows a woman's strength and virtuosity.

I find "Everywoman" very forceful and interesting. It is dramatized by a woman, a serpent, a pope, and several priests. It shows that a woman can assert herself amidst the sexual repression by men.

“Japayuki” (Always Be in My Mind) depicts the grief, suffering and emotions of an OFW mother, who choose to be parted from her child to give him a better life, but a terrible accident ended her child's life.

"Moving Two" and "Mithi" shows the romantic love and relationship of a man and woman. "Mithi" looks at the relationship of two individuals who love each other and 'experienced loss at its keenest level.' I find it emotionally-wonderful. Soprano Camille Lopez Molina gave an amazing performance as well!

"Amar Como El Mar" highlights the woman's beauty and magnificence. It's a great segment where you can almost feel the breeze, the waves and the stormy weather. I love how the program expresses it:

A man is spit out of the sea. Playing with the waves, it is summer in his memory. A woman appears. Their kiss tastes like brine. When a stone is hurled in the water, meteors fall from the sky. Time turns everything to sand. Every speck, the dried skeleton of the sea.

There are segments that appears sensual, but it is innovatively-choreographed and cleverly manipulated by the ballet dancers. Inamorata was well-received by the audience. Dancers, choreographers, singers, fashion icons Ito Curata, Jojie Lauren, and Rajo Laurel, and everyone whose part of the production were all heartily applauded.

Truly, Inamorata, honor women as the beloved!

ballet dancers

My daughter enjoyed watching the ballet performance as much as I do. Her eyes were kept glued on stage all throughout. She felt happy (though, shy)  for she got pictures with Ballet Philippines principal dancers - Candice Adea and Katherine Trofeo.

with Candice Adea

with Katherine Trofeo

Thanks Ballet Philippines for the tickets!

My Chubby World FunPix

My Chubby World is a weekly kid-oriented and informative Philippine program shown every Saturday at 8:15 am on GMA 7.

In every episode, they have a promo where you need to submit a photo that answers the question of the day based on the featured topic.

I tried sending a picture of my son for their episode 8 about kids fashion. It's a picture that answers the question, "Ano ang paborito mong fashion trend?"

Luckily, my son was chosen to be one of the five winners! Here's the winning photo:

If you haven't watched this week's episode, you can still join and send an entry. This week the question is, "Ano ang paborito mong science invention?"

Send photo with caption to mychubbyfunpix@gmanetwork. Also, include the following: Name and age of Kid, Name of guardian, Phone Number, and Address. You can read the complete mechanics here.

Entries are judged by Rebisco representatives and five winning pictures will be chosen. All winners will get a cash prize and a gift pack from Chubby. This is the last week of the promo, so better send an entry until August 3.

Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition Winner

Akihiro Sato wins Survivor Philippines Celebrity Edition. This Brazilian-Japanese model-actor, tagged as "Mr.Nice Guy," took home 3 million pesos and the title as the Philippines First Celebrity Sole Survivor. He won the heart of the jury with 3 votes, against Ervic Vijandre and Solenn Heussaff, who got 2 votes each.

We've tuned in on TV to watch the finale of Survivor Celebrity Showdown and rooted for both Akihiro and Solenn. Solenn, who's always the last woman standing in the game, shows what a modern woman should be. She played the game well. She showed her strength, her braveness and her smartness all throughout.

Congratulations Akihiro for a well deserved win! Yes, it's a game, but true, you can play the game fairly. He gave his best in all the challenges, won immunity, beat his tribemates, yet never forgot to show concern and compassion. He might not be a pure Pinoy, but he showed everyone how to play fairly and with dignity. He's not a pure Pinoy, but has a heart of a Filipino, with the attitude of a true victor. He is humble but a real fighter.

Winning 'Survivor' needs the right combination of mental, physical and social skills. Survivor is a game of learning how to outwit,outplay and outlast your competitors. You have to be smart, just like how you would bet on sports where you need to understand the tips and trick of sports betting. Getting informed about Sports Betting Tips and Tricks can give you a head start.

Swan Lake Ballet

A uniquely enchanting romance crystallized in an iconic and captivating ballet."

Swan Lake is one of the best-loved classical ballets of all time. Based on a Russian folk tale, it is a moving story of a beautiful maiden who becomes free of a curse that turns her into a swan.

My daughter and my youngest sister were mesmerized watching the ballet performance of Tchaikosvsky’s Swan Lake at CCP Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. They were delighted by the movement especially by the swans clad in white tutus gliding in the stage. They were so in sync and inspiring, and the performance seems as effortless as possible.

It's a story that fought mistaken identities and stood against a sorcerer. The Swan princess forgives the prince for being deceived by the trickery of the sorcerer. It's about faith and believing that love always prevails. A realization that love really changes everything.

Philippine Ballet Theatre's Swan Lake features guest artist Linnar Looris of the Houston Ballet as Prince Siegfried and PBT's own Tiffany Mangulabnan as Odette/Odile.

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Cameras are not allowed inside the theatre. I just took pictures after the show using my cellphone :)

Thank you so much Kumiko Mae for the tickets. We really enjoyed the show!

Paramore Fans Rock To Paramore's Hits

I saw and felt Para-Thrilla Live in Manila! American pop-rock band Paramore had their first one-night concert here in the Philippines last Tuesday, March 9, at SM Mall of Asia grounds. I was there, together with my hubby and my younger sister. 

Never mind if I'm not really a Paramore fan, but since we've won tickets from Globe Tattoo, we decided to see the concert. All I knew is that this is the band behind the hit song "Decode," a song from the movie Twilight. This highly-anticipated concert draws approximately 20,000 people. It highlights their third and latest album, "Brand New Eyes".

I was amazed at the huge cheer from the crowd as Paramore took the stage. The fans won't stop singing along with Paramore. Everyone was clapping, screaming and jumping. It's really great seeing all these people having a blast and enjoying Paramore's music. 

What I love most is Hayley's youthful energy and bubblyness, the fans' vibrant energy and Paramore's group-hug as they took a picture with the screaming Manila fans as their background.

Paramore's lead singer Hayley Williams sang Ignorance, Thats What You Get, Crush Crush Crush, Brick by Boring Brick and several more! Other band members includes lead guitarist Josh Farro, drummer-percussionist Zac Farro, rhythm guitar player Taylor York, and bassist Jeremy Davies.

Indeed, Filipino fans want more of Paramore! Before Hayley bid Manila goodbye, she said, “There’s no way we can wait five years before we’ll come back here.”

Parapa-parapa-para, para-papapara-papa!
Paramore really rocks!

The Princess and The Frog Advance Screening

“You can’t just wish on a star.” 


With 4 tickets at hand, we get to watch the advance screening of The Princess and The Frog at SM Megamall last January 31. My little sister and my daughter enjoyed the movie and the treats as well. We also got to take home freebies from the sponsors.





The Princess and The Frog is a classic Disney movie, with a modern twist on a classic tale, set in the great city of New Orleans. It features a beautiful girl named Tiana, a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure to be human again. With the help of a trumpet-playing alligator, Louis, a Cajun firefly who's in-love with the evening star, Ray, and a mystical, elderly blind lady, Mama Odie, Prince Naveen and Tiana race to break the spell and fulfill their dreams.

Tiana is a waitress with dreams of running her own restaurant. She wishes on a star but as her father advises her, "that old star can take you only part of the way. You have to help it out with hard work of your own." She finds love not on wizards nor magic, but with determination and effort.

This movie embraces and handles diversity in a natural way. I love how it leaves a message that wishing upon a star might help you express your dreams, but hard work, perseverance and character will make them come true.



The Princess and The Frog movie is now showing in the Philippines. Get to watch Disney's first 2D animated tale with the whole family.

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These tickets are the ones I've won from smartparenting.com.ph promo. for answering the question "Who's one woman I really look up to and why?" I gave away the premier tickets I've won from SM Cinema to a mommy-friend.  And here's my winning answer:

 "Little things are indeed little, but to be faithful in little things is a great thing." These words keeps me moving and lifts my spirit. Because of this, I learned to be thankful each day, no matter how small or grand the blessings would be. It makes me see things in a different perspective - from valuing the woman with the greatest influence on my life to realizing that I too can learn from everyone I get to meet each day. Indeed, it is only when I realize the value of the simple things in life that I can be at my happiest. Mother Theresa, with her life and her simple yet powerful quote, is indeed the woman I admire most!

Mamma Mia The Musical, Live in Sydney

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Syndacast. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you have seen and feel delighted watching Mamma Mia the Movie, which features Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, you would definitely love to see the musical.

Millions of people all over have fallen in love with the story, the characters and the music of Mamma Mia. It’s amazing how Abba’s timeless songs fit perfectly into the storyline that you can always find yourself singing along.

It is about the story of the young girl as she tries to find out who her real father is by inviting her mother's three former suitors to her wedding. This is really an enchanting tale of family and friendship, which unfolds into a magical love story. It's good to see that this involves learning how to let go of children, coping with a lost love, and re-discovering love in the island of Greece.

It's now time to see the world's most loved show live on stage! You surely would not want to miss Mamma Mia, the musical. Now in Sydney for just 15 weeks.

Get prepared to be on your feet as you start dancing to the catchy musical numbers and vibrant performance. Feel the heartfelt moments and experience the laughter while watching the musical. Once again, get carried away listening to these wonderful songs - Dancing Queen, I Have a Dream, Take a Chance on Me, The Winner Takes It All, and a lot more!

Bring the whole family to see this great musical. Make reservations and buy your tickets now. Tickets available at TicketMaster Australia.

Ballet Philippines and Belle De Jour Fair in Just One Day

Attending two different events in just one day could be tiring, but the time spent had been really worthwhile.

[October 25 morning at CCP]

With 8 tickets that I've won courtesy of Getzmo, my family watched Ballet Philippines Tales of the Manuvu at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Main Theater. It's amazing watching a musical journey for free together with my daughter, my mommy-lola (grandma), my sisters, my sister-in-law and my niece.

The show begins with Venezuelan piano music in the international ballet classic "Our Waltzes," which features the choreography of world-renowned Venezuelan dancer Vicente Nebrada.

This famed neo-classical dance has aspects that can be compared to ballroom dancing infused with Latin influences, which shows graceful and lilting movements, and the theme of romantic waltzing of love explored.

The show culminates in a contemporary production of Alice Reyes' groundbreaking pop-rock opera ballet, "Tales of the Manuvu" which features the OPM hit song, "Noong Unang Panahon." This is based on the Manobo myth of creation.

Acclaimed singers (Robert Sena, Guji Lorenzana , Banaue Miclat, etc.), soloists from the UP Concert Chorus and the Makiling rock band performs to tell a tale that touches on our origins, our nationhood, our love of and appreciation for the primal powers of nature, our mortality and the separation of Heaven and Earth.


[October 25 afternoon at BDJ Fair in Eastwood City]

Belle de Jour launched its 2010 Planner with its first-ever fair entitled “BDJ Fair: Exceeding Boundaries: Give More, Live More!” It's an exciting day filled with fun, treats, lots of activities and interesting talks. The event doubled as a fundraising activity for the rehabilitation of Ondoy victims.

BDJ participants get to participate in the event festivities such as the Hatha yoga class (which we failed to take part in), the BDJ Scavenger Hunt, and a Fashion Show.

The event kept everyone informed through the talks with experts on beauty and fashion as well as accomplished women in their respective fields. Topics which include: Create your Brand in the Workplace, Reach for the Skies, and Break the Fashion Rules, Debunk Beauty Myths.

There are also brand sales from BDJ's lifestyle partners, a free fortune telling, a photo booth, a free massage, a hair styling booth, free waxing, free cocktails and so much more.

The BDJ Planner is the ultimate planner for women who want to lead the It Girl lifestyle! All BDJ Fair attendees gets to buy the BDJ Plannew for a special price of Php 480 (SRP is Php 598).

Total Eclipse of The Heart in Flowchart

The 1980's hit song of Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of The Heart" is made understandable through a flowchart. I really find this interesting and impressive. This somehow explains the lyrical twists and the complexity of the song. I even find myself humming while following the flow.

Being an Industrial Engineer, I am used to creating and analyzing flowcharts. I have been working at flowcharts - from the simplest business process to the highly complicated systems flowchart. However, I had never thought of creating a flowchart for a song.

Good enough that Jeanne, the one who made this flowchart, did not get include other lines in the song or else, it would just create confusion.

Oh well, this simply proves that a flowchart helps you understand something that you once thought is complex, but then, everything is a matter of how you see things in perspective.

I really need you tonight.
Forever's gonna start tonight.
There's nothing I can do.
Total eclipse of the heart.

Never Miss a Show with Charter on Demand

Many are not aware of the feature that if you have Charter digital, you have On Demand. This is free to access. It is often an overlooked gem and is much better that the cable TV subscription you currently have.

The best thing that interests me about this is that with Charter Cable's On Demand, you do not have to watch your favorite shows exactly on their scheduled time. Instead, you can watch your favorite show anytime you want. There's no waiting and missing a TV show or episode..

Charter Cable's On Demand will also satisfy your cinematic cravings. There are over 6,000 movies and shows available at your fingertips. You can choose from the classics to the latest blockbuster movies that are available every day. You won't feel bad if you missed watching a movie in the theater. You also won't need to wait for the DVD in the mail or buy DVDs from the video store.

Everyone in the family will really benefit from On Demand. Even the kids would get to enjoy watching their favorite cartoons like Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants all the time. They can watch it during the day or with the entire family at night.

This is perfect for everyone's lifestyle as it suits their time in watching their favorite TV programs and movies. Once you subscribe from Charter, you will enjoy all the benefits from their On Demand service. If you are not a Charter cable customer, you can learn more at charter.net/ondemand. You can also get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page.