The BPO industry is no stranger to me. I was once a call center agent before but had never witnessed an event as extravagant such as what Sykes Asia did during their year end party. It was a blast!

Held last December 14 at the SMX Convention Center. Sykes Poptastic 2104 was hosted by the playful Boys Night Out trio - Sam YG, Toni Tony and Slick Rick with TV show host Karen Pamintuan.

Highlights of the night were the dance competition, raffles of cash and cool gadgets and the much-awaited performance of Ely Buendia.

more photos..

Golden Ticket Events an up and coming event's company recently held its successful Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 block screening and bloggers night.
 

Prior to the jam packed movie screening at the SM Megamall Cinema 4, Golden Ticket hosted a fun filled blogger's night at Rack's Megamall. Rack's served everyone a sumptuous dinner consisting of their best selling ribs and sides. Over dinner, Jeanil Alcantara Rack's Operations Manager updated everyone on Rack's new branch in Timog Quezon City.

Following this, Food Panda Philippines  CEO Mauro Cocchieri presented an overview about the company and its app. Food Panda is an online food ordering site which has an app that can be downloaded from the App Store, Google Play, and the Window's Phone Store. The Food Panda app allows users to choose from hundreds of food merchants. The app determines the users location and shows them a wide variety of choices to satisfy their every craving. Capping the bloggers night was a raffle from Torch, Bioessence, and Great Image who along with Regroe gave away lots of freebies to the bloggers.  

Following the blogging event, everyone proceeded to Cinema 4 to join the throngs of movie goers who came to the screening. Each movie goer got popcorn and a bottle of Aquabest as they filed in to watch one of the year's most awaited movies. Attendees of the screening had a good time with the program which included awesome raffle prizes from Torch, Bioessence, ToppCock, Cadbury, Mary Kay, Jelly Nelly, Regroe, and MX3.

Making the event possible are Golden Ticket's sponsors; Food Panda, Great Image, Mary Kay, Alveo, Aquabest, Evee, Skinlyn, Regroe, Pregroe, Torch, Bioessence, Chooga, El Lobo 2 in 1, Tea Kingdom, Cadbury, Bubbatealicious, Huang Shang Developent Corporation, Victoria Towers, Amada, Topp Cock, and Jelly Nelly. Golden Ticket was also assisted by its media partners; ANC, ASTIG.PH, Business Mirror, Cook Magazine, and View Magazine.

Since launching his musical career 15 years ago by playing the local shops and coffee-house circuit in San Diego, California, the

36-year-old American pop sensation has brought his positive image and soulful, folk-pop sound to audiences worldwide through his recordings, sold-out live performances and philanthropic projects. During the next few years, he has earned multi-platinum certifications in more than 20 countries for his various releases, sold 48 million singles and made pop history with his record-shattering single, “I’m Yours”. Among the accolades he has received were two Grammy Awards (out of six nominations), a Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, and nominations from the Teen Circle Choice Award and People’s Choice Award.

Mraz has performed in major amphitheaters and arenas across the globe and sold out iconic venues, such as the Hollywood Bowl, Madison  Square Garden and London’s 02 Arena.

His latest recording achievement was the release on July 5, 2014 of “YES!”, his fifth and first-ever acoustic album which he wrote and recorded with the Los Angeles-based folk-rock band Raining Jane. Hailed by Billboard as “an invigorating change-up record that shines in an already impressive discography,” the new album made a smash debut at Number 1 in 46 countries, with its chart performance showing no signs of slowing down.

MMI Live! and Ovation Productions have teamed up in bringing back the multi-Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter to the concert scene one-and-a-half years after his last performance here on May 14, 2013, also at the Big Dome, and for his fourth appearance since his first visit in 2006 during a two-day promo tour.

Aside from being a singer and recording artist, Mraz is also  known as a dedicated surfer, farmer-gardener, filmmaker and photographer. As a committed global citizen, he is deeply involved in various social activism and philanthropic efforts that include wide-ranging environmental advocacy and support for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) equality. He has participated in several global activism endeavors, such as a rescue mission to Ghana with Free The Slaves and an internationally broadcast performance in Myanmar with MTV Exit to promote awareness of human trafficking.

In 2009, in recognition of his advocacy and support for a clean environment, sustainable energy, education and human equality, the Environmental Media gave Mraz the Missions in Music Award.  He was also invited to join former US Vice President Al Gore in the Climate Reality Fact-Finding Expedition to Antarctica in January, 2012. With these activities, Jason Mraz hopes to continuously celebrate and acclaim music’s myriad forms and transforming power, inspiring and delighting countless fans all over the world which he calls home.

Jason Mraz and Raining Jane Live In Manila!is promoted by Ovation Productions and MMI Live! Ticket prices are P5,800, P4,800, P3,500, P2,300 and P800 plus applicable surcharges.  Tickets will be out starting Sunday, Sept. 28, through www.Ticketnet.com.ph.

Shopping has always been a pleasure with a pinch of pain, looking left and right for your favorite brands at the malls and cashing in heavily as the Christmas season comes near. This year, 2014, TradeNetLinkEvents in partnership with Rampant Media hosts the “GRAND BRANDS AND APPLIANCE WAREHOUSE SALE” where you can find great deals on your favorite brands under one roof, talk about “shopping made easy” ey. For the past years of bringing good events to us by the team of TradeNetLinkEvents management, we surely can expect another successful event this year as their partners and exhibitors are bringing in great goods to offer and are opening the doors for more business.

Come and join us at the GRAND BRANDS AND APPLIANCE WAREHOUSE SALE happening this OCT. 3-5 at the SM megamall mega trade hall 3 from 10am to 9pm and enjoy shopping! For more details, visit our fb page GRAND BRANDS SALE 2014

Yahoo Philippines today announced the launch of the Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 and unveiled the nominees for this year. Yahoo Celebrity Awards (formerly OMG! Awards) honors Philippines’ celebrities from the fields of movies, music, radio and television, who are voted into the top ranks by their fans from across the world. This is the fourth consecutive year of Yahoo Celebrity Awards, which are not only the most popular awards program in the country but also uniquely “Powered by You”  - as fans have the exclusive power to vote their favorite stars in.

140 nominees across 28 categories – with ten new categories added especially given the emerging trends in the entertainment industry are included in this year's Yahoo Celebrity Awards

The event gives users a chance to vote for their favorite stars on Yahoo Celebrity and see them up-close and personal during a star-studded, glamorous evening. Fans can also request for performances by their favorite stars at the gala awards ceremony that will take place on July 18.

Yahoo Celebrity Awards 2014 officially launched to the media..

This year’s Celebrity Awards includes ten exciting new additions to the existing classic categories: Celebrity Couple, Celebrity Family, Male and Female Hothletes, Band of the Year, Male and Female ‘Kontrabida’, Emerging Band, Song of the Year and Social Media Star.

Marian Rivera was named Celebrity Media Magnet during the launch..

What makes the Yahoo Celebrity Awards even more special this year is the new ‘Yahoo-On-the-Road’ bus, which will be touring schools showcasing nominees of the Band of the Year and Emerging Band categories. The bus is fully geared for fans to engage with the bands, cast their votes and request performances.  

'Yahoo-On-the-Road’ bus

Yahoo encourages all fans to vote for their favorite celebrities at yahoo.com.ph/celebrityawards. Voting opens now until July 12, 2014. Users can follow the awards on Twitter at @yahooph #YahooAwards and “Like” the Yahoo Philippines Facebook page. Find more on Yahoo Celebrity. 

Yahoo Celebrity Awards rolls out the purple carpet for you on July 18 at Mall of Asia Arena. Grab your free tickets at SM Tickets.  

The Yahoo Celebrity Awards is supported by leading brands in Philippines, including McDonald’s, KakaoTalk, PLDT HOME Bro Ultera, JAG Jeans and Emperador Light.

“All Hail Britannia!” The famous line from the anime Code Geas will come into life as Naruto Cosplayers PH (NCPH) and Red Cloud Interactive officially launched the final countdown to the first ever live action role-play event with cosplay for a cause in the Philippines. The initial launching was at Sci-Fi Café at Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas. The venue of the launch was very symbolic since Sci-Fi Café is the only restaurant of its kind in a country where you can enjoy being a toy collector, a cosplayer, and most importantly have a great and unique experience which is the same thing Fantasm wants to bring to every conger.

#Fantasm will be on May 24-25 at Starland Themepar, 4th Level, Starmall Alabang. Britannia from the anime Code Geas will be brought to life through cosplay, the castle setting and also mass participation as everyone will be issues a Britannian ID. You will be identified as Elevents, Honorary Britannian, Britannian or Britannian Royalty. Also, the event is becoming the biggest gathering of Otaku related organizations in the country with groups from Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Tarlac and Bicol joining in.

The event is FREE ADMISSION just bring one notebook plus an additional school supply like ballpen, pencil, etc. upon entering the venue. You will be given a designated Britannian ID afterwards.

If you want to be a Britannian Royalty all you have to do is avail a VIP KIT for P350. The pass comes with 2-day access to the event, 1-day access to either the pool with swimming or the rides, 1 free Mogu-Mogu drink, unlimited baggage, front seat reservation, free registration to one competition and a limited edition Britannian Royalty ID.

“We aim to bring a new kind of event. Although this is experimental we hope that everyone will have a unique experience and cosplayers will be treated as their characters,” says Lie Pagtalunan, President of NCPH.

 

Event highlights includes:

* Cosplay Idol Season 2 Finals, the culmination of the search for the next cosplayer which has both the talent and the cosplay excellence (May 24).
* Otaku Choice Awards, the first ever awards for the community (May 24).
* Asia Music Festival Karaoke and Bandslam, a collection of singers and bands who will bring you Japanese songs and also some local melodies as well (May 24-25).
* 1st Bolen Lareza Cosplay Competition, the very first separate competition for Chibi Cosplayers named after one of the best chibi cosplayer in the Philippines, Bolen Lareza. Judges for the event will also be her fellow chibi cosplayers and all of them are also impressive (May 24).
* Fantasm Cosplay Lives, the first cosplay competition which aims to recognize “realism” in their cosplay characters. This competition will be judged by judges who are focused on one criteria which incudes difficulty, realism, engagement and costume (May 25).
* Cosplay Checkers where you can see cosplaye rs used as checkers pieces playing on an 8x8 board (May 25).
* Guest and Special Performances. Catch the performances of bands like Ikuzo Iwa, Happy Ending, Hiyas, Strange Orange, School Milk for a Dime and Kung Fu Day. Also, capture Raindrop, V’s Project, Kryzia Camille Santiago, Seiza, Tarlac Asian Dancers and performers from Anime Cosplay Empire.

Hero TV will be having a free dubbers’ workshop for everyone on May 24 entitled, “HERO Dub It Out. The Filipino audience and fans will also for the first time know in person dubbers of their favorite Hero TV shows as they present them on stage with voice samples as well.

Fantasm will be a gathering of organizations as well and aims to unite the community under a cause of helping one another and the society. Among the partner organizations are Anime Corner Group Pilipinas, nime United Council, Aishiteru Anime, Anime Cosplay Empire, Antipolo Cosplayers, Anime Cosplay Colors PH, Anima Infinity, Extreme Generation Otaku Alliance, Heroes Are Us PH, Original Tarlac Cosplayers Unlimited, Otaku Zutto, Otaku Tayo, PATTS Otaku Alliance, Philippine Gaming Cosplayers, Subsonic Forge, and UP Manila-OMAKE.

Event partners includes: Spin Manila Bus TV, Hero TV, Cherry Credits, Dragon Nest, Avatar Star, The Philippine Events. Mozilla Firefox, Rocx Tees, Great Toys Online, Cubizone Philippines, Age of Kung-Fu, Mogu-Mogu, O-MIse, Comics Sale Central, Wakfu, I Wear Contact Lenses, Para Kordon, Project Wangun, YJC, Adarna House, Glue N’ Stitch and Punk Sinatra.

Media partners includes: SGCafe.com, Inquirer.net, WhenInManila.cm, Otaku Asia Anime Magazine, GFC Magazine, Dee Jocson Photography, iCozplay Events Management, L5R Productions, The Great Events Plus, Bazaaristas Event Management, Deremoe, Anime PH, Cosplay and Anime Café, Anime Pilipinas, Reimaru Files, Otakista, GreekSilverHero Photography, Pitik Photography, Blue Pirates Production, Cosplay Network Philippines, Pinoy JMusic Media, Otakucosplayph.com, Ranneveryday ツ, That Hikikomori Guy, Ayaldev Creatives and The Products Blog.

For more information about Pinoy Otaku Festival 2014: FANTASM you can check on the following: * Website: www.pof.narutocosplayers.com * Facebook: www.fb.com/Pinoy.OtakuFest and www.fb.com/NarutoCosplayersPH
* Twitter: @narutocosplayer
* Official Hashtag: #Fantasm

Shoes and other footwear in various styles, using different materials in a wide spectrum of colors, will be among the globally-

competitive products that will be offered at the upcoming SikatPinoy National Fashion Fair, to be held from May 21 to 25, 2014, at the SM Megatrade Halls 1-3 at SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

With footwear exports growing dramatically from US$15.7-M in 2012 to US$33.4-M in 2013, for a 112.64 percent year-on-year growth, this is a category that holds excellent business potential for Filipino entrepreneurs. Thus, in line with its mandate to provide marketing support for MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade is showcasing footwear, leather goods, handcrafted accessories, intricately woven fabrics, and unique apparel in the SikatPinoy National Fashion Fair, which has the theme Piling-Piling Pananamit Pilipino.

About 150 MSMEs from the country’s 16 regions will display their wares in various fashion categories such as clothing, garments and other wearables, footwear, leather goods, bags and travel goods, jewelry, health and wellness products, etc. This is the perfect opportunity for fashionistas to discover unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, and for budget-conscious moms to discover great bargains for their kid’s back-to-school needs.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can also get some ideas from the free awareness seminars on BIR matters and online marketing, as well as training demonstrations on bag accessorizing, beadworks, hair & makeup, and massage oils.

For more information, contact the DTI-Bureau of Domestic Trade at telephone no. 751-3223, fax no. 751-3224, or email bdt@dti.gov.ph. Please “Like” the Facebook page www.facebook.com/sikatpinoyfairs for updates on SikatPinoy events.

For the first time ever, budding songwriters will be given a chance to collaborate with today’s hottest OPM artists. Colgate Fresh Confidence will allow the youth to say their piece on love and relationships, empowering their fellow youth, having great confidence and achieving their dreams, together with their music idols all through social media.

This fresh way of composing song lyrics is in tune with this generation’s penchant for social media. The campaign kicked off with a call for aspiring artists to register on Facebook, where participants from Manila, Cebu and Davao were selected for a songwriting workshop.

The lucky young artists enjoyed a mind blowing experience that not all aspiring songwriters get to experience: to be mentored by some of the biggest names in OPM music today, which included Kean Cipriano and LemBelaro of Callalily, Miggy Chavez and MongAlcaraz of Chicosci, Eunice Jorge of Gracenote, and flip-top rap artist Abra. They also applied what they learned by composing a song with their mentors, and performing the songin front of the other participants in less than 2 hours!A total of 17 unique and catchy songs were created in the 3 workshops. All of these songs are showcased in the official YouTube Channel of Colgate Philippines.

It only got more fun from there. The second phase encouraged the entire nation to collaborate on a song. To kick things off, Callalily, Chicosci, Gracenote and Abra composed and released a melody and a chorus that tackled topics of particular interest to the youth: love and relationships, youth empowerment, and achieving their dreams.The participants sent their lyrics with the hashtag #ColgateFreshJam to create the next big hit song of the youth.The artists then let the magic unfold as the different voices from the crowd-sourced lyrics are put together to complete the songs and ultimately become the anthem of the youth. The completed songs will not only be heard nationwide over the radio, but it will also be launched in a series of concerts.

The songs will be officially launched on March 28 at the Colgate Fresh Jam Concert Tour, which will feature performances by the aforementioned artists, and will be hosted by Nikki Gil at theSM North Edsa Skydome. The night will be a celebration of not just the local music scene, but also the youth’s achievement in creating a song that best embodies the voice of their generation.Colgate Fresh Jam will also hold provincial concerts with performances by Callalily and local bands in Matina Town Square, Davao on March 7 and Mango Square, Cebu on March 14. Fans can enjoy the night by simply purchasing any Colgate Fresh Confidence 145ml variant and presenting an official receipt at any SM Tickets branches.

So what else are you waiting for? Start writing and posting to make the whole world sing only with Colgate Fresh Jam.

Philippines' pride and sole athlete sent to the recent Winter Olympics in Sochi Michael Martinez was given a hero's welcome (motorcade) last Sunday, February 23, 2014. Followed by a press conference at SM Mall of Asia.


His Early Years in Ice Skating..

Michael Martinez first started ice skating at the tender age of 8 in SM Southmall Skating Rink enrolling in formal acting lessons towards fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional figure skater.  Eventually, he transferred to SM Mall of Asia Skating Rink, which had a bigger rink, to continue his trainings and participate in many local skating competitions. To date,Martinez has garnered 194 medals and trophies from various international and local competitions. Martinez clinched 7th place at the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany that qualified him for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

During the presscon, one of the interesting question asked was what was in Michael's mind while performing in the program. Michael answered, "I'm doing this for God, for my family, for my country."

He will still continue training with his Russian trainer in the U.S. Michael will only be in the Philippines for 2 days. He has to fly back to the United States to train and prepare for the junior figure skating competition in Bulgaria.

Meet and Greet Michael Martinez

As a way to thank his fans for their unwavering support, Michael Martinez will be at the SM Southmall Ice Skating Rink for a meet and greet on February 24 at 4-5 PM, SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink on February 25 at 12- 1 PM, and at the SM Skating Rink in Megamall’s Mega Fashion Hall on February 25 at 4-5 PM.

With the theme “Art on the Edge,” the 2014 Philippine Arts Festival (PAF), in celebration of the National Arts Month (NAM), will focus on art for healing activities, aside from promoting the advancements achieved in different art forms, the innovations, the modern evolution of art, and the artistic creations in the peripheries.

Initiated by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), NAM is celebrated every February in the country since the signing of Presidential Proclamation 683 in 1991. NCCA Chairman Felipe de Leon, Jr. will lead the celebration.

Spearheaded by the NCCA’s Subcommission on the Arts, PAF consists mainly of the flagship projects of the seven committees of the subcommission—architecture, cinema, dance, literature, music, theater, and the visual arts. It aims to highlight the artistic talent and brilliance of the Filipino people. Initially centering around the National Capital Region, PAF activities will be held all over the country in order to reach as many people as possible.

The seven committees of the NCCA’s Subcommission on the Arts have prepared a rich repertoire of activities and events. 

The National Committee on Architecture and Allied Arts, headed by architect Gerard Lico, will hold several exhibitions, conferences, lectures and competitions on Philippine architecture and allied arts, collectively called “Archi 2014,” which will be held in different institutions across the country from Feb. 2 until March 7. 

The National Committee on Cinema, headed by Dr. Miguel Rapatan, will hold “Cinema Rehiyon 6” in Cagayan de Oro City on Feb. 18-22 with screenings and forums that focus on the film productions from the regions. Independent filmmakers from Baguio, Pampanga, Calabarzon, Naga, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga and others will showcase their latest films. Film curators, festival programmers, and film enthusiasts will also be in attendance. 

The National Committee on Dance, headed by Shirley Halili-Cruz, will present “Sayaw Pinoy,” the longest-running NAM project with a full house audience in every performance. It will tour dance concerts showcasing the different dance forms (folk, ballet, hiphop, and contemporary) by various dance companies,

performing back to back with upcoming dance groups. Now on its 11th year, Sayaw Pinoy will spread the beauty of dance in key areas all over the country. Sayaw Pinoy will underline the dance icons in the major venues of the event in the different cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Dance workshops and artists dialogues will be participated in by visiting and local dancers, choreographers, directors, and SPA teachers from the different regions.

The National Committee on Literary Arts, headed by Priscilla Macansantos, will mount the literary arts festival, “Taboan 2014: Philippine Literary Arts Festival,” to be held at the Subic Freeport Zone on February 24-26, 2014.  Taboan 2014 will gather writers, teachers and students for forums, lectures, book fair, literary readings, performances, arts and crafts exhibits, cultural tours, other satellite projects, and an awards ceremony for outstanding writers from the

regions.

The National Committee on Music, headed by Prof. Felipe de Leon, Jr., will stage the “Taal-Tunugan,” wherein a new musical ensemble will be trained and then toured using musical instruments they made themselves from scraps and other recycled materials.  The Taal-Tunugan is aimed at resonating the sounds and or music found in different communities in the Philippines that utilize locally-crafted musical instruments.

The National Committee on Dramatic Arts, headed by Lutgardo Labad, will hold “Tanghal 2014,” a theater festival underscoring the works and achievements of community and university-based theater groups.

The National Committee on Visual Arts, headed by Nemesio Miranda, will hold the “Philippine Visual Arts Xtreme” (PVAX) in Tacloban, which will gather visual artists from all over the country for a lineup of activities including conferences, exhibitions, competitions, workshops, painting sessions, tours, and many others. It 

The opening ceremony, to be held in Roxas City, Capiz, on January 31, 2014, is not to be missed because it is a rousing start of the colorful celebration filled with performances and other activities that will afford attendees a foretaste of the seven arts and their sumptuous offerings.

Also of importance is the second Likha Asya festival and conference on community theater, creative industries and community-based tourism, a cross-cultural exchange of experiences and expertise in the creative industries and cultural tourism between Lihok Bisaya, a cultural association of seven community-based cultural groups in the Visayas region, and similar groups in Asia striving for sustainable livelihoods.  

The Ani ng Dangal awarding ceremony honors Filipino artists who are recognized with top honors in international awards, competitions and festivals. It will be held on February 2, 2014, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila.

For more details on the activities and schedules, contact PAF Media Director and NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office (PAIO) head, Rene Sanchez Napeñas at (632) 527-2192 or at 0928.5081057.  Log on to www.ncca.gov.ph or email us at ncca.paio@gmail.com.

Following the success last year's fundraiser event, former Philmug chairman Elbert Cuenca announced in his Facebook account that Cook Out, Help Out is back. Set to happen on January 24 to 26 at the Plaza Drive, Power Plant Mall. Ticket are sold P300 each; available at Elbert's Cheesesteak Sandwiches, Bacchus Epicerie and Power Plant's admin office.

#DYHTPS poster was recently updated; revealing guests, each profiled based on which production (Miss Saigon/LesMiz) he/she took part..

updated poster (from DYHTPS official fanpage)

GUESTS:

Do You Hear the People Sing? will set stage on January 29 and 30 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

Ready to bring your story to the stage? Learn how to write plays from five-time Palanca Award-winning writer, Dr. Joem Antonio, in Amateur Playwriting. This is a three-hour workshop that will be held on January 18, 2:00 PM at U-View, Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street.

Aspiring playwrights will learn the differences between theater and other media, constructing a story for the script, making a story feasible for stage performance, and formatting a script for directors and actors. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a basic method to follow in writing theater plays.

For more information, please visit http://playwriting.bluebackpack.com or contact Mia Madarang of Blue Backpack Events Management at info@bluebackpack.com or +639175861906.

Seldom will one get that rare chance to see a star-studded show such as this one. Imagine cast from MISS SAIGON and LES MISERABLES onstage. Do You Hear the People Sing? is scheduled for a 2-night performance at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila on January 29 and 30, 2014.

Featuring our very own Lea Salonga, David Harris and Marie Zamora with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gerard Salonga.

The concert is intended to help rebuild homes for the Yolanda victims through Habitat for Humanity.

2013 will end and 2014 will start full of hope especially to those affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). 

Grammy winner Patti Austin will be joined by some of the Philippines’ most popular performers and a fantastic live band in a concert celebrating the New Year, commemorating the indomitable Filipino spirit, and contributing to a better future.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to the victims Typhoon Haiyan for relief efforts. Patti Austin will personally lead a continuing effort to design and build houses in Tacloban through Habitat For Humanity.

The overall tone of the event will be joyous and upbeat, signifying a “Brand New Day” in the Philippines as the country and the world join together in gestures of celebration, goodwill and support. Patti will perform the hit songs which have made her a huge star in the Philippines and worldwide.

Also, OPM Icons have pledged their support for the said concert which includes Richard Merk, Martin Nievera and Lea Salonga as her special guests during the night at the Solaire.

Another fund-raising performance will take place at the Fairmont Raffles Hotel (in Makati) on December 31, 2013 as Patti Austin celebrates New Year.

Tickets will be marketed and sold through Laurel Media outlets, the Solaire Casino and Resort (for the December 29, 2013 show) and Fairmont Raffles Hotel (for the December 31, 2013 show), and thru TicketWorld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.

Brand New Day is presented to you by: Solaire Resort & Casino, Philippine Airlines, PLDT Fibr & Department of Tourism together with Patti Austin, Barry Orms, Laurel Media Company & Baruch Gayton Entertaiment Group.

While One Heart One Voice is presented to us by: Fairmont Makati, Philippine Airlines, PLDT Fibr & Department of Tourism.

A benefit concert for the rehabilitation of Typhoon Yolanda victims is slated to take place on December 21, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Citizen's Business Bank Arena, in Ontario, California.

Dubbed "Philippines Relief Concert: All Star Charity Show," the concert was the fruit of a conversation between Mr. John Gummoe of the Cascades, and Mr.Danee Samonte of Steve O' Neal productions. Both Mr.Gummoe and Mr. Samonte had heard about the desperate situation of the survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, and wanted to come up with a fundraising event. American musical artists, most of who have performed in the Philippines, heard about the devastation wrought by Typhoon Haiyan. They immediately wanted to get involved in this concert that would help raise funds for rehabilitation efforts.

More than 10 classic artists are set to perform on December 21. Among them -- John Ford Coley, John Claude Gummoe of the Cascades, Rex Smith, Ron Dante (the original lead singer of The Archies), Bobby Hendricks (from the original Drifters), Kyle Vincent, Frank Stallone, Classics UV, Dick and Dee Dee, Chris Montez, The World Famous Platters, Dennis Tufano (the original lead singer of The Buckinghams), and Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods, and a special appearance by the "The Hitman" David Foster. 

"Our audience can expect a night of great music and charity. We will walk down memory lane by listening to the greatest hits of these artists," says Eugene Flores, of All Access Concerts. "We can also enjoy the show knowing that with each ticket bought, 100% of the proceeds will have a direct effect on rebuilding the lives of the victims of typhoon Yolanda."

Proceeds of the concert will be coursed through Habitat for Humanity Philippines's Rebuild Philippines program and ABS-CBN foundation international. 

More than 300 social media geeks will converge in a one-day gathering - Blogapalooza 2013..

The Nike We Run MNL (Manila) returns for a third edition to inspire, motivate and connect runners around the world. On 1 December 2013, 15,000 runners are expected to take to the streets of the historical Marikina City and run the 10km in celebration of the spirit of unity that is significantly Filipino.

“For this year’s race, we have incorporated the personality of the people of the Philippines to motivate and inspire them to lead a more active lifestyle. Filipinos are kindred spirits who, without hesitation, unite for a good cause and help each other. Taking this, we hope that every Filipino runner can inspire and motivate another and run the race together” says Courtney Cole-Faso, Country Marketing Manager, Nike Philippines. 

In the spirit of unity, runners must sign up for the race with a “buddy”. This is to encourage runners to constantly motivate each other to achieve their goals in preparation for the 10km race. Nike will organize training sessions in November to help runners prepare for the race. The training sessions will be conducted in various locations around the city, and runners will participate in Nike Training Club, get tips from athletes and get an experience only Nike can bring.

Runners can also prepare for race day through the more than 18 million strong Nike+ community. The new Nike+ Challenges is a feature that allows runners to set a distance goal, invite Nike+ friends to join, and race to the virtual finish line. Users can determine the name of the Challenge, mileage goal, time period and participants. Additionally, a new chat feature allows friends to encourage each other and share tips throughout the Challenge. Runners can stay motivated by checking the live leader board to track progress and see where they rank amongst their friends.

Nike We Run MNL is part of Nike’s global We Run series which is aimed at celebrating, motivating and inspiring athletes from around the world. Manila will be one of 26 cities, with 350,000 runners taking over 3 billion strides during the course of the We Run race series motivated by Nike+ and Nike Running design innovations. Nike’s We Run races range in distance from 5K to a full marathon and reflect the unique enthusiasm of each city. From Sao Paulo, to Seoul, to Singapore, runners will be moved to action through a series of unique experiences. You can also follow the Nike We Run journey through an interactive map online as it passes through each city. 

Online and in-store registrations will begin on October 25. Please visit www.nike.com/events/register/werunmanila for registration details

On October 31, Halloween night, hordes of the undead will rise and party with the living as J.R. Usi Presents, MAKATI AFTER DARK: RUN & SURVIVE HALLOWFEST, the grandest and most exciting Halloween party of the year.

With 3,000 zombies in a “FANTASY RUN” designed and directed to feel like a movie set, the run promises to give participants the most thrilling experience right at the heart of Makati’s financial business district.

Coinciding with the FANTASY RUN is an ALL-NIGHT STREET FESTIVAL adjacent to the race course featuring several TOP LOCAL BANDS, DJ’s, CAR SHOW, GTMACCON PINOY KOMIKS and COSPLAYERS CONVENTION, MERCATO CENTRALE FOOD FEST, and several other side pocket events to keep you up ‘til sunrise!

The Halloween Fest has already received the endorsement of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay as well as the Makati Tourism Office. “MAKATI AFTER DARK is an event that can greatly help promote Makati as a top events destination that will attract more local and foreign visitors to the city.”

On his part, promoter J.R. Usi said, “Makati, has always been the preferred venue for pioneering events, whether its fashion, food, arts and culture—and even for some advocacy and political rallies—making it the perfect place to launch our “After Dark” series.” 

Beyond the festivities, however, the underlying advocacy of Makati After Dark is to gather funds for the displaced families affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol and Cebu. “We’ve all seen the damage and how the calamity has affected its residents, especially the children that is why we will be donating part of the proceeds in the relief efforts, we hope this would greatly help them recover and return to their normal lives,” Usi explained.

CONCERT PERFORMERS

Headlining the bands that will be performing at MAKATI AFTER DARK are CALLALILY, SANDWICH, 6CYCLEMIND, CHICOSCI, GRACENOTE, MOONSTAR 88, and several other surprise guests—each one promising to perform their biggest hits and newest songs.

In addition, a separate DJ setup will also be in place for those who’d rather dance the night away with other celebrity guests expected to make an appearance and join in the festivities.

HALLOWEEN “FIESTAVAL” 

Foodies are also in for a treat as MERCATO CENTRALE will be holding one of its biggest Food Bazaars at the venue and will offer party goers a wide array of choices that will satisfy all your cravings.

See coolest and sleekest cars in a special CAR SHOW that will showcase some of the most pimped out rides, exotic cars and numerous high-end custom cars.

Kicking off the festivities will be GTMACCON 3 Pre-Event where Pinoy Komiks artists and Pinoy Komiks Cosplayers can meet and interact with their fans.

Other side events include Zombie Movie Marathons, street performers such magicians, stilt-walkers, mimes, fire breathers, dancers, exciting LAN Games and many more.

Visit www.makatiafterdark.com for more information and sign up either as part of the Human Survivors or be among Zombie Horde. Registration Fee of Php1,000 includes souvenir event shirt, race bib, life belt, swag bag with Halloween treats, event wrist tag, and access to Hallow Fest event grounds. Registration centers are located at TOBYS ARENA GLORIETTA 2, TOBYS ARENA SM MOA, TOBYS SPORTS SHANGRI-LA MALL, and RUNNR TRINOMA. For non-runners entrance to the Festival Grounds, concerts and Hallow Fest is only P500. Tickets are now available at Ticketworld Outlets and at the venue.

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Makati After Dark is the first in a series of grand outdoor events and street festivals scheduled for the coming year with the goal of bringing iconic musicians and artists who have yet to perform in the Philippines.