Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story bagged eleven awards

during the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

Here is the complete list of winners:

Best Picture
Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”

Second Best Picture
"Enteng Ng Ina Mo"

Third Best Picture
"Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13"

Best Director
“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”

Best Actor
Dingdong Dantes ("Segunda Mano")

Best Actress
Maricel Soriano ("Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow")

Best Supporting Actor
John Regala ("Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story")

Best Supporting Actress
Eugene Domingo (“My Househusband: Ikaw Na!”)

Best Child Performer
Bugoy Carino (“Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13”)


Best Screenplay
Roi Iglesias and Rey Ventura ("Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story")

Best Story
Chris Martinez and Marlon Rivera (“Shake, Rattle, and Roll 13”)

Gatpuno Villegas Cultural Award
“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”

Gender Sensitivity Award
“My Househusband: Ikaw Na!”

Best Cinematography
Carlo Mendoza (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Original Theme Song
“La Paloma” by Ely Buendia (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Musical Score
Jessie Lazaten (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Sound Recording
Mike Idioma (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Editing
Jason Cahapay and Ryan Orduna (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Production Design
Fritz Siloria, Mona Soriano, and Ronaldo Cadapan (“Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story”)

Best Visual Effects
Riot Inc. (“Ang Panday 2”)

Best Make-up
Florencia Penero, Niccolo Medina, and Jayvee Flores (“Enteng Ng Ina Mo”)

Best Float
“Ang Panday 2”

Best Full-Length Independent Film
“Pintakasi”

Best New Wave Actor
JM de Guzman (“Pintakasi”)

Best New Wave Actress
Iza Calzado (“H.I.V.”)

New Wave Gender Sensitivity Award
“H.I.V.” (full-length) and “Speechless from Miriam College (student film)

Best Student Film
“Payaso” from De La Salle-Lipa and MATe from Colegio San Juan de Letran

Special Jury Prize
“Biyahe Ni Barbie” from De La Salle-College of St. Benilde

View more photos here.

Please watch the full coverage of MMFF awards night over ABS-CBN Chan. 2, this Sunday Jan. 1, at 10:45pm, brought to you by A4 Telemedia Productions and Marketing Services, Inc.

On Giving Gifts

Although I already received quite a number of gifts this season, not materials things but opportunities that come my way, I still want more gifts in other form. What I mean here is not the material things. Everyday is a surprise and that's how I look at it and I also want to make it special in return. Here are some tips I want to share in giving gifts:

Always remember the age of the person and do a little research on what particular items to give.

Check proflowers.com for some ideas if you are going to send flowers for your loved ones.

Place or make your reservation earlier because other items might not be available on time.

If you are giving food as a gift, always check and choose the ones with longer expiration date.

Personalized or customized gifts are always special so spend extra time to make it more delightful. Not all personalized items are expensive though.

Congratulations to Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story

Congratulations to "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" for winning the most number of awards including Best Picture and Best Director of the 37th Metro Manila Film Festival Awards Night! Will post my update and official list of winners tomorrow.

Yoga Workout

I often see my daughter doing her yoga exercise. Sometimes I think that it is a boring exercise and only those who have stressful lives need it but I was wrong. When I read the benefits of taking this exercise, I wanted to try it too and do it together with my daughter. My daughter used ordinary mat before which I think was very uncomfortable and slippery for her so I consulted yogadirect.com for yoga mats with superior quality and comfort.

I had a wrong perception before about this exercise. I thought that it is intended only for slim bodies who can carry themselves or flexible enough to move. I am not really an expert with this but I know for sure that this mind-body exercise has many benefits that we all can get by doing it the right way with a trained professional instructor or a Yoga teacher.

Merry Christmas!

BPI and David’s Salon "Pay Easy, Be Gorgeous" Promo

How long does it takes you to pay your bills? It usually takes around half an hour or more right? Paying bills through BPI Express Online will only take you less than a minute. Now, that's a good news. What about paying your bills the easy way and be gorgeous at the same time?

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the country’s leader in electronic banking, and David’s Salon, the largest chain of salons, launched “Pay Easy, Be Gorgeous” Promo. By simply enrolling a deposit account, and paying a bill through BPI Express Online during the promo period which will run from December 5, 2011 to February 26, 2012, clients will get a free treatment at David’s Salon, including a haircut, manicure and pedicure at participating David’s Salon branches.




“At BPI, clients enjoy ‘less banking time and more me-time’. Now, with this partnership with David’s Salon, we encourage our clients to make more time for the things that really count by choosing to manage their accounts easily and conveniently with BPI Express Online,” shares Anj Mirasol, Senior Manager, BPI.

BPI takes pride in offering fast, easy and secure online financial transactions to every client. As the country’s top internet banking site (2011 Best Consumer Internet Bank, Global Finance) BPI gives clients more time that they need for themselves by providing them an easy and convenient banking lifestyle.

Some of the top merchants payable via BPI Express Online are: BPI Mastercard, Ateneo de Manila, Globe Handyphone, PLDT, Meralco, Manila Water Company, Sky Cable, and Philippine Red Cross.

David’s Salon is the largest partnership chain of hair, beauty and wellness salons in the Philippines! David’s Salon provides the highest quality of service at prices everyone can afford.


As "Pay Easy, Be Gorgeous" promo was launched, BPI and David's Salon gave us chance to experience pampering and bonding moment at the VIP Area of David's Salon at the David's Salon Building A of SM Megamall.

Happy faces at VIP Area of David's Salon.

Me and the gorgeous ladies Jing and Marjorie at the VIP Area of David's Salon having our Haircut, Manicure and Pedicure. I love this bonding time together!

Providing clients with efficient ways to do their financial transactions through BPI express Online, BPI gives clients more time for other things that count such as bonding together or pampering themselves at David’s Salon.

David's Salon has now 200 branches nationwide and 2 branches abroad.

The “Pay Easy, Be Gorgeous” Promo is open to existing BPI, BPI Family Savings Bank and BPI Direct clients. Promo runs until February 26, 2012. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 9249, Series of 2011.

For more information about BPI 24/7 Banking, visit www.bpiexpressonline.com.

Nostalgia: Christmas Tree

Today is the last week for Nostalgia. I felt sad of course that this meme, where my blog has been a part of, will finally end this week. Anyways, I do believe that more windows will open after this. Anyways, the host will end it with a big blast. One entry will win as her way of thanking all the participants of Nostalgia. Today, I am sharing my Nostalgic Christmas, my childhood years without Christmas Tree.



I grew up in the province. My parents worked in a farm and we lived a hand to mouth existence. Although we're not rich, my father and mother always made sure that we had enough food in our table but those unnecessary decorations seemed to be out or were not included in the budget. Every Christmas, I always wish we have a Christmas Tree. I thought that only the rich could afford it. In my younger age, I got envy with my classmates with Christmas decoration inside their house. One time, my sisters and I decided to build our own tree using branches of wood. To make the story short, we ended up happy with our tree although it wasn't as glamorous as the one bought in the market. We we're even delighted to discover how we actually made it out of scraps. Today, Christmas tree reminds me of something. Christmas day will always be special with or without Christmas Tree.

Do you have any Christmas story to share? Why don't you share it with us. Join Nostalgia this week and have a chance to win a prize.

I am linking this to Nostalgia. The host of this weekly meme is Beautiful Rose of Nostalgic Marveling.

This is my official entry for last meme post for Nostalgia. Please support my entry. You may vote for this post by simply leaving a comment on the link above or the badge below. Thank you very much.

My Thoughts About Insurance

I wish that my parents are still alive today. Life would have been easier for us today if only my parents have acquired insurance for themselves before. If I could turn back the hands of time, I would get smokers term life insurance for my father. He smoked a lot that caused his early death.

Many people have a different perspective when it comes to insurance. Before, I thought that I don't need it when I die. Everybody needs insurance to protect themselves and for the person that they loved the most. We really don't know what lies ahead us. We should always prepare for unexpected things because they happen when you least expect them. Get your insurance today!

I'll Start My Year Right with 3M!

When I received an invite for "Bloggers Lunch Tour" at 3M that includes discussion on budgeting tips and starting a year right, I replied with a big Yes! A big YES because I want to start my year 2012 right with 3M.


Before the event started, Rika Sophia Kamibayashi, Training & Communications Corporate Marketing & Public Affairs Manager gave us a brief history of 3M and their products.

3M was launched in 1902 in the Lake Superior town of Two Harbors, Minnesota. Five businessmen set out to mine a mineral deposit for grinding wheel abrasives but they came up with focusing on sandpaper products when they discovered that mining deposits were a little value.

Today 3M operates companies in more than 65 countries and manufactures and sells products in over 200 countries. In the Philippines, 3M was established in 1964 with now over 200 employees nationwide with its local office located in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio and two satellite offices located in Cebu and Davao.

3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide.



3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. The company's culture of creative collaboration inspires a never ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing.

See the photo above. Here's a little trivia. The first man to set foot on the moon has 3M adhesives in his shoes.


How to start right 2012 with 3M.

New Year is all about beginnings - looking forward to what's in store for us in the coming year. but the New Year is also about looking back and reflecting on the changes we want to make.

As a blogger, the first in my list, of course aside from one of my resolutions and that is to have a healthy sleeping pattern is to be more organized this coming 2012. My workstation needs to be organized. Posting what I need to do and what I need to accomplish for the day should be listed down and stick to and should be accomplished in a day. I have joined before Post-it Notes meme and I hope it helps also in reality by posting down right in my computer reminders for some tasks and other projects need to be done.

3M in my life.

Honestly, I only know one clear tape and never in my whole life did I call it tape or clear tape. I'm sure you do too. We all call the clear tape as Scotch Tape. There is only one Scotch Tape that I use and never thought of it as a brand. Actually, Scotch Tape is a brand of 3M. It just simply lives in our lives. Scotch Tape, that is!

I am truly amazed with all the 3M products but what amazed me more is the Scotch Reusable Mounting Products. You can use it again and again. Amazing isn't it? This is just unbelievable but it's true and you can just wash it with soapy water and rinse and air dry and then ready to use again, again, again and again.


Scotch Reusable Mounting products are ideal for use on most flat surfaces, including stainless steel, plastic, concrete, glass, wood and painted walls. For best results, it is recommended to clean the wall-surface.

Scotch Reusable Mounting Products are now available in all National Book Store outlets nationwide. It will be soon available in SM Supplies Station Department, SM Hypermarket, SM Supermarket, Save More, Ace Hardware. Ace Express, True Value, Handyman Hardware and Office Warehouse.

3M Tour

We were lucky to have a tour inside Customer Technical Center. Technical Service Engineer - Consumer & Office Business Emerson John G. Tiu Ng toured us around and showed us the product lines of 3M and new formulas and how the products are being developed.


And here are the other photos inside the area where you can see all the products of 3M!



3M Businesses

Consumer and Office Business, Display and Graphics Business, Electro and Communications Business, Health Care Business, Industrial and Transportation Business and Safety, Security and Protection Services Business.


These bloggers are lucky enough to have been apart of 3M tour. They, not only learned more about 3M products but also learned more tips on how to be more organized this coming year 2012 and I was one of the lucky bloggers too.


One of the games we had was picking what's the genuine Post-it. Few came up with the correct answer. It is very simple to identify what's the real Post-it. Post-it is tidy and clean, never bends and it conforms.

Our Fashion Style Workstation. We made our workstation as organized as we can using 3M products but we ended up to 3rd place out of 3 groups.

More of 3M Products

During the press conference, bloggers were given a chance to ask more about 3M products. Bloggers ask more about new 3M inventions and the new Scotch Reusable Mounting Products.

Do you have any test reports on the strength of Scotch Reusable Mounting Products? The weight that the products can hold?

The maximum weight is 1lb and it is positioned for lightweight mounting/securing. The reusable feature has been tested and the product is useable for more than 10 times.



For more information, please visit:

Website: www.3M.com/ph
Twitter: @3MNews

Tropical Storm Washi

I watched the news a while ago about the tropical Storm Washi (known as Storm Sendong) that hits Mindanao region. It was heart breaking. According to Yahoo news, the death toll reached to 120 and more than 100 are still missing. Let's pray for those people who were affected by this tragedy.

3 Benefits of Instant Multiple Car Insurance Quotes

When it comes to finding car insurance, most of us approach the task with dread, perhaps even a shudder, as we forecast the hours of misery typically spent at our computer, filling out forms and scrolling through a myriad of websites. Never mind the different policies, features, and advertised promises that supposedly set each company apart from the other. Navigating the process almost seems hopeless and more often than not, we sign up with our parent’s company or follow a reference from a friend or neighbor just to simplify the process. Unfortunately, that process typically ends up costing people money. Thank goodness for the internet.

Convenience

What’s better than easy? Instant! Fortunately, the internet has created a process that incorporates both with instant auto insurance quotes. Most major car insurance companies (and even some smaller ones) now facilitate their quote processes online, allowing users to instantly determine how much their policy will cost. Even better, browsers now allow users to save information and quickly insert it into a variety of forms. Forget the days of filling out individual applications! Saving time also means saving money as online processes typically allow users to customize a plan that includes only the features they are likely to use.

Now, here’s a trick question: what’s better than instant? Multiple! As in multiple instant car insurance quotes. Not only have online processes improved to make it faster and easier to get quotes, many companies will now do the legwork for you by pulling up quotes from a variety of different companies so you can compare car insurance quotes and see exactly how much you would pay with each one.

Competition

Why are instant multiple car insurance quotes better? With application processes having become more transparent and easier than ever, car insurance companies are now challenged to stay competitive and offer the best and lowest prices to consumers. After all, if they don’t offer the best price, it is as simple as a click of a button for consumers to choose another company. With lengthy paperwork and effort eliminated from the equation, consumers can now choose policies based upon price, features, and quality of service. Companies have no choice but to step up their game and offer incentives, programs, better features, and the best possible service, which of course, translates into direct benefit for consumers.

Free(dom)

Did we mention this service is free? Forget paying for someone else to do the legwork for you – competitive comparison quotes are offered for free! This means you are free to choose the best company, the best policy, and the best services for your specific needs. When companies have to compete with one another, the advantages and benefits to consumers increases and with the added transparency of online comparative quotes, you are now FREE to choose the best solution to your car insurance needs, regardless of what company your Aunt Sue uses.

Convenience, competition, and freedom are the most important markers of a thriving industry and car insurance is no exception. Make sure you are choosing multiple instant car insurance quotes to save time, money, and your sanity!

Merry Christmas 2011!

I should say this is a Biggie Meal like post. I go extra large this time. I can't afford to miss a single photo of the party we had last night. It was a big blast. I'm afraid I'll tire you out with too many photos and words. I warned you, this isn't an Ala Carte. Not only the mommies enjoyed the party but our children as well.

The party was held at Legend Villas. Joy called it their second home. They usually hold their parties, anniversaries and other occasions there. Thank you Mendiolables especially Rafael Mendiola Jr., Joy's better half for sponsoring the venue. I've been here many times as well covering event and I feel at home too. We earlier planned to have our party at Dad's Megamall but then changed the venue to Honey's home but few days before the party, Joy settled at the The Legend Villas. Hooray for this! Almost a perfect attendance. We came with our family and the venue was just perfect to accommodate us.

The early bird and the late comer.. :)

Jingke always comes early even at the many events we have attended together. She's my early bird buddy. Before we were complete we had already picture taking minus Jen who came late so we had to repeat the shooting process when she arrived. I love you Jen. Haha. Repeat the process. "picture taking."

Now you know, what binds us all? Half kidding.


For the Award.
Drum roll please..

The Best Costume Award goes to Jing! And the prize you will get is a big exposure and compliments here in my blog. Haha.
Have you ever seen a lovely Santa Claus in your life? My first time actually. She totally amazed me with her charm and how gamely she played in her Santa outfit!

While the moms were away, (just downstairs actually) the children play..

They're not playing actually. They're having their own game, playing hide and seek and a dance exhibition. What else could you expect when all the mommies were busy at the moment.

and here's more..
Warning: The photos above need PG. Only professionals can do that!
Playing and enjoying and picture all the way. Are they playing hide and seek? Where's Juan? I can't see him.. My little daughter who took this picture is always quick in getting picture such as this.

This is supposed to be for kids only. I wonder why the pretty lady in white stole the scene. Peace! haha

Kids have their exchange gift too. I cannot put the names into a detailed story, let my photos speak for my post. Just imagine the toddlers, tweens and teens exchanging gift.


The Swapping moment..

Part of the party was actually swapping of our old items like bags, shoes, accessories, etc. I forgot to bring mine so I just took photos of them. I wanted to swap my camera with Joy's new DSLR. :)


Chow time..

Children comfortably seated in bed while dining.

I ate a big chunks of Jingke's dessert and later had sumptuous plate of Bicol Express from Lyn. I thought it's a perfect meal as dessert always comes first for me.



And now for mommies' exchange gift..

Grabbed this from Jenny's album. Thank you so much Jen for this photo.

Jing started the exchange gift. I featured her again because her gift caught me as she matched it with her outfit :)

I received a bag from Honey. I so love it! Thank you so much Honey!

Now to start again, during the picking names few weeks ago for exchange gift, I actually picked Joy's name three times. Because I knew I will have a hard time to shop for this fashionista mommy, I returned her name in a bowl and picked another but no matter how I raffled off, I still picked her name three times. Do you believe in destiny? Now I do! Disclaimer: I am not teaching nor encouraging my readers to do the same. It was just for fun. Haha.

I captured the moment.. all the time spent with Lyn's help looking for the red cardigan paid off..

Now, we're complete in red outfit..

I grabbed this photo above from Jen's album. Joy, Honey, Jing, Jen, Jingke, Lyn and Beds minus the one in Arkansas, Momi Jes. Still looking for her photo with Santa hat to photoshop picture before even Google crawlers find this post. :)

We just couldn't get over with the fun we had. Too bad we had to leave the place early second after the early bird Jingke left the place. Early birds catched worm. Late comer washed the dishes.. *lol*

Thanks for the gifts that I received, a bag from Honey, and other gifts that are still wrapped waiting for Christmas day surprise to come. Ah wait, the brownies that Jing gave me didn't actually last long. We consumed it the moment we arrived home. Oh so sweet of you Mrs. Santa.

I am thankful for the friendship that we have. May we all be blessed this Christmas and the coming year 2012. Merry Christmas to all!