UNICEF Philippines and Daphne Oseña Paez brings together Filipino artists for children

In celebration of the 20th year of National Children’s Month, UNICEF Philippines presents UNICEF Auction for Action, an online auction to benefit children in the Philippines and worldwide.

For the second time, this online auction brings together more than seventy pieces of work from admired artists in design, furniture, art and jewelry for a good cause. Curated and presented by UNICEF Special Advocate for Children Daphne Oseña Paez, the online auction is a product of UNICEF and Daphne’s collaboration to bring the world of art, furniture and design together with her advocacy on children. “Whenever I go to the field with UNICEF, I am heartened to see that we are doing a lot to improve children’s lives all over the Philippines. But there is always more to do; that’s why I support UNICEF.”

To celebrate the 20th year of Children’s Month this October – the only annual national celebration that puts children’s rights center stage for all Filipino children - the theme for this year’s auction is the right of children to play. “Playing is a basic right of every child, and its importance to a child’s well-being and healthy development cannot be over-emphasized. It also lends itself well as a theme for our premiere artists to work with,” adds Daphne.

UNICEF’s Auction for Action offers art lovers and collectors from all over the Philippines, the chance to bid for high quality items at discounts starting at 40% off. Items such as the Bloom from designer Kenneth Cobonpue, Fly Up from artist Michael Cacnio and a golden strand of South Sea Pearls from Jewelmer will be offered from October 1-7 only. The highest bidders win the item on offer.

“Buy a beautiful item, and help children at the same time, what could be better? Many people don’t realize that UNICEF relies entirely on voluntary donations from individuals, companies and governments and the funds raised from the auction will go towards education, health and nutrition, protection and emergency programs for children who are the hardest to reach and most in need,” said UNICEF Country Representative Tomoo Hozumi.

Watch out and bid for one-of-a-kind pieces from notable Filipino artists and designers and help make a difference for children. UNICEF Auction for Action goes live at 6 p.m. on eBay Philippines on October 1. Visit www.unicef.ph for more details.

Participating artists: Manuel Baldemor, Otep Bañez, Elmer Borlongan, Gregory Halili, Raymond Legaspi, Popo San Pascual, Baby Valencia, Bernard Vista, Willibald Zeck

Galerie Joaquin Gallery: Aldrino Abes, Jovan Benito, Vincent de Pio, Jomar Delluba, Hamzah Marbella, Mario Parial, Dominic Rubio, Juvenal Sanso, Lydia Velasco

Exhibition Center for Contemporary Arts: Remy Boquiren, Antonio Daleon, Adler Llagas, Jun Martinez, Nemy Miranda, Jun Morondez, Ranino Quinto

Art Circle Gallery: Eberle Catampongan, Rico Doronio, Anthony Geduspan, Joel Mahilum

Filipino Portrait Artists Guild, Inc.: Don Artificio, Angelito Balmes, Carlos “Cee” Cadid, Romy Carlos, Ben Infante, Norlie Meimban, Felix Jesus “Ely” Meimban IV, Jonahmar Salbosa

Secret Fresh Gallery: Dex Fernandez aka Garapata Man, Kawayantech, Epjey Pacheco, Paolo Vinluan, JJ Zamorano, Whoop

Sculptures: Michael Cacnio, Seb Chua, Daniel dela Cruz, Pete Jimenez, Ramon Orlina, Agi Pagkatipunan, Isabel Roxas

Furniture & Home Accessories: Kenneth Cobonpue, Heima Store, Debbie Palao, Ito Kish, Daphne Oseña Paez, Luisa Robinson, Danny Rayos del Sol, Vito Selma

Jewelry & Fashion Accessories: Accessory Lab, Amina Aranaz, Kristine Dee, Janina Dizon, Jewelmer, Joyce Makitalo, Paul Syjuco, Nicole Whisenhunt

About UNICEF In the Philippines for over sixty years, UNICEF works through partners to reach disadvantaged children and communities to ensure children are healthy, educated and protected from harm. UNICEF is quick to respond in emergencies to ensure affected communities are reached and provided with services from local governments and other service providers. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit   www.unicef.ph. 

Press Release

DELL Philippines Gives Love To Street Children

Dell Philippines, in its effort to give back to the community and share the spirit of volunteerism, recently conducted a feeding program for the street children of Childhope Asia at the Gazebo 1 of Quezon Memorial Circle.

Dell team members, including Dell Philippines president Richard Teo (center), and the street children from Blumentritt and Monumento area shared moments of fun and laughter with dance and interactive games with prizes. The activity was capped off with a delightful and scrumptious lunch at a restaurant.

About Dell Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.com

X-Factor Finalist now down to 4

It seems like I am posting updates of X-Factor  every week.  I've been blogging about the show  since it  started to air live on TV.   Every week, I  would  always post my  favorite  to show my  support  to  the contestant that I  wanted to win.   I'm always affected every time my bets are called for elimination or when they are called for bottom two.  Daddy's Home and  Jeric performed again  for  a showdown this week.  Because the two contestants  both got two votes from the  judges,  they  based  the result  on the text votes.  Jeric  was  voted out.  From top 5 finalists,  the contestants are  now down to 4.

I  am rooting  for Gabriel Maturan  or simply known as Gab.  He's my second bet  next to  Daddy's Home. I honestly want them both to win but I chose Daddy's Home first  to give way  for a group singer to shine  this time.  Gab is a silent achiever and he is becoming popular because of his talent and not because he created any controversies to get  known.  He sings well but I know that he still has a lot  more  to show given more time in the future.  I just read  somewhere that he is related  to  Diomedes Maturan  who rose to stardom  in 1960 after winning  the grand prize  in  singing competition.   Maturan names  were known to be good singers and there's no doubt where  Gab got  this talent.  I  believe  that  he possesses this remarkable singing ability   to follow  what  Maturan names created during 60s era.  He may not be  best in playing piano  but I am so sure  this boy  is going to be a star.

I couldn't say more.  I just want Gab and Daddy's Home on the final night happening  on  October 6 and 7.

Congratulations UP Pep Squad!

The UP PEP Squad

Before even the results were officially announced I already had my own rankings, here follows:  1) UP   2) FEU  3) NU   4) DLSU   5) UST  6) ADMU   7) UE.  and I never failed with my result  for the first place   as  UP  Pep Squad once again  was announced  as  Cheerdance Winner for this year's competition,  so as with my 2nd and 3rd.  For my 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th,  I don't know.


Here's  the list of winners for this year's competition:

Samsung Group Stunt Exhibition
3rd Place:  NU 
2nd Place: FEU

1st Place:  UP


2012 Samsung Cheerdance Competition

2nd Runner-Up:  NU
1st Runner Up:    FEU

2012 Samsung UAAP Cheerdance Competion Champion:   UP Pep Squad


Samsung Stunner  Award:  Nicolette  of  UP Pep Squad

   
We  watched  (live via Studio 23)   and cheered   for Uste.  Their cheerleading  moves  were entertaining but I  saw some flaws and I think that they didn't deliver the theme, "Rio Brazil"  well that turned Santacruzan or should I say festival  in the end?  Do they choose their own theme?   Nevertheless, Tigers should be given an award too for  that  six minute presentation.  There's always next time anyway.

NU  improved a lot this year.

I like the cheerleading for ADMU but I don't like the robot props.

FEU Cheerdance moves were tight and rigid.

UP showed excellent moves  where I gave perfect points in stunts, choreography, themes and creativity. Simply amazing. I saw a wrong move at the end but it didn't matter at all as it wasn't obvious anyway and the team  stayed  still  in good  poise. The pep squad  members all came in clean hairstyle.  The sound effect is perfect  for the theme, "freedom and equality."

Congratulations UP Pep Squad!

image source: http://ph.sports.yahoo.com

Ayala Land Career Opportunities

Basic qualifications:

Graduate of any 4 year course or about to graduate
- pending to graduation ceremony (Advance Hiring)

   Undergraduate
   - must have finished at least 84 academic units
   - preferably with sales background

Strong interpersonal skills
- engaging and ability to establish rapport
-  interactive

Average - AA communication skills
- can relay ideas clearly
- average thought organization

Amenability to Sales Activities
- Booth Manning
- flyering
- working on extended hours
- leads saturation
- networking


Opportunities:

Enjoy generous commision of up to P2,000,000 per individual sale based on contract price plus a monthly operating fund or allowance and other cash incentives on a monthly and quarterly basis.

All expense local and international trips
Gadgets, Entertainment Showcase, Cash and Cars.

For more details, please email: salescareer@ayalaland.com.ph

Tips to make your home child friendly

When babies turn 1 to 3,  the toddler years,  it is when they are at their active years,  rolling around the floor,  kicking, rolling and reaching all the stuff  they could get inside the house. It is also the time for moms to make their house a child friendly home  and look for a good stuff that they think will give their  little ones the biggest comfort.  Moms get excited every time and always want to  buy little castle here  or  look for  a  store that sells baby's  stuff and other furniture.

Here are some tips  to make your home a child friendly environment.


Use a safety gate as barrier in between rooms  to prevent them from escaping or falling from the stairs. Make sure that you choose the right one because there are different types of gate, depending on the needs and age of  babies. Ask the store what perfectly fits for a secured gate, it could be a hardware-mounted or  a pressure-mounted gate.

Place the cribs where there is no other furniture nearby.

Keep all your decorations out of reach especially those that are made of glass like  photo frames.

Use socket guards in all socket and keep all the wiring out of your baby's reach.

Keep your babies away from dangerous area especially the kitchen. Boiling water is a common accident that happens when kids run near you while you're holding a pot or when a toddler  becomes curious and holds the pot.

The last but definitely not the least is,  remember to keep on eye on your toddler and stay close all the time. Don't even turn your eyes away even for a single minute for when toddlers become silent, it  is when they are enjoying their  time,  probably squeezing your lotion or  spreading the powder on the floor.

The Premier Night

Another long over due post. This post has been sitting in my draft page for almost a month now  because I  actually waited for the awards  night to include in my post.   Unfortunately,  on the day of  the Film Festival awards,  Habagat storm-like  came  and  I  caught  myself   inside the house,  playing  the role of  stay  at home mom,  literally,  for a month.  No events, no blogcon,  no calories,  no nothing,  just a sahm.

Ok, much for the segue. :)  We all  flocked to SM North Edsa last August 5 for the premier night of Bayani.. Ang Tatay Ko, official entry to the 2nd PNP Film Festival where my friend Jing  played  a "major role" oh, not a  major but SPO1 Lala Madrigal.   Although  it is not a mainstream movie,  we came in full force to support  our dear friend  on her debut movie.  Don't be surprised if you see her billboard in Edsa with another movie and with big stars in the future.  Seriously,  she played an important role  in the movie.  The leading cast  includes Bayani Agbayani and Yogo Singh. Also starring  are Yayo Aguila and Rommel Montano.

As Aga Mulach, Cezar Montano and Sunshine Cruz came to support  their bestfriend Bayani Agbayani,   the ladies in the photo below also ramped the red carpet  to support  their dear friend Jing.  We all seated in one row and we didn't care about the  noise we created  inside. We all laughed, screamed and commented for every lines and script she delivered. Surprisingly,  she  acts comfortably in front of the camera as  it reflects in the big screen. She truly is born to be an actress, don't you think?   She already made several commercial ads in the past but I have to disclose what  those products  were for I am not paid for this post. Half kidding.

 

 Just after the movie ended, we saw Sunshine Cruz and quickly made a snap pose. Tadaaa!  We arrived early  and occupied the orchestra side.  We should have chosen the balcony  to where Aga and other celebrities seated.

Photo op with  Yogo Singh and my friend,  Jing, the blogger, columnist and now a star. :) .   Yogo also plays the young "Daniel"  in ABS CBN's Walang Hanggan Teleserye played  by   Coco Martin on  weekdays. 

My kids also reunited and have bonding time together.

Another photo ops with Yogo Singh.

Just after the movie ended, I waited till the name of actors and actresses appeared in the billing and right there, I spotted her name.  I  switched my  camera into a bloggerazzi mode and  took a shot.   

Jing plays SPO1 Lala Madrigal.. see.  now am officially,  "the bloggerazzi".

The  2nd  PNP Film Festival Awards night  part 1 was shown this morning  on  Studio 23.  Part 2 will be aired  next Saturday, September 22.


Update:    Congratulations to the cast and the whole production team of the  the movie, "Bayani.. Ang Tatay Ko"  for  winning  most number of major awards during the 2nd PNP Film Festival awards night.

Best Picture

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor
Best Story

Simply Amazing!

I hope that another great artist like Tracy Chapman shines the world today. Found this video on You Tube. Tracy Chapman also performed the hit "Fast Car." Simply Amazing!



"Baby Can I Hold You" is the third single released by the American contemporary folk artist Tracy Chapman, released in late 1988. The song reached the top fifty in the United States

In 1997, the Irish boy band Boyzone released a cover of "Baby Can I Hold You" as a double A-side with the non-album track "Shooting Star". "Baby Can I Hold You" thus became their second single from their third studio album, Where We Belong. The single, like "Picture of You" before it, peaked at #2 on the official UK singles chart and stayed in the top 75 for fourteen weeks. (source: Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia)

Not Just Another Manic Monday!

Woke up at 6:30 am and thought about playing my old favorite song, Manic Monday.  Today, isn't just another manic Monday but a special Monday too. So here's sharing you a part of  the song, Manic Monday.

Six o'clock already 
I was just in the middle of a dream 
I was kissin' Valentino 
By a crystal blue Italian stream 
But I can't be late 
'Cause then I guess 
I just won't get paid 
These are the days 
When you wish your 
bed was already made 
 It's just another manic Monday 
I wish it was Sunday 
'Cause that's my funday 
My I don't have to runday 
It's just another manic Monday ....

Love or hate Kedebon

Daddy's Home, Gab, Kedebon, KZ, Jeric & Allen,  these are  my  X-Factor favorites  in particular order.   Sad to say,  Kedebon was voted out  last night.

I watched the X-Factor show from day one since it started to air  on ABS-CBN.  Every week, I would wait for each of  their performances.   I picked my own top ten bets from the start and one of  them  that I  would always  wait to perform is Kedebon Colim  not because he's funny  but I really find him so entertaining.  I am not a  good judge and only based  my judgement on the entertaining side and not  the X factor standard.   On weekends,  this show is a breather for me because Kedebon gives me the most entertaining hour whenever he's on stage.   I always find myself sneaking into my  social media account and read all the people's comment especially the  bashers.  The more haters he gained,  the more  I want him to stay.   To be on Top 6  just proved that he has a lot of  fans too,  a lot more than haters. 

Last night, when each of the contestants were called on safe side,  I already had a feeling that Kedebon would be one of  the  bottom two. When he was called and confirmed to perform for a showdown, I already knew that he wouldn't make it to top 5.  I could read the eyes of the judges. Well  I was  a better judge this time.  I already knew and announced  that Daddy's Home would stay  but I also favored the result, sending home Kedebon.  I  love Daddy's Home, of course!   Martin,  Kedebon's  mentor,  made a  tough decision.  Kedebon's fans were devastated.

I was one of the many fans of Kedebon but I appreciated how it turned even if he was voted out.  Some people may call  him funny or entertaining but what I admire most about  him is how he handles  the situation everytime.   He doesn't care much about the negative comments.

Kedebon stood still, proud and performed  like he owned the stage.

Mabuhay ka Kedebon!   Carry on, make that experience shines more because I believe there's still more inside you,   in your own craft,   where you will excel.


Who is your bet  out of  five finalists of  X-Factor?
Let me know your thoughts..

photo source: internet

How to Choose a Piano

If you are a music enthusiast and have a passion for instruments, you definitely will  find your own  way to learn  the keys  whatever kind of  piano you  have,  whether a portable or a grand one.  When you already knew how to press and master a phrase of a song,  you tend to ask for a higher version  to encourage you more to learn  like a professional  player.  There are many  brands of  pianos in the market but the first thing that  most people consider is the one with gorgeous keyboards.  True enough because it makes one learning more easier and  enjoyable.

If  you have kids  and you want  them to play a piano,   involve them in choosing  what they think  is easier for them to learn. Consider the brand but this is not really important especially for beginners. It should be with standard touch to fit for the children.  Check the websites for the price and other reviews to help you decide. There are sizes to consider too but it all depends on who will use the piano. If  it's  for family use,  a grand baby piano is a better option if you intend it only  for your house,  of course  unless you want to do a concert,  then consider the  largest grand. Another thing to consider that matters a lot is sophistication and should also compliment the decorations and other set of furniture in the house.

Adobo Adventure continues in Tagaytay

Our  summer  adobo adventure continued but officially ended  in Tagaytay last May.  We went to Tagaytay  for a picnic and maximized our summer  vacation since the place is  just about an hour or less  from  Manila.  We enjoyed the remaining  weeks before the opening of  school year 2012 begins. 

The kids have been there many times and they're  familiar to the place  but they still felt like it was their first time and still excited to walk along the eco trail.

Adobo isn't the only food we had during the picnic but also spaghetti. We made sure to consume the  spaghetti first as it gets spoiled easily especially during summer.

At the time we went to Tagaytay  Picnic Groove,   I could count the people who went  there for a picnic. We just  stayed for a while at  the covered nipa and headed  to our  next  trip, I meant event. 

A Brand New LED monitor

At last,  I finally bought a brand new 17" LED monitor after five years,  a great find after having my old desktop resigned.  I was supposed to buy a new laptop for my daughter but my budget was not enough,  way  more expensive than my purchases.  I decided to just by myself a monitor because  the old  one turned white screen again.  I headed the mall  undecided with  laptop in my mind but it just didn't push through. My  daughter wants a net book where  she could bring it conveniently now that she's in her senior year in  high school.   She's not  complaining about research work although  it gave  her  a lot  of  headache even during the first quarter of  school year.  I am considering of  buying  it online.  I  think that  the  unit is  secured with  all  the  protection  of  packaging supplies  plus  the store also offers a free shipping.   Did I mention a brand?   She's not  really particular about it  as long as she can work fast and carry  it comfortably.

Now I am thinking of getting the offer from our service provider regarding the free wifi where she could use anywhere as long as there's a  wifi spot. When she's stressed, I am stressed too, so there's no other way but to consider awarding her the prize.

At Flower Market

I live near Dangwa,  a place where flowers are abundant. I mean, not a garden but a  flower market  that sells  wholesale flowers and makes flower arrangements on all occasions like birthdays, weddings and  events where flowers serve as a decorative material. On a usual day, you would see owners with a  few customer, most of them are  looking for wedding packages  but  on a day like All Saints Day,  Valentines day and Graduation Day,  a volume of  buyers, (businesses and individuals)  flock  into this place to buy    flowers on a cheaper  price.  Expect a heavy traffic because  vendors  occupy   four  streets and stretches a few meters from the area.  PUVs  find  their own  way  to avoid  bumper to bumper  traffic and  detour on these days. 

On a special occasion, wedding coordinator and planner  look for dried lavender bunches  which are  unique and often  requested by their clients on their wedding day.   Most couple request  this kind  of  flower  because of  its classic and gorgeous  look.

Some common flowers you will find in  Dangwa are roses, daisies, sunflower and birds of paradise.

Discipline without Screaming

This article is just too good not to share. Discipline Without Screaming is one of the articles from Smart Parenting August 2012 issue.

"sometimes, it seems that the only way to get kids to listen is to shout. learn to take it down a few decibels-and enjoy better bahavior in the process." by Corinne Garcia


Find out more, grab a copy of Smart Parenting at your nearest bookstore or magazine stand.

A product review and the man of the match

I received an  email from an advertiser  requesting  for  a review of  their product.  I replied right away because I  believe  in their business  with hope that I will receive an invitation too for future blog conference or when  they finally choose  a celebrity  to endorse their product.  It's funny but I  hope that  they choose Coach Erik Spoelstra  because I admire him a lot and seriously wish to have a photo op and signed token from him.  I would appreciate basketball gifts though I am not engaged into this sport,  I would surely  keep a souvenir  from him.  The experience of  seeing him during the  NBA Trophy  Tour  was awesome although the security personnel were quite tight unlike the first time he visited the county.  I  understand because he gained a celebrity  status after  Miami Heat  won   the NBA championship.

Anyways, regarding the football game last night,  I am still overwhelmed with the result of international friendly between Singapore and Philippines with a score of  Sin 0 - 2 Phil.   Stephan Schrock really rocks! I hope he makes it to the team in the next Suzuki Cup coming up this October. He's the man of the match!

Smart Parenting August 2012

For August 2012 issue, Smart Parenting covers Andi Eigenmann and her daughter Ellie. Andi shares parenting advice and is looking forward to that day when Ellie becomes a preschooler. At her age, Andi has a very concrete ideas of how she wants to bring up Ellie. She added that her mom did a great job raising her well but she wants to raise Ellie on her own technique.

Andi's Advice

Tell you parents.They love you. They may get hurt. They may get mad, but they will be there for you always. There is no reason for you to be alone. Never give up on your dreams even if it seems impossible to you at the moment. As long as you believe in yourself, they are still possible.

Grab a copy of Smart Parenting at your bookstore and magazine stand and see more of the cover story that features Andi Eigenmann.

source: photo and article from Smart Parenting

Another Blissful Year

My day started at exactly 6:14 as I woke up with a text coming from a thousand miles.    The greetings made me feel  extra special to think that someone remembers my birthday despite the time difference and distance.  The next  few hours were hectic for me, tending to my children who happened to have  school events that day.  I sent my younger daughter to school, picked her up and cooked  in between. By 10 o'clock,  I hurried myself  to my older daughter's school for first quarter Parent Teacher Conference. I  left  my phone at  home and when I came back I already have several missed calls coming from my friends who texted me they're  coming for my birthday. I was touched by their plan but I told them I haven't prepared  and only cooked caldereta  using a kilo and half  pork from the fridge.  I didn't expect they're coming.  Joy  came with a red ribbon cake coming from Jes, the  Texas Girl aherm Arkansas. Our dear friend Jes is  from Arkansas and not  from Texas. Teehee.  You are  the bestest  for all the effort  you exerted, seriously!   Thank you so  much guys for coming,  Jing, Beds and Lyn also for the food.  Thank  you Joy for the red wine and your helpful advice to take a shot  before hitting the sack.    I hope we're complete in  the next event.  Jes, of course is on the other side of the planet   but  it could be possible online only  if she's not sleeping at 6am when we placed a  video call.  

photo credits:  Jing of AmazingJing.blogspot.com

If you think that I look thin here,  don't be deceived for I shrunk and hid myself in between these awesome ladies.

I thought my day would be a simple one but you just made it extra special. 

I couldn't imagine how the food became adequate.  I wasn't  prepared at all.   I promise to cook more  next time,  hopefully  for the next birthdays or  whatever  event we could make for another get together party. These ladies left the table at mess.  Teehee.  Kidding.  These were taken for photo ops only.  Do I sound defensive here?  Lol.  I am afraid these ladies  lose  their  poise and style once this  photo spreads out  in world wide web.  Haha.  Anyways,  your identities are safe with me,  covered with the packed left overs.  Lol.


Thank you guys  for coming despite my advisory  of  a  "No Parking"  zone  area in our community.  You all  made your own way  somewhere in between the corner of  crowded parked cars.

Thank you all who greeted on my birthday.

Thank God  for another blissful  year of my  life.

 See more photos here.