Manokan Country for lunch?

I am already here in Bacolod and lunch in Manokan Country is in order. I am already here in Bacolod City to observe the preparations of the upcoming Masskara Festival

manukan country 06

(...)
Read the rest of Manokan Country for lunch?



© Enrico Dee for BYAHILO, 2011. | Permalink | 2 Byahilo readers have made a comment | Add to del.icio.us

WARNING: If you are reading this blogpost outside of Byahilo.com then it is highly possible that this post has been stolen! Report it to us!

Revisiting the almost forgotten

The deafening sound of silence

VERA Files first photobook,”Silenced: Extrajudicial killings and torture in the Philippines,” is an example of the power of images and words combined.

Launched yesterday, the book is a collection of images of human rights victims as sensitively captured by the talented Mario Ignacio IV.

“The two young daughters of a women’s rights advocate try to live normal lives even as they attend the trial of their mother’s murder in Tagbilaran City almost every month. A Lumad family in Davao continues to bereave the death of their patriarch while seeking ways to hold on to their ancestral land. A wife in North Cotabato wrestles with the fact that her husband is a bus bombing suspect and a victim of torture,” Mario describes three of the 14 images in the book.

The stories were written by Leilani Adriano, Homer Teodoro, Ven Labro, Germelina Lacorte, Nestor Ramirez, Mhike Cigaral, Ferdinandh Cabrera, Kenneth Guda, Mylah Reyes-Roque, Don So Hiong. Toto Lozano, Artha Kira Paredes, Bobby Labalan and Desiree Caluza.

The book is the end-product of the Human Rights Case Watch project where VERA Files revisited “cold cases,” incidents that have not been solved but have fallen out of media attention, of forced disappearances and extra-judicial killings. This was made possible by a grant from The Asia Foundation and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“Fourteen stories of lives changed because of extrajudicial killings and torture. Fourteen stories that have been forgotten or have fallen out of media attention,” Mario said.

The talented Mario Ignacio IV

Not much has changed with the passage of time, Mario found out: “We returned to the field with the magnificent Mayon Volcano in the background where a Methodist pastor was killed. In Davao, while traveling the road to a creek where the body of a rebel leader’s daughter was dumped, we were stopped and questioned by heavily armed policemen looking for drug dealers. A police escort accompanied us when we visited the families of the victims of a serial killer in Pampanga.”

But even as the families of the victims continue to bear the pain and live under fear, Mario said they have not lost hope that someday they will obtain justice for their loved ones. His photos capture that remaining sliver of hope that keeps them going.

Veteran photographer Luis Liwanag helped edit the photos. VERA Files trustees Luz Rimban and Yvonne Chua edited the articles. Editorial coordinators were Avigail Olarte and Artha Kira Paredes. Cover design and layout by Eduardo Davad.

At yesterday’s launch at the Linden Suites, Atty. Al Parreno presented the expanded version of his report, “Killings in a Just and Human Society: A Report of Philippine Extrajudicial Killings 2001-2011.”

There was also a presentation of a video documentary on Five Instructive Cases of Media Killings in the Philippines by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ).

Also launched were ” A Manual on the Prosecution of Torture” by Atty. Eric Mallonga and “Anino ng Batas II: Torture ” a Comic book on Republic Act 9745 or The Anti-Torture Law by Upholding Life and Nature (ULAN).

***

Last Friday, on the occasion of his 77th birthday, Sen. Edgardo Angara, paid tribute to the “Star of Baler,” Manuel Luis Quezon :he launched the book on Quezon he co-authored with Sonia P. Ner.

Simply titled, “Manuel Luis Quezon”, the 208-page book features “highly informative and rare photos” of “the Father of Philippine Independence.”

“It gives a fresh and animated view of the man’s politics and his life,” the book’s blurb promises.

It’s published by Rural Empowerment Assistance and Development Foundation, Inc. Tel no: 4211-413 loc. 116. Email:readphil@gmail.com

At the launch/birthday celebration, Mike Toledo, public relations executive and former spokesman of President Estrada who emceed the affair with Philippine Star’s Joanne Ramirez, referred to Angara as “The other star of Baler.”

***

This one is very timely.

Sen. Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, will launch today “Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook “at 11 a.m. at the Senate Press Office.

The handbook includes disaster risk reduction and management for various natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, tropical cyclones, flood, storm surges, thunderstorms, tornadoes, landslides, heat waves, and human-induced hazards such as structural collapses and fire. More importantly, the handbook informs readers on what to have during emergencies.

“Through this manual, I hope to help everyone to equip themselves with preventive measures to lessen, if not eliminate, the impact of natural hazards. We must be ready to face these hazards and we must know what to do in order to secure ourselves in case of a disaster,” Legarda said.

Gary V scores international victories

Share

AFTER appearing on With Love Gary Valenciano, one of the best music specials produced by ABS-CBN, which not only aired on the Kapamilya Channel but was also replayed on Studio 23 and globally through The Filipino Channel (TFC), Gary V scores yet another victory as he recently conquered the tough New Zealand market.

Despite the lack of TFC in the country, thousands flocked to the concert, proving the strength of Gary in the overseas market. Backstage a Kiwi native who was part of the security said, “I didn’t know who he was but after watching and listening to him, I’m a fan! He is good!” Gary was surprised when a Malaysian fan Ming Lim (wearing a Gary V T-shirt) together with Filipino wife Hazel, of Sydney flew to Auckland just to watch the concert.  Performing with him was eldest son Paolo Valenciano, who drew screams and cheers from the  3000-strong audience when he sang his father’s hits like “Babalik ka Rin,” “Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos,” “What More Can I Say,” and “Hang On.”  The handsome but shy singer/songwriter is currently a member of the rock band Salamin and occasionally does session lead vocals for Rivermaya.

He joined his father and brother music producer/dancer, ASAP ROCKS mainstay Gabriel, in Virginia Beach as they performed in a live full concert at the CBN Grounds last October 1 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of 700 Club USA. Gary has repeatedly shared his testimony and sang on the national television show for over 15 years due to his friendship with Pat and Gordon Robertson. Michael Little, CBN president personally met Gary when he arrived after a 30-hour travel schedule. He has shared his miraculous, personal 33-year battle with Type 1 Diabetes nationwide in the United States because he has been hailed by doctors as one of the healthiest diabetics alive having no complications in his body.  His wife, Angeli, has been a member of the Board of CBN Asia and the Operation Blessing Foundation in the Philippines since the NGO’s were established in the early 90’s.

 

In the mid 90’s Gary has also appeared as the main host for one season of a youth music video show, “One-Cubed,” for 700 Club and taped the series in Virginia Beach, USA.

Recently also, Gary conquered Malaysia as he launched his first Bahasa recording “Ayu,” an adaptation of his self-penned composition, “Fool Till The End.”  Together with DIGI, Muzikon and Maximusic Malaysia, Gary and Philippine home recording label, Universal Records, is slated to release his album in October and he will fly again to Malaysia in November for the official launch in Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu.  Gary toured television shows like “Hello on Two,”  “Breakfast Club,” “Breakfast Show,” among others and conducted interviews and photo shoots with various media. “This is one open door that I would gladly walk through,”  Gary stated in a recent interview at the Hard Rock Café where he had a very impressive media conference.  In attendance were Richard Voon of Muzikon, Inc., Universal Records Philippines’ Louie Lizardo, DIGI’s marketing boss Pearlie Lim (who presented Gary with a beautiful gift), and his wife Genesis president, Angeli Pangilinan-Valenciano.

 

With a 28-year stellar career proven by millions of hits on his musical recordings posted officially or unofficially by fans on Youtube and other sites, Gary V continues to tread on various territories victoriously.  In television, he has been a regular host of the top-rating weekly musical variety show ASAP ROCKS on ABSCBN. The show with over 60 regular co-hosts, looks up to Gary as their “big brother” and his passion for excellence in his craft has proven to be an inspiration to his younger colleagues in the show. He has recently renewed his contract with ASAP ROCKS and one can expect more exciting numbers from his very own RATED PG (Pure Gary) segment.

 

In recording, he recently released WITH LOVE GARY VALENCIANO, the album, which was a co-production of ABS-CBN and STAR CINEMA, a STAR RECORDS release of his best-loved teleserye/soap opera and movie theme songs such as the recent classical masterpieces “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” and “Where Do I Begin (Love Story).” It topped the charts over-all (both local and foreign releases) and continues to enjoy brisk sales in the market.  From Mondays to Fridays, daily, for six months, Gary V’s haunting voice could be heard on one of the most successful soap operas in television history.  According to one of the series’ lead stars, Amy Austria, “When we would have a hard time emoting in a scene, we would play Gary V’s theme song and we would be motivated to deliver our lines better,” a similar opinion shared by the soap’s lead male, Coco Martin.  STAR RECORDS intends to market the album in the Asian region in 2012. On the Universal Records side of his career, his album REPLAY has reached gold and platinum status.

 

A new album is in the works with Universal Records locally, celebrating a 25-year partnership with the label. Several new endorsements, an inspirational tour, a concert with the Vee family (as they call themselves) with his children Paolo, Gabriel and Kiana, as well as a new movie are all in the pipeline for Gary V for the last quarter of 2011.  His fans can log on to www.garyv.com  , his GARY VALENCIANO OFFICIAL Facebook site, his Twitter account @4ever_on_faith, his Youtube Gary V TV account, and his Tumbler account garyvsthoughts.tumblr.com.

Related posts:

  1. Paloma releases new album “This is me!” One of the most searched pinay celebrities Paloma Esmeria participated in...
  2. The 2nd Elements National Singing & Songwriting Camp Share Elements National Singing & Songwriting Camp ASPIRING singers ages...
  3. “CO.25 – A Silver Anniversary Celebration” On October 16 and 30 (both Saturdays), Asia’s premiere vocal...

Contest alert! free CardioVision test to 5 readers from Rapha Health Institute

I wrote before about a simple test to predict heart attack being offered by Rapha Health Institute, a medical clinic specializing in anti-aging and alternative medicine in Greenbelt 5. The center is headed by world renowned cardiologist Dr. Cris Enriquez.

CardioVision test @ Rapha Health Institute

I am happy to report that five readers of this blog will be chosen to avail of free CardioVision Diagnostic Test on October 15, 2011. The test, with interpretation of the results and consultation at the clinic, usually costs P2500.The test is deemed essential if you want to know whether you’re vulnerable to a heart attack within the next ten years.

Here’s how to join the promo:

1. Like the Rapha Health Institute and Ajay’s Writings on the Wall pages on Facebook

2. Tweet about the cardiovision test at Rapha using this URL link

3. After you have done Steps 1 and 2, email me at annalyn(dot)net(at)hotmail.com with your name and link to your tweet

Five winners will be drawn through random raffle at random.org by October 10, 2011.

Winners must be free to take the test on October 15 (Saturday) from 12noon to 6pm at the Rapha Health Institute, 4th floor, Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

CardioVision is an FDA-approved instrument that has been used in the United States, Japan and many other countries for many years. It is a non-invasive procedure that determines the amount of rigidity of arteries that produce major catastrophic vascular event. The test itself only lasts for several minutes. It is characterized by several blood pressure tests to determine the risks for arterial blockage. You don’t have to be suffering from cardiovascular disease in order to take this test, as it can be useful to screen you for heart disease in the future.

The lucky patients who avail of FREE CardioVision will be given a 20% discount if they opt to buy the package of 10 for the IV Therapies (Chelation, Hydrogen Peroxide, Diabetes Protocol, Vitamin Infusion, etc). Senior Citizens will get additional 5% discount if they opt to buy the package.

Flavors of Spain 2011: Manila’s top Spanish restos unveil Tapas Festival

Manila’s top Spanish restaurants launch a month-long Tapas Festival from October 1-31 for this year’s Flavors of Spain, a much-anticipated annual event celebrating Spanish culture and cuisine.

Presented by the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) and Fuego Hotels, Flavors of Spain brings to Manila’s discriminating diners the unique experience of enjoying Spanish tapas, big-flavored delicacies on small plates, that is best paired with a glass or two of sherry or beer.

El Cirkulo, Terry’s Selection, Barcino and Tapella will will offer their finest for the Flavors of Spain Tapas Festival.

El Cirkulo, the stylish restaurant run by the Gamboa family of restaurateurs, participates with a long tapas menu. Since its opening, the restaurant has collected rave reviews for its overall fine dining experience and Spanish cuisine. There are several tapas to look forward to, paired with a choice of the chef’s recommended wines and spirits. The restaurant with “paellas to die for,” as one food critic commented, is a landmark in Arnaiz Avenue.

Terry’s Selection, celebrating its twelfth year as one of Manila’s most loved Spanish restaurants, joins the Tapas Festival with its own inventive menu. Owned and run by Chef Juan Carlos de Terry, the restaurant also boasts of a gourmet store of exquisite wines, hams, sausages and cheeses. The restaurant has not only been hailed for its authentic cuisine but for great service. Terry’s has grown over the years with three locations: Pasong Tamo, The Podium and in Lafayette Square, Salcedo Village.

From a gourmet bar with selected specialties to a deli shop and four wine restaurants, the success of Barcino Wine Resto Bar is one for the books. Barcino Gourmet began with a bar, a table, wine, cheeses and chorizos and few Spanish delicacies. Today, with its popularity at a high, Barcino offers gourmands four locations to enjoy its tapas specialties. Diners can savor Barcino at Greenbelt 2, The Fort, Julio Vargas in Ortigas, Greenbelt 5 and Power Plant Mall, Rockwell.

Also joining the Tapas Festival is Tapella by Gaudi, located in Greenbelt 5. Making waves in Spanish tapas and paellas since it opened, Tapella has been lauded for a number of tapas specialties. The kitchen is headed by Chef Alexandra Cacho, who uses only authentic Spanish ingredients for the restaurant’s many specialties.

For more information on the Flavors of Spain, contact El Cirkulo at 810-8735, 810-2763; Terry’s Selection at 844-1816 (Pasong Tamo), 636-3513 (The Podium), 889-3194 (Salcedo Village); Barcino at 501-3250 (Greenbelt 2), 900-0726 (The Fort), 636-2963 (Ortigas), 756-0965 (Greenbelt 5), 846-9423 (Power Plant Mall); and Tapella by Gaudi at 757-2710.