Wearing your Toyz

By Robbie Pangilinan

Who says toys are only for playing? This time, you can wear it, too.
The well-known men’s magazine Toyz is no longer just a reading material. It has expanded into several ventures—cafe, bar-restaurants, casting agency, toys, and even its own airline. The Toyz Apparel is now capturing the attention of the public, with its globally competitive quality and designs at very affordable prices.
Toyz President and CEO Mel Macasaquit introduced the Toyz apparel a few months ago at Robinson’s Galleria. In November, he opened another outlet at Metro East Mall and in the coming year, more stores will carry the Toyz apparel.
As with the Toyz Magazine and Toyz Café, the apparel designs are inspired by racing, gadgets and expensive toys. The initial designs might be a bit loud, but all are done with taste. The yuppies and 20-year-old and up target market will definitely have a blast wearing Toyz shirts, jackets, pants, underwear and shoes priced at 200 pesos and up.

“As promised, our apparel is classy yet affordable,” Macasaquit says.
The Toyz Apparel serves as a walking advertisement for the Melmac Group of Companies. Every person who wears Toyz clothes contributes in increasing public awareness that a great Filipino brand exists, comparable to imported brands but at prices that the average Pinoy can easily afford.

“It feels good to see people wearing it. I secretly smile each time I bump into someone wearing a Toyz shirt or jacket,” Macasaquit reveals.
Asked how Toyz is doing amidst other brands, Macasaquit confidently declares, “I don’t think there's a competitor with the concept I started. But we aim to be very competitive in terms of quality.”

Toyz Apparel assures its valued clients that “We got you covered.”
Macasaquit expects 2011 to be a big year as he focuses on the expansion of Toyz. The Toyz Eau De Toilette will be launched and its unique scent is believed to be appreciated by the market. The Toyz eXpress will be opened in February at The Fort.

It is the small version of Toyz Bar inspired by the kiosk bars in Europe and Hong Kong. Toyz eXpress will serve delicious appetizers and a full bar menu. Toyz eXpress will sprout like mushrooms in the country’s beaches, gasoline stations, and malls.
Toyz Magazine, the premier men’s guide to everything with features on cars, gadgets, girls, fashion, events, entertainment, sports, and the aviation industry, will still be active in 2011. Toyz TV will continue to showcase the good life in its full-packed late night TV show.

A licensed airline pilot, Macasaquit is up to the challenges that the New Year might bring.


“I feel it’s about time to put up Toyz Bar in Boracay and other key cities in the Philippines. I’m not saying I can easily make it happen. This is a very challenging idea, but the only thing I got in mind right now is to expand and create more jobs for people,” Mel shares.

“First and only” are the three words that best describe Toyz. Toyz is committed to becoming a lifestyle, a network and a community. With its magazine, café, TV, heli, airline, events, casting agency, apparel, and soon, eau de toilette, Toyz continues to take its clients on an exciting ride in 2011 and beyond. #

Pacquiao, family head to Boracay

Pacquiao, family head to Boracay

By Faith Alone: Tatay Tom Avendano

By Robbie Pangilinan

Manila, Philippines - Retired professor and former Pasay City councillor Tomas
Avendano, fondly called “Tatay Tom” by the Filipino community in Canada, lives
by faith alone.

At 82, Tatay Tom could be living the life he wants. But he chose to live his
life for others. He has not received any salary for 10 years, doing charitable
work instead of raking in money. His wife, who has Alzheimer’s disease, is
staying in a hospital and his children are far away. Tatay Tom has lived alone
in Vancouver for 40 years.

“I have been a victim here in Canada. When I first arrived, I had no idea about
the laws, rules, policies, etcetera. Nobody taught me, nobody helped me. That’s
why I want to help,” Tatay Tom said.

He decided to open a home that will welcome immigrants and give them the
guidance they need for the new lives they will live in Canada. This home was
built in 1996 with the name Filipino Canadian Support Services Society (FCSSS).
It had a drop-in center in Vancouver that served the Filipino community. Four
years after, the Society started to serve all cultural communities and in 2001,
the FCSSS was renamed the Multicultural Helping House Society.

Community and government support helped MHHS raise enough money for a one-stop
center for newcomers, a 3,000 square-feet, three-level facility with temporary
accommodation for newly arrived immigrants and live-in caregivers, offices for
program staff, counseling and meeting space, and multipurpose rooms for
workshops, training sessions and social events.


A second office was built last year and offered workshops, skills development
program, job creation partnerships, targeted wage subsidies, and self-employment
assistance. The three levels of government – federal, provincial and the City of
Vancouver – noticed the MHHS efforts and helped fund the expansion of the main
center which is now a four-storey building finished last month.


MHHS programs include the Caregivers / Temporary Foreign Workers Program, Youth
Program, Seniors Program, Host Mentoring Program, Fast Track to Employment for
Skilled Immigrants, Skills Connect for Construction and Settlement Services.
For his efforts and for being a father to the Filipinos in Canada, Tatay Tom has
been give the community leadership award by the Filipino Canadian Cultural
Heritage of British Columbia (FCCH).


After so many years, Tatay Tom came home to the Philippines. And on December 20,
he will open the Philippine office of the MHHS in Makati City.
Filipino holders of a Canadian visa will be given a glimpse of what awaits them
in Canada. The MHHS offers pre-departure services that will inform the
immigrants what to expect, how to have a meaningful stay in Canada, and what
laws they need to abide by. When they arrive in Canada, the MHHS in Vancouver
will brief them about the immigrant policy, benefits and incentives from the
government, and do’s and dont’s in living here. The Filipinos can stay at the
MHHS facility for 10 days for free.

Tatay Tom, MHHS President and Chief Executive Officer, believes that we need to
“listen better to one another, learning how we may find what connects us in our
concerns about life, and building bridges that allow us to focus upon
connections rather than disjunctions.”
The Buendia office is owned by Allan Yong, owner of a telecommunications company
based in Vancouver. Yong gave the office space for free, and will also pay the
salary of the two hired staff of MHHS.
Tatay Tom has lived by faith for the past decades. And as he opens the doors of
opportunities to his fellow Filipinos, he holds on to this faith, hoping to
inspire many and encourage them to dream on. #
Telephone 895-7130

www.helpinghouse.org

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/32367-its-manny-pacquiao-day-in-vancouver

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/32367-its-manny-pacquiao-day-in-vancouver

It’s Janet, Not Jinkee

By Robbie Pangilinan

Being mistaken for Jinkee Pacquiao, the wife of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, is already part of Janet Jamora’s day. People ask for her autograph. Fans take pictures with her. Reporters follow her for interviews. But never once did she become irritated. She finds all these amusing instead. Why all the attention? Because Janet looks exactly like Jinkee, save for the slight difference in their eyes and the hardly noticeable mole at Janet’s right cheek. Janet is Jinkee’s identical twin.

“When I tell them I’m not Jinkee, some of them sometimes say, ‘It’s ok, you look alike naman so it’s the same,’ ” Janet recalls. “There are times when people do not even believe that I’m not Jinkee. I am very proud and happy to be Jinkee’s twin sister,” Janet muses.

Of course, people close to them can always tell them apart. The People’s Champ never confused Janet for Jinkee. “It never happened kasi kabisado na niya kami,” Janet shares.
Janet and Jinkee love being twin sisters. Back when they were younger, they wore identical clothes, shoes and had the same bags. Then and now, they think alike and have the same interests. But as with all siblings, they had their little fights over little things.

“We used to fight over clothes and toys. Kasi minsan bumibili ng damit yung mom namin, sa kanya dalawa, sa akin isa lang. Kapag toys naman, sa akin maganda, sa kanya pangit. Pero maya maya lang bati na ulit kami,” Janet says.
Now that they are grown-ups, the twins do not fight anymore. They are the closest of friends, too. They shop, play badminton and watch movies together. Jinkee loves buying clothes for Janet. “Mas maganda ang taste niya sa clothes. Mas magaling siya pumili ng damit at shoes,” Janet says.

The loving, caring and thoughtful Janet says that whenever Jinkee needs her, “I’m always here for her. I am willing to do everything for her and my whole family.”
While Jinkee has become more sociable, glamorous and stylish, called for because she is already a celebrity, Janet has remained a simple and shy homebody. To keep fit and beautiful, Janet does aerobics and eats healthy foods. Being quite confident with herself and her body, Janet says she does not have plans of changing or altering anything. She also frees her life of hatred and regrets. “I don’t have regrets in life kasi ginusto ko nman ang nangyayari sa buhay ko. It’s my choice kahit hindi lahat ng outcome maganda, ok lang kasi that’s life. Wala akong pinagsisihan sa buhay ko,” the beautiful sister says.


Janet reveals that she is happy with her love life now, though she had heartbreaks, too, in the past. “May mga hindi magandang nangyari sa past love life ko pero meron ding masaya,” Janet admits. She also denies rumors that Ilocos Governor Chavit Singson courted her and that conditioning coach Alex Ariza became her boyfriend.
“Ewan ko kung saan nanggaling yung balita na nanligaw si Chavit. Nagtaka nga ako, dami din nagtanong sa akin. Sabi ko, not true. About Alex, we never became lovers. We just went out one time and that’s it. I know he has a girlfriend,” Janet clarifies.
Because Janet is the kind of person who gives everything for love, she would like to be with a man who will love her just as much. “Kapag nagmahal kasi ako, i give everything. Maalaga ako, I’ll take care of him, I’ll make him laugh,” Janet says. She is looking for a God-fearing, caring, kind and honest man who will accept and love her for who she is.
In the future, Janet would also like to settle down and take care of her own family. But for now, she is enjoying herself, her life, and being the twin sister of the most popular boxer in the world today. #

Toyz: Soaring, Flying

By Robbie Pangilinan

The well-known men’s magazine Toyz is no longer just a reading material. It has expanded into several ventures—cafe, bars, restaurants, cars, toys, apparel and perfumes.

This year, Toyz goes into a new enterprise, one that literally takes it to new heights. In a press conference at Toyz Fort branch on September 20, Toyz President and CEO Mel Macasaquit and his new partner Rajshekhar Rao introduced their new baby – Toyz Air.

“We will soar beyond the clouds aboard our aircraft,” Macasaquit said. The CEO promised that come October, the aviation industry will be surprised with exciting business activity courtesy of Toyz Air. The aircraft boasts of “fun and excitement in the air” with its state-of-the-art videoke sound system, exquisite food and bar menu, and the graceful hospitality of a female model flight attendant. “There;s nothing more you can ask for,” Macasaquit proudly declared.

The presscon, attended by special guests William Martinez, Viva Hot Babes, Jennifer Lee, Coolay, Robbie Pangilinan and Macasaquit’s partner Raj with fiancé Ambika, was covered by ABSCBN, TV5 and other press people.

Toyz likewise announced the opening of five more bars around Metro Manila. Toyz is famous for its affordable American-Italian cuisine, fine ambience and acoustic music. For the sports enthusiast, the Formula 1 Racing-inspired scent made exclusively by Toyz will be available in the market soon.

During the presscon, Toyz also unveiled the concept of its 3,000 square meter Superclub in Goa, India. Toyz Global, with its amazing F1 design, will be launched early 2011.

Toyz invites everyone to dine and drink at Toyz Makati (Palanca St., Legazpi Village), Toyz Eastwood City (Libis, Quezon City); Toyz Fort and Toyz X-Perience (Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City), and soon, in Goa, India.

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Not Just The Twin Sister

By Robbie Pangilinan

Janet Jamora is always mistaken for Jinkee Pacquiao, the wife of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Yes, Janet is Jinkee’s identical twin sister. They share the genes, the looks, but, other than that, Janet is a woman of her own.
“There are times when people do not even believe that I’m not Jinkee,” Janet muses. “I just explain that I am the twin sister,” she continues. Janet says that some people even get her autograph and take pictures with her. “I tell them I’m not Jinkee and they sometimes say, ‘It’s ok, you look alike naman so it’s the same.’ I say, ‘Oh, ok’ then I pose for the picture,” Janet laughs at the thought.


Janet is never irritated in instances such as these. In fact, she is amused. “I am very proud and happy to be Jinkee’s twin sister,” Janet says.
While growing up at the province of Kiamba, the two all the more emphasized their being twins by wearing identical clothes, shoes and using the same bags. Janet admits that she still laughs when she looks at their old photos.
But, they too had sibling rivalry. “When we were little, we used to fight over clothes and toys. Kasi minsan bumibili ng damit yung mom namin, sa kanya dalawa, sa akin isa lang. Kapag toys naman, sa akin maganda, sa kanya pangit. Pero maya maya lang bati na ulit kami,” Janet recalls.


Now that they are grown-ups, the twins do not fight anymore and have grown even closer. Jinkee buys clothes for Janet. They play badminton and watch movies together. “When she needs me, I’m always there for her,” Janet says. “I am a loving, caring and thoughtful sister. I am willing to do everything for her and my whole family,” Janet adds.
The self-confessed homebody describes herself as simple and shy. “Hindi ako maarte,” she says. She surrounds herself with people who are kind, simple and easy to deal with. Particularly, she likes people who tell jokes to make her laugh.


To keep fit and beautiful, Janet does aerobics and eats healthy foods. Being quite confident with herself and her body, Janet says she does not hae plans of changing or altering anything. She also frees her life of hatred and regrets. “I don’t have regrets in life kasi ginusto ko nman ang nangyayari sa buhay ko.

It’s my choice kahit hindi lahat ng outcome maganda, ok lang kasi that’s life. Wala akong pinagsisihan ss buhay ko,” the beautiful sister says. She has also found it in her heart to forgive people who have wronged her, believing that “To err is human, to forgive is divine.”
Janet has gone to many places—Los Angeles, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Hong Kong, Texas, New York, Mexico, Singapore, and her favorite, Las Vegas. “I like Vegas because of the shops, night sights, entertainment and the casinos. It is memorable to me because I met my boyfriend there,” Janet reveals.


In the future, Janet would also like to settle down and take care of her own family. But for now, she is enjoying herself, her life, and being the twin sister of the most popular boxer in the world today. #

"Industry leader in innovation"

By Robbie Pangilinan

Perfecting the craft everyday—this is Salon de Manila (SDM)’s
passion. And that is exactly what makes it salon of popular showbiz and
political personalities the industry leader in innovation.
Recognized for its trademark excellent and personal service, SDM has always been
the top choice of celebrities when it comes to style innovations. “We are
regarded as one of the country’s most innovative salon brands – a leader in
style trends, as a matter of fact,” expert hairstylist and SDM Creative Director
Pin Antonio says.
However, Pin and the rest of the SDM management and staff stopped contenting
themselves with being a trendsetter. “In an ever competitive industry where the
word ‘trendsetter’ has been used by everyone, rendering it generic, we thought
of creating our own identity.As with all brands, we feel the need to
differentiate ourselves,” the Stylist of the Stars reveals.
This identity is captured in Salon de Manila’s newest campaign—Manila’s Cutting
Edge. Actually, even before this campaign started, Pin has always made sure that
everything she does in her profession meets her exquisite standard and takes SDM
to the cuttingedge of the craft; thus, the theme.

“Through the campaign, we are communicating our position as style innovators
while also emphasizing our leadership in the salon industry; that we are the
beauty and style brand of choice of the trailblazers,” Pin explains.

“Cutting edge” is synonymous to “state of the art”, the highest level of
development achieved at a particular time. The campaign, according to Pin, is
about looking at things from a different perspective and doing them in a manner
that redefines the usual.
SDM has always been a pioneer of new styles, constantly and consistently
creating trends with a flair for the original. But, what truly sets SDM apart
from other salons is its fearlessness and passion.
“From precision haircutting, hairstyling, hair sculpting, make-up, nail and body
spa treatments, and other beauty-related services, our drive is what has set us
apart from our peers. It is what gives us our cutting edge,” Pin beams with
pride.
The term cutting edge likewise applies to the training, competence, taste, and
artistry of SDM’s stylists. The famous hair trendsetter herself is always on her
feet, perfecting her craft everyday.She and the rest of the creative team keep
attending various trainings in technique here and abroad. “We want to assure
that the moment a client steps out of Salon De Manila’s doors, he/she has
experienced cutting-edge style,” Pin promises.
Part of the campaign is establishing new Salon De Manila branches offshore.
People in Honolulu, Los Angeles, and New York will soon experience the same
cutting edge service that SDM has given and continues to give its clients in its
six Manila branches for already 25 years.
Salon de Manila has always believed that style is not merely the look of the
times, but the reflection of an attitude. As it launches the Manila’s Cutting
Edge campaign, SDM translates this belief into various experiences for its
clients – not only in excellent salon treatments and personalized service, but
also in the rapport and solid staff/stylist-client relationship that SDM is
known for – all packaged in the new cutting-edge experience that SDM promises.#

You’re the Boss

By Robbie Pangilinan

In the Salon of the Stars, family-owned Salon de Manila (SDM), what is most
important is not the innovations in hair styles, nor the reinvention of hair
trends which SDM is well-known for. Who is more important is not the
internationally-trained staff and creative team, nor the Stylist of the Stars
Pin Antonio whose name has become synonymous to the salon itself. The most
important person here is you—its clients.


“Whether they be celebrities or long-time clients, we believe that the best
endorsement comes from a satisfied customer,” internationally renowned SDM
Creative Director Pin Antonio shares.

The Mistress of Style always makes sure that everything she does in her
profession meets her exquisite standard and takes SDM to the cuttingedge of the
craft to satisfy its long list of loyal clientele from celebrities, media
personalities, even political leaders.


“I don’t want people going out of my salon looking the same way when they came
in. I want them to look different, not strange or weird, but different in a good
way. I want them to look beautiful and that’s when they’ll feel beautiful from
the inside, too,” Pin enthuses.

On its 25th year of bringing only excellent and personal service, SDM is the top
choice of celebrities when it comes to style innovations. And this year, SDM
takes innovation to a higher level as it reinvents itself with its theme
Manila’s Cutting Edge. Being the country’s salon leader in style trends, SDM
constantly tries to differentiate itself by creating its own identity.

“Through the campaign, we are communicating our position as style innovators
while also emphasizing our leadership in the salon industry; that we are the
beauty and style brand of choice of the trailblazers,” Pin explains.


Salon de Manila prides itself with the intensive and extensive training,
competence, taste, and artistry of its stylists. Pin and the rest of the
creative team keep attending various trainings in technique here and abroad, as
SDM wants to assure its clients only cutting-edge style and experience. After
all, SDM has served and maintained good, healthy relationships with itssatisfied
clients in its quarter of a century in the salon industry.

“At SDM, we define style as not the mere look of the times, but the reflection
of an attitude,” Pin says. “We are not just trendsetters. We are style
innovators. That’s what makes us different,” she adds.

In SDM, you, the client, are the boss. SDM exists for you—to make you stylish,
trendy, and beautiful. And to give you a cutting-edge salon experience that has
become its trademark for 25 years. #

Pin Antonio: Taking care of business | The Philippine Star News Entertainment

Pin Antonio: Taking care of business | The Philippine Star News Entertainment

Suspension illegal - TATAP | The Philippine Star News Sports

Suspension illegal - TATAP | The Philippine Star News Sports

SERONIO BARES IT ALL!

Philippine National Table Tennis team Rank # 2 player Isaias Seronio, who was
banned for life by the Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP) for
an alleged violation during the World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) in
Moscow last May, has broken his silence.


In an interview with sports journalist Robbie Pangilinan, Seronio bared
everything, including allegations of anomalies committed by TATAP's
vice-president and de facto head Jose "Dodong" Ortalla Jr. who accused Seronio
of not paying his hotel accommodation, local transportation, meals,
accreditation IDs and other expenses in Moscow.


Seronio admitted having approached Ortalla in his desire to join the World
Championships. In an agreement that Seronio will pay for his own expenses—air
fare, pocket money, visa processing, among others, Ortalla allowed him to join.
"Walang ginastos ang TATAP sa akin (TATAP did not pay for anything)," Seronio
said.

However, Seronio was surprised when Ortalla asked him to pay for the fees of
another player, Richard Gonzales, as well as for uniforms, entrance fees, and
even the latter's website, with the implication that Seronio could not play at
the tournament if he does not comply.
The Palaro ng Bayan 2000 Men's Singles champion and best player paid for his
co-player's fees but not for the uniforms and the website, thinking that he had
no obligation to do so.


Seronio arrived in Moscow two days before the rest of the Philippine delegation
did, to get a feel of the city, to get enough rest before the competition, and
to pay for the USD 100 entry fee of the Philippine team out of his own pocket.


The bronze medallist for the Doubles and the Team rankings in the 2005 Asian
Table Tennis Championships knew that the International Table Tennis Federation
(ITTF), the host of the WTTC, reserved rooms at its partner Cosmos Hotel for the
team. Because Seronio knew the rooms are free for official delegates, he checked
in at the start of the tournament. He learned that TATAP reserved rooms for the
long list of delegates that Ortalla submitted to ITTF.


It turned out that these people learned that their stay will not be for free so
they backed out but the reservations were not cancelled. The rooms were never
used but the hotel billed the team 4,000 euros which nobody could afford.

The team members were locked out of their rooms. "Natakot talaga ako, kasi yung
bagahe ko, yung laptop ko, camera, lahat ng gamit ko andun (I was scared because
my baggage, laptop, camera and all of my things were there)!" Seronio said.

The hotel only opened the rooms when Ortalla signed a promissory note taking
responsibility for the hotel bill. Seronio, afraid that the lock-out might
happen again, got his things and left the hotel.
At the tournament, Seronio only got to play once and he learned that ha was an
"alternate" player. He revealed that Ortalla did not let him play "kahit na
sinunod ko ang mga conditions niya at mas magaling ako kesa sa at least one of
the players na na-field ng Philippine team (even though I followed his
conditions and I'm a better player than at least one of the Philippine team
players)," he said.

Among the four players, Seronio was the best, ranking # 2 at the national
selection. After the team lost and one of the players went home, Seronio was
allowed to play twice at the consolation tournament. He won the three matches he
competed in.
Seronio also found out later that one of the other players, Ting Ledesma, also
paid for Gonzales' visa fees. "Either Dodong paid for the fees twice, or he
pocketed one of them," Seronio said.

When he got home in Manila, Seronio found out that Ortalla banned him from all
TATAP and ITTF sanctioned tournaments for life. He also read a press release at
the TATAP website stating that he put the Philippines in a bad light.


"I was depressed for a week. Kung matuloy `to (If this pushes through), my
professional table tennis career is over! I've devoted my life to table tennis.
I'm # 2 in the National Team! After agreeing to everything Dodong demanded,
ganito ang gagawin niya (this is what he'll do)?" Seronio complained.

Ortalla has also been accused of turning TATAP into a smuggling operation,
asking players for payment to be included in official table tennis delegations
for competitions abroad, especially in the USA. These players become TNTs
(tago-ng-tago) in other countries, negatively affecting legitimate table tennis
players whose visa applications are denied.
Seronio likewise refuted the memo at the TATAP website instructing players and
coaches not to go to USA or Japan for tournaments anymore. He said it's just
Ortalla's way of covering up for the anomalies. "Ayaw na lang nila mapahiya at
magsayang pa ng oras ang mga table tennis players `pag pumunta sila sa embassy
at irereject sila dahil suspected TNT din sila (They just don't want the players
to to be put to shame and waste their time going to the embassy and being
rejected because they are also suspected TNTs)," Seronio said.

The 28-year-old player who has been into table tennis since third grade, said
that his conscience is clean and his only mistake was caring too much about the
sport that he let Ortalla fool him.

TATAP Chairman Alvin Carranza, Sec Gen Oskie Santelices and former president
Victor Valbuena are willing to help lift the ban on Seronio. Seronio also asked
TATAP's board of directors to take action about the anomalies and pleaded to the
Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee to investigate
and solve this issue. #

Fearless and Passionate

By Robbie Pangilinan

The salon of popular showbiz and political personalities, Salon de Manila (SDM), is one of the country’s most innovative salon brands. A leader in style trends. A fearless inventor. A passionate pioneer.

On its 25th year in the salon industry, SDM has handpicked three young gentlemen who embody the spirit of its “Manila’s Cutting Edge” campaign. Just like SDM, these three are fearless and passionate. Together with three other ladies, the three help SDM establish industry leadership in innovation, being the salon’s brand ambassadors for being cutting-edge themselves.

SDM Creative Director and internationally-known stylist Pin Antonio believes that these three exemplify SDM’s unconventional excellence. “Their stories are threaded by the underlying theme of starting something good and coming out better, if not ahead, just like SDM,” the Stylist of the Stars shares.

Pinoy Big Brother’s Hermes Bautista is thrilled at taking chances. He owes his now budding showbiz career to just that—chance. Hermes finished his studies here then went on to the US to “the real world” in his hometown San Diego, California. But chance would bring back to the Philippines when he came across the PBB auditions, which he passed easily. The aspiring leading-man believes that chance is a matter of choice.

Isaiah Antonio, on the other hand, is always mistaken for a model. Truth is, he is a singer and musician. Isaiah touches the heart of his audience with his smooth, soulful vocals and a guitar virtuoso. Realizing his potential in his chosen field, Isaiah takes his talent to a higher level as he chose to major in Music Production in college. He considers his talent as a gift, which he willingly shares to anyone. His world of pop and rock is filled with rhythm and soul.

Completing the list is Tom Rodriguez, an illustrator at heart. Tom is proud to have graduated from The University of Advancing Technology in Temple, Arizona with a degree in Digital Animation. Tom was on his way to enlist for the US Navy but as chance would have it, his curiosity would send him back home to the Philippines to live inside Big Brother’s house. Tom always believes that he has nothing to lose and everything to gain by trying.

These three are the beginning of a fresh, new outlook. They are today’s brightest and tomorrow’s big news. The three young gentlemen are the new generation of SDM styles—style being the reflection of an attitude and not just the mere look of the times. They are SDM’s fearless and passionate ambassadors—and they will change the way things are.

“These individuals have taken unconventional routes in their respective fields but nonetheless, excel in them. Each of them is unique, fresh and always headed forward. They have passion for their craft—just like SDM,” Pin says. #

Confidently Cutting Edge

By Robbie Pangilinan

Salon de Manila (SDM), the salon of popular showbiz and political personalities, is known for being one of the country’s most innovative salon brands – a leader in style trends, as a matter of fact. SDM has always changed the way things are—fearlessly inventing new styles and pioneering new trends in the salon industry.
This year, SDM once again proves that it is the industry leader in innovation, and this time, it has chosen three young women who embody the spirit of its “Manila’s Cutting Edge” campaign. These ladies, together with three other gentlemen, are SDM’s brand ambassadors for being cutting-edge themselves.


SDM Creative Director and internationally-known stylist Pin Antonio believes that people need faces to serve as endorsements of the salon. “Whether they be celebrities or long-time clients, we believe that the best endorsement comes from a satisfied customer,” Pin shares.
These three young girls are confident, passionate and motivated—truly cutting edge. But most importantly, like the styles that Salon De Manila creates, these girls are expected to be tomorrow’s big news. “All of them are young, talented, stylish, and though they are still on their way to establishing themselves in their respective fields of expertise, they have already achieved something,” Pin says.


Megan Young heads the three girls in radiating unique and unconventional style just like SDM. One of today’s fastest rising talents, Megan has been making her own name and carving her own niche on mainstream entertainment. She has been a VJ, has acted in several telenovelas, has done a number of films, and has graced the spreads and covers of the country’s top beauty and fashion magazines. She is also an endorser/image model. Megan hosts, sings, and dances—truly oozing with talent and appeal.
The second lady, Bettina Carlos, is a print, ramp, and commercial model for fashion magazines, couture designers, and consumer brands. Bettina hosted the youth-oriented show Y Speak and is a columnist in a respected daily where she shares her precious insights opens young minds to become more socially aware. Bettina has just begun to scratch the surface of her enormous potential.


Cathy Remperas is the popular Boholana sent by Big Brother to Finland in an exchange of cast members, known as the Big Swap. Back home, Cathy is a local beauty titlist, an events host and a model on her way to become a nurse. Cathy is indeed beauty and brains.
These individuals have taken unconventional routes in their respective fields but nonetheless, excel in them. Each of them is unique, fresh and always headed forward.
“They will change the way things are,” Pin excitedly shares.
The three young women reflect a new generation of SDM styles—style being the reflection of an attitude and not just the mere look of the times. The three are definitely SDM’s confidently cutting edge girls. #

Yap wants posh condo for son - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Yap wants posh condo for son - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Body Talk with Alex Crisano - FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo | The Philippine Star News Entertainment

Body Talk with Alex Crisano - FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo | The Philippine Star News Entertainment

Contours joins international beauty expo

by Robbie Pangilinan

Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute, the first and only cosmetic surgery center in the Philippines certified to do VASER High Definition Liposculpture, is one of the major sponsors of the country’s biggest and most comprehensive beauty and wellness expo.

The 5th International Exposition on Beauty and Wellness will be held on August 13 to 15 at the World Trade Center.
Socialite-philanthropist Tessa Prieto-Valdes, who underwent Contours’ Revalift procedure, a non-surgical facelift technology that uses the anti-lax machine in effectively stimulating collagen formation and delaying the signs of aging, will grace the Health Beauty Fitness Lifestyle Asia 2010. Tessa topbills Contours’ celebrity endorsers, including actress Lovely Rivero, boxing icon Gerry Peñalosa and wife Goody, and Patricia Bermudez - Hizon

Another Contours endorser, PBA cager Alex Crisano, who has perfectly chiseled eight-pack abs, shaped shoulders, lean chest and sides courtesy of Contours, performs the song titled “Y Not Di Ba?” from his upcoming rap album. A fashion show will also be staged featuring the Contours’ angels.
Tessa and Alex will be around to take pictures with and sign autographs for their fans. A special mid-year promo can be availed from the Contours’ website. The month-long promo includes special discounts for Laser Hair removal for underarms, 20 percent off on Revalift and Silkpeel, and free consultation with beauty specialists and dermatologists from 11 am to 7 pm.

A gift voucher will be sent via email sales@rouradermsurgery.com when a client fills out the online form. #

CRISANO bares all

By Robbie Pangilinan

Popular PBA cager Alex Crisano bared it all in a press conference that launched him as the new endorser of Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute, the first and only cosmetic surgery center in the Philippines certified to do VASER High Definition Liposculpture.

No, Crisano did not strip, even when he had every right to do so—with his perfectly chiseled abs, shoulders, chest and sides courtesy of Contours. Alex simply bared his heart and soul as he wowed the audience with a cut from his upcoming rap album titled “Y Not Di Ba?”

Twenty entertainment editors from major broadsheets and magazines were present in the press conference hosted by sports anchor and personality Patricia Bermudez-Hizon. Guests, including artists Jhon, Mike Swift and DJ Archie, and Dr. Koko Roura had a great time with the feast of food prepared by Contours, as well as the presentations and fun games. Tv5 Juicy and TV5 News covered the event.

Dr. Claudine Roura, owner of Contours and pioneer of the VASER® Lipo System in the Philippines, gamely answered questions from the press people.

D Entertainer believes that healthy is sexy and considers his eight-pack abs and chest as the sexiest parts of his body, sculpted by Contours’ Dr. Claudine Roura. Crisano underwent body sculpting that made his already buffed body almost perfect. He wants to augment his buttocks next. #

Contours unmasks new face

by Robbie Pangilinan

Socialite-philanthropist Tessa Prieto-Valdes removed her masks, literally, as she was launched as the new face of Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute, the first and only cosmetic surgery center in the Philippines certified to do VASER High Definition Liposculpture.

Twenty entertainment editors from major broadsheets and magazineswitnessed the “unmasking” of Tessa, who went through Contours’ Revalift procedure, a non-surgical facelift technology that uses the anti-lax machine in effectively stimulating collagen formation and delaying the signs of aging.

Sports anchor and personality Patricia Bermudez-Hizon hosted the masquerade attended by the country’s socialites. Guests, including artists Jhon, Mike Swift and DJ Archie, and Dr. Koko Roura had a great time with the feast of food prepared by Contours, as well as the presentations and fun games. Tv5 Juicy and TV5 News covered the event.

Tessa talked about graceful aging and her experience with Revalift. She revealed that she felt immediate lifting and tightening of the skin after the procedure. Dr. Claudine Roura, owner of Contours and pioneer of the VASER® Lipo System in the Philippines, gamely answered questions from the press people.

The procedure, developed by a Japanese doctor, has its machine manufactured in Korea, making it especially designed for Asian skin. It is a comfortable, outpatient procedure with no downtime and no risks, according to Dr. Roura.

Dr. Roura said that the Revalift is for men and women in their mid-30’s to early 50’s who are starting to show signs of aging like wrinkles, deep lines, sagging, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and sagging neck. Tessa falls under this age group.

Even though Tessa appears to already possess a flawless face, Dr. Roura wants to enhance it with Contours’ advanced technology. “She needs an e-lite treatment for her freckles and facial veins, and the silkpeel treatment to deliver cosmeceuticals deep into her skin to treat fine line and wrinkles, pigmentation, and to improve hydration of her skin,” Dr. Roura says. #

On Her Way to Her Dreams

By Robbie Pangilinan



Wholesome. Talented. Beautiful. Intelligent. The fast-rising teen star seems to already have it all, but she is just at the beginning of her way toward her dreams.



Janeena Chan, who is only 17, is the pretty chinita who played a mean girl in the recent revival of the popular ‘90s teen show Gimik. But this was not her first TV appearance. Janeena, at 11 years old, joined RPN Newswatch’s Search for Junior Journalists and was chosen to host the telemagazine show Kid’s TV. At this young age, she learned to do the routines of a real journalist—looking for interviewees, conducting interviews, writing scripts, directing, editing, among others. Her hard work paid off when she was awarded Best Kiddie Show Host in the 23rd Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for TV. She was then given her very own youth-oriented segment in Newswatch titled Teen Watch. Janeena features the latest trends, events, fashion, places, and personalities.



Flexibility is something she learned best from being a junior reporter. She recalls those times when she spontaneously needed to think of questions to strike a conversation with her subject or when she suddenly meets important personalities after she finished writing the script.



“It’s important to be able to think fast and adjust to the situation presented. Since I write my own script, research is very important and I really need to know about the features well before going to my shoots,” Janeena shares.



Being a teen reporter also enabled her to meet people from all walks of life—from the people ho live on the streets to the richest elites. She always learns something from her subjects and even made friends with many of them.



Looking back, Janeena started even earlier. She was a Disney Singing Princess for SM Supermalls when she was 7 years old and started modelling for brands and products like Barbie, Kids of Bayo, Bratz dolls and My Scene dolls at age 9. She also modelled for teen magazines like Candy, Seventeen, Pink, Total Girl and Meg, and family-oriented ones like Good Housekeeping and Smart Parenting. Janeena is also DEI and Natasha’s endorser. She was a finalist in the Total Girl model search at 12 years old and the Candy Model search at 14.



From modelling, Janeena has learned to be sincere with the people she works with. She has likewise stayed humble, cooperative and has kept her feet grounded.



The only teen reporter in the Philippines is also a voice talent for radio and TV commercials such as Skin White, Smart and Maxipeel and a host for various events like Guess mall shows and SM Science Discovery Center. Magic 89.9 listeners know her as JJ (Junior Jock) Neena. She also cosplayed a character in Animax’s “K-ON” anime. Because of her skills in gymnastics, Janeena was cast as cheerleader in Disney’s “High School Musical Onstage” at the Meralco Theater.



During the first ever Camp Nivea at the Peninsula de Punta Fuego in Batangas, Janeena was hailed the Most Fashionable female. She was also awarded the Runner of the Day at the Star Magic Run where 150 Star Magic artists and 400 other participants gathered to advocate youth power in the May 2010 elections.

Janeena likes to further her skills and career in hosting, singing and modelling. She dreams to host a travel show like Samantha Brown because she truly enjoyed doing travel segments during her Kids TV time and for Teen Watch. She would also like to spend more time as a junior jock and says, “My mentors in magic 89.9 are very nice people to work with and since I love music, maybe I can also be a VJ someday.”



Behind the spotlight, Neena is basically a cheerful person who hates emotional baggages. “It’s draining and it cuts down productive time,” she says. Being the youngest in the family, she is malambing by nature and “I get my way done through lambing,” she laughs.



The happy and simple girl always thinks that “it’s cool to be cool,” and avoids heavy dramas. She always kids around her yaya cum personal assistant and her driver. When in school, she strikes conversation with the school helpers and guards.



“I’m happy to be in touch with everyone. They love me and I love them, too,” the teen actress shares.



Graduating this school year from an international school, Janeena is a consistent honor student but would like to have more medals to her name. Despite her busy schedule, Neena stays focused on her school performance, knowing well that it is important to finish a college degree in a good university. In this business, she says, it’s an effort to finish college and have a back up plan.



Of course, Janeena needs to be healthy and fit to be able to face all her hectic schedule. She is into gymnastics and joins competitions with Club Gymnastica. She visits the gym when time permits, eats healthy food and sleeps on time—things that teenagers find difficult to do. For Neena, being healthy means embracing a lifestyle without vice and being beautiful means staying happy, positive and stress-free.



She thinks that her eyes are the most beautiful parts of her face and her behind as the sexiest part of her body. She also wishes she had a thinner pair of legs. “Probably, there is no way to make it thinner but through exercise which at the moment, I have to find time for,” Neena says.



The young reporter/model/actress likes to play different hats but knows that she would have to choose her path in the near future. But, right now, she is just trying to balance everything in the best way she can. Her weapons are prayers, having no grudges, and forgiveness. She avoids severing ties as much as possible, and stays positive that everything will work out for the best. She tries to always talk sense everytime she opens her mouth, knowing too well that she serves as an inspiration to her fellow youth.



With her intelligence, determination and positive outlook in life, Janeena Chan’s dreams are just within her reach. #

Rain or shine, Alex is the man

by Robbie Pangilinan

Popular and quite controversial PBA player Alex Crisano does not mind whether the rain is pouring or the sun is shining. He does his act in all kinds of weather, even in the midst of a storm.

After playing for Barangay Ginebra and Red Bull, Crisano expressed interest in being part of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as a center. Currently, Rain or Shine has no center player whose body is as powerfully built and whose professional basketball skills are as suitably apt as Crisano’s.

The 6’7” PBA star’s 10-year stint at the country’s professional ball game will be an asset to Rain or Shine, as well as his three- championship experience in the PBA. Crisano, with a perfectly buffed and conditioned body, sound mind and excellent training, believes that he can help the team win a title.

“Rain or Shine would be needing a great spark, and I believe I can give them that,” the man with the superb moves says. Crisano wants to win one more championship before he retires, which is still far in the future.

The New York-born Crisano is friends with Rain or Shine’s Fil-Am players, guard Sol Mercado and guard/forward Gabe Norwood, who are both shorter in height than the towering Crisano. The three Am-boys can easily be the local counterpart of Miami Heat’s dream team of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh. The three NBA stars have been called the power trio, probably the most powerful in the history of the NBA. James, Wade and Bosh were teammates in the Beijing Olympics who took home gold medals for the US.

“We can be the PBA’s dream team,” Crisano says, comparing himself to the five-time NBA All-Star Bosh who remains to be Toronto’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, blocks, double doubles, free throws and minutes played. Both Crisano and Bosh also have a big heart for people in need. Bosh founded his Chris Bosh Foundation for the youth in Dallas and Toronto, while Crisano helps a foundation for street children.

Lately, Crisano is seen with boxing icons Manny Pacquiao and Gerry Peñalosa. Many speculate that he is already going into boxing and leaving basketball. Early this year, it was reported that the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) offered him to join the national team as a heavyweight boxer but Alex wanted to stay in basketball then. He says he might go into boxing if he did not get back to the PBA this season.

“Gerry is my Rocky Balboa. He is a legend. I idolize him because he is a humble and funny guy like me. We are both entertainers,” Crisano shares. Of course, he looks up to Manny Pacquiao, the pound-for-pound king, and would want to be part of the People’s Champ entourage. The three are considered sports icons, sharing the same principles in life. #

Coseteng: Wife, Mother, Servant

By Robbie Pangilinan

She has one of the loveliest faces in Philippine politics today, and she is loved by her constituents, having been reelected city councillor of the 2nd district of Valenzuela. But, the love that Kate Abigael Galang Coseteng treasures most is from her family—husband Julian who is also a public servant, and son Ryan who is 2 and a half years old.

Kate finds being a public servant and being a parent similar in the sense that she needs to please both her son and constituents and in the same breath, there are times when she needs to make the painful decision to say “no”.

“Being in public service is more difficult than parenting because I have to deal with different kinds of people with different needs and wants,” the 29-year-old mother and councillor says.

Having a Business Administration Major in Management degree has been trained Kate to practice proper time management between her personal and professional life. Because she and Julian were already in public office before they got married, they did not feel much change in their lives besides the fact that Kate missed her husband and son terribly during this election’s campaign period. Julian ran in another city and Ryan was too young to join his parents in the campaign. Kate made a promise that she would spend more time with them after the elections, and over the next few years.

“I intend to devote as much quality time as possible with my family without taking time away from my duties, obligations and commitments to my constituents,” the former model vows.

Quality time for Julian and Kate means watching movies at home or in the theater. “We also enjoy going to the mall and shopping together whenever we can afford it,” Kate shares. Travelling is another of the couple’s favorites. “We like Baguio, Boracay and Cebu. As a couple, we enjoy visits to the States and Hong Kong whenever we can. Ryan’s still too young to travel that far,” the Tarlac-born official says.

The young parents love playing and spending time with Ryan who had just started schooling. They also make it a point to spend time with their different sets of friends, and of course, their extended families. Julian is the son of former Senator Nikki Coseteng while Kate is the great-granddaughter of a Pampanga mayor who served for 20 years.

Kate and Julian were both members of the National Movement for Young Legislators and this is where they met. Kate was Secretary General and Julian was chairman. But the pretty councilor’s parents were very strict and she was not allowed to go out without a chaperone. “I turned him down several times but he was so persistent. He followed me to Cebu, to Bohol and to Boracay,” Kate discloses. Julian actually courted Kate’s whole family and his persistence and determination paid off when Kate said yes. They got married on May 28, 2007.

Kate and Julian may have little fights at times, but Julian’s firm resolve always smoothens out the rough spots. Kate admits that Julian always says that he will not allow her to break up with him. This firm resolve is one of the many reasons why Kate is very much in love with her husband.

As for Ryan, Kate thinks he still may be too young to pick up life lessons, but the young mother looks forward to teaching him to treat people nicely and with respect, and to be accepting of each person who comes his way.

With the humbling experiences she has had in public service, the strong support system from her family and friends, and with Julian beside her all the way, Kate is sure that Ryan will grow up as a fine gentleman. For now, she is just basking in the innocent love she gets from him. #

Daddies enjoy special day

By Robbie Pangilinan

Dads were pampered during the unique “Daddy’s Day: A Father’s Day Pet
Event” on June 27 at the One Esplanade, SM Central Business Park.

Popular PBA cager and father of four Alex Crisano hosted the event
together with actress Dimples Romano and model/athlete Michelle van
Ruyven. Alex talked about his own family and also his dog. Donita Rose
and her son came to treat Daddy Erick Villarama and celebrate both
Fathers’ Day and Be Kind to Animals Week.

The event highlights were a dad pampering area, a dad and pet
mini-Olympics, pet bazaar, pet grooming area, animal-themed arts and
crafts area, pet training area, pet adoption, booths and talks by
animal welfare groups, pet fashion show, special performances by pets
with talents, a photo booth and an auction for the benefit of the
Compassion and Responsibility for Animals (CARA).

“It was a special treat for our dads on Fathers’ Day fun as well as
an educational event for the families and their pets,” said Rossel
Velasco-Taberna, Managing Director of the event organizer Outbox Media
Production Agency. Taberna’s husband, newsman Anthony Taberna was a
special guest at the family event.

The event was in line with American Humane’s Be Kind to Animals Week,
which is celebrated yearly since 1915. “Daddy’s Day: A Father’s Day
Pet Event” aims to commemorate the role animals play in our lives,
promote ways to treat them humanely, and encourage children to develop
a love for animals. Besides giving tribute to and pampering the dads
on their special day, the event also featured experts talking about
proper pet training and handling, a chance for the families to adopt a
pet of their own, an opportunity to learn about animal welfare
organizations, a time to bond with their pets and the whole family in
a day filled with contests, prizes and fun activities. #

‘Ipe’ dropped Koncz to the floor with left-right combinations

‘Ipe’ dropped Koncz to the floor with left-right combinations

By EDDIE G. ALINEA


It looks like each time Manny Pacquiao’s self-anointed adviser Michael Koncz does something or make statements to make him look good in the eyes of his boss, always the opposite results happen.


Sometime last week, before the seven-division world champion left for New York to accept his third “Fighter of the Year” and his first “Fighter of the Decade” awards from the Boxing Writers Association of America, Koncz was again involved in a violent incident, this time earning the ire of multi-awarded actor Philip Salvador.


The incident, according to a member of the entertainment media who was there, during the launching of Pacquiao’s Aray Ko, Galing Ko” television promo for a pain reliever held in a Makati City where Koncz and Salvador, a martial arts practitioner, had a verbal altercation that led to a scuffle.


The source told the Manila Times Koncz, a Canadian member of the Team Pacquiao notorious for his insulting statements even to members of his team, fans and even the media, gave sarcastic remarks to a question posed by Salvador on something about the boxing icon’s congressional victory in the recent national elections.


Such remarks led Salvador, to throw combination of punches that fell Koncz to the floor where the actor continued pummeling him with lefts and rights even as Pacquiao himself watched elated.


Other witnesses heard Pacquiao shouting to Salvador, a good friend: “Sige pa, banatan mo pa.”


The confrontation, witnesses said, lasted for about 10 minutes after cooler heads, including Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, legal adviser, Atty. Gacal and Eric Pineda succeeded in pacifying Koncz, while fellow actor Chris Aguilar prevailing on Salvador to stop attacking.


The fight ended with both of Koncz’s eyes blackened.

It was not the first time that Koncz earned the ire of people trying to get near to Pacquiao on many occasions.


When Pacquiao was training in Baguio city for his fight with Miguel Cotto, he once shoved a reporter trying to cover one of the champ’s training sessions.


The media man resisted though and, pointing a finger to the Canadian, told him, “ Don’t do that to a Filipino media men again.”


Koncz and the same reporter met again once, this time in Manila during a hastily called press conference where the Canadian mentioned something about receiving calls from Filipino media men earlier that day asking “stupid” questions.


When the obviously irked media man asked him what those “stupid” questions were, he could not answer prompting the former to tell him to stop heaping insulting remarks to Filipino newspapermen.


Even Pacquiao’s American physical conditioning coach Alex Ariza was reported to have slapped Koncz during an altercation after the latter suggested not to allow the former in Padquiao’s corner for that fight against Cotto.


It is no secret that even the Filipino’s chief trainer Freddie Roach has a running feud with Koncz who, reports are, has been trying all he can for Manny to fire the owner of the wild Card Gym in Los Angeles as fight tactician.

A Decade’s Journey / A Decade on the Road / A Decade on the Go / A Decade on the Move

By Robbie Pangilinan

Mobile. Best word that describes me. I am the type who simply cannot stay put. I am always on my feet and always on the go. I am a traveller and for a decade now, I have kept many experiences and memories gathered from the many places I visited in and out of the country.
Travelling is something I love doing. Aside from some glitches and hassles in immigration when going out of the Philippines, especially the US Immigration, there is nothing else that I do not like about travelling. Learning about different cultures, speaking other languages, trying out various cuisine and delicacies, meeting new friends, learning new lessons—all these bring me pleasure comparable to none.
I fell in love with the Land of the Rising Sun when I lived there with my mom and sisters from 2001 to 2008. Tokyo is a very clean and nice city. I also visited Saitama and Kyoto. Being a sports journalist, I am always fascinated with a country’s sports events. In Japan, sumo is considered the national sport. I also enjoy Japan’s martial arts such as judo, karate and modern kendō. Baseball is likewise very popular and Japan’s three-time MVP in baseball Ichiro Suzuki now hits homeruns in North American Major League Baseball, playing for the Seattle Mariners. Japan also bagged the Asian Cup (soccer) thrice and has been the venue for the Intercontinental Cup from 1981 to 2004. With South Korea, Japan co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Many Japanese also play golf. Car racing has gained widespread popularity, too.
Japanese culture gives me remarkable thrill, especially the beauty of their arts that include the traditional ikebana and origami, and the modern ones like manga and anime. I also like the evolved Japanese music inspired by Western influence called J-pop. One thing that is common to Filipinos and Japanese is that we both love to sing! In Japan, karaoke is still very popular and is considered a cultural activity. I particularly like Japan’s roads and transportation. All the roads are paved, their transportation network is very systematic, their cars are affordable, and they have many high-speed trains that takes you anywhere in the country.

Another country I like is Morocco. I went there in 1999 with my best friend Victor Valbuena who is the son-in-law of the owner of Rustan’s. We visited Morocco’s top tourist destinations like the medieval city of Marrakech, Rabat and of course, the great Shara Desert. Marrakech looks like the olden days—with a medina or marketplace with small boutiques, artisans and cafes. More about Marrakech...

I never thought a desert could look so good, until I saw the Sahara. It is unbelievably breathtaking with literally golden sand and a stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. More about Morocco's top attractions ...

The sports lover in me is definitely attracted to Las Vegas, Nevada— the Entertainment Capital of the World popular for its casinos and hotels. Known as “The Mecca of Boxing” like the Madison Square Garden, Las Vegas is undoubtedly the most popular venue for boxing. It is known as the Boxing Capital of the World since the 1980s because the best fights in the history of boxing were held here. I witnessed the Pacquiao-dela Hoya fight here in 2008 and I echo what many people say, “There is nothing like seeing a fight live in Vegas.” Mandalay Bay Events Center, MGM Grand Garden Arena and the Caesars Palace are the most famous boxing venues in the world. I especially like the MGM Grand where I watched Pacman beat Cotto in 2009. MGM Grand is the largest hotel in the world when it opened in 1993 and now the second largest with 30 floors, the largest casino, outdoor pools, rivers, and waterfalls, the MGM Grand Garden Arena, shops, night clubs, and restaurants. Las Vegas hosted big sports events like the 2007 NBA All-Star Game, the NASCAR Sprint Cup, the UFC, the National Finals Rodeo and the NBA Summer League.

Another Nevada city I have visited is Reno, “The Biggest Little City in the World” also known for its casinos. There are numerous bars and clubs in downtown Reno for a great nightlife experience. The famous Lake Tahoe is a must-see. Here you can fish, swim, water-ski, wakeboard, parasail, and jet-ski. Reno is also popular as a skiing and snowboarding destination with 18 ski resorts. Reno boasts of a $1.5 million whitewater park on the Truckee River that hosts whitewater events the whole year.

San Francisco is another place I love. San Fo has become a popular international tourist destination with nice tourist spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, Museum of Modern Art. It also has more than 200 lovely parks and beaches famous for surfing, and of course, a vibrant Filipino community. San Francisco is also the home of the old San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League and the San Francisco Giants of the Major League. I love the climate in SF which is ideal for outdoor sports.

But the climate I like best is in sunny Los Angeles. LA has an average of 320 sunshine days and only 35 days with rain, making it summer all year. The City of Angels is called the “Creative Capital of the World” because it is where Hollywood is and many artists, writers, filmmakers, actors, dancers and musicians live and work here. LA has 54 yearly film festivals including the annual Academy Awards, more than 800 museums including the Los Angeles County Museum of Arts, the Getty Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. And of course, LA is home of the Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, and Kings and the location of the famous Staples Center, the premier venue for sports that also hosts the Grammy Awards.

I have also been to Frankfurt, the financial and transportation center of Germany. Frankfurt is one of the 10 most livable cities in the world.

In Asia, I have visited Malaysia and Singapore. The tourism campaign “Malaysia, Truly Asia” was worthwhile and attracted more than 7 million tourists. But I was there in 2008 with Noli Cruz for business. I was also in Singapore in 2009 for business, covering the Formula One Championship. I like Singapore because of its delicious cuisine and water sports. Singapore will host the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics.

Early this year, I went to Dallas, Texas for the Pacquiao-Clotty coverage. I was awestruck, like many other boxing fans, by the magnificent Cowboys Stadium, the largest domed stadium in the world with a full 100,000 seating capacity. The $1.15 billion stadium is home of the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys. The stadium has the world’s largest HDTV (160 feet wide and 72 feet tall), more than 3,000 LCD screens all around for fans to see the action wherever they are in the stadium, and a variety of restaurants and shops. The Cowboys Stadium will host the NBA All-Star Game, the Super Bowl in 2011 and the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in 2014.

There are many Filipinos in Dallas, that’s why a lot of Filipino restaurants thrive here. Dallas is a place worth going to. Being the top leisure destination in Texas, the city boasts of being stylish, fashionable, luxurious, and prosperous. Dallas’ hotels, restaurants, night spots and tourist attractions are sure to make anyone fall in love with the city. Just like me.
Of course, I also went around our beautiful country—Subic, ... nothing beats home sweet home.
For a decade now, I have been on the move—going around, travelling both for business and pleasure. And there’s still no stopping me. As long as there are places to visit in and out of the country, I will explore and experience the best of the world. #