Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
No Mystery in Their Love
By Robbie Pangilinan
They are one of the most beautiful couples in Philippine politics. And while their theme song is Julia Fordham and Nina’s “Love Moves in Mysterious Ways,” their love story is no mystery at all.
What started out as a political campaign for Quezon City Third District Councilor Julian Edward Emerson Coseteng and Valenzuela City Second District Councilor Kate Abigael Galang Coseteng, ended up in marriage. It wasn’t love at first sight, not even at second or third.
The firs time they met was in 2004 in a meeting of the National Capital Region Chapter of The National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL), an organization of city and municipal councilors, vice governors, vice mayors and provincial board members from all over the country who were 35 years old and below at the time of their election. Julian was the chapter president and was campaigning for the NMYL’s national presidency. Kate rooted for him.
Julian won the elections, and eventually, Kate’s heart. The two officially started dating a week after the elections with Julian courting Kate with flowers, letters, dates and romance. His persistence and determination clinched it.
“I made sure that I was there for her and I made every effort to be with her whenever time permitted. The courtship wasn’t easy and there were a number of challenges. However, I felt that I was doing things effortlessly. I believe that in life, if you’re really serious about someone or something, everything feels light and easy no matter how difficult it looks from another perspective. I guess I made her feel how serious I was,” Julian, the son of former Senator Nikki Coseteng, recalls.
Kate gave her yes to Julian right in the water when they both took their staff to a joint summer outing in Zambales. The other yes came amidst a romantic ambience along Roxas Boulevard. With a string quartet playing during dinner at the rooftop of the Bayview International Towers, Julian got down on one knee and slipped an engagement ring on Kate’s finger.
“Then we danced. It was nice, if I could say so myself. She was speechless for hours,” Julian shares.
“I was quiet for 6 hours,” Kate admits. After several months, Julian and Kate tied the knot at Sanctuario de San Antonio in Manila or San Agustin Church and have been married for five years already. Julian calls their marriage “a wonderful, exciting journey that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.”
Julian and Kate are both very busy persons. Kate, the majority floor leader of the city council of Valenzuela, barely has time for coffee in the morning and she usually brings the kids with her to work. But, the two make sure they spend quality time as a couple, watching movies at home after work, going out on movie-dinner dates, strolling in the mall or travelling whenever they can afford it.
As with other marriages, it is not always a bed of roses. According to Julian, they have encountered the usual, normal problems that all married couples go through – communication, finances, careers, adjustment to personalities and behavior, among other things. Kate says that they would often have arguments that they try to resolve before sleeping.
“But thankfully, we can say that we have adjusted and overcome a lot to make things work,” Julian shares.
Both Julian and Kate say that it’s not a “what” that keeps their marriage strong, but a “who.” They believe that with God in the center of their marriage, challenges are easier to overcome.
“We can’t claim to be perfect spouses in a perfect marriage. But we can claim the wisdom and the grace of a perfect God to guide us,” explains Julian.
As a wife, Kate loves cooking and taking care of her baby boys. She likes that Julian is very sensitive, loving, and patient with her. Julian’s favorite part of being a husband is “knowing that I am sharing a life and a home with someone who inspires me to do the best I can for my family.” He says he will never want to change Kate’s strong personality, because it tempers him.
Given a chance, Kate dreams of travelling around the world for one straight year without thinking of work. Julian dreams of giving that to Kate. But, right now, they are still needed here – by their family, their constituents, and their friends who are all blessed to be part of this beautiful couple’s lives. #
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Ambassadress of Goodwill, Angelica Jones
By Robbie Pangilinan
It is an understatement to say that Board Member of the 3rd District of Laguna, Angelica Jones Alarva, is busy. Truth is, with her many commitments, engagements and responsibilities, she barely has time to breathe.
Take for example, her October activities. Angelica had her hands full being the Regional President of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) – Calabarzon, Regional P.R.O. of the Board Members’ League of Calabarzon, and of course, a Board Member.
Pushing her priority program “Matatag na Pamilya Movement” with the slogan “Bawat Pamilya Mahalaga,” the 28-year-old actress turned politician organized an Open Forum that tackled health care, Anti-Violence against Women and Children, and Vigilant Advocacy of Women’s Rights and Security. The program was supported by DSWD, BNS, BHW, DILG, Senior Citizens and Women of Laguna with Mayor Baby Berries and Senator Pia Cayetano. The event, held at the Brgy. Kanluran Calauan covered court, featured a showing of the short film “Ang Ina.”
Angel also held the “Trabaho Para Sa Mga Kabataan” at the Nagcarlan Gym in cooperation with Hoya Glass Disk Phillipines and with the support of Gov. ER Ejercito, NMYL members and Mayor Nelson Osuna. This is still in line with “Bawat Pamilya Mahalaga.”
With Anlene Milk, BM Angelica sponsored a free bone scan mission for the residents of Liliw, Laguna in cooperation with NMYL Regional Representative Councilor Kristine Villanueva.
“This is part of my advocacy to promote the welfare of my constituents and instill in them awareness about their health. I will pursue this project in the other towns of Laguna as well,” Angelica said.
The Chairwoman of Women’s, Family, Social Welfare and Community Development of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Laguna also organized a free gynecological disorders consultation for the Kababaihang Lingkod Bayan ng Liliw.
BM Alarva proposed a draft ordinance expanding the witness protection and recovery program of bereaved families of murder and rape victims.
“I understand how families feel about the sudden and tragic loss of a family member. Aside from the grief the family members experience, the family is faced with possible threats and inconveniences. As a public servant, I believe the government should form a task force that will take care of the bereaved family in the said moments of sorrow and threats,” she shared.
Also concerned about the safety of her fellow Laguna residents, Angelica passed a resolution for the installation of a Traffic Light in the intersection of Bay, Calauan and highway going to Victoria/Pila. The intersection, situated in the High Speed Highway along the Los Baños -Sta. Cruz route, has seen numerous vehicular accidents.
She also received a favorable response from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for an ambulance request to Senator Manny Villar. BM Alarva says that the request and other documentary requirements are already being processed at the Clinics Division of the PCSO.
Another ordinance she passed was a proposal to implement year-round disaster relief operations.
Angelica said, “Due to the series of calamities over the years, I believe that prevention is always better than cure. So I proposed that even in the absence of calamities, a continuous relief operations be made by the government so it could timely address all emergencies, disasters and calamities.”
The active Regional President of NMYL-Calabarzon organized the “Cards for a Cause Charity Poker Tournament” on October 21 at Casino Filipino, Tagaytay. NMYL members from NCR, Calabarzon, Region 4B, Albay, Pangasinan , Bataan and other provinces attended the event. The funds generated will be devoted to scholarship grants that Angelica intends to pursue. For this project, Angelica has the following to thank: the National Officers of NMYL, National President Doray Delarmente, Gov.Toto Mangudadatu, Gov.Alfonso Umali, Gov.Jonvic Remulla , Vice Gov. Mark Leviste , Vice Gov. Bonz Dolor, Vice Gov.Sevellano, Mayor Arlene Arcillas and Senator Allan Peter Cayetano.
She also led the Tree Planting of NMYL at Tayak Hills, Rizal, with Councilor Jun Astoveza and NMYL officers and members.
Angelica, an adopted daughter of Sultan Kiram and Ambassadress of Goodwill of the Sultanate of Borneo Kingdom, participated in the forum of the Philippines’ claim over Sabah last October 15 at the University of Makati. The forum was attended by Senator Nene Pimentel, Sultan Kiram himself, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, and Malaysian Ambassador Ibrahim. Several Muslim brothers and constitutional experts from different law schools were also present in the forum.
BM AJ organized the Forum of Cooperatives for Region 4A and B with the support of Gov. Ejercito. All the officers of cooperatives in Laguna took their oath at Angel’s office, being the Chairwoman of Livelihood and Cooperatives. She attended and supported the Cooperatives’ Month of Laguna, a priority project of Gov. Ejercito.
Groups in Laguna, wanting to be inspired by their workaholic Board Member, invite Angelica to various events and activities. She was a guest speaker of “Babae Mahalaga Ka! Palawakin ang Kakayahan Tungo sa Kaunlaran” who talked about women’s rights with Cong. Liza Maza and Cong. Emma De Jesus of Gabriela. She joined Alay lakad 2011 in Batangas City with Gov. Vilma Santos, Vice Gov. Mark Leviste, Mr. Ronnie Ricketts, PBMLP, NMYL and Cong. Manny Pacquiao.
She supported the National Milo Marathon in San Pablo City, told a story for the children at SM San Pablo during the awarding of SM San Pablo’s Red Cross, supported the awarding of Red Cross Laguna’s Blood Donors’ Month, visited Gov. Ejercito’s “Techno Kabuhayan” Livelihood Program at Cabuyao Jail, supported the anniversary of the Riders of Laguna and the second anniversary of Formula (Bantay Bayan, Primo, Guardians and Riders) of San Pablo City, as well as the Maskom Society of the San Pablo City Colleges.
Even Angelica’s nights are full with fiestas around the different barangays of her district. She always makes people happy as she brings along her celebrity friends to grace these events.
All these while still pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Makati after graduating from UP (New Local Legislator Public Administration course) and Asian Institute of Management (Strategic Management for Young Legislators).
BM Angelica’s efforts were not in vain. She has been given several awards for her hard work and good governnance. President Noynoy gave the Good Governance Award to provinces and politicians, including Angelica. She received the Women of Leadership 2011 Award from Global Awards, the Outstanding Public Servant Award from National Primo and PDEA, the Outstanding Board Member of 2010 from PCSO and Lingkod Bayan, the Outstanding Board Member 2011 from Top Brands Awards and the Woman of the Month Award by PNP Calabarzon.
Angelica is quite busy, but she loves what she’s doing. At the end of the day, if her day ends, she just sits back and thinks of another day and another opportunity to serve her constituents. #
BOARD MEMBER IS AN ANGEL
By Robbie Pangilinan
Actress and endorser turned public servant Angelica Jones Alarva is a guardian angel. She guards everything she does, says and thinks in her personal, professional and public life. She guards her constituents in Laguna, looking after their welfare, ensuring their development and assuring their future.
The 28-year-old Board Member of the Third District of Laguna keeps her full guard on the families residing in her area of responsibility. She does not want them to just exist in her district, but to live quality lives as she pushes forward her “Matatag na Pamilya Movement” with the slogan “Bawat Pamilya Mahalaga.”
The young politician also advocates good governance with full sincerity and honesty. BM Alarva is busy with her obligations as elected president of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) Region 4-A Calabarzon, Regional PRO of the Board Members’ League as well as its Ambassadress of Goodwill and Ambassadress of Health and Nutrition. She chairs the committees on Women, Family, Social Welfare and Community Development, Livelihood and Cooperatives of San Pablo, Laguna.
The selfless leader’s life revolves around her fellow Laguna residents. Her calendar is full with invitations to become guest speaker, guest of honor, and judge at various occasions, fiestas and celebrations around Laguna. She spends her day either at the office planning her programs, around the province checking her constituents’ condition and needs, or elsewhere attending meetings, conducting medical missions and outreach programs, and receiving awards for her dedication and service.
Recently, Angelica received the “Outstanding Woman of the Month” award from the Police Regional Office-4-A at Camp Vicente in Calamba City in acknowledgement of her support to women. She put up several job fairs billed as “Trabahong Pangkababaihan Sagot sa Kahirapan” for Women’s Month, and continued her support for the Pro-Life movement by saying no to the RH Bill. A devout Catholic, Angelica echoes the church’s belief, “Women Deserve Better Than Abortion.”
Angelica even celebrates her birthday with Laguna’s less fortunate. She says, “I promised to God that I will share my blessings with others.” In fact, her favorite part of being a politician are the moments she spends with the poorest of the poor, eating with them, talking to them and trying to provide their needs.
Serving comes naturally to this Angel who dreamt of helping the disabled, the rape victims, the Senior Citizens, and the street children even as a child. Though she has faced many intrigues and issues in her stint as Board Member, including an oral defamation suit against Illac Diaz for anomalies concerning her Bottled School project and complaints filed against her by her former personal assistant and driver, Angelica still thinks positively.
“Showbiz and politics are similar in the sense that I am always subject to intrigues and criticism. I cannot please everybody, but I am very happy to just serve my constituents,” Angelica shares. She continues to accept projects in the entertainment industry because she needs the income. She says that when she has extra money, she shares it with her constituents as she is not the kind of public servant who uses government funds for personal benefit.
Angelica was a TV commercial model and print ad model when she was young. At 13 years old, watching the famed That’s Entertainment in Broadway Centrum, a talent coordinator approached her and said, “You can be an actress because you are beautiful and you got charms.” Flattered, the teenager looked in the mirror and decided she will join showbusiness. With the help of industry’s veteran Kuya Germs Moreno, Angelica became a member of That’s Entertainment Monday Group in 1995.
Trials and tests came her way. Fire ravaged her home and she lost almost everything she had. Showbiz intrigues caused her and her family a lot of pain. She almost left the industry.
“But when I thought of all the experiences I had and how far I have come, I realized I should not give in because nothing is unbearable and there will always be helping hands,” Angelica says. Through it all, Angelica does not have regrets.
“Naniniwala ako na lahat ng nangyayayri sa buhay ko is instrumental in making me a stronger woman,” she shares. Her faith in the Lord keeps her going.
Despite her busy schedule, Angelica finds time to keep fit, healthy and beautiful. At least once a week, she hits the gym and does boxing and Muay Thai. She eats lots of fruits and vegetables. She visits trusted beauty doctor to the stars Dr. Manny Calayan twice a month for hydroxy facial with gold mask. She tries to sleep eight hours and drinks eight glasses of water every day.
After studying in the University of the Philippines, Angelica is now taking courses at the Asian Institute of Management. She is also finishing her Public Administration master’s degree at the University of Makati and likes to pursue further studies abroad.
In the future, Angelica would like to travel to Europe, and pray inside the Vatican. The beautiful leader has many admirers and suitors, and she admits she has a special someone right now. A fellow politician is courting her but they are still at the getting to know you stage.
“If ever I have a boyfriend this year or next year, I want him to be my last boyfriend and I will love him forever. Lahat binigay na sa akin ni Lord, isa na lang ang kulang – partner in life. Yes, I want to get married and have a family someday,”
For this endeavor, Angelica is wise in choosing the right man – one who will understand her work, one who fears God, one who will love not only her but also her family and constituents, a man who is responsible and who will take care of her forever.
In the meantime, Angelica focuses her energy and resources on being a public servant and guarding the welfare of her constituents – making sure they are living in good condition. After all, that what Guardian Angels are for. #
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Doctor Judge
By Robbie Pangilinan
Famous and trusted beauty doctor to the stars Manny Calayan is changing professions starting Monday. From being a doctor, he will now be a judge.
But no, Doc Manny will not appear on a trial court, hearing cases and making judicial decisions. He will be on ABSCBN’s noontime program Showtime as one of the judges or “hurado,” the select few given the power to make contestants win or lose.
The pioneer of Smartlipo and Vaserlipo in the Philippines, two revolutionary fat removal procedures that are safe alternatives to traditional liposuction, is “very excited” to be on the show with good friends Boy Abunda, Joel Cruz and arch-enemy (but only professionally) Vicki Belo.
Doc Manny has the right to be a judge of a talent contest, being talented himself in signing. He made it to the top list of Celebrity Duets’ Philippine Edition Season 1. Among the 8 contestants, he was the 5th eliminated. He sang duets with the country’s best singers: Rachel Alejandro, Faith Cuneta, Allan K., Keempee de Leon, K Brosas, Aicelle Santos, Jenine Desiderio, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Brenan Espartinez, and Karel Marquez.
The founder of Calayan Surgicentre will be in Showtime starting October 17 after the eviction of the show’s longest staying judge Ryan Bang.
Ryan was taken out of the show after the public or “madlang people” decided through text votes to evict him among the current judges that included Dimples Romana, Jhing Hilaro, Andrei Felix and Jeffrey Tam. He was in the show for 48 weeks. Vice Ganda, the show’s “unevictable judge,” cried buckets of tears when the Korean young star was voted out.
Expect the doctor turned judge to render a “sample” at the show. It’s showtime! #
Monday, September 26, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Loving the kontrabida
By Robbie Pangilinan
She is the woman you would envy, hate and love. Her face can launch a thousand ships, and her figure is to die for. Hers was not a path strewn with roses all the way, but Valerie Concepcion still managed to make her life’s journey beautiful and worthwhile.
Even being a single mom at the tender age of 16, Valerie found herself never regretting anything. Maybe it was a case of making bad decisions or picking the wrong choices, but Valerie stood up for it. She admitted she was madly in love then, and daughter Fiona is the fruit of that love. Val considers her teenage pregnancy a lesson to be kept in her heart.
“Since maaga ako nabuntis at naging breadwinner ng family, nag-mature ako ng mas maaga. Siguro kaya ako naging responsible at hardworking na tao, dahil sa experience na ‘yun,” the lovely actress says.
Lately, Valerie has been busy playing the kontrabida role of Miranda Ramirez in the hit teleserye 100 Days. So far, she is enjoying being the witch and the bitch in the program.
“Being a kontrabida makes me excited. I like the kontrabida role,” she shares.
Valerie is doing the movie Asiong Salonga with Governor ER Ejercito and Director Tikoy Aguiluz. On the side, she takes care of a water refilling station and a laundry shop, as well as a franchise of a nail salon. She spends most of her free time with 6-year-old Heather Fiona who got her eyes. Valerie teaches her daughter to always respect everyone and show signs of affection like hugging. Fiona entering showbiz is a debatable issue.
“Depende. I want Fiona to finish her studies muna kasi ako I got pregnant at 16 tapos hindi na ako nakapagpatuloy ng pag-aaral kasi nga nag-artista na ako ng full time dahil breadwinner at single mom na nga po ako,” she relates. Valerie spent her first two years in high school at Ramon Magsaysay High School then studied at home in her third and fourth years.
Valerie’s heart is not empty. She has been in a relationship with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) star cager Dondon Hontiveros for three years now. In an earlier interview, Valerie said she is ready to settle down but that both she and Dondon are not in a hurry.
Valerie is Number 14 on FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World for 2011. Her whistlebait figure can be attributed to biking, badminton and boxing, though not regularly. Her flawless skin is being cared for by Dr. Manny Calayan. Valerie trusts Doc Manny because he makes her feel valued. She goes to the Calayan Surgicentre for Tenor Laser System, a technology that uses the industry’s best dual-mode Radio Frequency solution perfect for tightening and re-contouring skin, and gold facial, a unique treatment using gold cream and gold gel that contain 24-carat gold, Aloe Vera, wheat germ oil and sandalwood. The gold facial is primarily preferred for reducing file lines on the face and to prevent ageing.
Valerie is also open to surgical procedures to enhance her beauty. First off, she wants to have her double chin removed by Dr. Calayan.
Despite her busy schedule, Valerie finds time to relax at her Posh Nails franchise in Venice Piazza McKinley Hill at The Fort.
The Star Awards Best Female Variety Show Host for 2008 and 2009 admits that she has also figured in rumors and gossips, but none of those were true.
All that is behind her, as Valerie only wants nice and pleasant things to surround her now. With her fierce determination, love for life and passion for her craft, Valerie is sure to be surrounded by good vibes, abundant blessings and great opportunities for a long time. #
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Birthday Wish
By Robbie Pangilinan, Founder Sportsmanila.net
I’ll be 35 tomorrow. Before my birthday, I always get sentimental. Nights before the big day, which I sometimes plan to ignore but end up celebrating anyway, I am left in silence, with mixed feelings.
My birthday is always a reflective time for me, a chance to look back at the turning points in my life with a magnified feeling of gratitude for having been, in sequence, a beneficiary, a participant, an eyewitness and a storyteller of the enduring grandeur and transcendence of sports.
I was a skinny, sickly child. I had all the factory defects: migraines, scoliosis, asthma, flat feet. And my kindergarten teacher said I was also poor in school. Not a good start. But my Mom believed there was something in me that could be more. So she sat me down, and tutored me for a full year, until I picked my grades up on my own. There isn’t enough concrete and brick in the world to build a monument big enough to pay tribute to her.
Outside the classroom, I swam every day for two whole years, did painful calisthenics, then played any sport I could break a sweat in. Anything to be better. And as an unexpected side effect of flat feet, it was uncomfortable to stand around. So I ran. A lot.
At 9, I learned the game of basketball from an uncle, and fell in love with it. Of course, I realized that he also brought me along because he wanted to use my ball. But I didn’t mind.
I also became a student of boxing, because I found out my great grandfather, Donato Pangilinan, was a bantam weight champion. But I was just too skinny to indulge in it. Besides, there was already a lot of fisticuffs in basketball, anyway. I loved Ginebra . And Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are still my favorite NBA players. In our clubhouse in Filinvest, I used to imagine myself, like many kids did, that I was Rudy Distrito, with his layup in the winning basket in Game 7 of the Finals.
In my career in and out of sports, I’ve been in mortal danger at least twice, seen the worst in humanity, and been exposed to things that change one as a person, and not always in a good way. But that also made me stronger, and wiser, and a better man.
I have been privileged to witness greatness unfold, see extraordinary moments take place, and mark the ordinary becoming extraordinary. I have the best job in the world as PR manager, consultant, image builder, cook , waiter, massage therapist, responsible father, a contributor writer for lifestyle and sports, and a production assistant in church.
I have been to many places in and out of the country and have kept many memories from them. I fell in love with the Land of the Rising Sun when I lived there with my mom and sisters from 2001 to 2008. Another country I like is Morocco. I went there in 1999 with my best friend Victor Valbuena. 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.
The sports lover in me is definitely attracted to Las Vegas, Nevada— the Entertainment Capital of the World popular for its casinos and hotels. Another Nevada city I have visited is Reno, “The Biggest Little City in the World” also known for its casinos. I went to Dallas, Texas for the Pacquiao-Clotty coverage. I was awestruck, like many other boxing fans, by the magnificent $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium, the largest domed stadium in the world with a full 100,000 seating capacity.
San Francisco is another place I love. 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. 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. Of course, I also went around the places in our beautiful country. Nothing beats home sweet home.
There’s so much to be grateful for. Firstly, for my mother “Nene,” the greatest symbol of enduring love in my life. Thanks, Mom, for keeping me. I know it wasn’t easy. And to my Dad, Jovenal , for giving me a name and a family to be part of. In return, I’ve helped pass his name on to my own offspring.
My mentors – Uncle Anthony Pangilinan, Grand Uncle Manny V. Pangilinan, Pastor Joey Rafael, Pricilla Lopez, Eddie Alinea, my godfather in sports, and Senator Nikki Coseteng. My best friends Dr. Manny Calayan, Pia Macan, Reira Mallari, Rey Fortaleza, Alex Vidal, Maridol Bismark and Jay Lacnit, who are always there to support me. My text and chat buddy Jake Uichico, celebrity friends Amir Agassi, James Yap, Janet Jamora, Tessa Prieto - Valdes, Rufami and Mae Balbuena. Friends who are always around – Mother Isabel De Leon, Giana Maniego, Che Francisco, Isah Red, Tito Ricky Lo, Coach Norman Black, Michael Marley, Injap Sia, Henry Sy Jr. and Raymund Ang.
The beautiful people who make me look and feel good – Ms. Pin Antonio of Salon de Manila, Fem Mariano and Ryan George of F- Salon, Dra. Jean Marquez of the Skin Specialist Clinic. My basketball group, the PMC Pamplona Morning Club, colleagues in Sports Communicators Organization of the Philippines (SCOOOP) and PBA Press. My church – Alabang New Life Christian Fellowship and my New Life Cell group, as well as GFCF in Tokyo, Japan for being part of my family and for changing my life.
I also want to thank those who did not believe or agree with me, since that makes this a free country, where ideas are always welcome.
Thanks for sharing the ride. It’s always a celebration. #
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
AGASSI NEW LIFE
By Robbie Pangilinan
Carlos Agassi has a new love. No, not a girl, as he admits he has no
girlfriend at the moment, but is “lonely, so I hope she comes soon.”
He is spending time for himself—working out in his own gym, sometimes
training his friends, and just taking each day as it comes.
Last seen in the ABS-CBN vampire-werewolf series Imortal, Amir is now
busy doing a Viva Films and Star Cinema film titled Private Benjamin.
His six-pack abs and lean body are enough evidences that he is fit and
healthy, contrary to long-time rumors of failing health, dialysis, and
even a death hoax several years back.
Amir Carlos Damaso Vahidi Agassi is an actor, TV host, rap artist, and
model who is a health-buff non-smoker. He works out every day,
focusing on cardio and weights at eight hours apart. He follows a
3-day low carb and 1-day high carb diet mixed with high protein, in
six to ten meals daily.
The 31-year-old hunk also takes away stress by working out and playing
basketball with his brothers and friends. He says the secret to stay
fit is making a workout routine part of one’s life and changing the
routine once in a while to keep it fresh and exciting.
The 5’10”, 185-pound Amir looks as perfect as he can get, but still
strives for “inner and outer perfection both physically and
spiritually.” He believes that beauty is what is within that emanates
physically. To be a step closer to this perfection, Amir trusts beauty
doctor to the stars Dr. Manny Calayan, who, like him, puts a high
premium on perfection.
“I plan to try Thermo Fat so I can be more lenient and enjoy a million
calories,” Amir jokingly says. Seriously, Amir will undergo the
procedure anytime soon, under the watchful eye and skilled hands of
Doc Manny, the pioneer of Smartlipo and Vaserlipo in the Philippines,
two revolutionary fat removal procedures that are safe alternatives to
traditional liposuction.
Still, the hunk actor, who was launched as a member of ABS-CBN’s Star
Circle Batch 3 in 1993, would not change anything in himself because
he believes that imperfections make you who you are. Back full time in
showbusiness, Amir would love to rap and dance again, and probably
reunite with The Hunks.
Off camera, the simple, God-fearing and down-to-earth Amir
contemplates on having his own restaurant and a fitness show. Someday
he would love to visit Europe.
But, right now, Amir is staying where he is. And we will see more of
him in the coming days. #
Side A trusts the Skin Specialist
by Robbie Pangilinan
When it comes to skin care, Joey Generoso of Side A, the Filipino band
said to be unsurpassable in popularity, trusts no other than The Skin
Specialist.
The crooner who has captured the hearts of audience of all ages has
put his whole trust on Dr. Jean Marquez, founder and owner of The Skin
Specialist Clinic and her Ulthera lifting and firming procedure.
Ultherapy is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure for the face and neck
that uses ultrasound to specifically target the foundational layer of
facial tissue that doctors address in surgery. The use of ultrasound
also enables the doctor to actually see the layers of skin being
treated, allowing the energy to be delivered precisely to where it
will be most productive.
Dr. Jean, who has been practicing Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology
since 1999, says that Ulthera is one of the most requested procedures
of her patients 40 years old and up, both male and female.
“Droopy eyebrows and sagging skin happens during this age. And this is
what Joey needs. Celebrities like him can age fast because they work
late, they put on heavy make up, and they’re always under intense
lighting,” Dr. Jean explains.
“Collagen is a natural protein that gives skin its youthfulness by
keeping it firmed and toned. As we age, collagen loses its strength
and its ability to stand up to the effects of gravity that pull the
skin downward. Ultherapy jumpstarts a repair process that strengthens
your existing collagen and produces fresh, new collagen,” the doctor
continues.
Dr. Jean, one of the main hosts of the show Pinoy MD at GMA 7, shares
that Hollywood celebrities prefer Ulthera because it has no downtime
unlike surgery. Patients can go back to work immediately after the
procedure. The result is instant and continues to improve within three
months. It is a one-time procedure and results can last until two
years. This procedure can hit the deeper layers of skin to get that
long lasting lifting effect.
The only side effects of the procedure is slight redness for a few
hours following the treatment, slight swelling, tingling or tenderness
to touch for a few weeks, but these are typically mild and temporary.
The majority of patients only need one treatment, but annual touch-up
treatments can help slow down the rate of skin aging.
Good candidates for Ulthera are those who want some lifting to look
more refreshed and toned but are not ready for surgery, younger people
who want to “stay ahead of the game,” and those looking to prolong the
effect of surgery.
For a performer like Joey G, it is important to look good.
“With my line of work, people look at me every time. If I look good, I
also feel good. It boosts my self-esteem and upgrades my confidence,”
says Joey, who is only open to non-surgical, non-evasive treatment
procedures.
It has only been a month and Dr. Jean has already seen in Joey a
remarkable lifting of jowls, smaller face and lifted eyebrows. The
resident dermatologist in the GMA show Unang Hirit says she cannot
wait to see the maximum results after three months.
Joey got to know Dr. Jean and her clinic through one of the members of
her staff. Since then, Joey, his wife and daughter have been regular
clients. For the Generosos, Dr. Jean’s credibility is unparalleled.
“I can see the mastery of her work. She recommends only the essential
treatments. She is also concerned about her clients. They actually
treat me not only as a client, but also part of the family. Dr. Jean
is a hands-on doctor. They always text or call us after the treatment
if we have any concerns or comments. She cares for her clients. You
can feel their warmth as soon as you step into their clinic,” shares
the distinct voice that gives Side A its unique sound.
The Skin Specialist Clinic, located at the ground floor of ESNA
Building, Timog Ave., Quezon City, offers a wide range of services
such as facials, anti-aging, skin lightening, laser treatments for
scars and birthmarks or other skin problem, slimming program, face
firming and lifting procedure among others. The clinic uses advanced,
effective and safe treatments, as well as cutting-edge and state of
the art technology and non- invasive techniques.
Joey G of Side A chose none other than the best—The Skin Specialist.
And his choice is perfect. #
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
The Senator is “In”
By Robbie Pangilinan
Former senator turned school owner and administrator Nikki Coseteng is always “in,” that is, she is always available when needed. But being “in” can mean another way for the two-term senator, because she is “in” when it comes to dressing up, accessorizing, and displaying her fashion sense.
Classic and adventurous, traditional and innovative, edgy and toned down. Nikki’s fashion style is all of these. She is open to new trends and does not limit herself to what she is used to wear. She likes sticking to the classics because she realized that the classic clothes she bought 20 years ago are still “in” and even of much better quality than many pieces around today.
Having gone through several fashion eras, Nikki says that each one has its own “best of the times”. “I’m happy when fashion is loose more than when it’s “tight fitting,” she says. Her own fashion sense, she admits, has not changed much over the years, except that her wardrobe now is more “age appropriate.”
The youthful lady legislator likes today’s fashion because, “It doesn’t have too many rules. Not stiff. Today’s fashion is very wearable! Catwalk stuff can easily be adjusted to street wear,” Nikki, who does not have a fashion icon, shares.
The still beautiful Nikki is always at her best, be it at work where she wears two-piece outfits in comfortable and natural fabrics like cotton, linen and silk, or in a formal gathering where she dons elegant pieces in hand-made fabrics like abaca and piña.
“I like traditional textiles, especially those that are hand-woven by women from all over the world—Mindanao, the Cordilleras, Indonesia, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea, India, China, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and even Nigeria!” the classic Nikki says. When on a night out, she can be seen in long wrap skirts, Japanese traditional jackets, and kaftans (Moroccan dress that can be casual to formal depending on the materials used; traditionally worn at dinner parties, baby showers, engagement parties and weddings). She also adores pieces from The House of MaxMara, a luxury Italian fashion house known for its ready-to-wear clothing and British India, an Asian clothing brand with timeless designs, natural fabrics suited to the tropical climate and superior quality.
The administrator of Diliman Preparatory School, who admits to being a perfectionist, says she can wear the same fabrics many times and still look different each time. The secret, she reveals, is in the accessories.
“What’s important also are the jewelry, bags, shoes, scarves,” she beams, exclaiming that Filipinas should wear hats. “I love hats! But it’s weird if am the only one wearing them. They make women look glamorous and regal,” she continues.
For accessories, Hans Brumann is on top of Nikki’s list. Brumann is a critically acclaimed master jeweller known for his handcrafted pieces. He is is one of the country's trusted jewellers whose reputation is based on quality of service and superb design. He designs most of the jewelry himself, specializing in diamonds, platinum, south sea pearls, mother of pearl, rare colored stones, and silver. Nikki finds the designs very creative and tastefully put together. “Excellent craftsmanship! And even a bit pricy,” Nikki shares.
Nikki likes creating her own jewelry, using silver, gold or metal components, old glass beads, and art deco stuff. Sometimes, she even uses feathers, animal bones and horns, clay beads, shells, stones, and whatever will make a piece interesting. She has talented women who string and design as well.
She meticulously picks her bags, mostly made of leather, suede and abaca. Though she admits that sometimes, she regrets buying beautiful bags of genuine leather. She says they are exquisite, but can become too heavy when stuffed with her things. Her favorite shoe brand is Ferragamo because she finds it classic, comfortable, available in wide sizes and different colors.
It sounds complicated, but surprisingly, the senator can put together an attire in less than 5 minutes! Maybe because she has mastered the art of dressing up during her many years in public service, or because she has memorized all the pieces in her wardrobe, or because she knows by heart how she wants to look.
“No one helps me in choosing my attire. Nobody can tell me how I should look. Because I dress for myself primarily, I should be the best judge of what is best for me” she says. #
Monday, April 11, 2011
Pin Antonio, in heat
By Robbie Pangilinan
The Stylist of the Stars is in heat for the summer season. Pin Antonio, Creative Director of the family-owned Salon de Manila, is very particular about hair care during the hot summer months. She has taken it upon herself to be an educator, imparting knowledge about hair, not out of vanity but because of hygiene.
“Hair easily gets sticky and brittle from the sun and the wind. I want to help people take care of their hair at this time of the year through our summer collection,” the Mistress of Style says.
Another artist who is just like Pin in being adventurous is Yeng Constantino, Pinoy Dream Academy’s Grand Star Dreamer. It may not be obvious, but they have many things in common.
“Like me, Yeng is not afraid to try new things,” Pin points out. “Yeng is open to new shapes, to change. She’s not afraid to try.”
Yeng is a young rockstar who can vary her look. Pin is a famous hair trendsetter known for her very modern and chic hairdos. Both of them like sporting hairstyles that display their personalities. So Pin comes up with broken edges and Yeng is more than willing to try them out. For Pin and Yeng, sky is the limit. So Pin tapped Yeng, along with Sam Milby, to endorse Salon de Manila.
The famous salon of the celebrities reflects its owner’s personality. Clients step out of Salon de Manila looking different from the rest.
“I find the Maria Clara look – the one with the long hair with lots of curls – common and regular,” states Pin. Hair for the master stylist is not just something you wear like a hat or a curtain that falls all the way to your waist.
“I have nothing against people who wear long, curly hair look for months on end. As long as you take care of it and enjoy your hairstyle,” she notes.
Pin says that trusting your hairstylist is the key to having great hair.
“If you want me to style just one inch of your hair, then you don’t need me at all. You must trust me completely,” Pin says, “like how Judy Ann Santos, Angelina Jolie and Meg Ryan trusted their hairstylists and ended up looking smashing in their new do’s.
“I like Meg’s style because mine is also like that. Her hair has brick cutting. Magulo,” explains Pin. She believes artists should be willing to experiment with their hairstyles because their fans look up to them, many even copy their idol’s look down to the smallest detail.
That is why Pin wants to educate the celebrities and the young ones about hair care.
“First of all, love your hair. This may sound obvious but is often taken for granted by many. Maintain your hair with love and consistency,” Pin gives this advice. “Going out of your house with wet hair is a no-no. Wet hair absorbs all the dirt around you,” Pin warns.
It’s not called crowning glory for nothing. “Healthy and wonderfully styled and cut hair gives you an image overhaul. A good hairstyle can change your look completely. It can chop off years from your face and make you look younger. Hair is part of the wardrobe,” Pin shares.
That’s Pin Antonio: adventurous, different, but above all, conscious about how people look and take care of themselves, especially their hair. #
Friday, March 11, 2011
The Doctor’s Boy
By Robbie Pangilinan
The Philippines’ “King of Talk.” A known publicist. Famous host. Most
sought-after talent manager. Public relations expert. A professor.
Boy Abunda is all these. And a whole lot more. He is a friend, a son,
a lover, an enemy. A dreamer, a daredevil, a workaholic, a careless
and carefree soul. He is also “the doctor’s boy.”
The “poor boy” from the town of Borongan, Eastern Samar is always
heard thanking Dr. Manny Calayan, founder of the Calayan Surgicentre
Corporation and renowned beauty doctor to the stars. Boy Abunda is
indeed Dr. Calayan’s boy, a loyal client who trusts Calayan, because,
in his own words, “Calayan is trustworthy.”
Boy begins his day at 12 noon. For him, breakfast is lunch, dinner is
merienda, and midnight snack is dinner. Despite his tight schedule, he
manages to squeeze in his regular brisk walking around UP, and of
course, his Tenor and Gold Facial Treatments at Calayan Surgicentre.
The Tenor Treatment is a non-surgical facelift that uses radio waves
to transfer heat energy to the deep tissue in the skin. The skin
becomes tighter, firmer and toned because the heat boosts collagen
levels. The Tenor Facial lifts the skin smoothly and subtly, and is
perfect for reducing eye bags, wrinkles and dark circles.
The Gold Facial Treatment, on the other hand, is for skin tightening
and pigmentation. It is also an anti-aging treatment. As its name
suggests, the main ingredient of the procedure is 24-carat gold, one
of the softest metals easily absorbed by the skin. It reduces fine
lines, facilitates the removal of toxins and wastes, improves blood
circulation to bring a glow to the face, enhances skin elasticity,
accelerates cell renewal and reverses oxidation damage.
Undergoing these treatments does not mean that Boy wants to turn back
time. In his profession, millions of viewers see his face everyday. He
just wants to appear fresher on screen. He also does not go for
surgical procedures. With a laugh he says he does not mind having more
hair.
In addition to the facial treatments, Boy always prays and thinks
positively. For him, beauty is believing.
“Claim beauty like you were born with it. You have to own it. No one
defines it for you,” says one of the most powerful figures in
Philippine entertainment. He also reveals his other secrets: smiling,
drinking a lot of water, and breathing deeply.
The hardworking Boy does the best he can both as a professional and
as a person because he is a staunch believer that credibility is
beauty. Every waking minute for him is full of work, laughter, prayer
and love. He works every day like it was the last, never settling for
mediocrity or doing things halfheartedly.
Always unafraid, Boy wants to explore and conquer the unknown. He
admits he will go “wherever the wind takes me.” If he is not in
showbiz, he would be “in Imperial Samar dancing with the waves.”
An outstanding teacher awardee of the Philippine Women’s University
where he is a part-time professor teaching Radio and Television, Boy
says that Boy A on the spotlight is Boy A behind the cameras. An
honest-to-goodness real person who learns from his mistakes, is open
to other opinions, gets back up after a fall, and believes that life
is about making it from one moment to the next.
Asked how he uses his talents for the good of other people, the
Doctor’s Boy says, “I give. I share. I teach. I learn. I listen.”
That’s where his true beauty lies. #
“Doctor Beauty”
By Robbie Pangilinan
In a female-dominated field, a man stands out from the rest. Not because of his gender, but because of his expertise, dedication to his profession and commitment to his clients.
Dr. Manny Calayan, founder of the Calayan Surgicentre Corporation and renowned beauty doctor to the stars, hails from a family of doctors and literally grew up in the hospital. Despite being a man, Dr. Calayan chose to go into cosmetic surgery because he truly wanted to make people become more beautiful and boost their self-esteem.
A more practical reason was because dermatology is an elective medicine, meaning there are no emergency cases which in turn means more time for himself and his family.
Despite the difficulties he experienced while studying, including getting married during his second year in medicine proper and his wife’s inevitable pregnancy, Dr. Manny put his mind and heart into becoming a cosmetic surgeon and survived by stretching his resources.
Today, Calayan is a trusted name in dermatology and cosmetic surgery. Dr. Manny and wife Dr. Pie’s clinics in the country are doing very well because of their world-class excellent treatments. Their branch in Beverly Hills and West Hollywood are prospering as well. Plans for opening branches in other parts of the world are under way. Together, the couple introduced to the country the Epilyt Hair Removal System, Hydroxylift, 24K gold facial, Tenor laser, non-laser hair removal, and Pixel Laser, among Calayan’s wide range of surgical and non-surgical dermatological services.
Contrary to popular belief, there are more male dermatologists than females. Dermatology has only had an increase in the number of women practitioners in the last few years. But, clients nowadays choose female dermatologists over males.
This is not the case with Dr. Calayan, who is probably the most-sought after male cosmetic surgeon in the country. Dr. Manny personally attends to the skin care needs of popular personalities from showbusiness, politics, media, among others. He says that his devotion to his profession, being truthful and down-to-earth, and patience and perseverance are his secrets to success.
Of course, Dr. Manny considers Dr. Pie his lucky charm. They have been through a lot together.
“We help each other in everything,” the proud husband says.
Dr. Manny, who never thought of having another career, finds fulfillment in having satisfied clients who recommend Calayan to their family and friends. He admits that their best advertising is word of mouth.
However, he admits that word of mouth can also ruin his career.
“I cannot escape intrigues. Rumors spread like fire. Sometimes I hear unethical issues about my job from my colleagues and it saddens me,” says the pioneer of Smartlipo and Vaserlipo in the Philippines, two revolutionary fat removal procedures that are safe alternatives to traditional liposuction.
A person who loves challenges, Dr. Manny is constantly upgrading Calayan’s services and offering his loyal clients the latest technology in the beauty industry. Recently, the company has ventured in an ISO-certified manufacturing plant that creates world-class beauty products that everyone can afford. #
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Calayan improves public relations
Calayan Surgicentre does not need any popularity campaign or public relations strategies, as its founders and owners Doctors Manny and Pie Calayan are already the trusted beauty doctors to the stars and because it has by now established itself as one of the most reputable cosmetic centers in the country.
Yet, in an effort to further improve its relationship to the media and connection to the public, Dr. Manny yesterday disclosed that he has added a new publicist to his PR team.
Robbie Pangilinan, a PR practitioner for more than a decade who has handled high-profile clients like Salon de Manila, former Senator Nikki Coseteng, Mang Inasal, and PBA cager Alex Crisano among others, is Calayan Surgicentre’s new publicist.
Pangilinan, the President of the Pinoy Sports Centennial Council (PSCC) and the founder of sportsmanila.net, handles the company’s print communication and marketing. Grace Andaya takes care of the cosmetic center’s celebrity endorsers while Vangie Kua handles the TV side.
Dr. Manny said that he personally handpicked Pangilinan and organized the new set-up to utilize the strengths of his publicists in order to improve Calayan’s public relations.
Pangilinan is also the Secretary-General of the Sports Communicators Organization of the Philippines (SCOOP) and He is a sports and lifestyle writer for the Philippine Star, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Malaya, PoliceFiles and XFiles.
Meanwhile, Calayan Surgicentre has recently ventured in an ISO-certified manufacturing plant that creates world-class but affordable beauty products. The new beauty product line was launched at the SMX Convention Center and will soon be out in the market nationwide and worldwide. #
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Smiling at the City of Smiles
By Robbie Pangilinan
Bacolod City, known as the City of Smiles, is truly a place of
happiness. I experienced this first-hand when I flew to Bacolod for an
invitation from Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., former Senator Nikki
Coseteng, Bacolod City Mayor, PSL Head Susan Papa and Jake Piccio to
witness the 2011 Governor’s Cup National Swimming Competition at the
Panaad Stadium on February 19 and 20.
Travelling with the former senator-turned-school administrator was an
enjoyable and meaningful one. A staunch sports advocate, especially of
swimming, Sen. Coseteng was the guest of honor at the national
competition which served as try-outs for those who cannot make it to
the Philippine Swimming League’s (PSL) national try-outs on February
27 at Coseteng’s school, Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) Swimming
Complex in Quezon City.
Bacolod is well-known for the famous Masskara Festival, celebrated
every October during the city’s foundation day. Huge, colorful and
smiling masks are everywhere and dancers in colourful costumes parade
in the streets amidst drum beats.
The Panaad sa Negros is “the mother of all festivals in Negros
Occidental” where all towns participate and native dishes and local
handicrafts are exhibited. If you want to see locals walking over live
coals, join the Kali-Kalihan Festival in November, a festival
celebrating ancient tribal beliefs. Other festivals include the
Bacoloadiat Festival during the Chinese New Year, the Babaylan
Festival showcasing the history of Negros, the Pasasalamat Festival
which is a thanksgiving feast for abundant harvest, the Pinta Flores
Festival where dancers covered with flowers or tattoos dance in the
streets, the Sinigayan Festival which is a thanksgiving fiesta in
honor of St. Joseph, and the Ugyonan or Snake Festival that celebrates
bayanihan.
Besides these colorful festivals that reflect Bacolod’s rich culture,
the city has a lot more to offer: amazing beaches, delicious food, and
historical landmarks.
Bacolod’s beautiful beaches include Antulang Beach, Isla Puti, La
Vista Del Mar, Llacaon Island,Punta Ballo Beach, Sipalay Beach,
Sipaway Island, and Tambobo Beach. For those who are not fond of
beaches but still want to get wet, the Mambukal Mountain Resort has
natural hot springs in a very high altitude, making one relax in the
hot water amidst a cool atmosphere.
Diving enthusiasts are sure to have a blast at some of the country’s
best dive sites found around or near Bacolod City. Other nature trip
activities around Bacolod include trekking the Patag Valley and
climbing Mt. Kanlaon. The Patag valley is said to be the ultimate
trekker’s delight while Mt. Kanlaon is one of the highest peaks in the
country with beautiful flora and fauna. The Mt. Kanlaon National Park
has trails going up the mountain, the shortest of which is the
eight-kilometer Masulog trail. It is also worthwhile to visit Salas
Park to get a view of the whole city while relaxing under the trees.
Because Negros has very rich natural resources, The Negros Forest and
Ecological Foundation teach visitors how to preserve and take care of
nature’s gifts. This site has exotic and endangered animals in a
mini-forest.
Bacolod food is definitely one of the best in the country. Fresh
lumpia, inasal, piyaya, batchoy, and pinasugbo are the city’s
delicacies.
Accommodation is never a problem as Bacolod City has fine hotels,
resorts and restaurants that will make you feel at home. Of course,
the people of Bacolod are known for their hospitality and warmth.
For a bit of history, be sure to visit Negros Museum, which takes you
back to the olden days, the Palacio Episcopal, Fort San Juan, The
Carmelite Monastery, the San Sebastian Cathedral, the Theodore Vinther
Monument, The Revolutionary Markers that mark historic battles by the
Katipuneros, the old Church of Talisay, and The Holifena Ancestral
Home, a renowned ancestral house known for its extensive art
collection.
Tourists also frequent the agro-industrial complex Victorias Milling
Co. as Bacolod is known as the sugarland. The Balay Negrense tour is a
must-experience as it lets you see Bacolod’s ancestral homes, old
churches and roads. Other places to visit are the Capitol Park and
Lagoon, Christmas Village, Centennial Belfry at the San Sebastian
Cathedral, and the Bacolod Public Plaza.
Sports activities here include target shooting, golf, tennis, and bowling.
The Negros Occidental Sports and Recreational Park hosts international
football games and has a stadium, an Olympic-sized swimming, and a
track oval. Super Bowling Lanesat the Goldenfield Commercial Complex
has modern bowling facilities while the Bacolod Golf and Country Club
as well as the Marapara Golf and Country Club has great golf courses.
The Panaad Park and Stadium, where the Governor’s Cup was held, is
also a must-see site.
For true Bacolod City shopping, visit the Association of Negros
Producers (ANP), the Bacolod Shellcraft and Artwares, the Far East
Bamboo Exports, the Lopues Malls, The Negros Showroom, the 888
Chinatown Square and local markets.
Truly, with all the places I visited and the good company I had while
in Bacolod, I was all smiles at the City of Smiles. #
Sunday, February 6, 2011
If There’s a Will
By Robbie Pangilinan
There is much more to Will Devaughn than the perfectly chiselled body and the absolute to-die for face. The hunk commercial model turned actor is a loving son, a wonderful brother, and a patient lover.
What William Devaughn Stumpf treasures most in his life is his family. He reveals he has never met any of his grandparents, uncles, aunts, or cousins. The family he dearly loves is composed of his mother and brother.
“It’s just me, my mom and my brother. And that’s all I need,” Will says.
Will’s mom is of German descent and his is from an African-American family. Will, his mom and his older brother Kevin stayed in Germany until Will was 5 years old.
The family then moved to the US and transferred from one state to another until before Will turned 20. His mom now lives in Radcliffe, Kentucky while Kevin lives in New York. Will’s stepfather, who somehow replaced his real father in Will’s life, is in Iraq where he works for the US government as head of security.
Will’s search for the father he never knew brought him to the country. He thought his search will end when he joined Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 in 2007 where he emerged the 4th Big Placer.
A true Filipino by heart, Will came to the Philippines to follow a dream and his heart. The Filipinos welcomed him warmly as he tried his luck in modelling. Lady luck smiled at this handsome young man and soon, Will was in television commercials and print advertisements everywhere.
Will has done hosting stints, movies and television series. He played the character of Patrick in Regal Entertainment’s trilogy film Desperadas. He has another movie in the works. In the small screen, Will was seen in a cameo role in Komiks Presents: Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko before he went inside the Big Brother House. He also played a supporting role in Love Spell: The Bet.
The Kapamilya Network gave Will his break when he played a main role as Monty in Precious Hearts Romances: The Bud Brothers which made afternoon TV viewers swoon over him. He also starred opposite Judy Ann Santos in the soap Habang May Buhay and again in Precious Hearts Romances: You’re Mine, Only Mine. He guested in Shall We Dance, Your Song Presents: Gimik 2010 and Magkaribal.
Mid-October last year, Will decided to take a great leap forward and signed a contract with the Kapuso Network. He was formally introduced at GMA’s Sunday noontime variety show Party Pilipinas and hosted the show Beauty Queen. He is Elvin in the Fantaserye Dwarfina.
Through it all, Will’s family has been behind him, supporting him all the way, even as it meant seeing him only once a year. What Will misses the most is snowball fighting with his brother in Germany.
Before Will entered showbusiness, he was a Medical Technician in Anaheim, California. Actually, Will wanted to get into the Air Force but did not make it because his vision was 1100, over exceeding the Air Force limit of 300. Yes, the piercing eyes that could melt anyone’s heart were once “legally blind” until three years ago when Will had LASIK surgery. He now has almost 20/20 vision.
Will holds a bachelor’s degree in Surgical Technology from Bryman College in California. If Will is not in showbiz, he is most likely to be working as a medical technologist or a pharmaceutical salesman. Because he came from the medical discipline, Will knows that being healthy is very important. His priority when not working is working out at the gym.
“I always mix up routines at the gym so that I don’t get bored easily. I make it a point to find a new workout program every now and then,” Will shares. He also likes playing basketball.
This gentleman looks up to Gary Valenciano and Ogie Alcasid and keeps in touch with his close friends from ABSCBN like Rafael Rosell, Jon Avila, and John James Uy. “We walk the same path but have different shoes on,” he says of his contemporaries.
The PBB Celebrity Edition 2’s “True Lover” admits he is not in any relationship at the moment, but that he would love to settle down in the future.
“Getting married and having kids has always been a dream of mine. It will happen, just not now,” he says.
“When I do get married and become a father, I want to be a good role model to both my wife and children. I want to be the kind of dad who my kids can talk to about anything. A father and a friend. Fairly strict but still the ‘cool’ dad,” Will adds.
Also a budding entrepreneur, Will is working on a business with a few friends that they hope to launch soon.
When asked what his dreams are, Will says, “I am living the dream.” #
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Around the Country and Around the World
By Robbie Pangilinan
St. Augustine once said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” In the past year, I may have “read” an entire chapter as I explored several places in the country as well as in others.
I started 2010 “on fire” in Punta Fuego which literally means “point of fire.” Punta Fuego is a high-end beach resort and residences in Batangas. The Peninsula de Punta Fuego is truly world-class. I enjoyed the Spanish-Mediterranean villas, the Beach Club, Marina, the golf course, and the Country Club. Of course, I frolicked in the white sand and clear waters of Terrazas de Punta Fuego, probably the best beach in Nasugbu. Batangas itself is a first class province and a popular tourist destination because of its beaches and dive sites. The Taal Volcano is another picture-perfect spot in Batangas.
The next month, February, I visited the original Mang Inasal in Iloilo. Together with owner Edgar “Injap” Sia II, I enjoyed Mang Inasal’s secret chicken recipe. Mang Inasal is the fastest growing quick serve restaurant in the country today, with more than 200 branches nationwide and aiming for 500 branches by 2012.
In March I found myself travelling to the Big D for the Pacquiao-Clottey fight. Dallas is the top leisure destination in Texas, a stylish, fashionable, luxurious, and prosperous city. Home of the Dallas Cowboys, the town’s pride is the Cowboys Stadium, a $1.2 billion state-of-the-art facility in Arlington where the Pacquiao fight was slated. Its largest and most expensive HD video board, where 40,000 to 100,000 spectators can get a good view of what they’re watching, is definitely a must-experience. I stayed in the humble Knights Inn Arlington, a 1.5-star hotel just 10 minutes away from the Cowboys Stadium. The Inn has recently remodeled so their rooms look new and very clean.
The staff was very helpful, offering advice on which restaurants have great food, how to get to places from the hotel, and the sites to see around Texas. The Indian owners personally greeted the guests and were very kind.
I was also breathless at the luxurious Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center, where Team Pacquiao and the People’s Champ were billeted.
The “most technologically sophisticated hotel in the Southwest,” Gaylord Texan has a nine-story glass atrium with 4.5 acres of indoor gardens with a flowing river.
Back at the Philippines to spend the Lenten season with the Pangilinan family, we all trooped to Pampanga for our traditional family “panata” and to witness devotees doing their “penitensiya.” The flagellation and crucifixion of devotees in Pampanga has attracted tourists from all over the world.
The flagellants believe that the bloody ritual will cleanse them from their sins. Pampanga is also known as the culinary capital of the Philippines, with famous dishes like sisig, tocino and longganisa, and exotic delicacies such as stuffed frogs, mole crickets sauted in vinegar and garlic, and lizard stew.
We then went to the nearby city of Olongapo for an awesome Subic adventure. The children enjoyed visiting Ocean Adventure, a world-class marine attraction. Ocean Adventure has marine life exhibits, the educational Dolphin Friends Show, Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show and Walk on the Wild Side Show, interaction with whales, dolphins and sea lions, a learning center, Ocean Discovery Aquarium, and a temporary refuge for injured or sick marine animals.
Zamboanga City is another Philippine tourist spot that I visited. I went with veteran sports commentators Chino Trinidad and Quinito Henson for Gerry Peñalosa’s fight in “Golpe Golpe na Zamboanga: The Last Hurrah” at the Zamboanga City Coliseum.
Peñalosa beat Thailand’s Yodsaenkeng Kietmangmee as the former two division world champion fought for his friend Z “The Dream” Gorres’ medical expenses. Gorres’ boxing career ended when he had brain injury in 2009 after his Las Vegas fight against Colombian Luis Melendez. There was more to see in Zamboanga, Mindanao’s economic center besides the fight that also featured Michael Fareñas against Korean Jung-Hoon Kim and Jimrex Jaca against another Korean, Jong-Yoon Choi.
Wikipedia describes Zambo as one of the primary hubs in the Philippines and the premier city in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region in terms of commerce, trade, health services, financial institutions and education.
Speaking of boxing, I was one of the official media representatives to the Pacquiao-Margarito fight again in Dallas, Texas.
This time I went with seasoned sports journalist Eddie Alinea for the fight coverage. I served as Eddie’s tour guide around Dallas as it was his first time to visit. We tried the different restaurants’ steaks and barbecues, as well as the American, Asian, Italian and Mexican cuisine.
Next destination was Bellingham, the largest city in Washington. It was a one-day nature trip as I went island hopping from Lummi Island and Portage Island to the Lummi Peninsula, amidst the snow. I found it remarkable that the residents here get their drinking water from Lake Whatcom.
Because Los Angeles is always at the itinerary of the pound-for-pound king, Eddie and I followed him to the City of Angels. We frequented the Wild Card Gym and had a memorable dining experience at a famous Chinese restaurant in West Covina. I also had the opportunity to have a little R & R at the Universal Studios, one of the oldest American movie studios still alive. Janet Jamora, twin sister of Jinkee Pacquiao accompanied me to watch the concert of my cousin Val Pangilinan Villar, who sings R&B and ballads at Gano with the 4828 band.
I likewise had the chance to stay at Calgary, Canada where I had bonding moments with the members of the Filipino community, including former Olympian Rey Fortaleza who now owns the Reyfort Media Group and is the chairman of the Filipino Canadian Cultural Heritage of British Columbia and Tatay Tom Avendano, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Multicultural Helping House Society. I also met one of my idols, singer Joey Albert. Because there are so many Filipinos here, Mayor Gregor Robertson of the City of Vancouver decided to hold a “Manny Pacquiao Day” for the pound-for-pound king.
Calgary is the largest city in the Province of Alberta, Canada. It is a beautiful city with rolling hills, and grasslands. Wikipedia said that Calgary is a destination for winter sports and ecotourism with a number of major mountain resorts near the city and metropolitan area.
I visited the breathtaking Rocky Mountains or the Rockies, a major mountain range in western North America. Someday, I told myself, I will climb Mount Elbert, the highest peak of the 3,000-mile range at 14,440 feet above sea level. For my visit, I contented myself hiking and fishing.
Lake Louise was another place I saw. It is a hamlet named after the nearby Lake Louise.
To cap off my year, I attended the People’s Champ birthday celebration at his hometown General Santos City with Eddie Alinea, Gerry Peñalosa and wife Goody. We had a feast of the city’s produce, especially its fresh fish and seafood topbilled by GenSan’s sashimi grade tuna.
The year 2010 was a great year. I am glad to have visited the places I mentioned and proud to include them in the “book of my life.” #
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)