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. #

HE DID IT

By Robbie Pangilinan

Nothing is impossible if you set your mind on it. This is the message of the upcoming album “I Did It” which features a mixture of hiphop, RnB, and reggae music. During these times of crises and uncertainty, there is no better message than one of hope and optimism—and the album brings just that.

“If you’re gonna dream, dream big,” says Sly Kane, the rap artist/producer behind the “I Did It” album. The album, his first solo, features the late King of Pinoy rap Francis Magalona, Gloc-9, and Mike Kasem, the son of legendary host Kasey Kasem of America’s Top 40. Also included in the album is the much talked about theme song of the Philippines ’ Youngest World Champion Marvin Sonsona, who used the song as his entrance hymn during his championship bout last September 2009 in Ontario, Canada.

Sly Kane has been in the music industry since 1997. Being a part of many rap groups, he has been featured on many rap albums, has appeared on TV shows, has been written about in magazines like Pulp, MTV Philippines and YES, and has even had cameo MTV appearances and cameo movie roles. Sly Kane has also been a radio broadcaster over 99.9 D Bomb FM and 105.9 FM.

Born in the Philippines but raised in Namibia, South West Africa by parents working for the United Nations, Sly Kane wants to convey the message that dreams do come true if you have the right recipe. “Mike Swift said it best: Ok lang mangarap dahil ito ay libre,” shares the young rapper who makes music for all to enjoy, regardless of age and stature in life.

MYX Awards’ 2008 and 2009 Best Director gathers inspiration from the stories of Lauryn Hill and Ludacris. “Wyclef of the Fugees said that Lauryn Hill would never make it as a solo artist and that she was nothing without the Fugees. She proved them wrong and produced her first and only solo effort which was a huge success. Ludacris was also another struggling artist who had his first record scrapped by all the major record labels who even said the material wasn’t good enough. He started his own label DTP and had platinum albums,” Sly Kane shares.

Mista Blaze gave him the moniker Virus Entertainment, as this upcoming album was almost cancelled due to viruses that plagued the records. “The entire project was totally deleted countless times!” exclaims RX 93.1’s Best New Artist in 2005 who dedicates his album to his mom and late Uncle Roland P. Dantes who is given homage in the album in the Arnis theme song that Sly co-wrote with Mista Blaze, Jonan Aguilar and Mike Swift.

Sly Kane, who is also a proud father of four children, says that his favorite part of being an artist is the ability to be uninhibited to express opinions and relay it in a song for the masses to hear. He does not have regrets in his life because for him, every wrong decision is in fact a correct decision taken at a wrong time. “Don’t regret, never stop, keep pushing forward. God created tomorrows for us to carve a new path. I am who I am today because I live without regrets,” he says with a spark of hope in his eyes—hope that he wants everybody to have, too. #

After the album launch on June 16 at Dolce, Sly Kane will travel to South West Africa, Norway and across Europe to bring his message of hope. But before that, Sly Kane conquers the Philippines with the biggest international hip hop battle in the country, Groove Philippines. Check him out at these venues: June 20 at SM Pampanga, July 3 at SM Lucena, July 10 at SM Cebu, July 11 at SM Iloilo, July 17 at SM Cagayan de Oro, July 24 at SM Davao and the National Finals on August 14 at SM Mall of Asia.

He will also have a mall tour for THE HEROES PROJECT of Mike Chan, Alex Crisano, Mike Swift, Mr. Blaze along with Nyoy Volante and The New System Dancers, and a project wid Mista Blaze/ Bojam Flipmusic.

A Treat for Dads

By Robbie Pangilinan

This year, commemorate Fathers’ Day in a unique and special way—by celebrating the love and care that our loving dads show not only to us, but even to our beloved pets as well.

On June 27, “Daddy’s Day: A Father’s Day Pet Event” celebrates both Fathers’ Day and Be Kind to Animals Week in a fun-filled event that aims to pamper both dads and pets. The event highlights include a dad pampering area and a dad and pet mini-Olympics. There will be a 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).

“We continue our tradition of bringing unique, relevant and highly-enjoyable events by presenting a fun and educational event for you and your pets, as well as giving a special treat for our dads on Fathers’ Day,” said Rossel Velasco-Taberna, Managing Director of the event organizer Outbox Media Production Agency.

Also 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 and pampering the dads on their special day, the event likewise features 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.

The special event will be held on June 27, 10m to 5pm at the One Esplanade, SM Central Business Park, Seaside corner Bay Boulevard, Pasay City. Major television programs like ABSCBN’s Umagang Kay Ganda and Matang Lawin, GMA’s Zooperstars, QTV’s Tropang Potchi, NBN’s Alamin Natin with Ka Gerry, One Morning and ETC 2nd Avenue, as well as radio partner DZMM 630 AM, will feature the event. Magazines and newspapers (Animal Scene, Pets Unlimited, Pet life section of The Philippine Star, Animal Scene of The Manila Bulletin, The Manila Times, Off Cam Magazine and Woman Today Magazine) and websites (mypetchannel.tv, parentin.tv, Philippine Pet Finder, Pinoy Pet Finder, Manila Times online and Tsinoy.com) will also cover the special occasion. #

Coseteng wants to overhaul educ system

by Robbie Pangilinan

Former Senator Nikki Coseteng believes that overhauling the educational system of the country is difficult, but doable.

The president of Diliman Preparatory School (DPS), one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country today, said that the Department of Education’s biggest and most urgent issues include implementation of relevant curriculum content to current themes in education and situation of students; adequacy of classrooms and sports facilities, science, math and computer laboratories; massive teacher training programs; and on-time full payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances.

The two-term senator said that the DepEd Secretary under the new Aquino administration needs to introduce drastic but realistic changes in the education sector. She said that the major problems of the education department are inadequate, inferior, and dilapidated classrooms, too many students per class, lack of books and extremely inferior quality of books. She advised the department to allocate the highest budget for quality books and teaching materials.

She also observed that students are not given opportunities to excel in music, arts and sports due to the faculty’s lack of expertise and the lack of materials and facilities. She believes that Physical Education (PE) should be introduced at the preschool level and not during grade school in order to produce better athletes that will bring honor to the country. DPS is known to be an institution that fully supports sports, with 100-percent tuition-free scholarships for outstanding student-athletes.
She challenged the new Secretary of Education to give to public school students the same curriculum content as that in private schools and to give teacher training programs that will bring down the number of students per class to a maximum of 45. Some schools today pack more than 70 students in a classroom. The ideal teacher-student ratio is 1:25.

Known to support early childhood education, Coseteng thinks that the DepEd should strengthen pre-school programs to enable children to read and do math by the age of three. Coseteng has brought to the country the Glenn Doman method that pioneered teaching babies to read and DPS uses his methods in its early childhood education program.

An advocate of innovative and progressive education, Coseteng recommends the introduction of astronomy and the creation of an educational platform for subjects in schools. At DPS, Coseteng has taken innovation to the next level with the launching of the DPS Astronomy Center which houses the Philippines’ first ever and only 7-meter diameter digital mobile planetarium. She spearheaded the Discover and Probe the Skies Foundation, Inc. in support for astronomy education and research in the country.

Coseteng said that an educational overhaul is needed. She knows this will be met by raised eyebrows, like what happened when she introduced innovations at DPS. Many frowned upon the changes, especially when it cost millions and millions of pesos. But Coseteng stood firm and transformed DPS into a globally competitive school.

Coseteng wants the whole educational system of the country to achieve what DPS has: creating a state-of-the-art learning environment through an educational program that is future-driven, innovative, holistic, transformative, interdisciplinary and value-laden. She believes that with determination, the incoming DepEd Secretary can also accomplish this. #

Crisano “chickens out”

by Robbie Pangilinan

In American English, to “chicken out” means to become scared and not want to do something. No, popular PBA cager Alex Crisano is not scared, nor is he hiding from something. Nowadays, he is just enjoying dining out feasting on chicken inasal, his favorite Ilonggo dish. And for him, the best chicken inasal is none other than Mang Inasal.

“What I like about Mang Inasal is the way they marinate the chicken,” says the 6’7” PBA star. Mang Inasal, the fastest growing quick serve restaurant in the country today, takes pride in its secret chicken recipe that comes all the way from Iloilo where Mang Inasal started severl years ago. Owner Edgar “Injap” Sia II, though part Chinese and Japanese, made sure that Mang Inasal serves food that are distinctly Filipino.
New York-born Alex is proud of his Filipino blood—particularly his Ilonggo heritage. And he is glad that Mang Inasal brought his favorite home food to almost any place in the metro. Mang Inasal now has more than 200 branches nationwide and aims to have 500 branches by 2012. It has captured the hearts of diners because of its delicious and affordable meals and of course, because it is truly Pinoy.
For Crisano, Mang Inasal deserves a 10. “To the bone,” he says. Every time he eats at Mang Inasal, he feels he is back in Iloilo, enjoying home style cooking. The tattooed Crisano can be seen doing “kinamot” (Ilonggo term meaning to eat using the hands) whenever he eats chicken inasal. But grilled chicken is not the only offering of Mang Inasal. They have sisig, bangus, and sinigang, and even Pinoy versions of spaghetti and burger. Their thirst-quenchers and pampalamig like sago’t gulaman, mais con hielo, saging melt, sorbetes and halo-halo are also must-trys.
Crisano, a father of three, would want his children to also eat at and enjoy Mang Inasal when they come to the country. The three are now in the US studying.

Besides offering delicious dishes to its diners, Mang Inasal is also proud to employ local suppliers of its main ingredients as well as other economic ventures and activities that gain benefit from having a Mang Inasal branch in the vicinity.

Alex Crisano believes in Mang Inasal’s tagline: “... laging mabilis, laging masarap, at laging abot-kaya” and is confident in admitting that he is indeed a “chicken”—a chicken inasal fanatic that is. #

Tessa Prieto-Valdes ‘retouches’ face

By Robbie Pangilinan

Socialite-philanthropist Tessa Prieto-Valdes retouches her lovely face via the Revalift of Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute. Tessa, whose age falls within the target of this advanced cosmetic technology, is also the new face of Contours.

Dr. Claudine Roura, owner of Contours and pioneer of the VASER® Lipo System in the Philippines, says 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. The procedure is non-surgical and is done every two weeks for five sessions. Yearly treatments are recommended for maintenance.

Tessa will feel immediate lifting and tightening of the skin after the procedure as it is effective in stimulating collagen formation and delaying the signs of aging. 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.

“Revalift uses the Anti-lax machine, with a face handpiece and a body handpiece. For the face, bipolar radiofrequency waves are used to contract existing old collagen fibers and infrared waves to deliver deep heat and stimulate new collagen formation. The body handpiece uses monopolar radiofrequency with a cool tip and intelligent temperature control. It delivers deep heat to melt fats and firm up the skin,” Dr. Roura further explains.

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.

The Revalift is seen to further highlight Contours’ reputation as an advanced face and body sculpting institute that develops more effective methods in skin care and aesthetics. Dr. Roura believes that the Revalift will soon be an integral part of skin care. #

Socialite undergoes facelift

By Robbie Pangilinan


She belongs to the creme de la creme, her lovely face always in magazines and the parties she throws or attends always in the lifestyle section of newspapers.


This socialite is a philanthropist at heart, more attuned to giving than receiving. She works tirelessly at various jobs, as a writer, an interior designer and an event host, where she can show off her sophisticated style and extravagant accessories.


She already has a pretty and flawless face, but never mediocre, she wants to enhance it with the newest technology in facelifts — the REVALIFT of none other than Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute, the first and only cosmetic surgery center in the Philippines certified to do VASER High Definition Liposculpture. This multi-faceted lady will be the new face of Contours.



Who is she? The mystery celebrity will be revealed soon.

Konektado makes hiphop heard

by Robbie Pangilinan




Konektado (www.konektado.com), a movement that aims to bridge gaps in the world through hiphop music, supports the Fliptop Battle Event to ensure that the true voice and pulse of Philippines’ hiphop scene is heard and felt.



On May 15 at the Guerilla Radio, Pasig City, Fliptop conducts the world’s largest rap cipher to capture the attention of hiphop fans and supporters all over the world and in the hopes of making it to the Guinness Records.



Mike Swift, founder of Konektado and the first Filipino in the USA to own a record label, said that this event is a revolution and a protest against the declining Philippine Hiphop Awards that once gave hope to the least respected genre in the Pinoy music scene—hiphop music.



The Philippine Hiphop Awards figured in controversies that it is only after the money and not the advancement of the art of music. The people behind the awards also failed to explain the logistics and criteria of the citations given, and did not have an open communication with the nominees and awardees. This communication gap alarmed supporters of hiphop music in the country.



“Years of ignoring the voice of Pinoy hiphop artists and fans’ cries and suggestions led to this strike against the well-sponsored event. The strike led by Konektado has caught the attention of hiphop advocates nationwide to join the protest. We just want to alarm those who care about the future of this art to wake up and dig for the truth about what really happened to the Philippine Hiphop Awards,” explained Swift, who was born in the Philippines but grew up in New York City and has made a name in the US music industry.



The alternative Fliptop Battle is projected to be the modern day version of People’s Power in the Philippines’ hiphop history. It aims to celebrate the true essence of Pinoy hiphop and will hopefully be featured in KRS ONE’s Temple of Hiphop for the celebration of Hiphop Appreciation Week worldwide.



Swift, who co-founded the independent Head Bop Music in 1998, hopes that the Fliptop Battle will give birth to hiphop heroes and leaders. #

Konektado presents first Pusoy Dos tourney

By Robbie Pangilinan

Konektado (www.konektado.com), a movement that aims to bridge gaps in the world through hiphop music, organizes the Konektado Celebrity Pusoy Dos Tournament, the first event that turns a Pinoy classic card game into a tournament among musicians, actors, athletes, rappers, journalists and many more.

On May 29, Konektado brings together celebrities like actor KC Montero, PBA cager Alex Crisano, Ken Johns, Chelo, Q York, Sinag Band, Just Rye of U 92, Paloma Esmeria, Denmark, Mista Blaze, Jay Washington, TV host Michelle Van Ruyven, Action star Ace Espinosa among others in an original event that aims to bridge various genres of artistry in one vicinity.

Mike Swift, founder of Konektado and the first Filipino in the USA to own a record label, said that this event has been making a buzz in the music industry. “Konektado events have ‘One Love and Good Vibes’ and our purpose for this Pusoy Dos tournament is to bring better communication among people preaching love and sharing,” said Swift, who was born in the Philippines but grew up in New York City and has made a name in the US music industry.

The event takes place at B SIDES in Maluhay Street, Makati City with performances by Sinag, Jonan Aguilar with Anak Band, O.N.E. Ken Johns and Chelo of the Philippine All Stars. #

Pinoy Trio at the NBA

by RMP

For a sports journalist, to be able to cover the NBA Finals is a dream come true. For these three, the dream is within reach.



Veteran sports writer Eddie Alinea, his protégé Noli Cruz and sports writer/PR expert Robbie Pangilinan are the country’s official media representatives who will cover the finals. Cruz said, “Being tasked to cover the finals is flattering and fun at the same time especially because I am going with my mentor Eddie Alinea and partner in crime Robbie Pangilinan.” Alinea, being a seasoned sports scribe, has covered several finals though not on an official status. He says it is a great privilege while Pangilinan feels excited to meet other NBA sports writers.



Both Alinea and Pangilinan are rooting for the LA Lakers while Cruz is putting his bets on the Cleveland Cavaliers, saying that the Cavs will go all the way this season. He hopes to get a chance to interview LeBron James of the Cavs, who he thinks is the best player this season. Alinea, on the other hand, is eyeing to talk to his best player Kobe Bryant while Pangilinan will go for Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol.



When asked what is the first thing they will do when they arrive there, Cruz said he will touch the court of the Game 1 host and Pangilinan will try to find the best seat in the media pressbox. Alinea jokingly remarked that he will take photos with lovely ladies.



Michael Jordan remains to be Cruz’s best NBA player whereas Alinea thinks Shaquille O’Neal is the greatest. Pangilinan chose LeBron James as his best player. The LA Lakers during Abdul Jabar’s time is Alinea’s best team and Cruz went for the 1996 Chicago Bulls for its 72-10 in the regular season and 15-3 in the playoffs. Pangilinan thinks the Boston Celtics is the best.

“Big Daddy”

By Robbie Pangilinan

He is the self-confessed “bad boy” of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), having been involved in several controversies and scandals. He has been called “unmanageable” and labeled “brutally frank”, but Alex Crisano has a soft side—one that only three special people are privileged to see and experience.

This side of the intimidating 6’7” cager is known as “fatherhood” and the three persons who enjoy this are his three children—Alex Louis Jr., Aliyah Marie and Joey Vincent.

The big daddy is proud and happy that his kids have inherited his height and are all talented in their own ways. Alex, Aliyah and Vinny are studying in different schools in the US and are not able to see and spend time with their dad often. But Alex loves the three more than anything and he misses them every minute.

The PBA star brings his training in sports to disciplining his children. He acts like a coach to the three, always encouraging and motivating them to be the best but also making sure to point out their mistakes and weaknesses.

He helps them become better persons by offering his advice when they need it. Though Alex, Aliyah and Vinny are still quite young—10, 8 and 6 years old—their father is keen in teaching them good values. He gives them rewards when they do something good and reprimands them for the bad deeds they do. “I take away the things they love to do like watching TV and playing video games. More importantly, I make sure that they understand what wrong they have done,” Alex shares.

The tattooed big guy with eight-pack abs looks daunting but surprisingly, his most memorable experiences are the sleepless nights he had when his darling children are still babies. And up until now, Daddy Alex likes cuddling the three and giving them all the love that he can give. Despite his many achievements in sports, Alex considers parenthood as the biggest milestone in his life and being the father of Alex, Aliyah and Vinny as the greatest role he will ever play.

Being a responsible father, Alex even earns extra for his family by doing rap gigs. His rap album titled “Bullet-Hate Proof” will be launched this year with Andrew E. as one of the producers.

There is nowhere else that Alex dreams of being in the future than with his three children—his inspiration, the ones that keep him going and fighting everyday. Though the three are far away from him, Alex says, “I will always be here for them and I’ll be watching their back at all times.” #

Alex Crisano Profile

by Robbie Pangilinan

Popular PBA cager Alex Crisano is also known as d entertainer not only for his superb basketball moves that fascinates viewers but because of his diverse talents that keeps everyone amused.

Crisano can sing, dance, and rap besides handling the ball faultlessly. Last Sunday, Crisano once again showcased his talent when he appeared at P.O.5 (Party On 5), TV5’s new interactive musical-variety show. He joined the singing segment and even did a ballroom dance number, to everyone’s enthrallment. Alex hopes to join the TV5 family as a regular talent.

The 33-year-old Crisano has spent 10 years in the PBA with Ginebra and Red Bull. He started playing b-ball at 6 and has since liked the physical aspect of the sport. At 6’7”, he can also take anyone down in boxing or mixed martial arts—two sports he would also like to get into if given the chance. 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.

The quite controversial basketball star is keeping a low profile nowadays but is always open for any new opportunity that may come his way. Confessing of being a “bad boy” in the past and figuring in several scandals, Crisano has admitted he made mistakes but have learned from them. “Who does not make mistakes? That’s how it is in life.

You make mistakes and you learn from those mistakes in order to come out as a better person,” he adds.

Unafraid to try anything fresh, Alex underwent body sculpting that gave his already buffed body perfectly chiseled abs, shoulders, chest and sides.


Behind the seemingly daunting appearance with eight-pack abs and tattooed back and arms, Crisano has a soft side that many people fail to see. He is a loving father to his three children who are all in the US. In the future, he wants to be with his family back in the States. Despite his many achievements in sports, Alex still thinks that parenthood is the biggest milestone in his life and being the father of Alex, Aliyah and Vinny is still the greatest role he will ever play.

Along with being a responsible father, Alex is also trying to earn extra income by doing rap gigs. The soft-hearted giant also helps a foundation for streetchildren.
Alex says, “I want people to see the other side of me.

I also have a softer side.”
At the end of the day, Crisano just wants people to remember him as the underdog who has changed many lives, including his own. #

Alex in Love

Alex in Love
By Robbie Pangilinan

When people talk about Alex Crisano’s love life, the name of a sexy comedienne immediately comes to mind, what with the two’s past controversial and passionate relationship. But what many do not know is that Alex is very much in love with another woman—the mother of his son.

JB Marquez, daughter of comedian and politician Joey Marquez, is the woman that Alex’s has been in love with and is in love with now. JB and 6-year-old son Vinny are the popular cager’s top priority right now. Alex has been making up for lost time with JB and Vinny who are both in the US.

“We are trying our best to rekindle our family,” the 6’7” PBA star says. The couple met in 2002 and Alex fell in love with JB’s being natural. Their love bore fruit and Vinny was born. JB says she is thankful because, “Alex respects me a lot and loves our son so much.”

The two are in a long distance relationship because Alex’s career is in the Philippines and JB works in the US. “It’s just for the meantime while we both work and save for a house soon here in the US!” JB explains. Though they are far from each other, JB says they are romantic all the time. She even sings Alicia Keys’ song for Alex, “Everything means nothing... if I ain’t got you.”

Meanwhile, Alex is taking care of himself here as he needs to maintain a healthy and trim figure for his sports. Alex is supporting basketball clinics in Diliman Preparatory school and even got an offer from the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) for him to join the team as a heavyweight boxer. He is thankful for the challenge but said he wants to play basketball for a couple more years. Alex has always been excited to try body sculpting and he finally underwent the procedure that sculpted his abs, shoulders, chest and sides.

Alex had apprehensions at first but though it was a once in a lifetime chance that he could not pass up. He says he just wanted to take out fats in unwanted places to “change things in my life.” He is satisfied with the results of his VASER High Definition Liposculpture performed by Dr. Claudine Roura of the Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute. Contours is the pioneer of the VASER® Lipo System in the Philippines. #

Nikki Sees Stars

By Robbie Pangilinan

Former senator Nikki Coseteng is seeing stars. No, not showbiz personalities, although she really rubs elbows with celebrities, having been a congresswoman, senator, TV host, radio commentator and one-time actress.

The stars that Nikki sees are the real, celestial ones. And she sees them not with her naked eye but through a high-powered telescope. This telescope, along with other technological advances in astronomy like the Philippines’ first ever and only 7-meter diameter digital mobile planetarium, are featured in Diliman Preparatory School’s (DPS) Astronomy Center, a complete resource for astronomy education in the Philippines.

A woman of the future, Nikki is known to have brought innovations to the world of learning in DPS. This latest addition, the P10-million Astronomy Center, is just the start of many astronomy programs and projects of the Discover and Probe the Skies (DPS) Foundation, Inc. that aims to support education and research in astronomy in the country.

Nikki proudly says, “We want to raise the awareness, interest, knowledge and understanding of astronomy among students and the general public. Many students are not given the chance to go to a planetarium and experience the universe while on Earth, so we will bring the planetarium to them instead.”

This program is called the SKYXPLORE, an astronomy outreach program that goes to different schools nationwide. Activities include viewing the digital planetarium, a simulated display of the day- and night-time sky and celestial objects; film showing of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Official Movie, The Eyes on the Skies; an astronomical exhibit that showcases NASA space photos and a collection of stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s most beautiful and historic sites against a night-time backdrop of stars, planets and celestial events; a meteorite exhibit; the Ask-An-Astronomer Activity where an all-UP team of astronomers answers questions. #

Exploring the Universe

By Robbie Pangilinan

With the coming of the digital mobile planetarium to the country, exploring the universe has never been easier and better. Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) opens the Philippines’ first ever and only 7-meter diameter digital mobile planetarium as part of the DPS Astronomy Center, a complete resource for astronomy education in the Philippines.

Wikipedia defines a planetarium as a theater built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation. Almost all planetariums have large dome-shaped projection screens to simulate the ‘motions of the heavens’. Viewers can watch realistic images of stars, planets and other celestial objects. The Hayden Planetarium is the largest planetarium with a 20-meter dome seating 430 people. There are also three-meter portable domes.

In the Philippines, there are several planetariums, the most popular of which is the National Museum Planetarium at the Rizal Park Complex. It has a 16-meter inner dome where 8,500 stars are projected. The projector can project the night sky as it appeared in the past or will appear in the future. The planetarium can seat a maximum of 310 viewers with four daily shows. In addition, the octagonal wall of the lobby has three-dimensional glass diorama exhibits and photos of mysterious inner space objects.
The 88-seater PAGASA Planetarium at the Science Garden has a projector that can project 3,550 stars, five major planets, the Sun and the Moon. It also has an ordinary slide projector for solar system slide showing. The planetarium offers educational tours for elementary and high school students where they can learn about the universe, its creation, history and possible future as well as the development of the solar system.
DPS opens the first mobile digital planetarium system in the country. Bamm Gabriana, Astronomy Consultant of the Discover and Probe the Skies Foundation, Inc., explains, “A digital planetarium is a computer with specialized software connected to a high-resolution fish-eye projector. We can update the software by connecting the computer to the internet. We can even download data about comet and asteroids that were discovered, say, yesterday!”

The digital mobile planetarium, with a 7-meter dome, is the largest in the country. Because it is digital, the planetarium has capabilities that non-digital planetariums do not have. These are the ability to see how the sky looks like from other places on earth and from the surface of other planets; zoom in to planets, stars clusters, nebulas, and galaxies; quickly see how the sky looks like on the day you were born; show constellation artwork from several cultures; show constellation lines, boundaries, and special lines; show astronomical coordinate systems (both equatorial and horizontal); and show information about any selected object in the sky.

The SM Mall of Asia’s Science Discovery Center also has a digital planetarium called Digistar which has a 15-meter dome. Digistar is a fully interactive, three-dimensional planetarium with all-dome video playback, complete with star field and astronomical capabilities, with digital surround sound for total viewing pleasure. But Bamm says that Digistar does not have any planetarium shows. “It's just like watching a movie in a full-dome screen,” he clarifies.

The DPS mobile planetarium is far beyond compare to the old planetariums. “The difference is astronomical,” Bamm says. You have to come to our planetarium and experience it. All my explanations will not give you an idea of how good it is unless you see it for yourself,” is Bamm’s encouragement to viewers.

This planetarium is all set to change the world of learning and the way we have looked at the universe. It will be brought directly to schools so instead of students paying for a bus and traveling all the way to the planetarium’s location, they just pay for the entrance fees.

Planetariums make people experience and explore the vast universe. The whole wide cosmos becomes within reach through technological advances such as the digital mobile planetarium. #

Digital planetarium wows foreign students

By Robbie Pangilinan

Chinese, Korean and Japanese students of Diliman Preparatory School (DPS) are amazed at the latest innovation brought by DPS president Nikki Coseteng to the world of learning: the DPS Astronomy Center.

The foreign students, though coming from countries more developed than the Philippines, are in awe of such advanced and complete resource for astronomy education in the country. The DPS Astronomy Center features educational exhibits, services, and equipment to enhance the study of astronomy and inspire young people to be future scientists.

What completely left the students captivated is the Philippines’ first ever and only 7-meter diameter digital mobile planetarium, the largest in the country. Because it is digital, the students are able to experience very realistic images of the universe. “The stars actually twinkle!,” exclaims one of the astronomers.

The students can also see how the sky looks like from other places on earth and from the surface of other planets; zoom in to planets, stars clusters, nebulas, and galaxies; quickly see how the sky looks like on the day you were born; show constellation artwork from several cultures; show constellation lines, boundaries, and special lines; show astronomical coordinate systems (both equatorial and horizontal); and show information about any selected object in the sky.

The DPS Astronomy Center will launch an astronomy outreach program called the SKYXPLORE which will go to different schools nationwide. Activities include viewing the digital planetarium, a simulated display of the day- and night-time sky and celestial objects; film showing of the International Year of Astronomy 2009 Official Movie, The Eyes on the Skies; an astronomical exhibit that showcases NASA space photos and a collection of stunning photographs and time-lapse videos of the world’s most beautiful and historic sites against a night-time backdrop of stars, planets and celestial events; a meteorite exhibit; the Ask-An-Astronomer Activity where an all-UP team of astronomers answers questions. #

MVP joins SCOOP; TV5 missing

MVP joins SCOOP; TV5 missing
By Robbie Pangilinan

Sports advocate and business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan joined the SCOOP sa Kamayan weekly session Friday even as his own TV5 network failed to cover the event.
TV5’s nonappearance during the forum sponsored by ACCCEL and QTECH Solutions has raised speculations, especially as the two giant networks, ABS-CBN and GMA, along with Sports Radio 918 and all newspapers, were all represented.

SCOOP organizers invited TV5 News to attend the event but the network seems to have overlooked the invitation. Rumors have it that some TV5 people are not supportive of MVP’s management. Last year, the PLDT group acquired a 75 percent interest in ABC5 and there had been dramatic changes since—changes that some ABC5 veterans found hard to accept.

But despite TV5’s nonattendance, Pangilinan was able to clarify some issues regarding his resignation as chairman of the Ateneo de Manila University’s Board of Trustees which might lead to his discontinued financial support to the school’s sports program, specifically its basketball team.

Pangilinan, more popularly known as MVP, has tendered his irrevocable resignation from the board after accusations that the speech he gave during the university’s commencement exercises was found to be plagiarized. The chairman of PLDT and Smart admitted he was hurt by what happened and said he will meet with Ateneo’s team members and officials before deciding whether to continue helping or not.

Pangilinan, also the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and chair of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP), said that he will instead focus his efforts on the national basketball team and the RP boxing team. The Smart-sponsored basketball team is aiming to bag at least fourth place in the Asian Games while the boxing team eyes for a gold medal.

MVP, who came to the SCOOP session with ABAP president and PLDT senior vice president Ricky Vargas, dreams of the basketball team making it to the 2010 London Olympics as well as quenching the country’s thirst for a gold medal for 86 years.
MVP has high hopes that the RP basketball and boxing teams will garner wins in the Asian Games, then in next year’s FIBA-Asia championship to qualify for the 2012 Games.
Pangilinan emphasized that the SBP is not only training the national team but also aiming to take on an active role in the basketball scene in Southeast Asia. Known as Asia’s basketball capital, the Philippines ought to send a candidate to the coming Southeast Asian Basketball Association congress and elections in Bali, Indonesia, MVP declared, though he did not announce the position yet. #

Close to Excellence

By Robbie Pangilinan

Expert hairstylist Pin Antonio admits that she is a perfectionist. Family-owned Salon de Manila, where Pin is Creative Director, is known for its trademark excellent and personal service, making it the top choice of celebrities and personalities. Pin makes sure that everything she does in her profession meets her exquisite standard.



Her passion for perfection also translates to her role as a mother to Adlai and Andrai. But Pin prefers to call it “excellence guided by the Lord.”



“I do not impose perfection on them, but I try to live it out as an example so that my children can follow. Basically, I just remind them to make their lives a blessing to people around,” the famous hair trendsettershares.



Pin is known for her very modern and chic hairdos, and she says she is also like that as a mom—modern and chic. “I am a cool mom, at the same time a disciplinarian. But I’m not stiff, ha! I’m not very strict either. I don’t want my children to be scared of me. I want my home to be a happy one,” Pin reveals.



And happy is her home, with Adlai and Andrai growing up to be good young gentlemen. “When they were smaller, I enjoyed playing with them in what we called our ‘kilitian’ time. We laughed and jumped on the bed!” Pin recalls. Now that the two boys are all grown up, Pin treasures the times when the two are home for dinner. “I love eating at home together while we tell each other stories about almost anything,” the stylist of the stars says.



Pin admits that it is not easy being a mother, especially when she sees her children hurting. “Particularly if their problem concerns the heart, I know that I cannot handle it for them. The only help I could extend is my prayers,” Pin states.



The boys, Adlai and Andrai, are hardworking and artistic like their mom. “They’re both cute, too! Hahaha!” Pin laughs. “Actually, they are totally different from each other but I could say they're both special in their own ways and I thank God that they turned out to be great persons,” Pin proudly says.

Pin’s dream is for her boys to be successful in whatever field they choose, and this dream is already starting to come true for Adlai. Only in his early twenties, Adlai is already a master of precision cutting and creative coloring, of course, at Salon de Manila. He represented SDM in an international hair stylingcompetition and was named one of the best hairstylists in Asia last year. Pin is very happy for her first-born, especially because he is following in his mother’s footsteps. But Pin says it does not really matter which field her sons choose, as long as they love what they do and do what they love.



Andrai, on the other hand, is still in school. Pin knows his second son will be just as successful as his kuyabecause he is hardworking, too. “I am very happy that my sons know their worth as a person. The most important thing for me is to see them grow with the Lord,” Pin says.



Wherever the boys go and however high they reach, Pin can only wish that the top three values she taught them – to have a personal relationship with God, to love and respect others, and to work hard with discipline—will guide them every step of their way. “The happiest day for a mother is when you see your children loving and helping each other, and knowing that they are living everything you've taught them,” Pin shares.



Pin might be a perfectionist but she knows too well that she is not perfect. “Nobody is. I am not a perfect person, neither a perfect mother. I had mistakes while raising my children up, but I believe God is my partner in taking care of them. And even now that the boys are grown up, I still depend everyday on God to help me,” Pin ends. #

DCTI offers new courses

By RMP

Diliman Computer Technology Institute or DCTI, the IT arm of the Diliman Foundation, Inc., offers new courses this year.

New four-year courses are the Bachelor of Elementary Education and Bachelor of Secondary Education degrees while the new two-year course is the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.

Short term courses that will be offered starting this year are Programming and CIV, computer hardware servicing, bookkeeping, and a finishing course for call centers.
DCTI, established in 1998, is the country’s only Open Source training and certification institute authorized by the Open Source Technology Association of the Philippines to conduct programs, offer courses, issue certifications to qualified practitioners, promote free Open Source software in the Philippines and market the training programs to students and corporate clients.
Its existing courses include Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Office Administration (4 years) and Associate in Computer Technology (2 years).

In partnership with Unitech Educational Program Corporation, DCTI had its first batch of graduates last February with 250 students successfully finishing the Computer Literacy Training Program, the first of DCTI and Unitech’s Community Services and Relations projects. With the initiative of Diliman Educational Corporation president Nikki Coseteng, DCTI and Unitech plan to bring the Computer Literacy Training Program to cities and municipalities in the country, especially the public high schools.

Medina’s last hurrah

By Robbie Pangilinan

The name Juan Manuel Rubio Medina may not ring a bell as a famous boxer to many, but he is a five-time world featherweight champion with a record of 64 wins with 30 KOs in 78 professional boxing bouts. The only other fighter in boxing history to have won the world title five times in the same weight class is Sugar Ray Robinson.
This year, Medina, hopes to have a chance to bag his sixth title by fighting against Lacandon Cruz who currently holds the IBF featherweight title.
“This will be Medina’s last hurrah,” Sergio Alberto Sotelo Maesse, his promoter, says. “And I am confident that Medina can beat Cruz.”

Medina has nothing to lose in this fight. Sergio explains, “If he loses, he retires with dignity. If he wins, he will be the only fighter to have won six times the title in the same weight class.”

Medina, also known as “Mantecas”, tried playing soccer and basketball but boxing was his favourite. He debuted as an amateur only five days after he first started training and he turned professional at 15 years old. Originally from Tecuala, Nayarit, Mexico, Medina was brought to Tijuana to fight at a young age. Sergio recalls that Medina has always been the underdog. “Manuel is a great boxer who has been through everything you can imagine, both good and bad, inside and outside the ring and he has always come out a winner,” Sergio proudly says.
Even while he was inactive in boxing, Medina continued to be disciplined; he jogs for two hours in the morning and trains in the gym for two to three hours in the evening. He is also very strict with his diet. He developed his signature moves by always staying an extra hour after the training to practice his lateral movements, bending and shadow boxing.
“He is a very disciplined fighter, that’s why he has been around for almost 20 years,” Sergio shares. “His strengths are his lateral movements and punching accuracy. His weakness is that he doesn’t have a KO punch,” Sergio says.

This boxer who idolizes the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Sugar Ray Leonard and Salvador Sanchez, is always very happy to represent his country, Mexico, in all his fights. He wants to fight Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Guty Espadas. But for now, Medina is preparing for his next fight—his one last shot at boxing immortality.
“I am very focused, jogging more than usual and having more sparring rounds than what I normally have. I am preparing to show up with exceptional conditioning so that I would not get tired during the fight,” Medina declares.
This great warrior is a role model not only in boxing but in his good life example. “I admire him and I'm proud to be his manager, but most of all I'm proud to be called his friend,” says Sergio.

“He is a wonderful human being who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. The sport owes him a chance at winning the title and writing another glorious page in boxing history,” Sergio ends.

Sportsmanila.net: More than just sports

We proudly announce the upcoming launch of sportsmanila.net, a website primarily dedicated to help uplift Filipino athletes and Pinoy sports and to showcase the Pinoy talent not just in the country but all over the world.



Sportsmanila.net offers a wide variety of interesting topics that go beyond just sports. Sports writer icon and Scoop president Eddie Alinea topbills the list of the people behind sporstmanila.net as sports editor. Atty. Michael Marley of examiner.com joins Former Manila Times Junior Editor Noli Cruz, Cebu Radio Announcer and Columnist Danniel Guden, Philboxing Alex Vidal and Boxing Promoter Hermie Rivera who are both now based in US in delivering hot and fresh news and features, analysis and commentaries on various sports issues.



Please keep posted for more announcements on the launch and on how you can be part of this sports magazine site.



We look forward to share with you this momentous occasion. Thank you very much.





Sincerely,



Robbie Pangilinan

Sportsmanila.net Vice President for Marketing

At Home in Texas

By Robbie Pangilinan

Just stepping into the grand Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport rendered me speechless and awestruck. The airport is the second largest in America (according to research, it can fit the whole Manhattan). The weather in Dallas is just right and white American residents are all around.

I stayed in the humble and simple Knights Inn Arlington, a 1.5-star hotel just 10 minutes away from the Cowboys Stadium. For its rate of $40 per night, Knights Inn exceeded my expectations. The hotel was very clean and well-maintained. The Indian owners personally greeted the guests and were very kind. A former guest even said that the wife offered them a ride so they would not have to take a cab. These guests have become loyal clients and stay at the hotel everytime they watch a Cowboys game.
Knights Inn Arlington has more than 100 guestrooms, all with satellite/cable TV, air conditioning and microwave and refrigerator upon request. Its outdoor pool is relaxing and the business center with free high-speed Internet access offers guests utmost convenience. Every morning, complimentary continental breakfast is served. For pet lovers, this is the hotel for you as they allow pets to stay here. Knights Inn is the only hotel in the area that offers complimentary area shuttle within 3 miles. That meant I had free ride to the Cowboys Stadium everyday. Six Flags and the Rangers Baseball Stadium are likewise covered by the free shuttle service.
The Inn has recently remodeled so their rooms look new and very clean. But the best part about staying here was the service. 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.

Knights Inn Arlington is definitely the place to stay in for those who want the best value for their money. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on your room, just use the money for food and drinks, and of course, visiting the nice places around Dallas.

About 20 miles from Knights Inn is the luxurious Gaylord Texan Hotel and Convention Center, a _-star hotel which claims to be the pride of Texas. This is where Team Pacquiao and the People’s Champ were billeted. The hotel is just six minutes from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport and 23.2 kilometers away from the Cowboys Stadium.
Gaylord Texan is complete on its own.

The nine-story glass atrium has 4.5 acres of indoor gardens with a flowing river. It offers spots for dining, shopping, dancing, and working out and pampering yourself. Fine dining restaurants are the Old Hickory Steakhouse (serves Certified Black Angus beef and an assortment of wine), the Riverwalk Café (market-style restaurant with entertainers), the Ama Lur (Latin and Southwestern food, margarita bar and performing band) where Top Rank treated the press to dinner, the Texas Station (sports bar with plasma TVs and serves burgers and barbecue), the Java Coast (coffee shop), the Pool Bar and Grille (poolside bar), the Silver Bar (saloon-style, serves cocktails), and Cups & Cones (ice cream shop).
Gaylord Texan also has a 25,000 sq. ft. day spa and fitness center that has treatment/massage rooms, a hair and beauty salon, a full-service health spa, fitness equipment, steam rooms and saunas. Guests can enjoy the indoor pool or the outdoor pool with waterfalls.

More than 1,000 guest rooms and over 100 suites are all decorated the Southwestern style and offer a good view of the atrium. High-speed wireless Internet is available in all rooms. Even the beddings are hypo-allergenic, the curtains are thick and dark, the toiletries are extravagant, and the bath tubs are lavish—all fit for an expensive stay at the hotel.
The Gaylord Texan is said to be “the most technologically sophisticated hotel in the Southwest”, with a 400,000 sq. ft. convention center that has a 5,000-capacity ballroom, and 70 meeting and event rooms, including the 180,000 sq. ft. Longhorn Exhibit Hall.

Whether you choose the simple and quiet Knights Inn Arlington or the magnificent and bustling Gaylord Texan, you will feel at home in Texas with its warm atmosphere, Texan style and hospitality. #

Crisano supports Pacquiao in Dallas

By Robbie Pangilinan


Popular PBA player Alex Crisano is flying to Dallas, Texas on Tuesday to watch his idol, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao defend his welterweight title against Joshua Clottey. He also hopes to have the honor to be part of the People’s Champ entourage.

Crisano, whose contract with Barako Bulls has already expired, recently received an offer from the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) to be part of the team as a heavyweight fighter. Crisano is thankful for the invitation but wants to play basketball for a few more years.


The six-foot-seven basketball star had some boxing training in Brooklyn, New York in his teens. Last Tuesday, March 2, 34-year old Crisano showed the national team coaches and several sportswriters his boxing moves when he visited the ABAP training center in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.


Contrary to earlier reports, neither Crisano nor PR man/sportswriter Robbie Pangilinan received a call from ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan asking Crisano to try boxing. Crisano, however, admitted that he talked with Robbie about exploring the possibility of joining the RP boxing team as a representative to the ASEAN games in November. Crisano might take a shot in the 3 rounds, 3 minutes per round heavyweight division.


But right now, Crisano is looking at playing basketball for Coke, Rain or Shine, or Burger King which is now Air 21. Crisano, who is quite popular and has a loyal following, will definitely be an asset to the mentioned teams.
“I want to play for a team that needs my talent and skills, my strength and heart,” Crisano says.


Meanwhile, Crisano is excited to be among the millions to watch and support Pacman in Dallas where he will also try to get some tips from Coach Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza.


“I think watching Pacquiao will motivate me more, probably help me decide about joining the RP boxing team?” Crisano says.
After watching the big fight, Crisano will visit his family in New York and his son in Chicago. #