Monday, September 28, 2015



Candidate No. 1 Aniara Faduhilao


Candidate No. 2 Sam Gergiana Yu


Candidate No. 3 Ronilyn Baloco


Candidate No. 4 Chin-chin Golez


Candidate No. 5 Ivy Benedicto


Candidate No. 6 Mae Alyn Marzan


Candidate No. 7 Jennifer Agudelo


Candidate No. 8 Mae Lourine Mercado


Candidate No. 9 Rezel Esporas


Candidate No. 10 Janelle Pauline Teo


Candidate No. 11 Kennyveb Casabuena



*photos from MassKara Queen 2015 Facebook Page

2015 MassKara Queen Bets In Their Swimsuits

Sunday, September 27, 2015

October 2
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 2nd Bacolod Speed Palumba sa BREDCO (motorcycle race) at

at BREDCO Port

4:00 PM to 12:00 MN Negros Island Transport Show (free viewing) at East Walk Parking Lot

4:00 PM Batang Bida sang Bacolod Semi-Finals at The Atrium, SM City Bacolod 


6:00 PM MagicKara at the People's House

6:30 PM BCC and PESO Scholars' Night at the Bacolod Public Plaza

October 2 Events for Masskara Festival 2015

October 1 - Opening Salvo : MassKara, Kari na!

5:30 AM Fun Run from People's House & Fun Walk from Capitol Lagoon to Plaza.
 

7:00 AM Opening Salvo at the Bacolod Public Plaza

8:00 AM DepEd Drum and Bugle Competition at the Bacolod Public Plaza

8:00 AM Senior Citizens' Mass at the BAYS Center

10:00 AM ABS-CBN Masskara Village (until Oct. 19) at Robinsons Place

6:00 PM Biggest ZUMBA event in the City at the People's House

9:00 PM Fireworks at the People's House



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October 1 Events for Masskara Festival 2015


The search for Bacolod City's Masskara Queen for 2015 is on.  The important dates to remember are as follows:

September 19
2:00 PM Masskara Queen 2015 Swimwear Competition at Palmas Del Mar

October 3
5:00 PM Masskara Queen 2015 Talent Competition at The Atrium, SM City Bacolod

October 8
4:00 PM Masskara Queen 2015 Festival Costume Competition at Robinsons Place Bacolod

October 12
7:00 PM Masskara Queen 2015 Festival Pageant and Coronation Night at SMX Convention Center, SM City Bacolod


Related Posts :

MassKara Queen 2015 Swimsuit Parade

Eleven contestants to the 2015 MassKara Queen Search parade in their swimsuits  ....Read More


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Bacolod MassKara Queen 2015 Schedules

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Bacolod's Masskara Festival designates two venues for the MassKara By The Sea celebration.


On Saturday, October 10, MassKara By The Sea will be in Punta Taytay, while on Sunday, October 11, MassKara By The Sea will be at the Baywalk.



Click here for other MassKara Schedules.



MassKara By The Sea Takes Place On 2 Days At 2 Venues

The Philippines' City of Smiles, Bacolod City, recently released the schedule for the 77th Charter Festival, also known commonly as the MassKara Festival.

The Masskara Festival through the years gives the people of Negros Island, as well as local and foreign visitors, a chance to drink and be merry for 20 days. Originally designed to show the hardships of the people of Negros, the Masskara Festival has come a long way, and is considered one of the most highlighted festivals of the Philippines.

Bacolod City's Masskara Festival takes place here Oct. 1-20. Local and foreign visitors get a chance to enjoy 20 days of merry making, beer drinking, dining and street dancing. On the weekend nearest to 19 October, the biggest party in Bacolod is scheduled to take place. Bacolod is the capital city of the country's sugar-producing province of Negros.









October 1 Events:

Opening Salvo : MassKara, Kari na!

5:30 AM Fun Run from People's House & Fun Walk from Capitol Lagoon to Plaza.
7:00 AM Opening Salvo at the Bacolod Public Plaza
6:00 PM Biggest ZUMBA event in the City at the People's House



Photo Credit to Camera Club of Negros

* Above schedule is a partial list.  For other dates, please Click Here.





Bacolod Releases Masskara 2015 Festival Schedule

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Dulaang UP’s second offering for its 40th Theatre Season is William Shakespeare’s King Lear and its new Filipino translation by Nicolas Pichay, Haring Lear. The play, considered by critics as Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, is directed by DUP Founding Artistic Director, Professor Emeritus Tony Mabesa.

The play is set in the waning years of a Southeast Asian kingdom replete with appropriate music, movement, costumes, and properties of the region without losing the themes, images, and poetry of the playwright’s supreme achievement. King Lear | Haring Lear is the epitome of how deceit and the love for the superficial can tragically bring families to ruin and great kingdoms to ashes.

The star-studded cast includes Joel Lamangan, Leo Rialp, Jojo Cayabyab, Jeremy Domingo, Jacques Borlaza, Guelan Luarca, Frances Makil-Ignacio, Gilleth Sandico, Martha Comia, and Astarte Abraham to name a few.

The artistic staff is composed of Ohm David (set design), Eric Pineda (costume design), Meliton Roxas (lighting design), Jethro Joaquin (sounds design), Arnel Paguyo (property design), Jeremy Dela Cruz (movement & choreography), Patrick Ortaliza and Juan Gonzales(dramaturgy) and John Mark Yap (assistant direction).

King Lear | Haring Lear runs from October 7 to October 25, 2015 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, 2nd Floor, Palma Hall, U.P. Diliman. For tickets, sponsorships, and show buying inquiries, call Samanta Hannah Clarin or Camille Guevara 926-1349, 433-7840, 981-8500 local 2449 or email dulaangupmarketing@gmail.com. Like our official Dulaang UP page https://www.facebook.com/DulaangUnibersidadNgPilipinas.

Dulaang UP's King Lear | Haring Lear

Monday, September 7, 2015

   
Astoria Current, unveiling style in Station 3 Boracay this 2015
MILESTONES IN 2015.  This year of the wooden sheep in the Chinese calendar will usher in two 
milestones for the Astoria Hotels & Resorts (AHR) brand.  As the company continues the brand’s growth, presence and expansion in the Philippines, 2015 will see the opening of two new properties in prime locations. The home grown local hotel chain is set to make its mark in Makati and Station 3 of Boracay, with the opening of Astoria Greenbelt and Astoria Current, respectively.

     FRESH. VIBRANT. HOT. Three keywords that best describe Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ 8th establishment and its second foray in the best beach in the world Boracay: Astoria Current. The resort is designed to keep up with the trending style and travel preference of today’s millennial generation. Again AHR partnered with Gallego Architects and IT interior designers, Ivy and Cynthia Almario to deliver a resort that appeals to all generations with its imaginatively striking architecture and fun, playfully sexy interiors.

     The 7000 plus sqm beachfront resort is located in the action side of the island: Station 3. The location gives guests easy access to the many water sports offerings, adrenaline pumping activities and the exhilarating nightlife Boracay has to offer. One of the resort’s main attractions is the luxurious pool area, featuring a 25 meter lap pool with 2 sides of clear acrylic panels, uber sexy sunken sun loungers and 8 built-in aqua seats with jet-massage nozzles. There is also a 50 sqm children’s pool, a fully equipped gym and a spa to provide the perfect venue for fitness buffs and wellness seekers. 

     The resort’s food and beverage outlets showcase Current’s hip and fun culinary offerings. Indulge in mouth-watering meals at the main restaurant, Parasol. It is located on the ground floor and is directly accessible from the beach. Revel in breathtaking views of the ocean while enjoying great drinks and finger food at Stratos, a bar/lounge located at the 3rd floor roof deck. Within the central part of the resort lies the garden lounge Onyx. With its 5 sofa areas, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy some peace and quiet.

     The resort has 156 luxurious and individually styled rooms awash with colorful avant-garde décor and distinct furniture. The Studio and Deluxe rooms have floor areas of 30 sqm, 1 Bedroom Suites with 49 sqm and the 2 Bedroom suites with 86 sqm. Each comes fully equipped with individual air-conditioning, cable TV with DVD player, safety deposit box fitted for laptops, mini bar, and rain shower with complete bath amenities.  

    REVAMPED. STYLISED. REBRANDED. For the Makati property, AHR signed an agreement to manage the former One Greenbelt Hotel, to establish its presence in the financial and business capital of the Philippines. With the hotel’s proximity to major shopping, entertainment and business attractions, the newly opened Astoria Greenbelt is now the perfect choice for both business & leisure travelers seeking convenience and relaxation, in rooms embellished with distinct & stylised decor. It is located in the heart of Makati’s central business and commercial districts along Arnaiz Avenue and is conveniently accessible when one needs to move in, out and around the city and avoid the usual traffic of the metropolis. And at the end of the business day, it is a mere minute walk from a multitude of restaurants, entertainment and shopping options found in the Ayala Malls. Atelier Almario, one of the country’s top interior design firms, brings its luxurious touch once again to the entire interior of the hotel.

     
The lobby, the public areas and the guest rooms all underwent extensive renovation and now reflect AHR’s signature style and branding aesthetic. Tableau is the hotel’s restaurant and bar that serves drinks and deliciously crafted Asian-fusion cuisine, together with Astoria best sellers any time of the day. The outstandingly modern yet cozy ambience created at Tableau makes dining a visual and gastronomic delight. Each of the hotel’s 48 rooms have been refurbished and styled to reflect uniquely playful yet relaxing décor in all three room categories: Superior, Deluxe & Prestige.

     For more information on Astoria Greenbelt, Astoria Current and the other Astoria properties, please visit www.astoriahotelsandresorts.com. Astoria Hotels and Resorts is managed by Asian Grand Legacy.

By John Tanjangco l Photography by Raymund Isaac & Steve Fortaleza








UBIQUITOUSLY ASTORIA

Executive Chef Kimito Katagiri
Minami Saki, which means “flowers in bloom” in Japanese, opened last October 2014 to offer its distinctive take on Japanese cuisine in the Ortigas Business district. It veers away from the current katsu – ramen craze and differentiates itself from other Japanese restaurants by staying true to the authentic and traditional cooking of its Executive Chef, the legendary Kimito Katagiri.

Chef Katagiri’s career in the country spans more than three decades. He made his mark in some of Manila’s finest dining establishments such as Ginza (Manila Hotel), Inagiku (Shangri-la Hotel Makati), and Yanagi (Midas Hotel and Casino). Now, Katagiri-san practices his craft at Astoria Plaza in Minami Saki, where fresh sashimi, fusion sushi, and many other familiar Japanese specialties are served in old-school luxury and grace. 

The restaurant creates a mood of sophistication through minimalist design. Designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario adopted an earthy color scheme where everything reminds you of sunlight, a fresh breeze, and of course, the promise of flowers in bloom. With cozy dining booths and longer tables for larger groups, the restaurant can comfortably fit 50-60 people. 


Aburi Sushi (5 Kinds)
Authentic and traditional Japanese cuisine is something Minami Saki never fails to deliver, from the design, décor, cutlery and dinnerware used, the overall ambiance, down to the food itself. The menu reflects Chef Katagiri’s creatively crafted balance of simple Japanese elegance and the Filipino taste for fusion, which he learned from years of living in the Philippines.

Meals here start off with Naguro Nota, a complimentary appetizer made of tuna and onion bits soaked in vinegar. Afterwards, you can choose to partake in Chef Katagiri’s signature dishes. Aburi Sushi is a unique take on sushi served “slighty burned.” Composed of tuna, salmon, eel, hamachi, and lapu-lapu with aburi sauce, it is a perfect fusion of East and West. Another signature dish is Kaki Papaya Yaki, a unique pairing of oysters embedded in papaya and miso sauce. The bright orange papaya contrasts its sweetness with the natural saltiness of the oysters to provide a unique and tasty combination. Other dishes to sample include Moriawase Sashimi Take (melt-in-your-mouth cuts of fresh fish), Katsuju (pork cutlet), Ebi with Tamago Sauce (king prawns in sweet egg sauce), and Tempura Maki among others.

If you want a veritable treat, Minami Saki by Astoria will give you an authentic Japanese feast you will never forget. Minami Saki by Astoria is open daily from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm and is located at the ground floor of Astoria Plaza, 15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District, Pasig City 1600. For table reservations, please call 687.1111

By John Tanjangco l Photography by Raymund Isaac & Steve Fortaleza








TRADITIONAL JAPANESE FARE AT MINAMI SAKI


Astoria Current, unveiling style in Station 3 Boracay this 2015
WHEN IT OPENED ITS DOORS BACK IN 2001, Astoria Plaza Full Service Residential Suites was one of the pioneers in offering the unique concept of having privately owned residences (condominiums) located within a deluxe hotel and operate under one property name. This business model proved to be a huge success in the hospitality industry and now, 15 years later, there are a multitude of other hotel brands / chains with the exact residential / hotel combination of services that also operate within the Ortigas Business District and in new bustling areas such as the Makati CBD and The Fort.

In 2010, after nearly 10 years of mastering the rendering of exceptional hospitality services and experiences to its hotel guests and residents, the company made the bold move by opening Astoria Boracay, the company’s first foray into the resort development and operations. Armed with two (2) properties under its stewardship, it was then that Astoria Hotels and Resorts (AHR) was formed.

In 2012, after gaining 2 solid years of resort operations and expertise in the country’s top tourist destination, AHR opened Astoria Bohol, one of the most unique of its portfolio of properties in Baclayon. On December 2013, Astoria once again went out of its comfort zone and opened Chardonnay by Astoria, a visionary events centre located off Capitol Commons in Ortigas.

In 2014, AHR opened the 5th and 6th addition to its growing portfolio of chic, stylish and design driven properties with Astoria Palawan in San Rafael, Puerto Princesa and the traditional Japanese Restaurant called Minami Saki by Astoria. The Astoria brand chooses to open in tried and tested cities / destinations that already have a market demand, minimizing the gamble of opening in new developing destinations and not capturing the market arrivals and meeting forecasted revenues.

This 2015, the 7th and 8th additions to the brand are set to open in March and May respectively: Astoria Greenbelt and Astoria Current. Astoria Greenbelt offers 48 newly renovated rooms at the heart of the Makati Central Business District while Current offers 156 plus rooms in the action packed activity center of the island of Boracay: Station 3.

Jeffrey and Vivian Ng, President and COO of Astoria
Hotels and Resorts
All the 8 properties and establishments of Astoria work with Atelier Almario and Gallego & Associates for its interior and architectural design, making the brand distinct and cohesive in what they promise their valued clients from all over the world.
All 8 establishments are also managed by Asian Grand Legacy, a company headed by top hotelier for decades, Miguel Cerqueda. Astoria Hotels and Resorts is headed by its President Jeffrey Ng and its Chief Operating Officer Vivian S. Ng.

The taglines for Astoria Hotels and Resorts encapsulate what the home-grown Philippine brand and each of the properties is now known for: Luxe retreats. Incomparable hospitality. Spectacular destinations.

Visit www.astoriahotelsandresorts.com and view the virtual tours of each of the properties to get a feel of the ambience of what Astoria offers its guests.

By John Tanjangco l Photography by Raymund Isaac & Steve Fortaleza








ALL ABOUT ASTORIA

Thursday, August 27, 2015



Great Santa Cruz Island is home to the Philippines’ renowned “Pink Beach.” It is one of the more breathtaking places in the country, and unlike some of the beaches which were developed for public consumption, this beach was preserved, as opposed to commercialized. This island is located near Zamboanga City in the Zamboanga del Sur province.


Because Zamboanga counts as one of the hot spots of strife in the Philippines, tourism to the island has cut down a bit. In the 1970s to the early 1980s, this was a favorite tourist destination for Germans and Italians. Nowadays, the local government is working to enhance the island’s beauty and potential as a tourist destination. The best way to get there is to fly into Zamboanga City, then head on over to Paseo del Mar from the airport.



Going to the island via land trip from elsewhere in Mindanao is also doable, however, due to safety concerns, it would best to steer clear of extended travel via land.



That aside, the Pink Beach should be on any Filipino’s travel “bucket list,” risks notwithstanding. It is a rare moment where you can see beauty as refreshing and breathtaking as this:






In going to Great Santa Cruz Island, here are things you need to know:

  • There are no accommodations on the island, but there are cottage that tourists can rent.
  • Camping is not allowed, however, so save yourself the trouble and just pack food and your camera and its accessories.
  • Although, a plus is that visitors can just head to the City Tourism Office in Paseo del Mar without a need to make reservations beforehand.
  • The beach is located in a high-risk area, so you may be assisted by armed police officers.
  • Other travelers advise to bring your own rice or corn, though seafood can be bought from island vendors. 
Costs: 
  • A boat trip may cost Php 1,000, round trip, good for up to 10 people. You may pay an additional Php 100 in excess of that number.
  • Entrance Fee is Php 20, while the Terminal Fee is Php 5.
If you choose to rent a cottage, here are the rates:
  • Php 100 for a 6-person cottage
  • Php 200 for a 10-person cottage
  • Php 500 for a 15 to 30-person pavilion

[Source of the rates: Lakwatsero.com]

The island is said to be very therapeutic. Some travelers even say that they felt closer to the Creator as they came over. Many report that the security risks they were apprehensive of could not be felt as they traveled to the island. They also spoke of the delicious fresh seafood, and the colorful sights they were treated to, upon their visit.

If you are apprehensive of the beach-loving crowd, take heart, as the visitors are limited to only 250 people at a time. So introverts can soak up the sun, the sand, and the surf without the drain of dealing with the crowds.

So plan a trip to the Pink Beach, once in your life, if you dare. It’s well worth the risk, real or imagined.



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Photo Credits: Anne Gacer

Add To Your Travel Bucket List: The Pink Beach In Zamboanga

Monday, August 10, 2015

FLASH! Headquarters Of Minions Located In Metro Manila! 







FLASH! Headquarters Of Minions Located In Metro Manila!

 
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