Did You Miss Me?

Yes, am back...back to writing in this blog.  I've been away for quite some time as my day job gave me very hectic days that left me wanting to do things that do not require my brain cells to work when I get home at night.

Please be patient, sit back and relax as I regain my momentum slowly but surely in bringing you good news and happy stories.

XOXO

Happy Thoughts for the Week

Quote Post - 3

Here's my quote post for the week:

17th Edition French Film Festival

I love French wine and cheese!  French films? These I have to see as June 7 marked the opening of the 17th edition of the annual French Film Festival.  Dubbed Citi-Rustan's French Film Festival, it is part of the French cultural program, Francophil, organized by the Embassy of France to the Philippines and the Alliance Francaise de Manille.

The film festival opened with Michael Hazanavicius' Oscar Award-winning film, "The Artist", which is very appropriate as it pays tribute to the beginnings of cinema.  Furthermore, a selection of contemporary French films will be shown throughout the festival through the efforts of the Institut Francais and the Philippine distributor, Pioneer Films. 

Among the films chosen as part of the Citi-Rustan's French Film Festival are Filipino films that have been shown in festivals in France or whose directors have participated in French workshops or seminars -- "Busong" by Auraeus Solito, "Manila" by Raya Martin and Adolfo Alix, Jr., "Bakal Boys" by Ralstom Jover, and the short films "Little" and "Au Revoir Philippe" by Sigrid Bernardo.  These Filipino films will be shown the whole day of June 12 as a tribute to Philippines' Independence Day.  The festival will also showcase Brillante Mendoza's "Captive," a Franco-German-Filipino co-production, starring French actress Isabelle Huppert.  However, the screening is by-invitation only and organized by Star Cinema.

The French Film Festival is from June 8 to 17 at the Shang Cineplex of the Shangri-La Plaza and from June 21 to 23 at the Ayala Center Cebu, made possible by the ample support of Citibank and Rustan's, and the following partners Shangri-La Plaza, Total, Air France-KLM, Pernod Ricard Philippines, Mandarin Oriental Manila, Pioneer Films, Le Cellier Wines, Cultural Center of the Philippines, UP Film Institute and official media partners BusinessWorld, Highlife, Travel, Radio High 105.9 and Spot.ph.


For inquiries, please call 0915-3135891 or email at frenchfilmfest@gmail.com.

Two Payday Weekend Sale Events

It's payday weekend! For those who have money to spare and plurge, why not head out to The Great Luxe Sale at the SMX Convention Center Hall 3, starting today June 1 until June 3.  Or if you are nearer Mandaluyong City, visit The Fashion Outlet Sale at the Megatrade Hall 3 of SM Megamall, happening also from June 1 to 3. Selected participating brands can give you items up to 80% off.

Happy weekend and happy shopping!

Filed under EVENTS

American Idol S11: Philip vs Jessica

I've been a fan of American Idol since the season of David Cook, having followed the show from auditions to finale.  But I would always try to watch whenever a Filipino is in the contest and root for that person to win or at least land in the finals. 

AI S11 Top 2: Philip Philips and Jessica Sanchez

So far, the highest place a contestant with Filipino blood has ever reached is third place, in the person of Jasmine Trias, in the season where another Filipina reached the final 10 -- Camille Velasco. Another Filipina, Ramiele Malubay, joined American Idol and placed 9th during the batch of Cook.  With Jessica Sanchez, the petite 16-year old who has reached the top 2,  American Idol Season 11 is much more exciting.  

Last week, America (and most of the Philippines) voted and chose Jessica Sanchez and Philip Philips as the final two performers to compete for the top spot. Find out who will be the next American Idol during the Grand Finale LIVE via Satellite this Thursday, May 24 at 8 am on ETC.


The Grand Finale night will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, where we shall see the return of the American Idol Season 11 Top 10, as well as guest performances with the likes of Rihanna, Jason Derulo and Aerosmith.  


Prior to the announcement, Jessica and Philip will perform for the last time for votes during the Top 2 performance show that will be aired on ETC tonight, May 23, Wednesday via satellite at 6 pm, with a primetime telecast at 7 pm and 10 pm. 


This is it! The moment we AI fanatics are waiting for.  Let us vote for Jessica to show support for her talent that truly deserves the win!




Filed under SHOWS

Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2012

Philippine Fashion Week has been at it now for five years in raising awareness for the works of talented local designers whose creations can compete globally in design and quality. Witness the PFW Holiday 2012 shows starting today, May 22, until May 27 at the SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia.

I've been attending some shows for two years now so I can say that each year provides new and exciting showcases for everyone. Seeing the trendy and chic guests is pretty much like watching a fashion show in itself. I look foward to the shows that sent me invites and I will gladly share my photos and experiences here in my blog.

Below is the whole week schedule:

Filed under EVENTS

Globe-SM Advantage Rewards Program

For Globe users and SM Advantage members like me, there's good news!  A rewarding shopping experience is made possible by the collaboration of Globe Telecom's customer loyalty programs My Rewards, My Globe, TM Astig Rewards and SM Advantage.

Globe and TM subscribers, who are SM Advantage members as well, can now instantly convert Globe and TM Rewards points to SM Advantage points, as Globe has added SM Departments Stores and Supermarkets, and other affiliated retail establishments as part of the expanded rewards catalog.  The points can be used to redeem anything sold in SM Department Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Save More and other SM retail establishments such as Ace Hardware, Baby Company, Forever 21, Kultura, Our Home, Toy Kingdom, Watsons and many more.

At the recent launch held at the newly renovated SM Prestige Lounge in SM Makati, Marketing Convergence, Inc. and Globe Telecom officials joined forces to give consumers a rewarding experience.  The power partnership was sealed and revealed before friends, clients and members of media. 

(l-r): Iya Quintana, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager, Marketing Convergence, Inc.; Rey Maclang, Senior AVP for Sales and Marketing, Marketing Convergence, Inc.; Baldwin Golangco, President, Marketing Convergence, Inc.; Ernest Cu, President and CEO, Globe Telecom; Peter Bithos, Senior Advisor for Consumer Business, Globe Telecom; and Jay Beltran, Head for Customer Lifecycle Management, Globe Telecom. 

To convert Globe or TM Rewards points to SM Advantage points, simply text REDEEM < space > ITEM CODE < space > SM Advantage Card Number and send to 4438.  To get the list of SMAC item codes, text ITEMS to 4438.

So convert those rewards points now and go shopping!  Know more about how you can enjoy exciting rewards by staying Globe-connected by www.rewards.globe.com.ph.

Filed under PROMOS

Asian Film Fest 2012

An interesting and educational event is happening at the Shang Cineplex -- the Asia As Our Society Film Festival.  The film festival will be running from May 17 to May 21, 2012 and will feature an array of films  from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Japan, Lao DPR, China, and South Korea. Organized by the Asia Society Philippine Foundation, Inc., the film festival is open and FREE for all.

Below are the screening schedules and summary of each participating film.


May 17 (Thursday)
7 - 9 pm
DINIG SANA KITA (If I Knew What You Said) by Mike Sandejas (Philippines)


May 18 (Friday)
12:30 pm
3 DOA 3 CINTA by Nurman Hakim (Indonesia)
3:00 pm
THE GUAVA HOUSE (MUA OI LA SAISON DES GAYAVES) by Nhat Minh Dang (Vietnam)
5:30 pm
ONLY LOVE by Anousone Sirisackda (LAO DPR)
8:00 pm
FOREVER ENTHRALLED by Chen Kaige (China)


May 19 (Saturday)
12:30 pm
AGNI DAHAYA by Jayantha Chandrasiri (Sri Lanka)
3:00 pm
LASKAR PELANGI (The Rainbow Troops) by Riri Riza (Indonesia)
5:30 pm
WANKO - The Story of Me, My Family and My Dog by Isamu Nakae (Japan)
8:00 pm
HWANG JIN YI by Chang Yoon-hyun (South Korea)


May 20 (Sunday)
12:30 pm
NOSTALGIA FOR COUNTRYLAND (Thoung nho dong que) by Nhat Minh Dang (Vietnam)
3:00 pm
ECLAIR by Akio Kondo (Japan)
5:30 pm
SPEEDY SCANDAL by Kang Hyeong-cheoi (Korea)
8:00 pm
THE FOUNDING OF A REPUBLIC by Han Sanping, Huang Jianxin (China)


May 21 (Monday)
12:30 pm
GLITTERING DAY by An Zhanjun (China)
3:00 pm
DEEWARI by Salinda Perera (Sri Lanka)
5:30 pm
JAKARTA MAGHRIB by Salman Aristo (Indonesia)
8:00 pm
HALAW by Sheron Dayoc (Philippines)

For those planning to watch the films, please be at the Shang Cineplex at least an hour before the showtime to claim the free ticket/s as they are issued on a first come, first served basis.




Filed under SHOWS

Happy Mother's Day

To the woman who carried me in her womb and cared for me when I was born, who laughed and cried with me, who loves me and fought for me...Happy Mother's Day! 

This message also goes out to all the moms around the world.


Hugs and kisses,
My Happy Realm :)

EarthDay Jam

Ecological themes like "Save the Earth," "Save the Environment," and "Go Green" are very rampant these days, especially when we all began to feel the effects of global warming.  But way back in the year 2000, a special movement was born with the goals of spreading environmental awareness and promoting unity through music -- the Earthday Jam!  

At the press conference for Earthday Jam

Earthday Jam, the musical marathon for Mother Earth, now on its 12th year, showed no sign of slowing down.  The biggest street party music tribute for Mother Earth held recently at the Bonifacio Global City delivered their eco-friendly messages through music as diverse as world music, alternative, rock, reggae and accoustic. Talented artists donated their time and gave concert-worthy performances for the cause -- salsa-samba El Martinos drumbeaters; Philippines' premier Brazilian-fusion artist Nyko Maca with band Gafeiera; folk guru Noel Cabangon; internationally known reggae act Peace Pipe; women-fronted bands Imago and jazz pinoy soul quartet SIno Sikat; rock-alternative's major bands Kjwan, Mayonnaise, and Radio Active Sago Project with witty frontman Lourd De Vera; veteran artist-producer Lou Bonnevie; Bloomfields; True Faith; Nina; and Juris.

Lou Bonnevie

Bloomfields

All performances were interspersed with environmental tips from various speakers representing "green" NGOs and various leading government agencies.  

Earthday Jam was spearheaded by Philippine rock icon, Father Satur Neri recipient envi-artist Lou Bonnevie and creative honcho Toto Gentica with their production outfit Dimitri Productions.  

Filed under EVENTS

Have A Blessed Holy Week

Today is the start of a long weekend...time for rest for the body and mind, relaxation for the heart and reflection for the soul. Have a blessed Holy Week everyone!

Leaving 2011 with Gratitude and Greeting 2012 with Hope

2011 has been great for My Happy Realm as I was able to blog full blast with 141 entries and I am so grateful to my followers and readers who have kept me company on my various adventures. Since I placed a statistics counter last January 2011, it has recorded nearly 17,000 visitors from the Philippines and all over the globe.

I hope to continue to bring you better reads for 2012 so keep visiting my blog. Feel free to drop me a line or two for some comments and recommendations on what you would like to see the next time you visit.

Cheers to a great 2011 and here's hoping for a greater 2012. Happy New Year!!! :)

PFW S/S 2012: GUESS Goes Young & Sexy

GUESS, a brand I grew up, joined the Philippine Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012 for its first show with a young and sexy vibe.

The simple but well-lighted runway was already a sight to behold even before the fashion show started. After a brief message from Guess Philippines' vice president Anthony Courchet, the runway came to life with a spectacular display of lights and a hip-grinding party music provided by model/deejay Sanya Smith.

Guess Philippines' vice president Anthony Courchet

The all-American brand known for its edgy apparel and accessories, GUESS presented its new "Lights, Camera...Fashion" collection that was inspired by a party vibe and complements the brand's fun and sexy energy. Fashionable and wearable, GUESS' Spring/Summer 2012 collection is definitely trend-defining in great colors: blacks, grays, whites and reds.

GUESS: young and sexy

The women's collection highlighted two key denim fits: the flare and the cropped cigarette leg, paired with romantic blouses and platform shoes. For the men's collection, the stars were washed out indigo and colorful plaid shirts which can be paired with denim basics. There were also lots of chunky knit cardigans and sweaters, graphic tees plus a lot of stylish accessories -- handbags, footwear, watches, eye wear, jewelry, belts and small leather goods.

To wrap up the show and lock-in the theme, popular actors, singers and models sashayed the runway, among them were R&B singer Jay-R; newbie singer and showbiz royalty Zia Quizon; actress and endorser Maxene Magalona; model John Hall; up and coming talents Jamilla Obispo and Tippy Dos Santos; and model siblings Paolo and Bubbles Paraiso, among others.

(l-r): Zia Quizon and Maxene Magalona

(l-r): Jay-R and Jamilla Obispo

(l-r): Bubbles and Paolo Paraiso

Because all went well, GUESS's first PFW show ended fabulously with an after-party where yummy cocktails were served as the young and hip crowd gyrated to club music.

Filed under SHOWS and FASHION

PFW S/S 2012: L'Oreal Paris presents Michael Cinco

Michael Cinco is a Filipino fashion designer who is based in Dubai and known for his fabulous couture gowns and his attention to details. Fresh from the success of his first solo show in the Philippines at the annual Red Cross Charity Ball, he joined Philippine Fashion Week's Spring-Summer 2012 through another solo show last October 24 at the SMX Convention Center, this time presented by L'Oreal Paris.

The invite

The collection was inspired by beautiful goddesses, bringing to life fabulous couture gowns of white, orange, brown, gold and red left the audience gasping in awe -- classic silhouettes done with a modern twist with delicate fringes, lace, and intricate beadings.

Also noteworthy are the "Greek gods" who paraded in nothing but underwear with metallic crotch accents.

Just when I thought that the usual runway walks were done, a group of muscled male models and one female model clad in skimpy but classy beaded body suit posed in the middle of the catwalk and bam! a simulated rain-shower drizzled and drenched their perfect bodies. My first time to actual see such a theatrical fashion show.

It's raining men!

As if this stunt was not enough as a show finale, out came Anne Curtis in a fire red body hugging gown said to cost P500,000.

Anne Curtis

Over-all, Michael Cinco's Spring/Summer masterpiece collection strongly underscores his fierce fashion prowess and extensive working knowledge of the female wearer.

Filed under SHOWS and FASHION