JT and Anna's True Colors

Have you seen Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick's version of "True Colors" yet? Well if you haven't, check it out now! I'm swooning over this pair. Personally, I love their rendition. But that's a given, since I really like JT since NSYNC days and Anna since Pitch Perfect 1.

As far as I know, they performed this song in line with the movie "Trolls" of which they are both starring in. Other big names are also going to be in the movie such are Gwen Stefani, James Corden, Russel Brand, Kunal Nayyar, Zooey Deschanel, Icona Pop and many more! It's a DreamWorks production and set to premiere later this year.

Disclaimer: Video used in this post is from DreamWorksTV's official Youtube channel. No copyright infringement intended.

Musika sa Isla is Waiting for You

Hey you! If you're into classical music and dig scenic and quaint places, I have got the news for you. The "Musika sa Isla" is now on it's third year and it's the only classical festival in the country. The three-day event will be held in the charming municipality of Boac, Marinduque on May 18, 19 and 21, 2016.

photo from Musika sa Isla facebook page

Noted musicians are going to partake in the event. Franz Chen of Indonesia and Tomoyo Kobayashi of Japan are playing the piano while Kazuki Yamamoto is the sole violinist. On the other hand, Ivan Jenzer  of the Philippines is going to play the cello and singers Arlene Escultero, soprano, and Joseleo Logdat, baritone singer, are also on board.

photo from Musika sa Isla facebook page

“Musika sa Isla” is set in the quaint but bustling city of Boac in Marinduque province. The heart-shaped island takes pride in its scenic landscape, rustic charm, and other natural wonders. Its near zero-crime rate and impressive agri-based economy are attracting curious wanderers as Marinduque poises itself as a budding tourist destination. Once dubbed as the country’s “forgotten paradise,” it’s time for us to remember the beauty we’ve always had, the beauty we need to recognize. An easy bus trip away, JAC Liner even includes the RORO pass with their advanced reservations now available online. - Official Press Release

Here are the  details of the three-day festival:

May 18 - The International Concert at 6:00 PM, St. Raphael Parish

May 19 -  The Grand Gala at 6:00 PM, the Boac Covered Court

May 21 - additional concert at the Moriones Arena and Park 

Tickets sell at an affordable price for Php 200.00 for each event and a 50% discount is offered to students. This event is supported by AGREA Philippines, a local social enterprise that hopes to revitalize agriculture in the island of Marinduque. 

For more details, contact Mirra Reyes at numbers (+639) 175-351-501 or (02) 507-8575.
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Images used in this post are from the official Facebook page of "Musika sa Isla"

What Day Is It? It's Muni Market Day!

First things first, what is "MUNI Market" and who are the people behind it? Let me give you a brief rundown. MUNI got its name from the Filipino word "muni-muni" which means to think, ponder, muse or reflect. So their name basically stays true to their main goal which is to encourage people to think critically of their consumer choices and make the necessary changes to live a more mindful lifestyle.  

 "We believe that one important way we can live more mindfully is by being more aware of the impact of our consumption. By choosing products that are healthy, locally made and/or eco-friendly, we choose to put our money on products/businesses that share our values of maximizing impact in our community while minimizing impact on the planet."- MUNI

MUNI Market is a venue where the main goal is to educate the consumers of mindful living or "conscious consumption" through shopping and eating. Likewise, the event is a place for like-minded people to meet and  learn each others' stories. The 1st MUNI Market was launched on June 1, 2014 in The Grove, Rockwell, the 2nd was held on October 25 and November 8, 2014 at the Capitol Commons whilst the 3rd on March 28, 2015 and the 4th one was on October 24-25, 2015 also in Capitol Commons. This year they are on their 5th MUNI Market which will be held on May 21, 2016 in Solenad 3, Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna. 

THE PROGRAM:

- Coloring & storytelling activities for kids c/o Katch PH & Treehugger World at 11:00AM, 2:00PM and 4:00PM
- Healthy food demos c/o Holy Carabao & Jertie's Kitchen at 2:30PM
- Yoga c/o Life Yoga at 4:30PM
- Live music performances by Toni B, Gentle Universe, Paola Mauricio, Mellow Submarine starting at 5PM

Likewise, merchants will be introduced through story-sharing and their products throughout the event.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Some of the folks from our tribe of cause-driven entrepreneurs include: Bayani Brew, Down To Earth PH, Food Source PH, Gouache Bags, Gugu, Holy Carabao, Jertie's Kitchen, Katch PH, Kuwero, Lemontastic, Nipa Foods / Nipa Brew, Picole, Pizza Morena, RisqueDesigns, Silly Monkey Clothing, The Green House Project, The Superfood Grocer, Theo & Philo, Thirsty Turtle, Tinker Knot, Treehugger World, V&M Naturals, and Yadu.

SOMETHING NEW:

Unlike the previous MUNI Market, they will be introducing a new payment system for the consumers through an easy one-time payment at designated cash-in points that allows them to navigate from merchant to merchant with a quick and easy swipe of a card. 

“We’re so happy with our merchants’ openness to this new technology, and we’re excited for guests to try it out with us on May 21. This is how we envision our events moving forward, as it will enhance the experience for merchants and consumers alike, and help us gain a better understanding of consumer preferences and merchant performance, which in turn will guide us in creating even better events in the future.” - MUNI founder and CEO Jen Horn

So, save the date and see you then!

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If you wish to know more about MUNI, their cause, their previous events, etc. . click here.

One Good Vote Coming Up!

D-day has come! The May 2016 election has recently been concluded but we're still far from wrapping up. Its actually just the beginning. The results are still not yet official though there are presumptive leaders already; whilst some were already proclaimed the new this and that. And as we all now, dramas have unfolded left and right. Someone claiming of being cheated is inevitable. In fact, somebody had already cried foul! But I'm not going to talk about the "after the election" blues. This post is solely a recounting of how May 9 panned out for me as a newly-signed up election volunteer.

Why Vote-Buying is an Open Secret during Elections in the Philippines?

Vote-buying and vote-selling are just two of the most common things one can think of during the elections in the Philippines. We all know its wrong but why haven't we put a stop to it? And why are those people behind such not made accountable? We've seen it in TV, read all about it in the papers or all over the internet and sometimes have our firsthand experience.

Barely A Day Away!

I was with my parents earlier and attended mass for the "send off" on Monday. I have joined the bandwagon so to speak and took part in the PPCRV. I know, I know, I don't strike you as the "volunteer" type but I've always wanted to do so, but sadly, it never pushed through until recently. My parents and older sister were initially the only ones involved in this in our family. When I say I wanted to volunteer I was thinking more like in orphanages or in some remote place. I'm in the Education industry and I have time to spare so why not roll up those sleeves, right?

 

So, what made me sign up as a PPCRV volunteer, you ask? Hmmm. I joined the PPCRV since there was a dire need for volunteers. It's the least I can do as a responsible voter. Especially since this election seems to be more crucial than the previous elections. I guess its because of who are running for government positions or maybe that's just me. Well, a lot has happened and I'm pretty sure you are aware of the issues and scandals surrounding these people.

Am I ready for Monday?? Quite frankly, I'm not sure. As volunteers, the service we'll be putting in is free and unbiased. We were readied and made aware of some situations where we need to play it cool and invoke loooong patience. I should do well right, I mean I've taught plenty of "unique" kids in the day. Yet, I can't shake off the apprehension. Its been long established how grueling and chaotic election in the Philippines has been. And I'm not really that optimistic that this coming one would turn out otherwise. But still we're praying and hoping for a peaceful and orderly process.

Anyway, if there's one thing that I'm really pleased about, its meeting new people and gaining new experience. Regardless of how things would turn out, this stint as a volunteer is going to be among the many I'll be doing. And that's a promise.

P.S. Let's just all pray for a clean and peaceful election on Monday, shall we?

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gifs used in this post are from giphy.com

The Story of God

When I saw the preview of "The Story of God", I was sooo ecstatic. It was due to various reasons but the best one is that its hosted by Morgan Freeman. Who better to host a show about God but the man who one played / voiced God, duh?! (In case you don't get it, Mr. Freeman played the role of God in the film Bruce Almighty).

Don't I Matter Anymore?

I've had recurring thoughts of something bad. I haven't told anyone; since I knew it was wrong and would further make me self-absorbed which I refuse to be called. But I guess, I've always been like that and the demon I've thought I buried sometime ago managed to survive. It hid somewhere inside me and just waited in the deep recesses of my being for the time to strike; for when I was more troubled and hanging on a line. It wasn't something drastic but it was a gradual attack that I thought I could manage to defeat. But even then, I had fragile self-esteem and always had a push-and-pull perception of my worth. So when I woke up one morning, it didn't come as a surprise, I didn't like who I see anymore. I hated myself even more.

Things to Keep In Mind on Election Day

So it's the first of May! Aside from it being a holiday and a weekend, this day also marks how soon we'll be having the election in the Philippines. Have you guys decided whom to vote for yet? Uh-ah, clock's ticking though, D-day is just a week away! Remember, we are #OneGoodVote away to making a difference, so use this time to sift through all the candidates, compare their programs and platforms.

We all know how hectic election day would be for all of us, so to save yourself some trouble and annoyance, know where you're going to vote now and check whether or not your name is actually on the voters' list. The PPCRV has launched help desks in local parishes to help voters look for their voting precinct and assigned room number. Avoid the stress by knowing where to go beforehand, okay? Also, remember that there are some things you can't do during the election. You may not think of them as much of a big deal, but trust me you can wound up in serious trouble if you do them otherwise.