Azrael's Merryland

NGC's "Inside Malacanang" - my feature and review

2012-03-18T22:14:00.003+08:00

I got reminded by a Facebook post earlier about the premiere of “Inside Malacanang” its a documentary episode at National Geographic Channel and it features the daily life and the work of their staff under the Office of our President Benigno “noy noy” Aquino III, the docu was shot last year around June 2011, and the other exact footage was taken during the June 12, 2011 Independence Day celebration in Kawit, Cavite. The docu is produced and directed by Marnie Manicad and this is for NGC, I saw Marnie Manicad’s portfolio of docu and video from their website and I’m surprised that she is also the producer and director for my favorite motoring show “Turbo Zone”. I like that motor show because I like their style in featuring a story and I love the shots of cars and test drive videos, and now compare it to tell a story about people, well, that’s “Inside Malacanang”

View Marnie Manicad website here

We are curious on what is the life inside Malacanang, I’ve been there in the palace years ago during the year of presidency of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the palace is like a giant museum, full of artworks, nice setting, lots of bodyguards and security, staff, paintings and etc. I just got heads up that the walls of the palace are bullet proof. If US have their own White House, here in the Philippines we have our Malacanang Palace. and this docu tell the story and never before and release information about inside the palace.

I missed the 1st 30 minutes of the docu because people here at home are busy watching Sarah G live, but then I told them that I want to watch the docu and I’m glad that they allowed me to watch the episode and now it hook us up to watch it with focus.

Here are some screen caps from the episode, If you missed the episode, try to catch a replay in NGC, just check your local tv guide for schedules.

The feature that I saw after switching the channel to NGC, is about their official photographer for the palace. Above is JR’s photo of President Noy and US President Barrack Obama

I like this feature and here we get to know more about their official photographer who is always near and behind our President whenever there’s an event. The docu mentioned that there are only two official photographers for President Noy, I think the other photographer stays on the other side of the view or infront of the President whenever theres an event he is present.

JR’s photograph this and it shows two iconic person from different lands

My only complain is that the subtitles are so small, they should blow up the font more bigger and color it yellow, I’m not sure if theres a rule in editing about having a white or yellow subtitles, but I prefer a bigger subtitles on screen, we have a giant tv here at home and the subs are so small.

JR, official photographer for Malacanang

Its a great feature also that they have President Noy in an interview and he gives comments and add more story about their staff and how they work with him.

This photo that JR took make him start to work with President Noy. Its cool that our president chose the people personally those he want to work with.

And another feature is about our President Security Group of PSG,, here they have their own training ground and facility, they also have their own shooting gallery and all PSG are sharp shooters…wow!

One of their training is that they have lots of styles on how to secure the president in different matters or any terror attack, they even have a rescue plan mission if ever the president got kidnap.

Here they show the vehicles they use in Malacanang

This van is a PSG vehicle that follows the president where ever he may go and a shocking revelation that the van is super loaded with heavy artillery, lots of bullet supplies, bazooka and it looks like they are ready for war….if you ran into a PSG vehicle on the road, I suggest that you avoid them, they are the army in the shadows of the president.

Group commander of PSG shares some info about the role of the PSG and how they are dedicated for the nation to always make sure that the president is safe, they also showed a video on how they escort the presidential car going to Cavite…oh my lord..they are in full force, funny thing is that the presidential car and its escort obey traffic rules…thats a great role model that our president shows, no sirens and obeying traffic rules. The PSG is always ready to move and all car doors are open whenever the stoplight is red.

One scary view is that the presidential convoy is also escorted by lots of choppers, and I just can’t believe the chopper flew under the air highway of passenger planes that prepares to land in NAIA.

Final feature is about the presidential food taster, his work is to make sure that the food is okay to be consumed by our president, he examine the food that was prepared, check if there are poison, he tastes and eat it first and then do some UV ray examination, he even prepare water for the president. This is one of the tough job in Malacanang.

I miss the half of the feature, but I’m going to watch out for the replay in NGC

Malacanang….

The Palace

Our president

End of credits

the producer and director

Review:
The documentary is well presented and the story telling is clear and fast, my only complain is that the voice over is on low volume and compare to other NGC docu that the voice over’s volume is a bit high just to highlight the focus of the story. English subtitles are small, but readable when you focus on the text below the frame. It is beautifully done with lots of awesome shots of the palace, the people and the president. I hope that there will be another episode about “Inside Malacanang” the one hour time for this episode is so short, they can make a 5 part mini series about Malacanang. I saw a short feature about the palace in History channel,but they showed the interior of the palace and even interviewed Imelda Marcos and she shares her story on what happened when the people kick them out of the palace during the people’s revolution.

There's this error that was aired on this episode and I don't where and what part? I'm sure the error was seen during the 1st 30 min, which I missed during its premiere air.

Its a collectors item for me already if they will make this a mini series, I can imagine now a DVD or Blu Ray edition of this episode and if ever there’s a new docu on the way for NGC and it will be shot and produced here in the Philippines, I want Marnie Manicad do the magic for us, their work already proves that the Filipino can make a ground breaking docus that fits and with international quality and taste. The docu is such an eye opener and if ever I’m going to work in Malacanang, I want to be a blogger and just enjoy covering the life inside Malacanang and also share the story of the every day lives of the people who are working for our country.

My Malacanang Palace visit - fail

2012-03-18T21:23:00.003+08:00

I prepared for this visit again in Malacanang Palace for almost a month, my visit is an invitation for a media launch of National Geographic Channel new docu episode "Inside Malacanang". I even prepared my suit and shoe shined my leather shoes ( that I haven't done for almost 10 years) and got a new hair cut, new facial, foot spa and etc... Except make up hhhaha.

All plan went to ruins after we got caught up in a massive traffic jam along the way, I'm blaming for the traffic domino effect caused by that grand eye ball of Iglesia ni Cristo in Manila. We were shocked to discover the the road going to Malacanang Palace is now closed and we got stuck for almost for another hour wandering in the road of Mendiola. We dine in to McDonalds and then I decided to leave the media group because the launch event is over and we're sitting ducks and also 2 hours late. I rode the taxi cab with Jonel and Marjorie going back to Makati.

I want to post the photos here, just to immortalize this failed moments and the horror came back into my memory again after I got reminded that the NGC show will be aired tonight...huuhuhuu

My view during our meet in a coffee shop in Ortigas, for our transpo service going to Malacanang

I didn’t bring my dslr that day because we were advised that taking of photos inside Malacanang is strictly prohibited, I just brought a Casio Exilim digital camera with me, I plan to deposit it there after entering the security check up.

We walked across Mendiola road after we learned that there’s a road block going to Malacanang that day. Traffic becomes worse during afternoon rush hour

Trying some self portrait while going down from the elevated foot bridge

Here’s a good shot eheeheh

Welcome to Mendiola! There’s a police barricade infront of the welcome sign

All of us media guests were in our formal attire, in dark suits and others are in barong, people were looking at us and maybe think of that we missed a wedding

Trying to calm down…we are tired and we wait for another minute for an update re: what gate should we enter

Arvin using his brand new Samsung Galaxy Y, I told him to remove the protected sticker that came as a factory temporary cover

We decided to eat some snacks in McDonalds

Good old days….lots of memories here in Mendiola

ahhhh CEU ^___^

Marjonel….photo op in Mendiola hahahaha

Watch tonight at 9pm March 18 - "Inside Malacanang" docu episode on National Geographic Channel

2012-03-18T20:46:00.003+08:00

This to remind everyone that the episode will be aired tonight at 9pm in NGC.

Here are some photos of Malcanang.. ( borrowed from posts at Flickr, photo credits to the user on the link)

I'm going to search an online feed today or maybe a video download link tomorrow, I can't watch the show today because everyone at home are tune in to Sarah G live... :(

Az Video Blog 2012 : David Finch in Manila

2012-03-18T19:55:00.002+08:00

Here's a quick video blog coverage from yesterday's comic book event and autograph signing with Batman:Dark Knight comic artist and writer David Finch here in Fully Booked.

Watch the video blog below:

for photos, visit my other post here

Dinner today: turbo broiled chicken

2012-03-18T19:04:00.002+08:00

Lace cooked this for our dinner, she bought the chicken and other recipes in the grocery this afternoon. Yummy di ba?! best meal partner with a cold Coca Cola.

Another happy family Sunday dinner!

David Finch in Manila day 1 - photos and some bat mite

2012-03-18T18:09:00.003+08:00

Writer and Artist for Batman:The Dark Knight comics is here in Manila, he is here to do a two day artist talk and meet with fans, After a one week notice that the event is postponed, I’m happy that I have read the online newsletter of Fully Booked that the event will push through on March 17 and 18, so I signed up for a Sunday schedule for an artist talk with David Finch, but then after a spin in a wheel turn of events in my personal life, I saw that I won’t be able to make it on that Sunday event. But I’m glad that me and my wife drop by to Fully Booked in Taguig City after our weekend date. I don’t have my comics with me or any poster to sign by David, but I just went beside him, stood there and watch him sketch and sign autographs in the comic book for his fans. I saw Jaime Daez and gave him a smile with congratulation mark for the success of the event and told him that I’m glad that the event made it! and then we both laugh hahaha

I don’t have a photo with David Finch, but I did have a photo op with the poster inside Fully Booked, I got a chance to have a photo op with him,but in respect to the fans who are lining up…I decided not to skip lines hahahaha. Its great to see some of my old comic book friends lining up and others were surprised to see me there, they know that I won’t be there at the event because I posted on my Facebook that I’ll be busy that day.

My fast entrance and escalator ride…I think someone greeted me “hi Az!” but I didn’t saw who greeted me hhahhahaha. That’s Sandy of Comic Odyssey on blue shirt, and that’s his comics table selling comic issues per piece or bulk. Awesome team up of the year… Comic Odyssey x Fully Booked x comic geeks x David Finch

I’m on my way to Whitehat yohgurt that time and here’s a top view look of the comic book event

the kalbo guy on the table is David Finch

David Finch signing some Batman comic books…spotted on pic member of The Comic Brook group

I missed the artist talk and hope that I get to know more about David, but that’s okay, standing beside him is awesome already for me…on pic..Jaime Daez fixing the table

Arghhh I just remembered my comic book at home. I have two issues sleeping in my comic cabinet waiting to be signed by David Finch….oh well, there will be next time for me.

More David photos in action

A closer look….

The comic book fans are here….

Shaking hands after signing…

and sympre…a photo op

lots of comic books with works of David Finch sold in Fully Booked

I’ll buy this next time..there’s a Fully Booked branch in SM Mall of Asia, I’ll grab this book nextweek.

The poster…

And here’s Fully Booked at night..It will be an awesome view if they have a bat signal during the event.

Saturday day out: Mercato Centrale, John Carter, Sushi, Massage and Batman

2012-03-18T16:14:00.003+08:00

Yesterday was our weekend tradition to go out to eat, have fun, relax and enjoy seeing a new movie. After visiting Salcedo weekend market last Saturday, my wife created our staycation plan for the next Saturday to visit Mercato Centrale in Taguig City. We check out blogs and its Facebook pages for some update and there we pressed the launch button and we went there after waking up as early as 7am, but baby Ash won’t come with us that day because our family driver is busy on an errand. But our Saturday day out went well and thanks to Lace for fixing a nice schedule for us. It also my 3rd day of having no dslr camera on hand, and I used Lace’s Samsung ES70 digital camera in documenting our day, well it works fine and I enjoyed using point and shoot camera again.

Here’s Mercato Centrale now on its new location in Taguig City, I really miss the early Mercato because they have the air conditioned tent and lots of merchants. I got sad because all the food that I want to buy were no longer there, all I see are the normal and common food that we always see and eat here in our city.

We spotted some blogger friends roaming around the market, I told them that I got a hard time checking out the market because of this new set up. Its like a food convention, with tables and smokey bbq areas.

But having a free wifi is the best offer for me! heheheheh.. more points to Mercato Centrale.. this might be a good hub for bloggers who want to go blogging after an early jogging in the morning.

A group of friends or office mates were seen here enjoying their meal

I’m still sad because my favorite stalls are not here! also a blogger friend who have her own food stall is also not present, but I think her food stall is available only at Wednesday night at Mercato night market

Common food with different name and recipe, Lace bought her lasagna here.

There’s a covered tent for dining, if you don’t like seating near the food stalls and be suffocated by the smoke coming from the bbq grill, then the best place to eat is inside this tent, but there’s a little advantage…. its too far from the food stalls. hahahahah. It took me 15 min. to roam around again and bought Lace’s mineral water, when I arrive back to our table she finished her food already.

I didn’t want to waste my time trying the food tasting of other stalls, but i decided to have a hearty breakfast meal with some meat and lamang loob

I bought one “chicharong bulaklak” priced less than P100, yeah one flower is already deadly.. Remember that blog about our Salcedo market experience and mentioned that I miss eating chicharon bulaklak and forgot to buy one there, then here in Mercato it was like a pay back time for me. I pick up my chicharon from another stall because the seller who owns this chicharon broke their gas stove.

Pork BBQ, Lace want to eat one, so I bought her two sticks…priced at P100 each (the stick and line of meat is long, but they have a short stick ver)

Isaw delight…… P50 one stick…. on a long stick…. I didn’t like the taste..not sure if it is fresh, but I like the isaw sold here near our street back here in Cavite.

Smokey arae, but the food grills are awesome..esp. the BBQs

I bought this BBQ rice to partner with my grilled food

my messy table……. my grilled food and some vinegar

Lace trying out a half of chicharon bulaklak….that food is so heavy and my head wants to pop anytime, Lace bought her own dessert and the yohgurt nearby helped me relax but I want more sweets and cold dessert just to beat the cholesterol flowing to my head.

After Mercato Centrale we decided to walk away from it and look for real food in a nearby street

We argued about entering Starbucks that morning,because I want a Frapuccino to beat the heat and kill the umay inside of my veins, I bought the tall drink using my LAST PIECE of GC from Starbucks, we took a quick CR break and kept some cold breeze of air con inside our underwear.

A long walk going to the other side of the street, while walking me and my wife Lace discuss an episode of Ancient Aliens that we saw in History Channel, we argued again on how man was created, but then I told her I don’t believe that man was created by aliens. And then we saw a restaurant nearby having a History channel PR event, when we saw it.. we both laugh ahahahah. event event event event…

I always want to take a photo of this cute garbage can….so cute.

After the long walk we ended up in a nearby store and saw a stuffed toys store and they sell these cute characters, here’s Pablo from the Backyardigans, after we saw the toys, it reminded us that we left baby Ashton at home and we felt guilty for not bringing him with us.

Cookie monster….

and here’s Elmo!!!!

A disturbing look of Dora the Explorer…..I think this is an evil version of Dora

We decided to watch a movie and told her that I want to watch John Carter, its a nice movie and I like the story and effects of the movie. I love the ending and also how they tell the story about a man being transported to Planet Mars and becomes a hero.. when I first saw the photo of the movie last year, I thought that the movie is He-man: Masters of the Universe, because the costume design they used and worn by Taylor Hitsch is like the costume of He-man.

After the movie, we booked ourself to a nearby Spa, her getting a royal massage, and me a manhattan massage. I feel so bitin after because my massage is the cheapest and it lasted for only 45 min, while her massage lasted for 60 min. I will have revenge next week.

Saw this cute photo frame in a Japanese store, I want to buy one and will place my GI JOE figure on the seat and pretend them that they are waiting for the bus to arrive.

I’m so curious on this waterproof camera by Speedo, the price looks okay to me.

here’s another model, I’m going to research about this camera.

We ate here in a Sushi resto nearby and tried their menu, the price is affordable compare to other Japanese resto, but I only complain that the Donburi doesn’t tastes original but quite close to the authentic Japanese style,I think they used local rice for the donburi.

Me and the counter

Our favorite Salmon Sashimi..priced at P180

her Katsudon…priced at P115

and my Gyudon…same price as above.. I like the raw egg on top

Time to buy some pasalubong…. we grabbed our hopia here

and some fruits…I’m glad that we brought our SM greenbag with us, we always bring our SM green bag whenever we go out and do shopping, because here in Cavite there’s a city ordinance that all stores and malls are banned from using plastic bags and styrofoams.

After the market shopping, Lace wants to eat cup cakes, but then changed her mind and want to have some Starbucks and then I told her I want a Whitehat, our adventure ended here in Fully Booked and its a very unexpected visit for me because we don’t have a plan in going here because its all geeky stuff and its my interest, my wife doesn’t want me to get distracted whenever we go out, but I think its okay for her end because this is the end of our Saturday date, so I’m allowed now to take a peek and see David Finch during his comic book signing event wohohohooh, I’ll post a different blog entry later.

**David Finch is a comic book artist and writer and he did a popular gig writing story and doing art in a Batman comics for DC Comics.

My yummy Whitehat yohgurt as always top with Kiwi and almonds…ahhh so refreshing….while eating this, I logged on to the internet using our so old 1st gen of Asus EEEPC netbook. check my email and Facebook. After the meal and some chat with my wife, we went to SM Mall of Asia for our ride home, but before that we wasted an hour of our time stuck in traffic in EDSA, but glad that the Pyromusical fireworks can be seen after the Magallanes-EDSA fly over…spectacular sight.

Whew! that’s our Saturday staycation…so how about you? how’s your weekend?

Olympus celebrity endorser Erich Gonzales in SM MOA this March 17

2012-03-16T15:42:00.001+08:00

I got news from Red Dot Philippines that their celebrity endorser for Olympus camera, Erich Gonzales, will be at the SM Appliances Center in SM Mall of Asia this Saturday, that's the store near the ice skating rink. Olympus camera users are welcome to meet Erich at the event.

Event will start at 4pm

photo source

A visit in Olympus service center facility c/o Red Dot Philippines

2012-03-16T15:36:00.000+08:00

I'm glad that I checked the OlyClub forum last week, I joined them in a tour and visit inside Olympus service center facility here in Manila, thanks to Red Dot Philippines, official distributor for Olympus camera and OlyClub Ph, Olympus camera club in the Philippines, for organizing the tour for us club members and also Oly users. I arrived late yesterday and miss some of the discussions with Mr. Yuji Hato, CRM Department, Olympus Japan, I heard that the facility will be soon a topnotch service warranty for point-and-shot, PEN and DSLR units in the country.

What did I learned from yesterday?

The Olympus service center, managed by Red Dot Philippines is located at
9th floor CU-Unjieng Center, Dasmarinas cor Quintin Paredes St., Binondo, Manila
you can view the map here going to that building in Binondo

The new Olympus OM-D E-M5 camera SRP is P63k

photo by Putiman

Waterproof Oly digicams that were water damaged are hard to repair, it can be repaired but the parts will be expensive, most advice is to buy a new one or avoid opening the battery cap of your waterproof Oly digicams when you are dipped in a body of water.

Obsolete and very old cameras are hard to fix, because the parts are no longer available, but they suggest that you bring the camera to their office for them to check it and diagnose the defect.

I inquired about the defect that I encountered on my Olympus E520 dslr, its a 5 year old camera under my hands and it shows already some tech error, I told them that the dialog switch might be loose, because whenever I switched to Manual, then the screen will display that I'm in the scene mode. Then Mr. Hato checked my dslr and he told me that there might be dust under the dialog switch that blocks the sensor of the switch, so it needs cleaning... When I heard that, I felt a stick was pulled out of my chest, I'm glad that my Olympus dslr is not defective. After the talk, I let the service center take care of my camera and stay there for 3 days for proper cleaning, its a 5 year old camera and it never experience some cleaning because I'm looking for the right service center for my camera and I'm glad that Red Dot Philippines is here to service us Oly users. The diagnostic personel told me that my camera will be okay after 1 week, I told them if its possible to claim it tomorrow, she told me that it will be available by Friday night, and then I told her that I'll claim my camera on Saturday morning, so that I can cover the pyromusical happening in SM MOA. Im glad Red Dot Philippines helped me fix my camera problems.

Its weird that I'm living in a day with out a dslr hahahh

At the service center facility, we were allowed to check the room and see their tech guys revive lots of Oly cameras, we were advised that we should not take photos because their repair gadgets are confidential. All of us Olyclub members stayed in the room for awhile and checked how their tech guys work, each tech person have its own space and all of them are wearing those finger gloves, I saw that they repair lots of digicams and also video cams.

I'm excited that Olympus is reigning the waves again! especially with the new release of EM-5 camera, everyone want to own already, and I want one too! but I need to convert first and own a Pen camera and embrace mirco 4/3 glory! oh yeah!!

here are some pics taken by my LG optimus black (yeah obvious that my dslr is not with me hahha)

Olyclub member Jaime shows his photo prints to Mr. Hato

Jaimes uses his Pen 3 in taking photos in RAW, and wow! the details are so alive!

Erich Gonzales is the celebrity endorser for Olympus! astig!

Red Dot Philippines at the 9th floor

That's the building! right after the Chinese arc and Savory

HDR effect on my LG Optimus Black

infront of this sign. I'm waiting for my bus ride going home

A preview of SM City Manila 3 day sale this coming Friday

2012-03-15T14:16:00.001+08:00

Me and my blogger friends went to SM City Manila to check out the mall and look for some cool items that will go on sale this coming Friday, The big mall in Manila will have their 3 days sale this March 16-17-18, 2012, its a big shopping sale event again for SM Supermalls and shoppers who live in Manila knows the difference of a normal day and a normal sale event, expect lots of foot traffic, bargains on the table and full house restaurants for the entire three days. If you plan to visit the sale in SM City Manila, and it will be your first time, then read my post and learn the interesting stuff I found here in their mall.

Here's the poster of the 3 day sale, they also going to raffle 3 HP notebook PC to lucky shoppers. I'll post back here again for the mechanics of the raffle contest. I also heard that there will be a special discounts for SM Advantage Card holders for the 1st hour after opening on 1st day of sale this Friday.

Our adventure starts here, but before I go and I need to check out this store directory, it can guide me and point the location of the store that I want to visit.

Gotcha! you already know what I want for this 3 day sale

SM City Manila have 5 levels, the top is the location of their cinemas, and wow!!! 12 cinemas!

spotted Aileen 1 and Aileen 2

Saw this Unicorn statue at the Putitos food booth at the top floor, cute thing to have a photo op.

My trusted hospital is now have a clinic here in SM Manila, Its a big clinic operated by The Medical City

A view of the giant banner that hangs from level 5 up to the basement level

Its movie time! this is their cinema hallway

We noticed that there's a special screening going on that day, there's a special movie ticket price of P25 per person and you can watch an old movie.

Here's a way to kill time or relax or enjoy a movie with friends. This long line of people are going directly to that old movie screening, Php 25 as a movie ticket price is cheap and its fun to watch a movie that you haven't seen it yet

I saw Chicco di Caffe near the cinema lobby and I only saw it here in SM City Manila, Im not sure if there's another branch outside the mall. I'm attracted to that unlimited coffee promo offer. Check the poster on the glass.

FMCC shirts are on 50% off! super sale!!! I must visit store this Friday

The iconic Francis Magalona logo, I wonder if this shirt is on sale too.

I remember that some of my shoes back in college are from a Payless store in the US, I just love some of their shoe sets, even that the designs are old, but I still like the uniqueness of each design. Having an old design is unique in this generation.

All branded shoes are on discount, Here's a look of an Airwak shoes that looks like a Chuck Taylor

Pacman's monster. This blouse is so cute!! The shorts are marked now to 50% off, visit the store of Cache Cache

I spotted this milk tea house somewhere in the mid level, I think its a Taiwanese tea shop, the venue is always full. maybe their milk tea is good.

I heard that Chica booti is like the other brand similar to Forever 21, lots of female shoppers inside and according to blogger Aileen that the price of their outfits are affordable.

I dont have an idea on how much a blouse is priced, but the P199 price tag looks okay

This Olympus EPL1 with a Zuiko 40-150mm telephoto lens is the apple of my eye that day
Its a little bit pricey for me, but I'll wait for the price mark down next time.

The SM Store..formerly known as SM Department Store, its a bit odd to see a different sign, but then we learned that the old SM Dept. Store is now called SM Store.

The Rockport store is a must visit too, heard that there will be 50% off sale for shoes

I always buy my sunglasses here in Fly Shades, this is a new arrival, I'm going to buy one and use it for my summer 2012 collection

Trying out the Cordoba style sun glasses

Here's a crazy deal!!! the white sun glasses below is priced at P99 only

not sure if there are any sale items here at the SM appliances

Toy Kingdom Express is always on sale...you have to check out the price of the toys here

I'm not familiar with this robot, but it has a Bandai logo

And if you complete all the robots, you combine them and turn into a giant robot!!! wow!!! Price per toy is P100

Baby toys are also on sale...

This is priced at around P200

Comic Alley store..your anime and toys store, Im not sure if there are any sale items

I'm curious on this Nanos resto, their pizza looks like the pizza from Sbarros

Same look..same smell of that NY and Chicago Pizza

Good thing here is that the pizza are affordable

My visit again in SM Cyberzone

I just imagined that this is thing is a teleporter

Saw some affordable smartphones at the Firefly booth, the phone aboive is a dual sim android phone...oh di ba!

For emergecny phones, this is an ideal phone for you

talk about tablet..this is a 1ghz tablet..using Samsung's processor.oh di ba?!!!

After our tour...we saw this Twilight photo op set up in line with the launch of its DVD

My view from the basement

To end our day...we enjoyed eating a yummy pizza and pasta at Shakeys

Brian McKnight meet and greet today in SM North Edsa and San Lazaro

2012-03-15T10:45:00.001+08:00

American R and B singer Brian McKnight that popularize the song "Back at one" and "One Last cry" will have a meet and greet today in Sky Dome, SM North EDSA at 4pm and then at 6pm he will travel to the heart of Manila and meet his fans again in SM City San Lazaro at 6pm.

To enter the venue and meet Brian McKnight in person, you need to buy his CD album at the gate and get tickets for the meet and greet session. Brian arrive yesterday with his sons Brian Jr. and Niko.

Yes he is back here again in our country for the nth time, we pinoys really love him and some of my friends are a hard core fans of Brian McKnight, that's why Brian still love going back here because of his fans.
Brian is here in the Philippines to perform this Friday, March 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and on March 17 he will perform in Cebu.

for concert ticket details visit Ticketnet

Press con photo yesterday, taken by Kevin Pableo of Manila Concert Scene
more photos here

Meet Brian McKnight today at 4pm in Sky Dome, SM North EDSA

Meet Brian McKnight today at 6pm in SM San Lazaro

video: The Photoshop of the future can edit videos

2012-03-15T08:48:00.000+08:00

Omg! This is one awesome Photoshop version for the future, I'm going to watch out for the release of this new version. I'm not a fan of AE, but I love their Premiere, what if thee three software did a fusion like Goku and Vegeta ? whoaaa Super saiyan Photoshop!!! yeah like the iPad 3 called the new iPad, this is simple called Photoshop :)

From the video above, you can see how they use Photoshop in editing, adding effects and also apply make up of the model on video... ohoooh astig

“Get a glimpse of what the Photoshop team has been working on, when it comes to video and Photoshop. You won’t believe what you can do when you unite the power of Photoshop with easy and approachable video editing tools!” - Photoshop team

source: Adobe blog and Fstoppers

Monster ball spaghetti - my meryenda today

2012-03-13T16:00:00.001+08:00

Monster ball spaghetti - my meryenda today, a photo by popazrael on Flickr.

celebrating a success and failure for this day hahhaah. this pasta makes me feel better. im going home now after a successful meeting here in Manila.

Im sad that i failed to make it on time for that movie event in timog ave q.c.

A visit again in Salcedo Saturday market

2012-03-13T11:53:00.000+08:00

We went to Salcedo Saturday Market last weekend for our weekly family daycation and my wife create an itinerary for our Saturday and make sure that I attend it and skip some of the events that I signed up for Satrday, all things went well but my complain is the hot sunny weather and it drained me a lot and left me weak after arriving home, but that's okay our daycation is fun hanging out with my family and we observe my son on how he interacts on other kids, we laugh so much because are lots of funny moments going on whenever we see him play with kids.

I remember my last visit here in Salcedo market was 2 years ago, nothing changed and more food were added, I told my wife that most food that I want are all in Mercato Centrale, I went around the Salcedo Market for two times and never found my favorite weekend market food, I didn't stop looking but my foot landed on that empanada seller and takoyarki booth. My wife bought some Indian food, Paella, and Lechon Cebu. We spent our morning snacks there arriving at 930am and went to BGC at around 1:30pm.

I'm glad that there are trees that provides good shades for us under the sun, clearn air, no noise pollution, a playground for kids, tables with cover mats and chairs for diners, cooked food and meals, fruits, veggies, clean rest rooms, nice guards, and parking lot around the park. My other complain is that some foreign style food are so expensive, but its okay, because home made style cooking is always the best. I didn't got a time to take pics of new food discovery, because I'm so hungry and I let my tummy rule that day heheeh.

here are some pics

My wife is so excited to buy food later here in Salcedo Market, she's a real food monster

We bought some veggies here, wife loves to make her own salad at home

Takoyaki balls are my favorite, sometimes we compare the taste of different kinds of Takoyaki balls, but this one passes my taste buds, nearly authentic. But I love their style in cooking it.

Chicharon bulaklak...so heavenly.. I avoided this that day and then after two days, we started to regret it that we didnt bought one pack

Lechon is always the best!!

we bought our Indian food here.... I love the taste of their chicken masala something...

Salcedo Market is crowdy in the morning and more people coming in around lunch time. I really don't like people who run around the market, this is a market and not a running track.

More fruits

This playground is our agenda that day, our son plays here with other kids, he tried the slide for the first time, he go scared at first but then he started to love it and shouts weeeeeeeeeeeeeee! we dont have a photo of him trying the slide and playground because we are busy eating hahahah.

we bought inihaw na boneless bangus! - da best!! and ininhaw na hito! - da best also..

we bought the best grilled boneless bangus here

They also sell live tilapia fish hahahahh

Wife bought some fresh mangoes and banana here in this booth

Busy day for us....buying food..eating food....and buy more food.

This is a banana.....lol

Thanks for reading my post for today, we were planning to visit Mercato Centrale again, and the new Soderno Market in Alabang, we're reading reviews and post on some blogs and we plan our weekend daycation almost everyday, and I'm glad that there are blogs who shares their experience and also feature their own daycation.

Ikaw, how's your weekend?

Sorry emoticon

2012-03-13T11:27:00.000+08:00

It was a busy week for me and I have no choice to decline some event invites and also my sudden pull out of attendance to some events, I’m sorry that I signed up early and then decided to pull out the last minute. There are times that my duties as a dad, and to my works and projects always glued me on one place to finish it and also there are times that I play cars with my son, whenever my little boy always do his cute moments, I always want to stay home and play with him.

But there are times that my schedule are flexible and I’ll be lucky if ever I’m early to an event and got the energy to blog more. I’m very thankful that I got back my energy in covering concerts and love to take photos of their performance and stayed with the artist for the entire day and meet their fans. I have met lots of their fans and now they are an instant friend to me in Twitter and Facebook, its fun to meet new people it’s the new energy that drives me to blog more, do more photo coverage and discover new skills.

I’m hoping that I can pull more content for my blog and I’m doing new things just to make my blog alive. Expect lots of mobile blogging of photos, short comments and video blogs. Its an easy format for me even If I’m away from my trusty old laptop, my smart phone will do the trick and if you want to get more content from me just follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

Today, i'll attend a meeting in SM Manila and then I'll travel to QC to attend a round table talk with the film makers of Corazaon: Ang Unang Aswang movie. So good luck to me and I hope there's no traffic.

Ngarag day starts tomorrow

2012-03-12T22:49:00.001+08:00

me inside Xin Wang after a non stop mall tour in Manila

It will be a busy day for me starting tomorrow, lots of meetings and events to cover for my blog, I'm trying to finish some blogging activities today so that my whole week will be filled up with lots of new content in my blog. I'm also on a search for a good story to share and also nice things to feature here in my blog.

my week are full of deadlines and also meetings
to my readers..hope you can forgive for my slow post of updates here in my blog..

and oh.. I'm working on a tv segment for Azrael's Merryland blog...watch out for it.
I'l announce soon on what channel will it appear, I'm glad that a friend helps me to branch out of blogging...yay!

photo coverage: LORAX Red Carpet Movie Premiere - SM SOUTHMALL IMAX

2012-03-12T11:45:00.004+08:00

Lorax is fun movie to watch, a must watch and recommended film for kids and the whole family. I'm not familiar on Dr. Seuss' The Lorax story and I found in YouTube that there's a classic cartoon of the movie, but the 3D cartoon is much better and the visuals are so entertaining, better watch it in an IMAX Theater in SM Southmall, it is the most perfectly built IMAX Theater here in our country, I think I'll create a separate blog post about the IMAX Theater in SM Southmall, this is my 2nd time to watch there. Lorax is a creature with a moustache and he loves to take care and guard the forest, hear a story about the Lorax and a boy who searches something that can win a girl's heart.

Featuring the voices of Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Betty White.
The Lorax movie will be available on March 16 in all Philippine cinemas and SM IMAX theaters.

here are our blogger friends who are present yesterday at the red carpet premiere
** feel free to save and download your photo

all photos are posted and published on my Facebook photo album, you can grab your pics there
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150735215599276.460794.567879275&type=1

Thanks to SM Southmall, SM Cinema and Solar UIP for inviting us!

SMART always connect us to everyone to #livemore

2012-03-11T14:02:00.003+08:00

I was checking out my timeline and saw a link on my Twitter and saw a TVC from SMART, then I first read Carlo Ople's blog post "Live more campaigns from SMART", and I agree with him that the era for brand ambassadors should go and campaign for the promised real service you deliver must step in, no more weird gimmicks and whattatadada ers mumbo jumbo, for us users we make sure that we get the right network that gives our needs esp. when it comes to communication. Some people today can't live without their mobile phones, internet, Facebook, Gmail or Twitter, its the way that keep us connected to each other, whenever we are away and far from our loved ones and its already a human right that everyone needs to be connected without any interruptions, because if a single sms message didn't came through, it will be a disaster....

for example, I received a late text message and I was informed that the event was postponed, problem is that I received the late text after an hour it was sent in real time because there's no signal here in my home and they texted me on my other phone with a different network, but it reached my phone an hour late when I got out of the house, another problem, Im already near the event venue and too late for me to discover the news. There are times that I already rant here at home that having bad network and service is already affecting my job and career, it sucks that I should go out of the house just to send sms and even go out at night just to receive a call or txt someone and wait for around 15 min just to have a successful sent message, now I have learn the trade that people should contact me on my SMART number only, because I don't encounter any problems with it and its the most reliable network for me, I admit I use others but I prefer to use SMART.

And with the release of their TVC, after I saw it...I felt a little goosebumps because it shows a reflection of myself because I encounter all of those unconnected things....late txt...no txt..no signal...ruined life, but that was in the past, today my life is smooth and it lives more because I trusted the network that can make sure that our life can be easier. After this TVC, I'm sure everyone will learn more on how to #livemore

Saw this images while ago on Twitter while surfing hastag #livemore

Smart live more!

the poster

I posted this photo on Twitter just to show everyone I am happy using my Smartnet

and happy to share this story - http://www.twitlonger.com/show/gc4v2u

Smash Project concert photos coming soon!

2012-03-09T14:54:00.002+08:00

The Cab live in Manila

Here's a teaser photo from my coverage stunt last night. I'm tired and will rest for awhile, I will post and publish all photos this Sunday here in my blog. The concert last night was an insane 5 hours straight and it left me go home with 3 memory cards full of photos of bands.

Congrats to all who went there to watch our pinoy bands and also guest American bands. Thanks to Dayly Entertainment and more power to them! more concerts coming up next!

Az video blog 2012 - The Smash Project 2012 press con

2012-03-08T14:37:00.002+08:00

Here's my short video blog coverage of the press con yesterday, you can also read my story here in my blog post at http://azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com/2012/03/5-hours-of-rock-fest-brewing-in-for.html

Watch the video below

5 hours of rock fest brewing in for Smash Project 2012 tonight in Smart Araneta

2012-03-08T13:36:00.006+08:00

My eyes went wide open after I read the PR article that this is a 5 hours rock fest that will happen tonight in Smart Araneta, because our local concert organizers Dayly Entertainment in partner with Dickies Philippines brought here American rock bands - Dashboard Confessionals, The Cab, Cobra Starship and The Used, its a one big concert that will rock everyone's head and bang to the thin air, our local bands will join them and waves the flag because we are having an awesome night of pure rockdom in Smart Araneta, I'm excited also to see Chicosci, Urbandub, Slapshock and Typecast to rock our souls before blasting our brains to eternal rockdom...omg. I should get ready for this concert.

Expect a photo coverage of this event, because I got invited to do photo coverage of the concert, and I'm excited because this is my come back to music and concerts coverage after hiberating for almost a year. Thanks to the team and friends of Manila Concert Scene and Dayly Entertainment for the non stop support of this blog and also for feeding me with music.

I arrived late at the press con and I am so glad that the press con didn't started on time, I was standing on the registration table filling up those forms then Chris Carraba of Dashboard Confessionals showed up with two body guards, he stands there and talks to the body guards and then went busy twitting with his iPhone 4S, I snatched Jeman and told me, hey! let's have a photo with Chris....while the media are inside the room hahahahah. We joked around after and pretended we are fan bloggers, there's nothing wrong in being a fan blogger, just make sure that doing photo op won't disturb anyone doing their work.

Happy to meet Chris Carraba and then I told myself, okay! its blog coverage time (after stepping inside the press con room, no more photo ops inside)

1st press con session is with Chris Carraba of Dashboard Confessionals, he visited us here years ago and he melted everyone's heart with his songs like "Belle of Boulevard" and "Stolen", his band was dubbed as the grandfather of emo-pop. One of the most popular song is "Vindicated" a song track created for the motion picture of Spider-man 2.

He revealed to us his song writing phases, he mentioned that writing music and creating songs are a part of his whole life and he loves to collaborate with other artists, he shared to us his collab with the R.E.M. and he wants to work with them again and for Chris, REM is the most artistic guys that he have met, he did a cover of REM's "its the end of the world" after he learned that REM disbanded.

Spider-man 2 was mentioned inline with "Vindicated" song, he loves the idea and I think I saw that Chris here loves comics book, because during the meet and greet session, he told this girl wearing that Iron man and Hulk shirt that her shirt is really nice. He shared to us that he is excited for the reboot of Spider-man movie and also Avengers.

Chris shares to us that kids now a days loves listening to music, the age of 12-17 years old are the best times to listen to songs because kids absorbs the song so easily and it will influence them and also inspires, I believe on him when he said, I remember that my tapes and CD collection grew more and on between that age, I started listening to different kids of music - from classic rock, to rock, rap, hip hop, metal and dance music.

Talking about emo side, The Smiths and The Cure was mention as the father of emo and it was mentioned earlier that his band is the grandfather of emo-pop (I dont know where that came from), he shared to us that he likes The Smiths and it influenced his writing skills and style and also for The Cure their music and the sadness side resonates back to him, but then he said that his lyrics is much more closer to Robert Smith of the Cure.

Next press con is with the band....a funny and crazy band on the floor... - The Used, I enjoyed listening to them and like other rock bands...they showed how they enjoy their status as rock stars and the playfulness is still present.

Bert McCraken, lead vocalist of the band...and sometimes his fans shouts.."release the kraken!!!" a line word of Zeus in Clash of the Titans movie. He shared to us that they have a new album that will be released on March 30, he describe to us their band story under a recording label and after learning the loops of to manage themselves, they decided to produce their own and no longer settle with the recording label, from the old story we know from movies and books - record labels didn't give any freedom to artists and without freedom, the artist will just follow the label's decision.

The Used band is having a great first time here in the Philippines, they want to try new things like eating lechon. They were dared to try balut and even dared to meet Manny Pacquiao, the atmosphere changed and they agreed that they love to meet Manny Pacquiao.

Bert shared to us that Michael Jackson's music influenced him more to be a musician and fusing it with his other influences he and his band creates good melody, disgusting lyrics, gross rock and heavy music. He notes that music saves lives, influence and inspire people. They promised that their performance tonight will be at their best and everyone will smile and forget all their problems and love music for just one night here at the Smash Project.

The Cab entered the floor and as the last band to do the press con, they are young rockers and mentioned to us that their music is an outlet to express feelings and creative process. Their first impression of the Philippines is that they know already about the country because of their Filipino fans in their online website and Twitter. Here they know that the people are nice and not snobby and then lead vocalist Alexander De Leon revealed to us that his grand father is a Filipino and there he learned on how be respectful and how to appreciate. "Everyone from the world can learn from the culture" Alexander said.

Alexander De Leon said that writing and creating music and songs is fun and as a band for almost 6 years they learned to believe in their self and try produce on their own, doing it by themselves is the biggest reward as a band.

The press con yesterday is fun, and learning these words from them really inspires any individual, rock stars or not, music inspires them and shares their own outlet, we absorb and then we influence other people. I have recorded a short video of the press con you can view it here by visiting this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHert71A0Fs&feature=youtu.be

John of Kumagcow.com is the blogger star of the day for participating in the Q and A

fans spotted the Cab band in the lobby of the hotel

I'm excited already for this concert tonight....hhahaha read the details below and hope to see you later

Tickets available on sale . Ticket prices: Patron Standing: Php 4,500, Lower Box: Php 3,500, Upper A: Php 2,500, Upper B: Php 1,000 and Gen Ad: Php 500. This event is brought to you by DAYLY Entertainment.

video: Everything You Need To Know About the iPad 3

2012-03-08T13:09:00.002+08:00

AOTS just uploaded their video and hands on review and feature of the new iPad...or iPad 3..or iPad HD...ok ok ok ..the new iPad

watch the video below

Apple has birthed another silver beauty onto the market. Kevin Pereira talks to Joshua Topolsky, Editor in Chief of The Verge, about what the new iPad has to offer, his hands-on experience with the device and more.

For more from The Loop, go here:
http://www.g4tv.com/attackoftheshow/theloop/index.html

coverage: The Smash Project 2012 - meet and greet @ SKY DOME

2012-03-08T12:05:00.002+08:00

Covering this music event, rock band meet up and concert is very unexpected on my schedule, my plan is to cover the meet and greet of the bands of The Smash Project 2012, but then I received an invite from the PR of Dayly Entertainment, the concert organizer, to their press con with the rock band, I immediately agreed and recharged my gear's battery and changed my whole sched for two days, after the press con, I got interest to watch and also cover the concert, then I met my friends at Manila Concert Scene and then I just told them that I'm going back again in covering music and concert events, Kevin joked at me and said that my faith has been restored hahahaah. It was a fun meet and greet event with Chris Carraba of Dashboard Confessionals, and the band group and members of The Used and The Cab. All fans went wild when the Francis "Brew" Reyes, hosted the event and introduced the band to them, All fans ran to the barricade of the stage and started shouting and screaming.

The Smash Project 2012 concert will be tonight March 8 in Smart Araneta Coliseum
Tickets available on sale . Ticket prices: Patron Standing: Php 4,500, Lower Box: Php 3,500, Upper A: Php 2,500, Upper B: Php 1,000 and Gen Ad: Php 500. This event is brought to you by DAYLY Entertainment.

Here's the look inside Sky Dome, I really miss this place a perfect ground for events and mini concerts, upcoming event here is a live concert of The Maine and other meet and greet events coming up next week.

That's me on stage posing with the large version of the concert poster, did a short photo op right after the meet and greet event.

Yes, rockbands loves to drink beer and juice, we saw some left over in the giant cooler and people from Odyssey Live invited us for a little drink and toast for a successful event.

on pic with Carla of Odyssey Live and a guy that I forgot his name who works at Netbooster Asia. Thanks guys for inviting us and for the drink.

Bert McCracken of The Used shows up wearing a Pacquiao tshirt

Chris Carraba of Dashboard Confessionals saw me in my paparazzi mode

girl fans after the meet greet session ( I know they lined up again to have photo op with Chris hahahah)

meeting Chris....this girl jumps for joy when Chris stands infront of her ...the hugging and kissing started

Danica of Manila Concert Scene can't believed her favorite band The Cab is infront of her

Chris freaked out a little when a lifesize cardboard of himself was placed near him for some autograph, after signing...Chris removes the cardboard figure and told us that it was weird and it freaks him out hahahah.

Danica and Alex Marshall of The Cab

View the complete photo coverage that we posted in SM North EDSA Facebook page

The Smash Project 2012 - meet and greet @ SKY DOME (593 photos)

here are some of the photos

The new iPad is here! aka iPad 3 aka iPad HD

2012-03-08T07:23:00.002+08:00

photo via engadget

World events happens everyday and every minute, then we encounter the good and bad news, but when it comes to the new gadget launch from Apple, almost everyone seems to care and want to get updated and learn about the new feature, and here it is, hours ago, Apple just releases to the public the all new, all different, iPad.....oh wait? yes, it is called iPad only, not iPad 3, not iPad HD, but their banner says its "the new iPad", okay let's stick to the word the new iPad. I'm sure this "this new" will become a trend.

I went to some gadget blogs to check out there live update about the new iPad and then I just stick and read the updates from engadget.com

Interesting specs of the new iPad, you can view it here http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/new-ipad-vs-ipad-2/
there are new features, but they say that the new iPad is more thicker than iPad 2, and then I'm glad that they upgraded their screen resolution to 2048 x 1536 retina display, Its one of my complains when I tried the iPad 2, the screen resolutions is so low and I can tell because we have a Samsung Tab 10.1 here at home and I even compare the resolution side by side when I visited Powermac months ago.

I'm so curious on the spped of this dual core Apple A5X processor, this will power up even more to the new iPad, its impressive and I saw that 1Ghz dual core and double it up will power up more loading and more processing, saw some apps and browser loading on some test of the iPad 2 and that makes me really happy.

Rear camera just got an update! finally! increasing its pixel to 5 megapixel you can now enjoy taking clear and crisp photos using the rear camera and it can shoot also a 1080p HD videos!!! oh want to see a sample! I'm sure the next digital film making will be in the new iPad.

Here in the Philippines 4G LTE is coming in the next quarter of 2012, the new iPad is already a 4G LTE ready! oh yeah!!! we know that here in our country SMART is now on roll out of the LTE evolution network and if you will buy the new iPad, be sure to check first your preferred mobile network if you want super fast internet speed.

I have read this voice dictation on the new iPad, I think it will help you do commands just like the Siri feature on the iPhone4s, but according to report that Siri wont be available here in the new iPad,awwwww.

curios?

then check the hands on demo video here at
http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/apple-new-ipad-hands-on/

the most awesome in iPads are the apps, Im so jealous sometimes because most cool apps always present only in iPads,here they showed that theres a new upgrade for the iPhoto, iMove and etc. - http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/07/apple-introduces-iphoto-for-ipad-alongside-updated-garage-band/

The new iPad is very promising, I'm sure that Apple fans will line up again and go busy in doing their pre order, most iPad 2 owners will sell their old unit again after they bought the new iPad, price drop of iPad 2 wifi and 3G model was announced and it will be absorbed here in our country soon.

- update this later -
my son just woke up

Free Spirited just arrived in my door steps

2012-03-07T12:55:00.002+08:00

Free Spirited just arrived this morning, I'm now curious on what it is..what it is for...or is this the new trend that it will be solution to beat the heat and be cool for the entire day.

watch out for the next feature here in my blog!

The Smash Project 2012 rock band concert this March 8

2012-03-07T12:30:00.002+08:00

A super fusion of rock mania will happen tomorrow in Smart Araneta Coliseum, international rock performance of The Used, The Cab, Cobra Starship and Dashboard Confessional will heat our summer month this March and together our local top rock bands - Chicosci Urbandub and Typecast will also join them and usher us the way to rockdom! the pinoy way! wohoohohohooh.

here's a PR news

Let the summer mayhem begin as DAYLY Entertainment proudly brings: SMASH PROJECT 2012 feat. The Used, The Cab, Cobra Starship and Dashboard Confessional Chris Carraba. Four foreign bands on ONE stage for a night of rock induced energy, amplified further by local rock bands: Chicosci, Urbandub and Typecast.

Expect American rock band The Used to rock the Dome in this year’s first mini music festival. Formed in 2001, they rose to fame in 2002 after releasing their self-titled album. The band has sold 3 million records worldwide. The title of their second studio album, “In Love and Death” was in reference to frontman Bert McCracken’s personal tragedy during the recording of the album. “In Love and Death” received favorable reviews with three singles “Take It Away”, “All That I’ve Got” and “I Caught Fire”, gaining commercial recognition.

The Used’s rock music can be further described as Gross Pop - which was how Bert McCracken put it, saying,“In the past, we've always kind of brought pop sensibility into heavy rock, but this is going to be all that much more tantalizing and brutal. Our songs are 10 times messier and noisier than they've ever been. Quinn Allman said Gross Pop "[It's] gonna be pretty raw. I think a lot of the stuff is very much more poetic and lyrical, and the sound is more retro and raw with less production.”

Members:

Bert McCracken (vocals, piano, keyboards), Jeph Howard (bass), Quinn Allman (guitar), Dan Whitesides (drums)

The Used will be joined by Cobra Starship, an American synthpop band created by lead vocalist Gabe Saporta in 2003. Cobra Starship is known for their songs “Good Girls Go Bad” feat. Gossip Girl Leighton Meester and "You Make Me Feel…” from their “Night Shades” album.

Members:

Gabe Saporta (vocals), Ryland Backington (guitars), Alex Suarez (bass), Nate Navarro (drums), Victoria Asher (keytarist)

Also joining the melee is American rock band The Cab. The band was proclaimed by Alternative Press magazine as one of the “100 Bands You Need to Know in 2010”. Their self-released album Symphony Soldier was hailed by critics as a “masterpiece” while its single entitled “Bad” received positive reviews from critics and listeners as well. The band, though relatively new, already has a solid base and is continuously gaining worldwide recognition with their fresh approach to rock music.

Band Members: Alexander De Leon (vocals), Alex Marshall (piano, guitar, backing vocals), Joey Thunder (bass)

Dashboard Confessional is also an American rock band who will be joining this summer’s rockfest on an acoustic set up. Led by singer-songwriter Chris Carraba, the band is known for their hit songs “Vindicated” (featured in the Spiderman 2 soundtrack), “Stolen” and “Belle of the Boulevard”. Their last album, “Alter the Ending”, showed maturity in terms of musicality and content. Fans of the band since 2000 has been following the music that Chris Carraba has exquisitely given life. Known for his unplugged performance, frontman Chris will be gracing the stage this March to end this rocking lineup.

End the first quarter of 2012 with a bang, and witness a rock fusion like never before. SMASH Project 2012 live in Manila on March 8, 2012 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Tickets available on sale on the 24th of December, 2011. Ticket prices: Patron Standing: Php 4,500, Lower Box: Php 3,500, Upper A: Php 2,500, Upper B: Php 1,000 and Gen Ad: Php 500. This event is brought to you by DAYLY Entertainment.

Heads up! there will be a meet and greet later at the SKY DOME in SM North EDSA!
read the details here at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151366480580261&set=a.243337910260.303150.198076995260&type=1&ref=nf

I'm in love! (Olympus OM-D E-M5)

2012-03-07T11:35:00.002+08:00

I'm inlove with this "Olympus OM-D E-M5", its like love at first sight ahhahahaa
according to Yugatech this baby will be available here on April 2012 with an estimated price tag of 65k.. whew!!

Looks like that I will wait for another year to own this, I'm in the middle of a big decision if ever I'll buy an Olympus E3 body or Olympus EPL-1 with kit lens or Olympus EPL-3 with kit and telephoto lens or this Olympus OM-D E-M5

Sayang! if ever I attended that IBM conference yesterday, I might be able to check out the test unit that Yuga have, check out Alex's encounter with the OM-D - http://www.thetechnoclast.com/2012/03/07/olympus-om-d-e-m5-previewnew-pro-m43-ilc-camera-video-sample-images-inside/

here's a closer look

I ike this silver ver

adding a FL-LM2 flash ( heard that the flash can fire wirelessly too )
flash aim up

and here's flash aim down

coverage: March 3 China and The Netherlands - The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012,

2012-03-07T08:15:00.001+08:00

The pyro performance last Saturday was a blast!! the best ever for me, because China demonstrates how they can make that pyromusical with storytelling and then The Netherlands brings so much energy and you will never blink an eye to see large pyro bursts. The two country did their very best and each of them displays pyro tricks and magic with different styles, it is my 1st time to see lots of weird lights, smokes and low pyro burst, the competition is close and tough on this 4th pyromusical contest.

China
Jinsheng Fireworks
The theme is pyromusical, but Jinsheng Fireworks took the advantage of using story telling and music in their fireworks, the problem is that there were gap and silence in between story naration, but China changes the game in combining story telling and also music. Yes they are in sync with the music, they plan it well and this makes China to land on the top list to win again the first prize.

the most weirdest thing that China did for the pyro are the slow floating pyros falling back to the sea, its the 1st time that I've seen that style and the low burst few feet from the sea is one of the coolest performance.

here's my animated sample and experiment

Close Up Philippines demo
below is the exhibition pyromusical of Close Up, this time I make sure that I zoom in and took better photos of the fireworks.

The Netherlands
Royal Fireworks
Royal Fireworks made us forget the performance of China that night, they started with lots of energy and non stop burst of big pyros. The Van Halen "Jump" song made the crowd go wild!

Pyro and music are in sync, they did a great research and preparation for this competition

the grand finale...

My Review:
China captured our hearts because of the story they shared to us and using fireworks as our visuals, but the enjoyment starts when The Netherlands threw good energy and amazement. The Netherland got my vote to win for the pyromusical, it was the best night of pyromusical show ever with China's different concept and The Netherland's pop sync with the music.

behind the scenes - sir Ted Claudio

me and my sister...

The show is not yet over, we have two more pyro shows this month. See you again this Saturday!

here's a PR news from SM MOA

SM Mall of Asia remains to be the top lifestyle destination in the country with its endless dining, entertainment and leisure choices. This mall also takes pride in featuring the most awaited and extraordinary events of the metro every season. This February to March 2012, witness the biggest and the best annual fireworks show in Asia, The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition!

This is where 11 of the world’s most renowned pyrotechnic artists from various countries are bound to put on a spectacular and never-before-seen fireworks exhibition. Last 2011, China reigned supreme as it took the glorious trophy and placed United Kingdom and Japan in the second and third spots, respectively. This 2012, China and United Kingdom are back to compete once again in this prestigious event.

For 2012, the brightest competition opens with South Korea and Malta on February 11, United Kingdom and Spain on February 18, Finland and Portugal on February 25, China and The Netherlands on March 3, Australia and Canada on March 10 and Italy on March 17. On the last day, March 17, Philippines as the host country will also showcase a phenomenal Pyromusical performance to be executed by Platinum Fireworks, Inc. which was recently awarded “Most Favorite Pyromusical Performance” at the GlobalFest 2011 held in Calgary, Canada.

This event would not be possible without its presenters, Close-up and Samsung Galaxy Note, co-presenters Tanduay and Yamaha, in cooperation with Platinum Fireworks and Department of Tourism. Its major sponsors FOX International Channels and McDonald’s, its official residence Microtel MOA and media partner, Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Beginning February 11 to March 17, 2012 every Saturday at 7pm, witness the brightest show on earth showcasing world-class explosions of colors harmonized with electrifying music, The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition happening at the only bayside mall of the country, SM Mall of Asia!

For ticket inquiries, call Ticket Net at 9115555, Ticket World at 8919999 or SM Tickets at 4702222, or check out www.pyrophilippines.com.

coverage: Feb 11 South Korea and Malta - The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012

2012-03-07T08:10:00.001+08:00

The 1st battle of the pyro suppliers occur last Feb 11 in SM Mall of Asia. The 1st battle started by Woori Fireworks Inc of South Korea and Malta Fireworks Inc of Malta. I brought my tripod and Olympus E520 dslr to capture again the fireworks in the sky, I'm out of condition and forgot to calibrate the setting of my camera and forgot the total setting, I'm so tired that day and don't have the mood to take better pics, the most annoying part here is that when I went home and I checked the pics, I noticed that I'm out of frame and my click to the camera is a little bit delayed, so expect already a minimal burst of fireworks here in my 1st day.

But don't worry, I got my revenge for the 4th pyro show and I'll post it here in my blog soon. Here are some photos of the 1st week pyro battle.

South Korea
Woori Fireworks Inc.

The South Korea started so fast and gave lots of energy to us, using some symphonic music and also Kpop tunes, I like the part when they used 2ne1's music and it jives along with the fireworks in the sky. The bursts are big and I'm not sure if the pyro operators are having some delay because some of the pyros are out of tune with the music they are playing.

I think this is the best photo for me that night.....

Close Up Philippines did their own pyromusical demo, using Gino Padilla's theme song for Close Up "You and I", it was a retro feeling for me and its funny because the exhibition demo is much more sync than the South Korea pyro performance.

Malta
Malta Fireworks Inc.

Malta performed right away after some performance at the Pyropalooza stage area, they gave a great night with lots of sync pyro blast to the music. Here we saw that the Malta pyromusical is in tune, even that we are not familiar with the music, we can still feel the right expression on every pyro blasts. The crowd clap and cheers after some big pyro blasts exploded in the night sky.

did a photo revenge after finding out my bad capture on the 1st show, but then I realized that I should zoom in my camera to capture a bigger version of the pyro.

My review:
My comments on each country that performed the pyromusical shows that the night belongs to Malta, but I still congratulate South Korea for bringing in the Kpop mania into their pyro performance, I love the 2ne1 song and it keeps my feet stomp too much while taking photos, maybe that's the reason why I have some blurry shots ahahhaah. I thinkI should buy a wired shutter release button for my camera.

Here's a view of the VIP area, most of the seats here are occupied by the super VIP of SM Mall of Asia and SM Supermalls, I spotted Mr. Hans Sy watching the show here.

our view from the media area, its still the best view here at the Music Hall

me taking a break and stretching before taking more photos

my wife is here with me to watch the pyro show after our date

here are our bloggers who are present that night - jenny, aylin and aileen

blogger friends are present here!

The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012 next show is on March 10 and 17 at the bay area of SM Mall of Asia.

Here are the coverages of our bloggers last Feb 11

BLOGGERS
Aylin Veda
http://thedailyposh.blogspot.com/2012/02/week-1-3rd-philippine-international.html

Jonel Uy
http://www.letsgosago.net/2012/02/pyromusical-south-korea-video/

Marjorie Pineda
http://www.livingmarjorney.com/2012/02/3rd-philippine-international_21.html

Jennifer Valmonte
http://shutterhappyjenn.blogspot.com/2012/02/south-korea-vs-malta.html

Aileen Siwa
http://www.samutsariatbp.com/events/competitions/week-1-pyromusical-competition-2012/

Jhong Medina
http://www.thelunchbreakblogger.com/reviews/events/3rd-pyromusical-competition/

Aristedes Claudio
http://wazupphilippines.blogspot.com/2012/02/south-koreas-firework-display.html

http://wazupphilippines.blogspot.com/2012/02/maltas-firework-display-highlights-from.html

Anton Carranza jr.
http://www.pusangkalye.net/2012/02/3rd-philippine-pyromusical-competition.html

BMSD
Dax Cruz
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.296210633766759&type=1

week 2
feb 18 - UK and spain

BLOGGERS
Christian Sangoyo
http://www.lakadpilipinas.com/2012/02/pasay-city-3rd-philippine-international.html

Carl Antoniette De Ramos
http://www.adventurousfeet.com/2012/02/3rd-philippine-international.html

Aristedes Claudio
http://wazupphilippines.blogspot.com/2012/02/uks-fireworks-display-highlights-week-2.html

http://wazupphilippines.blogspot.com/2012/02/spains-fireworks-display-highlights.html

Marjorie Pineda
http://www.livingmarjorney.com/2012/02/3rd-philippine-international_21.html

Ivan B. Cultura
http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/2012/02/philippine-international-pyromusical.html

Elal Jane Lasola
http://www.elaljanelasola.com/2012/02/3rd-philippine-international.html

Jerome Baluyut
http://www.balintataw.org/2012/02/when-fire-benders-collide.html

http://www.balintataw.org/2012/02/3rd-philippine-international.html

Rogelio Gabiano Jr.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.391688737512938.110139.283254421689704&type=1

BMSD
Dax Cruz
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.300697223318100&type=1

Win free trip to a country and Canon DSLR in txt contest and photo contest of 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012

2012-03-07T08:05:00.000+08:00

There's a contest going on in line with the "3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012" and you should be aware that they are giving a hot prize - free trip to a country with accommodation, for example, you went to the Australia pyroshow and you texted a vote as your entry, the prize that you can win there is a free trip to Australia, and other prizes includes for other runner ups - VIP tickets to the next pyroshow or a Canon dlsr and digital camera.

There's also a photo contest with the theme "Capture that Spark" the contest is not about fireworks and awesome set up of effects of the fire in the sky, the contest is about the natural reaction of people while they are watching the pyro show, I think I'll try to join and see if I can capture a kid or a couple in their wow moments when they are watching the pyroshow, Let's see if we can try it this Saturday.

You can read the mechanics below of the two contest, the mechanics of the contests are provided to us by the SM Mall of Asia management.

tara! join na!

SM PyroMOA Viewers’ Choice
MECHANICS - https://docs.google.com/document/d/180xO-gaIBRV2nCGBXhs-ApR3UmOtrswG_hINkotklj8/edit

PyroMusical Photo Contest
MECHANICS - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OeWT__7tVsiUMReN5j_nV-ijs7zsawxCkiRrvhTrl50/edit

Just let me know if you can't access the mechanics list, I can send it to you via email during my free time.

2 more shows coming up for - The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012

2012-03-07T08:00:00.001+08:00

Two more shows are waiting for this month and before the last dance of fireworks on March 17th, our country will join the fun and will light up the night sky to do an exhibition version and close "The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012" here in SM Mall of Asia, my blogging chores are so slow recently and I want to place this information on my blog map before the last two show ended, I already viewed two shows, the 1st show in Feb 11 and the 4th show last March 3. I did miss the 2nd and 3rd show and its hard to place my bet already on who will win this year's "The 3rd Philippine International Pyromusical Competition 2012", I heard that UK did an awesome pyro performance last Feb 18th and China's come back performance wow the crowd again as the champion last year 2011, but the bet got divided when we saw the high energy performance of The Netherlands, its one of the main provider of fireworks for the whole Europe and for me, they lead the scores for this year's pyromusical contest.

We haven't seen Australia yet, but they are scheduled to perform this weekend March 10, so don't miss it because Australia is one of the biggest pyro supplier in their country and they got also their own pyromusical every New Year, I heard that it is always the best, I want to watch the show again this weekend but that will depend on my schedule family trip every Saturday, well good luck to me and if ever I make it there in SM Mall of Asia, I hope I'll see you there!

check out the schedules below:

here's a sample photo coverage I took from last year

You can buy tickets in mini booths in SM Mall of Asia, here's a tip: on the event itself they sell their GOLD area tickets for a buy one take one gimmick. That's P300 pesos for two tickets and its one of the best viewing spot if you are on a tight budget. For VIP seats with dinner that will be around P1,500 per person in a location inside a restaurant or dining with viewing area.

For more info:
visit their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineInternationalPyromusicalCompetition

and official website - http://www.pyrophilippines.com/