Filipinos and Filipinas conquered Mount Everest!

The plan to reach the summit of Mt Everest was conceptualized around 25 years ago by Art Valdez but he didn’t push through for he found no purpose to do the climb during that time. By October 2003, the group had already materialized and by March 2004, the group was then officially launched.

With intense training, perseverance, selflessness, unity and a dream, Leo Oracion, Erwin “Pastor” Emata and Art Valdez were able to conquer and reach the summit with flying colors and brought honor to the Philippines. Showing every Filipino, that is, if we all work in unity and with love for our country, we can build a better Philippines.

The climb was then followed by Carina Dayondon, Janet Belarmino and Noelle Wenceslao as the First Filipina women to conquer the summit. It only shows that race, age or gender is not a hindrance for one to make a difference.

We had a very interesting interview, with a few laughs and never ending stories of their climb and the reason behind it all. Read the full interview... CLICK HERE

Cueshe is back with new single

Proving its continued might in the music scene with their chart-topping hits as well as well-attended gigs here and abroad, Cueshé unleashes yet another track that promises to be the anthem for 2007.

The new song “Bakit,” is the follow-up to their highly successful singles “Back To Me,” “Borrowed Time” and the Asian Treasures Theme “Walang Yamang (Mas Hihigit Sa ‘Yo)” from their sophomore album “Back To Me.”

"Bakit" is backed-up with their most expensive music video to date. Set in the 50’s, it was inspired by the old Philippine cinema, simulating the glory of that era with its lavish production design, period costumes and fine cinematography. The video, which can also be compared to an old European movie, was directed by the country’s most promising young directors Wincy Ong and Maui Mauricio. READ MORE...

Philippine Entertainment: Nyoy Volante

The highly awaited fourth album of singer-songwriter Nyoy Volante is finally out after more than a year of absence in the recording scene. Still under Vicor Music, the 10-track CD is titled “Now Hear This” in excited reference by the artist to diverse songs that reiterates his being way beyond the Acoustic Balladeer tag.

“I never did agree with that inaccurate ‘title,’” says Nyoy. “Sure, my songs are musically arranged using acoustic instruments. But most of these fuse styles ranging from R&B and rock to jazz and country. Calling my new album as such is invitation to the music lover to again listen to what I have to offer but this time, without thinking of categories.” READ MORE...

Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan

Stop and smell the roses. During the month of May, in the tropical islands of the Philippines (where my roots are), we don't have to stop -- the fragrance of flowers floats in the air.

When the rains begin to pour after a long dry spell, flowers magically bloom overnight. And being predominantly Catholic, the Filipinos celebrate the beneficial rains by giving praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The townfolk gather the colorful flowers to decorate the Parish Church altars and aisles. They bundle the blooms in exotic arrangements for the many different festivities all together referred to as the "Flores De Mayo" (Flowers of May). READ MORE...

We stand alone together with BAMBOO

When NOYPI and HALLELUJAH were released as singles from the award-winning albums AS THE MUSIC PLAYS and LIGHTPEACELOVE, both were more than a blip on the modern rock radar… 2007 could probably be another year for Bamboo to repeat the same process.

Bamboo unleashes its latest offering with a new album called WE STAND ALONE TOGETHER, the album that will certainly blow you away with another album of pure rock experience of throwaway covers. Bamboo marks their first covers album revisiting power tracks from the 60’s onward.

READ MORE...

Pulilan Carabao Festival

Pulilan Carabao Festival is held in Pulilan, Bulacan every May 15 of each year. But before the festivities itself, a number of events, and practices must be implemented before the merrymaking. According to Mr. Angel Madrid Tagle, the Hermano Mayor for this year’s Pistang Bayan 2007, The Pulilan Carabao Festival was created because Carabao is the main key in farming and a constant companion of farmers during planting and harvest, but the main reason of this event is to honor their patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.

According to history, around 500 years ago, people have no surnames like the ones we have now.

People are identified in olden times through their occupation. Thus, the name Labrador, which means Laborer, represents any labor or hard work people used to do. San Isidro used to plow a land that is not his own, he is just a tenant of the land. Though he always arrived late for work, he always seem to finish the work he has to do for the day. The landlord was wondering how San Isidro was able to this. Due to his curiosity, one day, he visited the field to investigate, just to find, an angel, who is plowing the field. The landlord knelt down in awe. From that time on, people will see a man kneeling down beside the image of San Isidro, that man is his landlord.

To read the full story of this festival, CLICK HERE.