16th International Robotics Olympiad

I was invited to attend the presscon of the 16th International Robotics Olympiad happening this November 5-9 at Beijing, China.

You're Invited! Join the Energizer Night Race Manila 2014

I was invited to attend the presscon of Energizer Night Race Manila 2014. We're all familiar with marathon's that starts early in the morning, right? Energizer will have their Night Race and will be given a head-light s to guide their paths!

It Takes GUTZ To Be A Gutierrez only on E!

Let me tell you a secret.. I follow and watch Keeping Up with the Kardashians on E! haha! I'm curious kasi of their lifestyles, what's going on in their lives, living the luxury life, etc. And it's on free tv, so why not watch it, right? It's like an escape from your world and peeking on how other people live their life. Somtimes, we want real drama, real comedy, that's why we are easily hooked on reality shows. And it's one of my fave reality shows on E! And now, Asia will have our own reality show! Exciting! And it's none other than the Gutierrez Family!

Last Monday, I was invited to the Red Carpet premiere of It Takes Gutz to be a Gutierrez! It was held at Century Mall Plaza, Makati City. A lot of media people, celebrities were all excited to watch the show!

One of the year’s most highly anticipated reality series is set to make its mark on Asian airwaves as E! presents its first-ever Asian original, It Takes GUTZ To Be A Gutierrez. Featuring the Philippines’ most sensational showbiz family, this sizzling six-episode series premieres on Sunday, June 1 at 9pm, exclusively on pop culture powerhouse, E! (Sky Cable and Destiny Channel 57, Cignal Channel 25 and Cablelink Channel 33)

“As the home of the most topical pop culture buzz on celebrities, daily entertainment news and live red carpet coverage, E! is the perfect fit for a no-holds-barred series on the Gutierrez Family,” commented Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Universal Networks International. “We are delighted that they are opening up their lives and that we are able to bring this locally relevant content to our E! audience in the Philippines

Christine Fellowes, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Universal Networks International

The Gutierrez family may be synonymous with showbiz but it’s not all glitz and glamor for them. Viewers across Asia will get an unfiltered access into the dramatic lives of this one-of-a-kind Filipino family as Ruffa, Richard, Raymond and their parents Eddie and Annabelle live up to their name and show that it really takes GUTZ to be a member of their clan. Whether at home or on a cruise, each family member cannot escape the crazy controversies that surround them as they deal with issues of insecurity, failed attempts on marriage and politics, as well as rumors of pregnancy out of wedlock.

Will a supposedly gossip-free family vacation put rumors to rest? Will the family be forced to deal with issues they feel towards one another? How will the hardworking and protective Annabelle keep her family together amidst all the tension-filled family fights? Catch all these sensational emotions and jaw-dropping moments on the first season of It Takes GUTZ To Be A Gutierrez.

Being the global destination for ‘Pop of Culture’ and the renowned leader in entertainment news, the series marks E!’s first foray into original Asian reality programming and continued commitment to shine the spotlight on local Asian personalities and celebrities.

Eddie Gutierrez is a veteran actor with a career spanning more than 50 years and 100 movies. He was one of the top matinee idols in the ‘60s and ‘70s, being the leading man of the biggest Filipino blockbusters like Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes and Pilita Corrales. He loves to sing and is often imitating his idol, Elvis Presley.

From where she is right now, one could hardly believe that Annabelle Rama-Gutierrez was born and raised in Cebu City and remains to be humble. Coming from a family that is no stranger to the Philippine political arena, Annabelle considers herself to be 100 % Cebuano. 

Eddie is married to Annabelle Rama, a former actress who runs a talent management company. She grew up in a political family from Cebu and knows what she wants - from the first time she met Eddie she was star struck, fell in love and pursued him until he committed to her. 

Married for more than 35 years, Eddie and Annabelle have been through it all and continue to be partners, best friends and each other’s greatest supporters. Eddie and Annabelle have six children: showbiz darlings Ruffa, Richard and Raymond, as well as Elvis, Rocky and Ritchie Paul. Eddie also has two sons from previous relationships: actors Tonton Gutierrez and Ramon Christopher. 

Through the good times and bad, Eddie and Annabelle enjoy a life filled with love, warmth and happiness. They cherish their time together with the whole family and being grandparents to Ruffa’s daughters, Lorin and Venice.

EDDIE GUTIERREZ. The Legend and ANNABELLE RAMA, The Boss

Raymond is a TV host, editor, columnist, endorser and actor in the Philippines. Best known for hosting Pinoy Idol in 2008, which earned him the praise of US TV personality, and E!’s Live From The Red Carpet host Ryan Seacrest, Raymond is currently one of the hosts of entertainment newsmagazine Showbiz Police. 

In October 2011, Raymond became the style director for Esquire Magazine Philippines, representing the men’s lifestyle publication at the 2012 Men's Fashion Week in London. He is also an ambassador for brands in fast-moving consumer goods (Magnum Ice Cream), haircare (TRESemmé) and beauty (Sexy Solution by Belo). In July 2012, he became an endorser for casual apparel retailer, Bench/Fix Salon. 

RAYMOND GUTIERREZ, Funny Fashionista

Richard is an actor and producer, known for reality series Survivor Philippines (2008), musical variety show SOP Gigsters (2004) and fantasy TV drama Mulawin (2004-2005), which led to a feature-length film of the same name, Mulawin: The Movie (2005). Richard is an adventure-seeker by nature, enjoying the thrill of exploring the outdoors and riding his treasured motorbike. He is currently dating actress Sarah Lahbati. 

RICHARD GUTIERREZ, Hunky Adrenaline Junkie

 Sharmaine Ruffa Gutierrez, more popularly known as Ruffa Gutierrez, is a premier Filipino actress, model, television personality, beauty queen, commercial endorser and charity fundraiser. With a colorful career that spans over 20 years of being in the local and international entertainment industry, Ruffa’s showbiz experience covers five continents across multiple media platforms such as TV, movies, print and online. Truly a Filipino media and entertainment icon, she has starred in more than 50 film and television productions in a variety of roles. 

 She was married to Turkish businessman Yilmaz Bektas from 2003 to 2007, and they had their daughters Lorin and Venice. In 2009, she joined international beauty brand Avon as their ambassador for the “Speak Out Against Domestic Violence” campaign, championing the cause to empower women in the fight against domestic abuse. 

To date, Ruffa remains to be one of the most in demand celebrities in the Philippines and one of its most celebrated faces. Ruffa continues to shine in every field that she finds herself in and continues to grow after every experience that she is faced with in her professional and personal life. 

RUFFA GUTIERREZ, Beauty Queen, Actress, Model and Brand Ambassador

Don't forget to catch the Episode #101: The Price of Fame on Sunday, June 1 at 9PM

Of course, photo op with super aliw Ms. Annabel Rama and Mr. Eddie Gutierrez

Thank you E! for having me! :) 

Save the date and time! It takes GUTZ to be a Gutierrez premieres June 1, Sunday at 9 pm on E! (Sky Cable Channel 57 and Cablelink Channel 33). 

Hey Mom! Media Launch

We all know that being a mommy is a 24 hour work, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It's a non-stop cycle. But seeing your kids smile, your house is in order, ah! that's rewarding!! :) And once you're a mom, you can't go back. Your family relies on you. And we don't have formal training whatsoever. It's a trial and error basis, learning from our mistakes, being consistent with our good ones. And with that, we only rely with fellow moms, reading helpful stories on how to raise a family, how to care for little ones, etc etc. 

But nowadays, thanks to our technology and modern times, a mom can now rely to this newly launch website that will surely help mommies from all walks of life. From new mommies, to parenting, nutrition, caring for newborn, this new website is like a new portal support group dedicated to all mommies.

Unilab has prepared a very special gift for moms just in time for Mothers’ Day—an online community made by Filipino mothers for Filipino mothers. Hey Mom! is an online portal specifically designed to be a resource for moms to access and exchange relevant information that will help in their everyday parenting tasks. The online community also wishes to foster a sisterhood among mothers. 

Hey Mom! provides mothers with knowledge on a wide variety of topics: pregnancy, childbirth, nutrition, raising kids, taking care of themselves, and more. It contains stories from friends—Filipino moms who speak from experience who are sincerely there to help. It is a community so diverse that moms are bound to find a friend who they can share different parenting techniques with, parenting statuses, and many other parenting stories.

Hey Mom had a media launch held at Aracama, BGC. The event was hosted by fellow mom Ms. Bianca Valerio.

Articles for all types of moms—expecting, new and experienced—will be available in the portal. Expecting moms, or moms-to-be, are craving for tips and stories on how to handle their pregnancy since every pregnancy is different. In the same manner, first time moms are both excited and anxious to get as much information about giving birth and raising children. Experienced moms will be able to share their own experiences and provide as much information to the community and, at the same time, would like to know how other moms raise their children. In this community, moms are free to express their own opinions on the topics and share their experiences in the website through the comment boxes.

“Mothers are naturally hungry for information when it comes to parenting and their children but because information is readily available on the internet, it can get confusing for moms. We also want to acknowledge that there is no single rule when it comes to parenting. What worked for one mom may not necessarily work for another and this where Hey Mom! can help,” says Mildred Manansala, Unilab Assistant Media Manager for Hey Mom. 

Adding to the uniqueness of Hey Mom! are the mom personalities who contribute to the website. These moms offer their no nonsense advice on motherhood and parenting through their articles.  

Actress Mylene Dizon contributes her point-of-view to the portal as single and playful mom. She says, “Motherhood is one of the greatest roles I’ve taken in my life. It has been a challenge raising my kids and there have been times when I doubt my decisions, but I always remind myself that I do what I believe is best for them. This is the same wisdom that I want to share with moms, to show them that they have a strong support system online.” 

And with Ms. Mylene Dizon is another mommy blogger and experienced mom Noemi Dado. As an advocate of creating a safer environment for children, she is known to be nurturing to her family. 

And lastly, former international model and VJ Amanda Griffin Jacob is one of the celebrity contributors. She has now settled fully into her most exciting role to date: Mommy! These days her projects revolve around motherhood which has proven to be Amanda's passion. 

Group pic with fellow moms! :) (photo credit to Millette Sison- thanks ate!)

To further help moms simplify the information that they get, the Hey Mom! portal is customizable to the needs of the members. Upon sign-up, information about the moms and their children will be collected and will be used to tailor fit the topics that will appear on the homepage. 

“We take pride in the fact that Hey Mom! does not offer one point of view but explores different opinions and parenting styles. We encourage conversations between our members in our portal as we know that moms usually listen to other moms. Even our celebrity moms offer different perspectives when it comes to motherhood. We want our members to consider Hey Mom! as an online sisterhood that can be their reliable support system in their parenting concerns,” adds Manansala. 

So there mommies, we are not alone in this adventure. Thru Hey Mom! we get to experience an online sisterhood who can fully understand what we are going throug. :)

 Register now and find out more details about Hey Mom! You can visit heymom.com.ph or like their facebook page for more updates: www.facebook.com/heymomph. 

Thank you so much Hey Mom!, Unilab and Ogilvy for having me. :)

Little Miss Solane 2014 Press Launch

It was my 1st time to attend a beauty pageant for kids and tweenies and wow! I was so amazed that these kids really know how to pose, walk the runway, smile and be courteous to people who wants to take their pics and answer the q&a from the media (and some are difficult questions too!).

Little Miss Solane held a media presscon for bloggers and media people where we got to know the contenders up-close.

After a long yet exciting search throughout the country, Little Miss Solane 2014 presents the 24 girls with the most promising wits and abilities. On its second year, Little Miss Solane is a talent and personality search where young ladies can discover, develop and nurture their potentials at an early age to help them grow into empowered, responsible and successful women in their own right.

Little Miss Solane 2013 winners and runner-ups

Unlike other children’s competitions that focus merely on physical attributes, Little Miss Solane 2014 endeavors to enhance talent and potential and build character and personality. By giving them a good sense of accomplishment this early, the pageant aims to mold these young misses into successful women who create positive change in the society. Little Miss Solane 2014 is an avenue where young misses can meet new friends, learn new things about themselves and more importantly, improve their talents, skills and well-being. 

Little Miss Solane 2013 cuties category. She sang Let It Go for us. And yes, na LSS na naman ako. haha! :) Good job to this kid! Galing!

Little Miss Solane 2013 teenies category also gave us a special number. She's now a talent artist of GMA 7. Congrats, girl! :)

These young ladies will represent their respective regions and compete during the national pageant set on May 17 at the SMX Aura Convention Center, Taguig City.

Judges will choose one winner for each category and will crown them as Little Miss Solane 2014 Cuties and Little Miss Solane 2014 Teenies. As grand winners, they will each bring home P50,000 cash plus P50,000 worth of scholarships and developmental programs. The title holders also will have the privilege of joining Solane activities like outreach programs, trade shows and client appreciation events where they can further showcase their talents. 

Meanwhile, the first and second runners-up will take home P30,000 and P20,000 cash, respectively. Aside from these titles, finalists also stand a chance to get a sash and P5,000 cash prize for the following special awards: Best in National Costume, Most Elegant, Most Beautiful Child and Most Beautiful Teen, Little Miss Talent, Little Miss Sporty and Healthy, Little Miss Intelligence, Little Miss Bestfriend, Child of the Year and Teen of the Year, Solane Mom and Daughter of the Year, and Darling of the Press.

The cuties category (6 to 10 years old)

The contenders for the teenies category (11 to 14 years old).

Made possible by Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions company and the organizers of Mrs. Philippines-Globe, Little Miss Solane is sponsored by Monde MY San Corporation, Peerless Marketing, Mister Donut, Oishi Bread Pan, Fres Candies, Yupangco Music Academy, Tiddletots, Ozar, Island Rose, and Dayzinc Vitamin Syrup.

For more details, like Little Miss Solane on Facebook (www.facebook.com/LittleMissSolane) and for ticket inquiries, log on to www.smtickets.com or call SM Tickets at 470-2222 or email us at littlemisssolane@eventvisions.com.ph. This pageant is organized by EVI Marketing Communications.

Good luck girls! You are all winners for making this far! Just have fun and enjoy every minute of it. :)

Empowered Mothers vie for Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014

Being a mom is not easy. Aside for being the "ilaw ng tahanan", taking care of kids, making sure the house is in order, cook, clean, they're also their family's teacher, helper, yaya, playmate, storyteller, doctor, nurse, baby whisperer, and so on. I could go on and on why being a mom is not that easy. Some of us mommies also have a day job to support our family. I really have high respect for mommies who not only served her family but also know how to empower their workplace. 

So, when I was invited to the media presscon of Mrs. Philippines Globe held at SMX Aura, I was not surprised that these dedicated mommies are also conquering the beauty pageant. And I'm glad that Filipinos now are embracing the idea of mommy pageant instead of pageants just for singles only. 

Out of hundreds of applicants from all over the country, twenty three single moms and married women have been chosen to compete for the prestigious crown of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014. 

A nationwide search for women of substance fit to be the face of Mrs. Globe, Mrs. Philippines-Globe is a platform to empower married women of substance and single mothers as movers of society. 

“These are women who do not let age and civil status get in the way of fulfilling their dreams, and whose achievements, charitable acts and life stories serve as inspiration to others forming a community and sisterhood of empowered women. Women are usually stereotyped to skills confined inside homes but Mrs. Philippines-Globe tries to change how married women and single mothers perceive themselves,” said national pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo.

These hot mama's are working it out on the stage! When I saw them up-close parang grabe I can't believe that they are all mommies just like me! Pwede pala akong maging kasing sexy nila, hehe! :D

For this year, the lovely candidates who made it to the finals are — Eizza De Baron, Fe Saligumba, Sarah Jane Real, Jedalyn Sator, Grenjen Madridejo, Marie Charmaine San Luis, Melissa Esguerra, Jemmy De Leon, Aileen Jane Cavas, Sonia Mendoza, Marianne Bitara, Stephanie Sitoy, Winlove McLaren, Fritzie Lexdy Noche, Mary Rose Cariazo, Chiara Valerie Lizana, Maria Andrea Geronimo, Ivy Macalalad, Velinette Quiat, Janice Trillo, Czarina Cheloe Ylaya, Marie Claire Briones and Jay Angelique Wang.

Ranging from 26 to 44 years old, this year’s finalists are composed of women from diverse fields of expertise: hotel and restaurant management, academe, dentistry, pediatrics, speech and language pathology, business process outsourcing, direct selling, civil service and real estate.

The winner of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014 will receive up to PhP 300,000 worth of prizes. She will also represent the Philippines in the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2015 World Finals at Shenzhen, China in November.

I really loved their swimsuit!

Aside from the title of Mrs. Philippines-Globe itself, the candidates will also vie for the coveted Woman of Substance title alongside other special awards such as Achievement of the Year, Advocacy of the Year, Best Talent of the Year, Career Woman of the Year, Most Beautiful Face, Darling of the Press, Entrepreneur of the Year, Mrs. Body Beautiful, Karimadon Super Model Mom, Nikon Tough Mama Life Story Award, Most Elegant Woman / Designer of the Year, Personality of the Year, Husband of the Year, Celesty Shinagawa Mrs. Celestial Beauty and Solane Mother of the Year.

The aspirants are also set to wear stunning cocktail wear and evening gowns created by top designers Chico Estiva, Jonti Martinez, Nikki Martinez, Pablo Cabahug, Nino Angeles and Concordio Sajorda.

Mrs. Philippines-Globe is the local franchise of Mrs. Globe USA, an organization strongly affiliated with The Women In Need Foundation, which aims to help abused women and children recover their self-esteem. Mrs. Globe emphasizes that women have the right to be heard, loved and respected.

I would like to congratulate my fellow mommy blogger Marie Charmaine San Luis #6 for making it this far! Let's all support her, owkie? ;) 

The Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2014 coronation night will take place on May 17, 2014 at SMX Convention Center Taguig, SM Aura Premier. For ticket inquiries, log on to www.smtickets.com or call SM Tickets at 470-2222 or email us at mrsphilsglobe@eventvisions.com.ph. This pageant is organized by EVI Marketing Communications.

Mrs. Philippines-Globe is presented by Solane and Celesty Shinagawa. In cooperation with 96.3 Easy Rock, SMX Convention Center Taguig, Datem, Galderma, Restylane, Cetaphil, Slimmers World. Special thanks to Nikon Tough Mama, Wacoal, Calchews, Working Mom, Venice Piazza, SM Tickets, Dezire, Karimadon, Tamayo’s Catering, Kopiko, Godiva, Island Rose and Glyderm.

Will you support me if it's my turn? hehe! :P

Kudos to all mommy contestants at Mrs. Philippines Globe! To me, you are all winners for braving the pressure of being a beauty contestant! :)  Congratulations to all and Good luck! Happy Mother's Day!!! :)

Dis Is Pinas! Launch

 Whenever I have the chance to watch the telly, you can find me watching tlc or any travel shows where they also show the culture of their chosen destination. I'm always fascinated with their discoveries and learning something new about the country or places that I've never been to. If I just have the luxury of visiting each one of them, it would be great sana. Unfortunately, I can't. But, I'm grateful that I can still visit and see other exotic places thru travel programs. And to be honest, I'm more familiar with the happenings and culture abroad than here in Pinas-given that with many travel shows produced abroad. That's why  I'm glad that I'll be able to watch and know more about our beloved country with the new travel show from GMA News TV. 

Dis Is Pinas! is a tv program that showcase the rich culture and history of the Philippines. It will tell the stories that shaped our nation, and it will help us remember the important events places, and people that made the country what it is now. As the show brings its viewers to different places, it also helps them appreciate the beauty and importance of nature.

Fresh from his "Born to be Wild" fame, Kiko Rustia will travel around the country one province at a time, in his pursuit of finding the historical and cultural significance of each town or place he visits. He will treat this program as his journal(Kiko's Journal) where his thoughts and his interviewees' sentiments may be aired.

The pilot episode which will air tomorrow, Saturday, in his thirst for knowledge, Kiko's first venture is to know more about his ancestral town, Kiko will travel back to Ilocos and tell the viewers about the places that he saw, and the new discoveries he learned while backpacking. The first episode will feature the controversy of Tirad Pass, the first Ilocano migraints to the USA, and the Malacanang of the north, and the tribes of Ilocos.

So who is Kiko Rustia? Kiko Rustia is a businessman, traveller, TV host who can't get enough of the world. In his earnest quest to learn about the importance of nature and heritage sites, he will travel around the country to meet the local residents of these places and hear their stories. And in this program, Kiko will show us the value of protecting our environment, preserving our culture, and remembering our history.

And of course where is the better place to have Dis Is Pinas presscon? At KKK, my fave filipino restaurant in SM Megamall.

Exciting segments are lined up for Dis Is Pinas!

Kiko's Journal - places that made an impact on Kiko. He discovers the cultural heritage behind these places and re-learns its history from its local residents. He gets a first hand experience of rural life as he immerses with the towns people.

On the spot - Kiko shows the viewers a place that they haven't seen before, sidetracking to places that need to be preserved or be saved from urbanization.

Pinoy Throwback - things that have been forgotten. Kiko presents the people and icons of the past, making this is the ultimate time machine of the program.

Off the record - Kiko probes deep into the secrets of our history, and with the help of historians and local residents, he uncovers the real stories behind misconceptions and deceptions.

Time to learn something new and be proud of it. We have so much to offer if we only have the chance to know more. And thanks to Dis Is Pinas!, it's time to discover the new side of our country. 

Dis Is Pinas! will be every Saturday(starting tomorrow-April 5) from 11:30am-12nn on GMA NewsTV.

Congrats Dis Is Pinas and GMA NewsTV on the pilot episode. More Power!