The Marco Polo 5K Fun Run is set this coming October 12 in line with their 10th year anniversary celebration. The Fun Run is open to all fitness and sports enthusiasts.

Registration is going on and the registration fee is P150.00 which comes with a souvenir shirt and light breakfast.

Winners will receive a cash prize:

• Champion:P3,000.00
• 2nd placer:P2,000.00
• 3rd Placer:P1,000.00

There’s a twist to this years fun run, a team race with P5,000 at stake for the champion.

A team of 10 runners have to register and private companies, government agencies, military, police and bureau of fire units are invited. Each team shall also be judged according to their creativity and uniqueness. They can sing a jingle or chant about Marco Polo Hotel Davao, wear t costumes or uniforms or perform a little dance number in between the race.

For registration and inquiries call the Marco Polo Fitness Center at 221-0888 local 7462 or 7819 for more details.

Friday, September 19, 2008

DREAM COME TRUE. Filipina singer Charice Pempengco in duet with idol superstar Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden on September 15.

Is Charice‘s star ever going to dim? By the looks of it, not anytime soon.

Fresh from the success of her performance in the concert of international pop star Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden, sixteen-year-old Charice continues to gain more fans after two major newspapers, the New York Times and the New York Post, heaped praises on her performance last September 15.

In an article published September 16, reviewer Jon Caramanica of The New York Times described Charice’s voice as “impressive” and praised the young diva for giving a rougher, more emotional edge to her performance of Dion’s hit song “Because You Loved Me.”

“They performed ‘Because You Loved Me’, though Ms. Dion mostly stayed out of the way as Ms. Pempengco explored the song’s heretofore unheard rougher edges, with ample gesticulations and melisma.

“As Ms. Pempengco brought the crowd to its feet, Ms. Dion struck poses behind her: awestruck wonder, heartfelt empathy, ambient triumph,” the New York Times review read.

A separate review written by Dan Aquilante of the New York Post described Charice’s performance as the brightest moment of the Celine Dion concert.

“One of the most interesting turns in this show was the MSG debut of 16-year-old vocal prodigy Charice Pempengco, whose manager, Oprah Winfrey – that’s right – secured the Philippine singer a duet with Celine for the song ‘Because You Loved Me.’

“The Charice segment was the night’s brightest moment. The teen was able to blast notes with Celine-like power, but she was also able to get in touch with the song’s emotions,” the review read.

Online videos of Charice’s performance at the Dion concert showed people giving a standing ovation to the young Filipina after the duet.

Before they performed, Dion introduced Charice to the audience as a Filipina whose voice “can literally blow the roof off Madison Square.”

“Charice vowed to save her mom from a life of desperation and despair. You know, through prayers and dreams and God-given talent, an incredible voice, Charice entered and won every singing contest in her native country and eventually, was noticed by such influential people such as Oprah and Oprah took her under her wings and David Foster joined in,” Dion said.

She said she invited Charice as a guest to her concert after seeing the girl perform on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

After inviting Charice to the stage, Dion praised the vocal prodigy and asked if she was nervous. When Charice answered yes, Dion said she always remembered to take the advice given by her manager and future husband, Rene Angelil, when she first started singing at the age of 12.

“He told me ‘Celine, I know you’re nervous. Don’t be scared. You love to sing. When you go up there, you’ll be nervous. Don’t be.’ I will give you an image that you can think about. Think that all the people you see in front of you are your brothers and sisters. You are singing in your living room and it’s your family,” Dion told Charice.

Charice then said that she was ready to sing and dedicated their song to her mother, Raquel.

Ever the gracious performer, Dion let Charice take the lead in the song – allowing the young singer to show off her vocal prowess that brought the house down.

“You did amazing, and the roof of the Madison (blew) up tonight,” Dion said after the performance, adding that she could not wait until Charice had her own concert in Madison Square Garden.

“When you do perform in Madison Square, are you going to invite me? I love you and I can not wait to be with you to perform here for a whole concert,” she added before Charice left the stage to more applause.

Source

Friday, September 19, 2008

“Cory the Musical” presents the life story of former President Corazon C. Aquino to premiere at the Meralco Theater this October.

Former Miss Saigon star Isay Alvarez will portray the role of the first Philippine female president.

“My initial reaction was ‘yes, go’ because I’ll be working again with Nestor Torre…and to play Cory was a great honor. But after a while nung nag-sink in na sa akin na ako yung magiging Cory, bigla akong natakot. I wanted to back out. It’s not an easy role, it’s very demanding…she’s President Cory,” said the singer-stage actress.

The musical is written and directed by Nestor Torre. The libretto was created by Bing Pimentel, songwriter and wife of Senator Koko Pimentel. After learning of Cory Aquino’s colon cancer, she was inspired to create a musical in her honor.

Aside from Isay, the cast also includes Robert Sena as former President Ferdinand Marcos, Pinky Marquez as wife Imelda, and Sherwyn Sozon as Ninoy Aquino.

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV

Friday, September 19, 2008

FACING a much taller, a lot bigger, and the best fighter to date in his next ring assignment, Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao finally hit the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon and started training for his much-awaited December 6 encounter with Oscar de la Hoya at the fabulous MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Philboxing.com reported that Pacquiao did some light workout, doing the mitts with famed American trainer Freddie Roach and hitting the speed bag. He also did some shadow boxing and was talking to everyone while he did his routine, a typical Pacquiao manner whenever he is inside the gym for practice.

The 29-year-old Pacquiao was initially scheduled to start training a day before, but this was cancelled because he had to meet first with promoter Bob Arum and that the boxer was not feeling well Tuesday.

Also supervising Pacquiao’s training regimen aside from Roach are Buboy Fernandez, Nonoy Neri, Roger Fernandez, and Eric Brown.

Roach reportedly hired big sparring partners–two light middleweights and one welterweight–to prepare Pacquiao for De La Hoya, who started his own training for the fight a month ago.

Hired as sparring partners were 154-pounder Yuri Foreman and Arron Robinson and 147-pounder Rashad Holloway of Raleigh, North Carolina. Roach said all of them have “powerful left hooks.”

Pacquiao, the punching machine from General Santos City, will be the heavy underdog in the 12-round battle at 147 pounds against De La Hoya, called the “Golden Boy” and boxing’s hottest commodity.

De La Hoya, an Olympic gold medallist, holds an awesome advantage in size and he will be entering the ring looking down on his opponent ready to throw his most dangerous weapon–the left hook–which victimized many tough opponents in the past, notable of whom were Fernando Vargas and Ike Quartey.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao has appealed to his fans, especially those contracted with cough and colds, not to pay him a visit during his training.

Pacquiao said he would like to be in great shape the moment he climbs the ring against De La Hoya and does not want to get sick along the way.

Last Tuesday, Pacquiao failed to show up at the Wild Card Gym after suffering from minor colds.

By Charles Raymond A. Maxey

Source

Friday, September 19, 2008

CEBU Pacific (CEB) passengers may already reserve their preferred seats for a fee starting Thursday.

Guests, who do not avail of this optional service, will continue to get their seat allocated for free at the airport upon check-in.

Candice Iyog, vice president for marketing and distribution, said, the optional service is for passengers who have personal seating preferences such as window or aisle seats, additional leg room, or for groups to sit and enjoy the flight together.

The seat selection is available up to 24 hours before the flight through the CEB website and up to four hours before departure through the call center, sales offices, and travel agents.

Standard seats are sold at P100 per seat, while premium seats in the front and exit rows are sold at P200 per flight.

The airline is also selling prepaid excess baggage in five-kilo increments. Passengers availing of this product can save 20 percent from their excess baggage fees. This is equivalent to a saving of P100 for a domestic flight and P400 for an international flight for each five kilos pre-purchased.

CEB is the only Filipino airline offering both seat selection and prepaid excess baggage as part of its product offering.

Iyog explained, “Our passengers told us that they wanted the flexibility to reserve their seats and settle excess baggage needs upon booking rather than at the airport. With these new products available, we hope to make their travel experience an even smoother one with CEB.”

“CEB has always been known as the innovative airline and we will continue anticipating the needs of our guests and looking for ways to serve them better with these new products,” she concluded.

Now in its 13th year, CEB has the youngest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. It will fly to 27 domestic destinations with the addition of Busuanga, Ozamiz, and Surigao in the coming months and 15 international destinations with the addition of Osaka, Japan in November.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Manny Paquiao weighs 154 lbs, just days before he flies to the US to promote his December 6 bout with Oscar dela Hoya and start heavy training, Manny is just seven pounds over the agreed 147-pound weight limit of their mega bout.

Pacquiao said he feels comfortable with his current weight although he expects to tip the scales at 143 pounds a day before his megabuck date with Dela Hoya at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

The Filipino World Boxing Council lightweight champion will be going up in weight against Dela Hoya who has been fighting at the welterweight and middleweight for most of his career.

The southpaw sensation from General Santos City said he expects Dela Hoya to press for the action in the early going of their fight.

The former Pacquiao trainer said Manny could carry his speed and agility even if he climbs the ring at 152 or 153 pounds.

Beyond that, he said, Manny could be in trouble.

Showing his rippling muscles despite ballooning to his current walking weight, Pacquiao said he is confident he could defeat Oscar dela Hoya.

Manny reportedly climbed the ring at 147 pounds on the night he demolished former WBC lightweight king in 10 rounds of masterful display of boxing and punching prowess in June this year for his first and only fight in the said weight class.

A former light flyweight, Manny held titles in the flyweight, super bantamweight, super feather weight and lightweight classes becoming the only Filipino and Asian to achieve that rare feat.

Source

Thursday, September 18, 2008

The Ramon Magsaysay Award has been around for the past 50 years. It recognizes and honors individuals and organizations in Asia regardless of race, creed, sex, or nationality, who have achieved distinction in their respective fields and have helped others generously without anticipating public recognition.

This years awardees are:

Grace Padaca, from the Philippines, for Government Service. She is being recognized for “empowering voters in the Philippines’ Isabela province to reclaim their democratic right to elect leaders of their own choosing, and to contribute as full partners in their own development.”

Therdchai Jivacate, from Thailand, for Public Service. He is being honored for “his dedicated efforts in Thailand to provide inexpensive, practical, and comfortable artificial limbs even to the poorest amputees.”

Center for Agriculture and Rural Development Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), from the Philippines, for Public Service. They are being honored for their “successful adaptation of microfinance in the Philippines, providing self-sustaining and comprehensive services for half a million poor women and their families.”

Prakash Amte and Mandakini Amte, from India, for Community Leadership. They are being recognized for “enhancing the capacity of the Madia Gonds to adapt positively in today’s India, through healing and teaching and other compassionate interventions.”

Akio Ishii, from Japan, for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts. He is being recognized for “his principled career as a publisher, placing discrimination, human rights, and other difficult subjects squarely in Japan’s public discourse.”

Ahmad Syafii Maarif, from Indonesia, for Peace and International Understanding. He is being honored for “guiding Muslims to embrace tolerance and pluralism as the basis for justice and harmony in Indonesia and in the world at large.

Ananda Galappatti, from Sri Lanka, for Emergent Leadership. He is being recognized for “his spirited personal commitment to bring appropriate and effective psychosocial services to survivors of war and natural disasters in Sri Lanka.”

Thursday, September 18, 2008

The remaining tickets for the Dec. 6 welterweight war between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya will sell out “in two or three hours,” Top Rank president Bob Arum said yesterday from Las Vegas.

Arum had met with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) Chief Executive Officer Richard Schaefer and officials from MGM Mirage on Thursday (Friday in Manila) and they’ve
already decided on the number of tickets that will go to each party.

Only a fraction will be made available to the public since all three companies have already received bulk orders, while the MGM Mirage will use the tickets to entice high-rollers to stay at the MGM Grand and its chain of hotels.

As usual, “Manny also placed an order for tickets,” said Arum, although it is not certain if Pacquiao will give tickets away in huge numbers as in the past when nearly every Tom, Dick and Harry can be given one.

The MGM Grand will be reconfigured to seat more than 15,000 although it can hold up to 17,000 spectators. Due to the magnitude of the event, the press will have an unusual number of requests for credentials with lots of applications coming not only from the US, Mexico and the Philippines but from Europe, South America and elsewhere.

Tickets–to be priced at $ 1,500, $ 1,000, $ 750, $ 500 and $ 250– will go on sale on Sept. 24 and Arum is not surprised why a premium ringside seat on the Internet this early is being dangled for as high as $ 42,000.

“There won’t be a single ticket left for sale (at face value).”
Thursday, September 18, 2008

In anticipation of a huge turnout of sports fans who will not get tickets for the fight, Arum said at least 30,000 seats will be put up for closed circuit in different MGM-owned hotels on the Strip like The Bellagio and The Mirage.

As in the pay-per-view revenues, Pacquiao will also get a cut in the sale of closed circuit showing.

“Everything goes to the pot,” said Arum.

When De La Hoya fought Floyd Mayweather last year, all 5,400 tickets that went on sale for the public were bought in three hours and in the final days leading to the bout Ebay had listings of ,000 for a ringside seat.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao is scheduled to leave for the US tomorrow night to start the pre-training camp program and will go full-blast after a six city-five day press tour that will kick off on Oct. 1 in New York.

source:
By NICK GIONGCO
www.mb.com.ph

Thursday,September 18,2008

Every family has their own signature dish. Whether it’s lola’s adobo or your mom’s own version of kare-kare, there are just culinary concoctions that no one else can quite duplicate. Sometimes the uniqueness lies in an added ingredient or an uncommon cooking technique. This September, YUMMY Magazine helps you come up with your own signature dishes by giving you ideas on how you can give a new twist to classic Pinoy dishes.

Become a hit at your next party with this recipe that lets you look at your childhood game of sungka in a whole new way:

Sungkaang Ensalada Filipina
Recipe by Pixie Sevilla-Santos
Serves 6 to 8 persons, takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to prepare

Ingredients:

2 green mangoes, peeled and cut into strips
2 jicamas (singkamas), peeled and cut into strips
1 bunch each watercress and butter lettuce, washed
3 tomatoes, diced
3 salted red eggs, diced
¼ cup adobo flakes or flaked lechon kawali
¼ cup dried fish flakes (tinapa)
¼ cup sautéed beansprouts
¼ cup coarsely chopped peanuts or cashew nuts
¼ cup chopped native sausage (longganisa)
¼ cup sweet fish paste
¼ cup spicy fish paste
¼ cup chopped cilantro or wansoy
¼ cup diced cucumber
¼ cup diced kamias
¼ cup sautéed fish fry (alamang)
¼ cup toasted pandesal, diced

Procedure:

1. Place green mangoes and singkamas on one end of the sungkaan. Place watercress and lettuce on the other end.
2. Slot the other ingredients into the rest of the holes. Place one kind of item in each hole, with a small teaspoon. Serve with dressings if desired.
3. Self-serve instructions: Scoop just enough of each ingredient to create your own salad.

YUMMY also gives you four new ways to cook adobo and helps you make your favorite Pinoy merienda treats like bibingka, palitaw, and guinataang halo-halo from your very own kitchen.

It’s an all-Filipino issue this month, so grab your copy of the September issue of YUMMY magazine, available in all newsstands, bookstores, and supermarkets nationwide at P95 per copy.