PRO-Friends Gives Back To The Community At Lancaster New City

How do you describe an ideal town, city or village? I can gather different answers and it may depend on one's perspective so it may contradict. But I can probably share one nice example.

When you pass by Aguinaldo Highway in Cavite, it will be hard for you to not notice the Pro-Friends sign along the highway. But after I got invited to tour and see what's happening around their Lancaster New City property in Imus, I didn't expect what I discovered.

At the showroom of Lancaster, we were oriented about the property. Originally called One Lancaster, it changed its name to Lancaster Estates, then to Lancaster New City. Usually, when a homeowner is now finished with his/her paying obligations, the property developer's role ended there. But that is not the case with Pro-Friends.

For the holiday season, Property Company of Friends Inc. or Pro-Friends for short; is giving back to the Lancaster community by giving gifts to the children of the homeowners. I got to witness this myself at their Clubhouse. This is how Pro-Friends show appreciation to their homeowners and the kids enjoyed it. If I have kids, I would love to see them grow in such an environment.

Besides that, Lancaster already holds traditional Simba de Gallo or Simbang Gabi at their Church Of The Holy Family and it will be a regular thing since there is already a resident priest who can officiate all sacraments.

During my visit, I regret not seeing what Lancaster has in store when the day breaks because there are areas that are lit up for the holidays. Thanks to the rainy weather. Lancaster New City has the ideal institutions needed for this community to grow. It has its own commercial district and a school which is just a walk away.

Since travelling is now less hassle via Cavitex, Lancaster has a shuttle terminal that can bring you to Coastal Mall terminal so it won't be hard if you work in Manila. But the best part of the tour was looking at the model units. It in really quite a good investment especially if you know how to design the interior.

What makes an ideal place? It's a community and Pro-Friends commits to that by transforming lives in the community. If you like this post and interested to make an investment at Lancaster New City, visit any Pro-Friends showroom now so you can schedule a siting at Lancaster New City and see the colorful Santa's Workshop at their activity center. For more updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Recycled Christmas Lanterns Brings Holiday Spirit to LRT-1 passengers

For the holiday season, it is not surprising that it is hard to go anywhere because of the holiday rush. It may require us commuters to be patient which is why LRT-1 decorated each station with a recycled Christmas lantern made by the students from different campuses across the Metro.

The lanterns will be displayed until the first week of January and it will be judged the best work. What's good about these lanterns were the art and the ingenuity of the students to make one which means that we only need to recycle things when it can still be maximized and provides environmental concern.

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Follow this blog as we await the results and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

2nd SM Bowling Millionaire's Cup

Bowling is one sport my family is interested in. Mom started to build up the interest. Whenever she has tournaments in the company and the alumni, she always bring us there and have our own tournament and Mom always won.

Hadji Baracal on the lane https://www.instagram.com/marktemplar/

It is good thing that the malls got it all in one place including an in-house bowling lane. SM Malls is not left behind. Years ago, I tried playing bowling at SM in a different way. I was invited to bowl in a crazy way like throw the ball between your legs. SM Bowling Lanes calls it Funky Bowling.

Mr Ed Tejerero(Far left),, Dianne Galendez(2nd from left).

For the first time, I was invited to attend the last leg of 2nd SM Bowling Millionaire's Cup Tournament held at SM Clark last December 16. Not only it is my first time to visit the mall there but it is also the first time I saw a fully operational bowling lane in the activity area even though it is just two lanes.

Hadji Baracal, Classified Masters champion

Prior to this date, there are other competitors in different categories took place in different SM Bowling Lanes all over the country but it all ends in SM Clark. Two categories are taking place to compete in this last leg: The Classified Masters and the Opens Masters.

Dianne Galendez, Open Masters champion

Hadji Baracal won the Classified Masters division and Davao's 20y/o Dianne Galendez  defends her title  and won the Open Masters division. Noel Abad and Glenn Geluz are runner-ups in respective categories. It was a tough tournament but it was well played.

For more SMLI events coverage, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

World’s largest youth football program enters finals in PH

Press release

Manila, Philippines—The first Coca-Cola Cup in the Philippines culminates on 6 December and football aficionados are looking forward to an exciting, spirited match. Two teams of 18 are set to meet each other in the local finale of the world’s largest grassroots football program for the youth.

Dream Big Pilipinas Futbol Academy, Loyola Meralco Sparks Footbal Club and the local city of Taguig opened the officially opened the Coca-Cola Cup. (L-R: Edmund Qua Hiansen, Chairman of Dream Big Pilipinas; Atty.Adel Tamano VP for Public Affairs and Communications, Coca-Cola Philippines; Jorge Bocobo,City Economic & Investment Promotions Officer of Taguig City; Simon McMeneny, Training Director, Loyola Meralco Sparks Football Academy)

The Coca-Cola Cup, which piloted locally in Taguig City last November, aspires to bring about the same team spirit, friendship and respect that the Coca-Cola Cup has fostered among 1.4 million other teenage players in over 60 countries around the world since it started in Zimbabwe back in 1995.  Over the past few weeks, Filipino youth have participated in a series of football clinics ran with the help of partners, Manila Electric Futbol Club, Inc. (MEFCI) and Dream Big Pilipinas Football Association (DBPFA).

Bit By Bit presents Children's Plays For Adults

I first got to see a Virgin Labfest event when it opened in a campus tour in selected educational institutions and I never expected that one of the short-plays will make an impact to me. In this production, Bit By Bit showcases two stories that is both visually entertaining that it may appear like stories for children but it really has adult tones.

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The first story is from the Labfest. Maria Isabela at ang Guryon ng mga Tala is a story set during Spanish era about a young lady who wished to impress her object of affection. She began an impossible journey to achieve it.

What I like about the story was the use of different art forms and combining it in one like traditional acting, ventriloquism, and shadow puppetry. It's funny but it also bittersweet at the same time.

For Games People Play, is a modern setting in a probably traditional Visayan town where three children: two boys and a girl grew up together. Just like Maria Isabela, both stories can be real and relevant to any adult especially when it comes to relationships. But in Games People Play, it also made a darker tone.

Children's Plays For Adults opened at Power Mac Center Spotlight last weekend and will have it's last run this coming weekend. For more theatrical productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL TO AIR RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS SPECIAL FEATURING PRESIDENT OBAMA, ACROSS ASIA PACIFIC

Press release

11 December, 2015 – Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific today announced it will be airing RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS featuring President Barack Obama.  This special, acquired from Electus International and Bear Grylls Ventures, features President Obama trekking through the Alaskan wilderness with Bear Grylls while on a visit to observe the effects of climate change on the area.  It is scheduled to air on Discovery Channel across Asia Pacific from 18 December at 10pm, immediately after its premiere in the US on the evening of 17 December.

Discovery Channel will also be premiering the second season of RUNNING WILD WITH BEAR GRYLLS on 5 January 2016, at 9pm(PH).  This season follows Bear Grylls as he takes Hollywood’s biggest celebrities – including stars such as Kate Winslet, Kate Hudson, Michelle Rodriguez, Ed Helms, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Michael B. Jordan, James Marsden and Drew Brees – on a one-on-one adventure that tests their survival skills and pushes their mental and physical boundaries. From the Nevada Desert to the Italian Alps to the Panama Jungle, Grylls and each celebrity push both their minds and bodies to the limit in these extreme environments to successfully complete their journey.

December on Discovery Kids

Press release

Science is both fun and heroic this December on Discovery Kids!

Science doesn’t just make you smart – it makes you brave, and funny too!

What happens when you amplify the crazy, gory, peculiar side of science? You give rise to a new formula for learning! Enjoy a lighthearted science class combined with wit and humour in Horrible Science, a new Discovery series to premiere this December 7, Mondays at 5pm.

Kids today are the next generation’s future leaders. And what better way to start the practice than with a hands-on immersion guided by their adult counterparts? Working alongside certified coastguards, fire service, and mountain rescue teams from across the country is indeed a fulfilling experience. But can these heroic kids hold out to what’s expected of them? Find out in Hero Squad, premiering this December 10, Thursdays at 5pm.

Investigation month on Animal Planet

Mysteries of our planet will be revealed this December on Animal Planet!

This month, join field researchers in their quest to find sasquatches in North America territory. With their trail of gathered records, evidences, and witnesses, will they be able to prove the existence of Bigfoot? Gap in closer to the truth with the new season premiere of Finding Bigfoot this December 10, airing Thursdays, 9PM.

New shows on Discovery Science!

This month on Discovery Science, the hunt for only the coolest big boy toys begins!

Travel all over the world in search for limited-edition fast cars, private jets, the best beer, wine, food, and cigars. Stay up-to-date with all the latest gears you can add to your list with the new season of Tech Toys 360 starting December 9. Catch it Wednesdays at 9PM.

A new season of Alaska: The Last Frontier on Discovery HD World

Life is not without its challenges. This December, Discovery World HD brings you an update on the life of the Kilchers!

For four generations, the Kilcher family has lived a subsistence lifestyle on their Alaskan homestead. After one of the harshest Alaskan winters on record, the Kilchers’ supplies are running low, making the short summer prep season even more precious. Will they be able to spring back up? Find out in the new season of Alaska: The Last Frontier, premiering every Thursdays at 9PM.

Hotties Spotted at SM Mall Of Asia

December 6, 2015. Mall Of Asia. Ten male hotties roam all over the mall wearing red pants and white shirt with written messages, "Follow Me and Get WiFi for free".

The game was if you spotted any of them in the mall, take a photo of them or selfie with them then post it on Instagram with hashtags #HotSpotHottieSpotted and #ExperienceHuawei .If you able to upload and post all ten hotties, you get a prize.

This event was done all over the mall and those who completed the task went to the newly opened Cyberzone where the Huawei set up in the middle to claim their prices. The prices are not WiFi connections but the newest WiFi devices of Huawei.

The Huawei Lightning is a LTE CPE WiFi Router can deliver maximum speed of  LTE CAT4 connections up to 150Mbps through its Gigabit ethernet port. The Huawei Flash is a mobile WiFi hotspot that can download 150Mbps and upload 50Mbps that can support ten WiFi enabled devices. Like the Flash, the Huawei Spark can also support ten devices up to 21Mbps and upload up to 5.76Mbps.

Ten winners were given new Huawei devices upon completing the tasks of posting ten Hotspot Hotties Spotted. Even though the some were not able to win the devices, I am sure the women are winners just having a photo with the Hotties.

Check out these new devices of Huawei in their new store at the SM Cyberzone in Mall Of Asia. This is indeed the newest gift that you can give this holiday season. For more new updates on Huawei devices, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Soundtrip with Elecom Headsets and Earphones

My old earphones are already battle-damaged and it's probably the best time to look for a new one and this event may probably get the one I needed.

I tried different types of headsets and earphones that may suit my taste. There's one earphone that is really good for my ear because it has good bass sound. For the headsets, I tried the ones via bluetooth and it gave me comfort for once because it has no wires tangled over.

But the best headsets Elecom has is not yet available until sometime in 2016.These headsets may look bulky and still has wire and jock because they are more durable for home use but ideal for movie viewing.

The best things with these headsets from Japan are that even though you are using them, you can still hear if someone wants to talk to you and respond to them. It also has a warranty. I think I made my choice and I will just head to their kiosk in Megamall to purchase it.

Until January 31, 2016 only.

If you are reading this blog now, Elecom is offering discount just for you, my readers. Just show this voucher which I uploaded and show it to any Elecom outlet and don't forget to mention my blog.  Until January 31, 2016 only. Besides headsets and earphones, Elecom also has accessories like cables, speakers and more. Elecom has outlets or kiosks in SM Malls. For more techy posts, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

SEAFAIR Boat Show 2015 ushers in festive Christmas season

THE festive Christmas season takes on a novel, fun and sports-flavored twist as the country’s biggest marine and yacht exposition, the SEAFAIR Boat Show 2015, opens on Saturday at the SM by the Bay in Pasay City.

The  leaders in the local boating and nautical industry gather together once more in a new and accessible venue to showcase their products and services  during the two-day affair, while giving the general public a glimpse of the lush and glamorous lifestyle of the rich and famous.

“We have as our trade fair theme this year ‘An Extraordinary Outdoor Boat Show Experience.’ What could be more extraordinary than having the SEAFAIR Boat Show 2015 during the festive season of Christmas,” said Geraldine Castillo of Organizing Legworks Events.

Castillo bared that they have packed a lot of activities both on and offshore for those who will be going to the event sponsored by SM by the Bay, Shakey’s, Bacardi, Cream Factory and supported by ALS Marine, Solanda, Nautimus, Realship Yacht Rentals, Tronqued Boats and Tow and Stow Industries.

Among the featured sports attractions, she said, will be the  beach volleyball and beach tennis competitions at the SM by the Bay sand court and yachting and dragon boat rowing regattas organized by the Philippine Sailing Association and Philippine Dragon Boat Rowing Federation, respectively.

A highlight will be the challenging “Poker Run”  on Sunday pitting the country’s premier speedboat enthusiasts in a 50.2-nautical circuit from the SM by the Bay pier to Corregidor Island and back again where a total pot of P100,000 will be at stake according to Eymare Po.

“Local Poker Run pioneer Liloy Salilican is even fielding two boats during our competition,” Po noted, adding that the overall champion will also be awarded P40, 000.00 worth of the world-class MBL Wines.  

Entries will pass through five checkpoints and, just like in the real poker game, will be dealt a card each at every stop. The team with the highest hand will be declared the winner in the exposition also backed by the Manila Yacht Club, Subic Bay Yacht Club, Punta Fuego Yacht Club, St. Luke’s Global, Lifeline, Camaya Coast, Hotel Fleuris Palawan and Hotel Soffia Boracay.

Of course, also on display at SEAFAIR Boat Show 2015 are some the country’s premier luxurious yachts where enthusiasts can go on a cruise on top of the equally exciting helicopter trip for a birds-eye view of the Metro Manila, both at reasonable rates, said Po.

Aware of the impact of the nautical industry on the environment, organizers have lined up talks on marine conservation and eco tourism to be handled by resource speakers in the event likewise supported by Travel Life, WheninManila, C Magazine, Calibre, Asian Traveler and DMC Marketing Services.

Admission tickets are priced at P150 for each whole day with the part of the proceeds going to the marine conservation programs of World Wildlife Philippines.

Museo Orlina Opens A New Wing To Exhibit

I got to see the Museo Orlina when it first opened in Tagaytay. Upon returning, I am glad that to see that there are regular visitors who also toured the museum. 

The "museo" is owned by sculptor Mr. Ramon Orlina whose works can be seen all over Ayala commercial establishments. If you passed by a life-size metal horse somewhere, that's an Orlina masterpiece.

For the new exhibit, Mr. Orlina introduced to us his new glass works using optimal glass which he had imported. Like his previous glass works, it shows his craft that it can be viewed at all angles and still looks beautiful.

Mr. Orlina explains what makes optimal glass special. When you place it to any background, it adapts to any background and makes it part of the sculpture. When you add apply good lighting mood, it becomes soothing in the eyes.

The optimal glass also has the same principle like a prism. No one ever tried this but if you use a flashlight or laser pointer, it will spread out at all angles. In addition of the new glass works, the new wing also has classic sculpture based on renaissance works like the iconic Pieta which shows the grieving Mother Mary holding the dead Jesus after removed from the cross.

Even though I've been here. The Museo Orlina still gives you new insights about the works displayed. I will posts more about the visit in my next posts. Museo Orlina is currently making changes in the museum structure as it will be soon be an artwork itself as it will display the Museo Orlina logo design made of glass with matching lights. For more updates about Museo Orlina, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

SM Mall Of Asia hosting Philippine Ice Hockey Tournament

When I got to watched a ice-skating competition at Mall Of Asia, I asked myself if there will be a chance that we can have our own hockey team. When I got invited to see the new skating rink outside the mall, SM is hosting their first hockey league event.

Not only that, the hockey tournament is participated by different countries who are just as excited to see the new hockey rink. There are different leagues by age group. When I got to see the oldest age group, I got excited because they are the ones who really breed hockey.

Not only that we got to have our own hockey team, there will also be changes. Mall of Asia has a new skating rink. The reason is not just for the competitors of hockey team and the figure skaters to have a professional rink. Having a rink inside the mall is not advisable since the mall is still open and the ice is not secured enough for the ice not affected in the bigger space of the mall. It has to be confined in a smaller space just right for the skating rink so they built a new one in the parking lot between The Arena and SMX. The old rink inside the mall will be removed.

Not only that we have a new rink, hockey teams within the Southeast Asia are not only excited to compete for the PIHT but also excited to try the new rink. But the best part of the game is witnessing a real hockey match the way the American teams does. I saw how strong they hit the puck against the wall. They even got slammed against the wall. This is the first time I saw a team sport with more physical contact.

Get more updates from SM Lifestyle and Entertainment via this blog and follow it. Like it also via Facebook at L.E.N.S. blogs.

Debunking the Myths about Teaching Online: What You Need to Know

Press release

Online teaching has become one of the most popular careers that many people are pursuing nowadays. For example, in 51Talk, the country’s fastest growing online English Language Teaching (ELT) platform, there are currently about 4,000 online teachers and counting. As many may want to consider teaching online because of the convenience that the job brings, one must know the facts versus myths about online teaching in order to make an informed decision. Here are the most common myths. 

Myth #1: Teaching online takes less time and effort.

Fact: Teaching online requires just as much hard work, commitment, and effort as other regular jobs, if not more. You need to commit time not just for the teaching session itself, but also for the preparation beforehand and your own personal study. Your work does not begin and end with the online lesson or class. You need to allocate time to prepare your materials, and you need to read further so that you can increase the quality of your input. With all this hard work, effort and perseverance are a must.

Myth #2: Teaching online does not require a lot of skill nor training.

Fact: While it is true that experience is not required for you to be an online teacher, it is crucial that you develop the skills for it and receive substantial training to teach. A person may have a gift for speaking well and confidently, but he or she may not necessarily have the capacity or demeanor to teach and listen patiently to students. Hence, you need proper training for you to have the right mindset and develop the appropriate skill sets. In 51Talk, all the online teachers get thorough training—and it is not just a matter of knowing what and how to teach. The teachers are also taught how to motivate and display patience and encouragement.

Myth #3: You can teach any way you want and do anything you want while teaching online.

Fact: The skill level, learning pace, and learning style of the student need to come into consideration first. You can apply your own teaching style as long as it agrees with the applicable teaching method. Moreover, you may not be physically with the student, but your full attention must be given to him or her. The student must never feel neglected.

Myth #4: Online teaching is not as in-depth as a personal or face-to-face tutorial.

Fact: Online teaching does not make the lessons or your interaction with the student any less real or substantial. Provided that you use the appropriate tools and materials and the right teaching style, and display the right attitude, your online teaching can be just as in-depth and significantly productive as a face-to-face tutorial.

Myth #5: Online teaching becomes a drag eventually, because you end up doing the same thing over and over again.

Fact: Online teaching is far from being a drag because as the students evolve and improve their skill, your own style and skills do so as well. Moreover, teaching materials need to be regularly reviewed and revised to make them new and relevant. Lastly, there is also the deep satisfaction that you get whenever you see a student improve—that will never get old and boring.

Teaching online requires commitment, discipline, and effort, but it also promises personal development and immense satisfaction. You can see for yourself how fulfilling it can be to teach online by joining 51Talk as a home-based or office-based teacher. For more details, visit www.51talk.com/ph.

Countdown to extinction begins with Racing Extinction on Discovery Channel

To every action, there's an an effect. Science taught us that. It also goes with the choices we make. Humans is the only species that is the dominant predator that endangers others. It just proves that the rule "Survival to the fittest" is innate.

Tiger Skins courtesy of Stephen Jones.

But when the dominant species abuses his power, it does not only endangers the animal kingdom but all life as well. This award-winning feature Racing Extinction reveals the effects that will make the audience really affected by what the fellow human beings done. It will not only reveal by entertaining, it will make you think of what to do next.

What we do that speeds the extinction level will cripple the balance of nature. Sharks are only dangerous when they are able to sense blood but otherwise they will ignore us. Imagine all sharks are gone. Who will eat the jellyfishes? The jellyfish is a bigger threat than sharks.

Racing Extinction will air globally 9PM on December 2(Philippine time) on Discovery Channel. Hopefully it may not be too late. Follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. Here are some suggestions what can you do to slow the extinction level.

Bus Ticket Artworks by Jasmine Cruz

It's not everyday that you see art from everyday things this is such a case for one particular art. My friend Jasmine Cruz from BusinessWorld invited me during the opening of an exhibit she shares with three artists iChill Cafe in Manila.

Jasmine Cruz(3rd from the left) with fellow exhibitors and the bus tickets art works in the background.

The theme of the exhibit is Encounters which suits the art that was showcased because the observer can see how he/she can relate. But what really caught my attention was Jasmine's works that is full of bus tickets.

Here in the Philippines, bus tickets comes from a small piece of paper with printed numbering and bus liner company logo and different amounts depending on the destination. Jasmine kept all her tickets when commuting to and from residence. From there, she did all four frames.

Not only she made four pieces of collected bus tickets, one piece consists of pink colored bus tickets and the other with only one bus liner with a crown logo. Jasmine told me it took her two years at least to gather these tickets.

I shared what I realized to Jasmine upon seeing the bus tickets that it may tell history one day especially since the bus fare is still visible. All four bus ticket art are already sold. I look forward for the next bus tickets art work.

Share Christmas joy; give a Noche Buena

Press release

Our fondest and earliest memories of Christmas -- aside from the usual ornaments like the Christmas tree, parol, and the anticipation of gifts from Santa, will always be the feast on the table that family members enjoy together on that special eve.

                                                                                           

Noche Buena always brings us back to good memories shared with family and loved ones. Truly, no Pinoy Christmas celebration is ever complete without it!

The picture of a beautiful Christmas is to have every family member gathered around the table for a hearty Christmas dinner. Sadly, though, many families are not privileged to enjoy this once-a-year treat.

World Vision invites you to share the joy of Christmas to our less fortunate brothers and sisters once again by giving them a gift of a Noche Buena pack. For only PHP PHP 1,000 you are already providing a bountiful Noche Buena meal for two families -- which consists of ingredients for a Spaghetti meal, fruit salad, and an assortment of Christmas goodies.

"For the past 10 years, the Noche Buena campaign has brought thousands of Filipino families together for Christmas with a hearty meal, while also enabling others to share their blessing by donating Noche Buena. For us, it is not simply a meal -- it is celebrating the truest sense of Christmas, which is sharing," shares World Vision Director Jun Godornes.

Part of the proceeds of the Noche Buena campaign will be used for the repair of a classroom in Isabella which was damaged by the recent typhoon Lando. For more information, call World Vision at 372-7777 or visit worldvision.org.ph

CCP Complex Light Up For The Holiday Season

Traffic during holiday season is really stressful because most are having their Christmas rush. The stretch along Roxas Boulevard is no exception. CCP once again continues to spread the holiday spirit through their annual display of San Fernando lanterns.

The Philippine Xmas lanterns are usually star-shaped with decorations that represents the Star Of Bethlehem. What makes the lanterns of San Fernando, Pampanga unique is the craftsmanship and the light display.

What makes this year unique was the Christmas Tree located at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Vito Cruz on the South bound side near the park area. Not only that, only LED lights are used for this big tree so it is also environment-friendly.

Because Philippines has the longest Christmas celebration in the world, it is just fitting that carols were sung and played by the Phil.Madrigal Singers and the Phil. Philharmonic Orchestra. In promotion of CCP activities, they also showcased excerpts from Ballet Philippines' Peter Pan and Phil. Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker.

The San Fernando Lanterns and the big Christmas Tree lights up every night until January 6. For more CCP updates, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

SNOOPY CHRISTMAS VILLAGE WARMLY USHERS HOLIDAY SEASON

Press release

 Snoopy and Charlie Brown welcomed mall patrons at SM Fairview last November 8 when the Snoopy Christmas Village officially opened leading to the holiday celebrations. 

                In display are familiar and endearing places that harks back to the series of comic strips and television series where Snoopy and Charlie Brown along with friends hang out together to make fond and fun memories. 

                Gracing the occasion too are celebrity couple Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati with their son Zion. In attendance too is Baste,  the very adorable young talent discovered by the phenomenal noontime show Eat Bulaga. 

                The SM Foundation and its charitable works opened the Snoopy Christmas Village to encourage children to dream big especially this holiday season just like Snoopy and Charlie Brown!  Additionally, the Snoopy Christmas Village will serve as a venue to promote goodwill in this season of giving by voluntarily donating gifts to those who need it most.

Ayala Triangle Lights Up The Gardens once again for the Holiday Season

For the last five years, Ayala Triangle Gardens provides the holiday atmosphere that gives Makati something to look forward to in the holiday season. Each year, the Triangle Gardens are decorated with LED lights and lit up every evening is a spectacular lights and sounds display for a few minutes. The Gardens are transformed in a visual entertainment for the whole family.

For this year, the lights will also involved laser display that is recognized internationally. The display comes in three musical numbers. The Festival of Lights will start at 6PM for every 30 minutes. The display was unveiled last November 9. For more updates of Ayala Triangle Gardens activities, follow this blog and like  L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

SeaFair 2015 embarks with new gimmicks

In last year's SeaFair at Harbor Square, I got to board and tour a private yacht, watched a dragon boat competition and sailboats and cruising the waters while chilling in across the Manila Bay waters. I was one of the first bloggers who witnessed it all when it first happen.

This year, the Seafair will move to SM By The Bay to have more activities than just showcasing different boats. The bayside of SM Mall Of Asia is the best place for outdoor games. At Sands By The Bay, Seafair will hold it's first Beach Volleyball, and Beach Tennis. Just for clarity, beach tennis is different from badminton and their rackets are called paddle bats.

The grounds is not the only place where there is fun. You will get to see the first Seafair Boat Show Poker Run. Unlike a traditional speed boat race, it has a twist. Here is the description of this activity:

Participants meet at a pre-arranged point, and pick up details of their route and the stops they need to make. Each participant is given a score card which will be filled in as they progress along the route. At each designated stop, the participants draw a card at random. The card drawn or dealt is recorded on each participant's score card/tally sheet, and the winner of the event is the participant who makes the best five-card poker hand at the end of the event.

As the owners showcase their yachts, SeaFair also promotes the obligation to the marine environment which is why they partnered with WWF for more campaigns. The SeaFair will also have it's first Helicopter Tour to give the guests a bird's eye view of the Metro.

As the sun goes down, the night is just starting to heat up as some boats will held parties while cruising along the Bay like what we had aboard the M/Y Shanty. The Bay grounds is not gonna be left behind as it will get wet and wild with a Foam Party.

At the helm of M/Y Deja Vu during SeaFair 2014

If you want to plan what to do for the summer, the SeaFair 2015 is the best event to get ideas. It will be on December 5 -6 only. Get more updates by following this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

THIS IS OUR YOUTH: A review of a stage production

How do you describe our youth? The answer may vary on a specific person. The parents now may have their own answer as well as the children. The average age bracket may vary but it ranges from teen years to twenties. This bracket may vary.

For the story, it only focused on three people in the 80's. We have two friends who are college dropouts who happens to be junkies and trying to make something out selling stuff in New York. There's also one girl who may affect the two friends in a different way. You may think there's a love triangle but this is not even a love story.

For the three characters, you can say that they are young adults. They are at this age like you are no longer can relate with younger youths but not old enough to be associated with older adults. This usually happens when the problems of the young adults are different to any age group in between.

Why should you see this play? One, this may help you understand young adults better. Two, it is funny that is intended for at least twenty-something audience.  The 80's New York is no different from Metro Manila setting. New York also has neighborhoods similar to Tondo and Wall Street is like our Ayala Avenue.

Even though the actors are dominantly Filipino, they just fit in the roles since their characters' situation is universal. New York is dominantly an immigrant city. This production is iconic in manner of speaking because it casts popular film and TV actors on stage. It premiered 1996 in Off-Broadway starring Mark Ruffalo, Josh Hamilton, and Missy Yager.

What makes this production unique was that it was an immersing experience when they staged it in nontraditional manner like they are performing just in front of you and like you are really inside their flat or apartment unit.

The Red Turnip production stars Nicco Manalo, Jef Flores and Cindy Lopez and directed by Topher Fabregas. This Is Our Youth stages at A-Space Venue in Makati. For more theater productions and reviews, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. Kenneth Logerman is the author of the play.

Ayala brings the Sparkle In The City once again to open the holiday season

Ever since I was a kid, my mom always take me to Ayala avenue to see the different buildings with Christmas lighting decoration in it's long stretch. It is always the same tradition that I still see during the holidays.

Now, Ayala avenue lit up the streets once again for the holiday season. This time, the theme of the lights are the replicas of the selected Catholic churches in the country. Most of our churches have been established since the Spanish colonization and still hold masses.

What makes these churches unique is the way we celebrate simbang gabi is something special in the provinces unlike in the crowded city. Because of how commercialized our Christmas can be, we tend to forget the simpler way of celebrating the holidays.

Through the display of these churches, people may remember their hometowns during the yuletide season because most of us are from the provinces. Among these churches includes Manila's Binondo Church, the Paoay church which I got to see last holiday season and from my dad's province, the Lucban church.

Hopefully this street light display will reminds us of the true meaning of the holidays. Join me again as I feature the first Christmas lights display at the Ayala Triangle Gardens next week. Don't forget to like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.