Pioneer presents Stories Of Hope

I always wanted to watch Virgin Labfest, CCP's showcase of unpublished works in theater in a non-traditional manner. I was told that it was only done in the corridors like a reading in front of audience who don't mind watching it in the crowd. This is an example of low-budgeted quality theater performance that is very raw and fresh.

One of the reasons of the Labfest is to showcase works that are not able to be produced due to lack of budget for a traditional theater production. This is why most productions are not affordable. Pioneer Insurance sponsored the recent Virgin Labfest and they are going to bring it to the campuses.

The Virgin Labfest Campus Tour is part contest and part theater performance. There will be an original play-writing contest open for the students only. Only those who are enrolled are entitled to join. Entries must be a one-act play in Tagalog, English or Tag-lish depending on the author. Entries can be submitted starting September 1 until November 6, 2015. The script should feature a story of hope. 

Media Launch August 27, 2015

Part of the tour is to showcase some works in selected campuses: September 1 in Miriam College, September 23 in Lyceum Of The Philippines University, September 23 in University of Santo Tomas, October 5 in University of Makati, and October 13 in De la Salle- College of St. Benilde. The show is free of charge and it's open to public and it's first-come, first serve basis.

For more details, check out the website  http://storieslab.ph/ for contest mechanics and schedules. Schedules of shows are subject to change. For more theater productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Get Fit at CROSSFIT HALCYON

In my previous posts, I promoted the Marciev Wieczorkiewicz Terminator Training that was held in Crossfit Halcyon and the branch in Boracay. I was also able to tour the fitness facility and I admit that it me interested unlike the other fitness studios I've been to.

It is equipped with the traditional threadmills and weight lifting equipment and new fitness equipment that makes it look like an obstacle course. But one thing that made Halcyon different was they have an indoor running track. If only this branch is nearer to my place, I am sure going to sweat out running here because it may be safer.

Not only that, they also have sessions in martial arts in this facility which is ideal. How many martial art dojo that also has a gym equipment in one place. One of these day, I am going to visit here on regular basis. Crossfit Halycon is located in Fisher Mall. For inquiries, call (02)294-35-91. For fitness lifestyle, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Western Union salutes the 25 Filipino Migrant Workers as Heroes For Better

As a geek, I am very much aware of the reality that superheroes does not exist outside the pages of my comic book collection. But there are people despite the absence of any superpower, are able to accomplish great deeds in real life. We see them in newspapers and TV news clips.

Photo courtesy of http://markcerbo.blogspot.com/

In today's context, everyday heroes are the migrant workers. They left the country to work abroad and done unthankful jobs just to bring money back home and they pay taxes. Western Union made a website ( http://www.wuheroesforbetter.org/ ) dedicated to them so their stories will have a voice in the internet.

I got to meet three of the twenty-five heroes during the media launch last August 24 at Nielsen Tower, Makati. I discovered that there is something special about them. Maybe because of their aura but what they did is really extraordinary. Despite the hardship working in their respective country that is not their own, they still manage to help people around them especially fellow Filipinos.

Mr. Leonilo Beltran finished a degree in Electrical Engineering and went to many countries whenever there are openings available. Nilo's enthusiasm with his technical skills enables him to teach out-of-school youths and inmates as well. His mission is to teach inmates so they will never commit any crime and for the youth to get off the streets.

For Mr. Nestor Puno, working in Japan is not easy. Although there are working opportunities there but getting a working permit is not easy. Filipino migrant workers there end up marrying a Japanese citizen to maintain their visa but that doesn't mean they are off the hook. For the Japanese, bloodline is important to them. A gaijin(foreigner) spouse and their offspring is not the same class as a full-blooded Japanese. The OFWs just endured this just for the visa. Their child is not privileged for having the same proper education unlike a Japanese child. Nestor organized a school for Filipino children so they can have the same education as any child.

Mr. Edmond Corpuz is a photographer. He was just going to take photos of the Ifugao region and the rice terraces. What he didn't expect that he will go there regularly for another reason. The mountains of the Northern region is so elevated that schools and the communities there are not equipped with school supplies. He noticed that one pencil is cut in three so that each student may can use a pencil as much as possible. This prompt to bring new pencils every time he goes to the region and he asked his friends, relatives, contacts to donate to his cause. Then Edmond was nicknamed the Pencil Crusader.

Besides the three Heroes present, there's another one whom I got to meet about a year ago. Among the 25, Armand and Bing Serrano are the only couple. Based in U.S., Armand works as an animator and made many animated movie projects and TV series. Armand and Bing set up a foundation called ICON to help people hone their animation skills and at the same time, do humanitarian work. I met Armand Serrano in person when the first ICON Manila was held.

This just proves that despite the lack of superpowers, these 25 made a difference in the community and to the people. But the list does not end there. There are still heroes that are not yet documented but needed to be heard and perhaps it may be you.For more acts of modern-day heroism, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

All Of Me first five episodes review

Now that the series Flor de Liza is ending this week, the afternoon slot needs to maintain the hype because it is one of the stagnant hours of the day. To keep the viewers on the screen, ABS-CBN offers a new series that transcends time and space.

All Of Me may seem like another series that took another song for the title but it is more than that. Besides Wansapanataym, it's been a while since the network has a fantaserye or fantasy series. The story is about a grumpy doctor Manuel(played by Albert Martinez) who isolates himself from society until Lena(Yen Santos) enters his life. But Manuel was killed and suddenly finds himself turned in his younger self(played by JM de Guzman) in a world where space and time has no relevance.

What I like about the series is the mystery of the mystical place which Manuel stumbled upon and the computer generated background that made the place extraordinary. Just like the previous series, it also has humor even if it's drama and it helps built up the audience. Albert Martinez said that he didn't expect the reception of the audience when he watched with the fans. The last time that he felt cheered on as a love team was back in the 80's. Seems that this makes me hopeful for men my age.

I also like how the series tells the story in a manner of flashbacks. It also highlights Manuel's timeline during his childhood because it represents one period in time that is far different from the present. There will be character developments especially to the main cast. Yen also proves that being an actress will stretch or accelerate her career by taking another mature role. Also stars Aaron Villaflor as Manuel's colleague, Ina Raymundo as Manuel's first wife.

For more series updates follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook,

Maciev Wieczorkiewicz' Terminator Training in the Philippines

We Filipinos may have trouble pronouncing his name but they didn't call him Terminator just for comparison to the sci-fi movie anthology. Mr. Wieczorkiewicz is coming to the Philippines for a limited time that can only be held at Crossfit Halcyon in Fisher Mall and in Station 1, Boracay.

The WOD training is only for this week starting August 26 to 29 the Crossfit Halcyon branch in Fisher Mall and the Station 1 branch in Boracay from 30 to 31. Take advantage of this rare opportunity. Contact Crossfit Halcyon Fisher Mall at (02)294-35-91 for inquiries and reservation. For more updates on activities at Fisher Mall, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Minnesota Timberwolves' Ricky Rubio Takes On Manila with adidas

Despite the bad weather, it didn't stop NBA player Ricky Rubio of the Minnesota Timberwolves to meet the media and the fans and tour around and take on Manila. An avid traveller himself, Rubio dreamed on visiting Manila and heard how crazy in a fun way Pinoys about basketball.

Ricky Rubio with local adidas endorsers the Boys Night Out hosts.

Having seen our Philippine team play back in Spain when he played for the home team, he said that our players shows potential in NBA. As a Spaniard, he also plays football to keep himself in shape. As an adidas endorser, Ricky wears the new Crazy Light Boost. He shares that being part of adidas is like being part of the family.

He also heard about how crazy Pinoys are about our street basketball since we have at least one basketball court in every baranggay. If you seen him in Intramuros and in Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, do join the trend online with the hashtag #TakeOnSummer as he participates with local personalities.

For aspiring basket players who wanted to make it in the big leagues, Ricky Rubio shares these 5 qualities: Passion, "Share the ball"(remember, it's a team sport), Be smart, Work hard, and Enjoy what you do.

For more events coverages of NBA players in the Phils., follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. 

Microsoft Philippines #UpGradeYourWorld by building house for Gawad Kalinga

I've been volunteering building houses for Habitat For Humanity for many years when I was decades younger. I find this fulfilling because it makes me feel good about myself especially when I got to help other people building their new home.

Now, I got to do it again years later in my older self. This time at a Gawad Kalinga site in Nueva Ecija. I was invited to volunteer with Microsoft Philippines at the same time when the Windows 10 was released recently. Microsoft has many global outreach programs but it is only Microsoft Philippines that supports a community housing project like Gawad Kalinga.

When we got there, the community already has one phase of units occupied. But there are more houses that are in progress. We were divided in three groups on different tasks. Some ladies were painting the walls while the rest will do a relay of passing hollow blocks for makeshift road in a vacant area while some ladies were straining rocks and sand for the cement mix.

While this is ongoing, the Microsoft ambassadors are instructing the teachers in the nearby school how to use Windows 10 in the donated computers. In between breaks, I got to ask some of the residents about them, where they come from and how they got to approved at GK and how it benefited them.

But the best part of the community building that made it worthwhile is the budol fight where you can eat in a communal manner and enjoy the camaraderie. I am glad I was still able to do this even for my age and I would like to do it again.

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

Kanser on its 35th staging

My first immersion with Bulwagang Gantimpala was during my high school days when they were still based at the Metropolitan Theater when the place was still grand. Because of my fascination with the theater, I see the productions of Bulwagang Gatimpala not just a school requirement. I already seen Florante at Laura, Ibong Adarna, the tagalog version of Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, El Filibusterismo and Kanser better known as Noli Me Tangere the musical.

Photo used with permission of Bulwagang Gantimpala

I got to see Kanser again when my theater actress-cousin played Sisa for Bulwagang Gantimpala. I admit I got a new perspective of the production even though I've seen it. For its 35th staging, Kanser brought in many actors and had different directors ever since.

What makes Kanser demanding because of many patron high schools that continue to immersed the students not just in the story but also in theater. Not only that, the political situation now maybe different but the social problems in the society is still the same which makes Kanser still relevant in today's audience.

Written originally for Bulwagang Gatimpala by Jomar Fleras, music by Jed Balsamo with choreography of Paul Alexander Morales. I happen to hear Mr. Balsamo's work in a Mulan musical(not the Disney version) because my cousin was also part of that production.

Cast includes Michael Pangilinan and Jacob Benedicto alternating as Crisostomo Ibarra, Myramae Meneses as Maria Clara, Bodjie Pascua as Pilosopong Tasyo and a lot more. Kanser will be staged starting in September at AFP theater. For more updates about Bulwagang Gantimpala and their productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

Chuva Choo Choo premieres at Power Mac Center Spotlight

If you didn't know Vehnee Saturno, you probably heard the music he composed for many recording artists from past to present. It was Mr. Saturno's dream that he could do a musical with all his songs but it got realized when Stages offered to do the musical with selection of his popular songs.

Chuva Choo Choo The Mister Kupido musical is about two sisters witnessed a murder and fled to Manila and seek refuge in a gay bar named Mr. Kupido.  Theater group Stages made it possible to come up with a story and script that suits the original music of Mr. Saturno. Stages wants to create a new musical that is original and has Pinoy taste.

Circuit Makati aims to build itself up as the new entertainment district in Makati starting with Power Mac Center Spotlight. The location is formerly a horse racetrack and is now housed the events area for all occasions. Chuva Choo is on it's first public run starting September 25 to 27 only and it will return on it's full run next year.

Chuva Choo Choo the Mister Kupido musical is the first staged production to be done in Power Mac Center Spotlight. For more updates about theater productions, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook. For inquiries, contact Stages Production Specialist, Inc at 0917-859-6544.

Meet and Greet Dora the Explorer at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls

Press release

This August, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is inviting all kids to embark on a fun and learning-filled musical adventure with their favorite traveler Dora the Explorer and her friends!

Dora the Explorer, the fun-loving and inquisitive little Latina girl from the world-famous animated children's television series, will be headlining a series of fantastic kiddie events at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, where kids can also enjoy a variety of fun performances and pocket activities.

Fans of the Dora the Explorer can come over and see the adorable cartoon character come into life at the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill on August 15, Eastwood Mall Atrium on August 16 and Lucky Chinatown Atrium on August 23, with two meet and greet opportunities taking place at each venue at 2PM and 5PM.

Aside from the chance to see Dora the Explorer and her friends up-close, kids can also delight in fun-filled activities and games, and take home exciting prizes.

Parents looking to have their children join the Dora the Explorer Meet and Greet at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls can visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com for complete admission details.

Kids can also be part of a song and dance spectacular featuring their favorite explorer at the Dora The Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys happening on October 8 – 11 at the Meralco Theater. Tickets are available at designated ticket booths located at Eastwood Mall, Lucky Chinatown and Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill.

Aimed at actively engaging children and preschoolers, Dora the Explorer is known for enriching kids’ cognitive abilities by having them observe situations and solve problems as they join Dora's adventure with her friends. Young viewers are also able to obtain essential skills and physical coordination as they are encouraged

throughout the show to respond to Dora and to actively participate in the adventure through physical movement.

For more information on Dora the Explorer Meet and Greet at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, please call the Concierge at 709-9888, 709-0888, 0917-8380111 or visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com.

Feed your curious minds this August on Discovery Channel

Press release

Discovery Channel answers some of your burning questions - from the origins of human beings to the modern way of living - this August. See how far we have come from the beginning of time to today’s fast paced society with two new shows and the return of Discovery Channel favorites.

Tawi-Tawi, Philippines is home to Santarawi, one of the last Badjao breath-hold divers who serve as modern models of our ancestors. THE GREAT HUMAN ODYSSEY follows Anthropologist Niobe Thompson as he takes us on a journey of discovery in the footsteps of our human ancestors, and unlocks the mystery of our unlikely survival and miraculous emergence as the world's only global species, meeting Santarawi along the way. We evolved during the most volatile era since the extinction of the dinosaurs. Like the many other kinds of humans who once shared our world, Homo sapiens should have died away. Instead, our species survived to populate every corner of the planet. Why are we the last of our kind? How did we do it?

Marvel at the wonders of human adaptability in THE GREAT HUMAN ODYSSEY premiering August 2, airing Sundays, 8PM.

Every great invention has to start with a great idea. HOW WE GOT HERE tells the stories of iconic Americans whose entrepreneurial genius radically changed their worlds and ours, creating new ideas and industries that transformed our nation in ways so profound, we often take them for granted today. Each episode will dramatize that moment, exploring both how the future unfolded as a result of that precise moment in time, and also how fundamentally different our world would have been had things happened differently.

Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel

Find out how America made a name for itself and paved for exponential impact in HOW WE GOT HERE premiering August 6, airing Thursdays, 9PM.

It’s another season of testing myths, proving or disproving what is real and what is urban legend as MYTHBUSTERS returns with some wacky ideas planned. Can you really use a whip to swing your way to safety across a deadly chasm? Find out if driving while talking hands-free is really as bad as holding the phone. Catch special episodes that will tackle myths from TV shows like The Simpsons and epic movies such as Star Wars.

Join the witty MYTHBUSTERS duo Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage in another season of fun mythbusting returning August 12, airing Wednesdays, 8PM.

It’s the dawn of the technological age and life should be getting easier by the second. GADGET MAN is back for another season and Richard Ayoade still isn't finding life any easier. Cooking, shopping, moving house, going out or even staying in are among the activities that involve far too much effort for Ayoade's liking. This is why he continues his crusade to find gadgets that can ease his pain.

Discover life hacks with the latest innovations in GADGET MAN returning August 28, airing Fridays, 9PM.