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I always wanted to watch Virgin Labfest, CCP's showcase of unpublished works in theater in a non-traditional manner.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.

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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.