Wanderland Music Festival 2014: My First Wanderland Experience

“One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.” 

― Bob Marley

I am one of the people who wasn't lucky enough to attend the first Wanderland Music Fest last year. Not only because I can't afford to attend such thing but also because I am still not familiar with the bands on their line up.

Last March, I tweeted this because I've been wanting to see them perform here in Manila. I'm glad that Lucy replied on my tweet. I had this feeling that it was for Wanderland and I was right.

Yes I am happy that she will be here but I was having second thoughts especially when Wanderland released their line up. She was the only person I know for international acts and Franco for the local bands. But then I thought that it might be the first and last time that Lucy will perform here so I decided to give it a try. Bought my early bird ticket in River Island and I also started listening to all the bands that was included on their line up.

After listening to all the bands, Woody Pitney really got my attention.

Woody Pitney is a musician from Melbourne, Australia. I really love his song "You Can Stay" from his album Afterdust.

It is really fun watching him perform together with his bandmates; Dave, Lachie, Bella, Xavier and Felix. I am always amazed with people who knows how to play violin that is why I enjoyed watching Bella during their performance. Their bands made the crowd so alive.

Woody really knows how to make the girls fall in love with his songs. Well aside from his lovely voice, I also love his beard haha! Anyway, I'm looking forward to see him perform here again. This guy is a total package.

Follow him on twitter (@WoodyPitney) for more updates on his upcoming gigs.

Of course, how can I forget Lucy Rose?

Lucy Rose Parton or known as Lucy Rose is an English singer-songwriter from England. I first fell in love with her song Shiver from her album Like I Used To. I remember listening to it every morning on my way to work. 

Surprisingly, I can listen to all of her songs any time of the day, whether I am happy or sad or if I just want to sleep.. I even listen to it when I'm taking showers hahaha!

I admit, Lucy Rose is the only reason why I was so eager to attend the Wanderland Music Fest.

And Wanderland made it more memorable by giving me a meet and greet pass. You have no idea how happy I am to receive a good news like that. 

3:00pm

It was our turn for the meet and greet, she smiled and asked me "How can you wear a jumper? It is so amazing." She asked me again but I was so starstrucked that all I can answer is "I don't know." and smiled back at her and we both laughed about it. 

5:00pm

It was her time to sing on stage. That is also the time where our spot became so crowded. She started singing and it was the most beautiful performance I've seen that day. I love all her songs though I still don't know some of the lyrics but when you listen to her, her voice is enough to make all of her fans connect with her. Her voice is enough to make my soul feel so alive. Lucy Rose really owned the stage.

6:00pm

I bought her cd together with the Wanderland merch so I could get a signing stub and of course to see her again. When she saw me she said "Oh it's you again." and started asking me some questions. I also had an opportunity to have a photo with her again. She even told me that she hopes to see me again and gave me the best hug ever. 

It felt so surreal. Being able to spend time with someone who inspires you through music is one of the best thing that happened to me and I will surely cherish it forever. Thank you Lucy Rose, thank you for your music. :)

Follow her on twitter (@lucyrosemusic) and check her website lucyrosemusic.com for more updates on her upcoming gigs.

I'm glad I was able to enjoy and share this moment with my friend, JD. :)

By the way, even though it was really really hot that day, I was still amazed with their theme, their props.. everything! It feels like you are not in Manila.

Kudos to all the staff of Wanderland and Karpos for all the hard work and also thank you for making my first Wanderland Music Fest an epic one. Looking forward for the next music fest! Love you guys! <3

Meet and Greet: Allison Harvard of ANTM and Suki Salvador

Get the chance to meet the Mega Fashion Crew Reloaded 3 hosts, Allison Harvard and Suki Salvador on Mall of Asia (November 30, 2013) and SM North Edsa (December 7, 2013).

All you need to do is buy any participating L’Oreal Paris product at the meet & greet activity area.

Participating products are:
1. True Match
2. Excellence Crème Haircolor
3. Extraordinary Oil
4. Revitalift Laser X3

Limited slots only for meet & greet. First come, first serve.

For more info like and follow L'Oreal Paris Philippines:

https://www.facebook.com/LOrealParisPhilippines

http://www.twitter.com/LOrealParisPH

Lovi Poe continues to excite audience in 'Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas'

GMA's Premier Actress Lovi Poe, who plays Lovelia in the currently running hit, "Akin Pa Rin Ang Bukas", continues to amaze the audience with her nearly naturalistic performance as a woman who is struggling between love, death and betrayal.

Clearly, the young actress is making her mark as her new character becomes the heroine that the prime-time viewers are beginning to root out and cheer for. In her GMA teleserye, Lovi's character chose love and with her newfangled husband, who was only out to exact vengeance on her stepsister, Agatha (Charee Pineda) whom in turn, had previously chosen Lovelia's father, Roel (Gary Estrada) over Jerry (Rocco Nacino). Conrad (Cesar Montano) expresses his apprehension about everything that has been happening to Lovelia, especially the marriage to Jerry, much to the disappointment of his paramour, Jade (Solenn Heussaff). He wanted Roel and Beatrice (Liza Lorena) to take Lovelia away from Jerry, but Roel's murder and Lovelia's disappearance thickens the plot and the mystery. Lovelia, in turn, discovers about the plan of Agatha and Jerry to take over her family's wealth. Recently, we saw the developments in the soap opera that makes it the best series to watch at night. 

Director Laurice Guillen is meticulous in making sure that it doesn’t develop into a nonsensical melodrama in which the plot meanders repetitiously. And its storyline goes into the direction in which the viewers discover a lot about the characters. For her part, Lovi is very happy with the reaction of the viewers with her serye. "Whenever I'm in a public place, the people call me Lovelia which is my character's name", says the actress. "I feel overjoyed and contented with the audience's acceptance towards the show", she adds. Indeed, Lovi is preparing for the next phase of the show, which is her character's transformation. "I'm very excited about it", confesses Lovi, "I can hardly wait", she says, with a smile.

"Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas" airs week nights at 9:30 pm on GMA. The show also stars Miss Jaclyn Jose and Miss Gloria Romero.

Run At The Speed Of Fun: Join the Amazing Pinoy Fun Run!

Want to run a la Amazing Race? Then you must join this fun run:

This fun run is inspired by Amazing Race and traditional Pinoy activities. It is a non-officially timed, interactive fun run with up to 8 challenge stations along the way.

You will also have an opportunity to have photos with Andrew Wolff, Jon Avila, Sheena Vera Cruz of Amazing Race Celebrities, Eric "Eruption" Tai of Showtime, UFL football players, Philippine Volcanoes and more.

For more info on how to join this epic fun run, just visit their site at amazingpinoyrun.com

Lovi Poe plays a Jilted Bride in Her New Movie, "The Bride and The Lover"

Actress Lovi Poe is most excited about her new film, entitled "The Bride & The Lover". In this new movie outing, Lovi plays Vivien Paredes, a wealthy 'heredera' who is set to marry her fiancée, Philip, played by Paulo Avelino. However, Vivien discovers that Philip is having an affair with her best friend and her bridesmaid Sheila, the character portrayed by Jennylyn Mercado.

What follows next is a series of 'mis'-adventures as Vivien vows to seek revenge on the couple. "It's a funny role, sexy, naughty and yet classy and powerful", says Lovi, then she adds, " Vivien goes through a total transformation, from being a naive and innocent girl to bring bratty and vengeful". Lovi confesses,"I really loved this character, that's why I really pursued this role, and I didn't stop pestering my producer, Mother Lily until she gave me the role".

Lovi says her most memorable scene in the movie is her fight scene with Jennylyn Mercado, which took almost five hours to shoot. "I was bruised up and black and blue after the scene, which we shot on the last day", Lovi says, "but it was all worth it", she adds. It also helps that Lovi's co-actress Jennylyn is a pro. "She's one of the young actresses that I really admire", confesses Lovi.

"The Bride & The Lover", which was written by Rody Vera and directed by award winning film-maker Joel Lamangan, also stars Joem Bascon, Hayden Kho Jr, Tim Yap, Alex Castro, Ahron Villena, Carmi Martin, Ariel Ureta, Buboy Garovillo, Timmy Cruz, Carlo Gonzales, Tom Rodriguez, Kat Alano, Cai Cortez, introducing Carla Dunareanu and with the special participation of Ms. Snooky Serna. The film is set to be shown on May 1.

Meanwhile, Lovi is busy doing two films, Jerrold Tarog's "Sana Dati" and Ricky Lee's "Lihis". She will be back on your tv screens this May. She will also launch a new product that month.

Seduction: A First Love Triangle Movie of the Year

Solenn Heussaff had a mall tour in Glorietta Cinema 4 Lobby last Sunday to invite her fans to watch her movie Seduction with Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati. 

We're lucky to get invites from Solenn for the Celebrity Screening of Seduction :")

Anyway, The Celebrity Screening was held in Gateway Cineplex 1.

The casts of Seduction: Solenn Heussaff, Richard Gutierrez and Jon Orlando with Direk Peque Gallaga.

Solenn said to her interview that Seduction is not another kabit movie. Well, I totally agree with her. 

Richard Gutierrez plays a firefighter named Ram who are facing a family problem. His dad needs a kidney transplant and they need enough money to do the operation. I've seen some of Richard's movies and this is really different from his other roles. I must say that I really like his role here not only because he's been smoking and cursing a lot in this movie but also because he's finally done with his pa-sweet roles. 

Sarah Lahbati plays Trina, a girl who's having a hard time to move on with her ex-lover. She is the owner of the house where Ram is a boarder. Trina and Ram fell in love with each other. I bet a lot of people can relate to Sarah's role here. She sacrifices things for the person she loves. I seriously love her lines too: "Gusto kong matutong magmahal ng may itinitira sa sarili, pero ganito talaga ako pag nagmahal bigay lahat."  Even if she's not in the Celebrity Screening, I saw how proud her boyfriend is. 

Solenn Heussaff plays Sophia, a Half French Half Filipino whom Ram saved during the fire in the hotel. She offers Ram a work in return for saving her life. But it turns out that she fell in love with Ram... crazily in love. Solenn's role is something you will still remember after watching the movie. You will see a very gorgeous girl yet a psychotic one. I love all her scenes and a bit shocked too. Her acting skills really improved and I love her performance. I just hope she could do another movie with different and more risky roles.

Jon Orlando plays Marcel, a French friend of Sophia who loves to document all Sophia's activities in the Philippines. He is also secretly in love with his friend. Jon doesn't talk a lot here but when Marcel started singing for Sophia, I died a little. :")

A very job well done to Aloy Adlawan for the concept of the story and especially to Direk Peque Gallaga for his comeback movie. I've been a fan of his works and I know this movie will be a big hit.

Solenn Heussaff wearing a fabolous gown by Sam Richelle.

Solenn Heussaff invites everyone to watch Seduction :)

Official Seduction Trailer (Uncut Version)

Credits to: Ly Delos Reyes and EJ Ballesteros Thank you always, Indies! :")

Six Part Invention goes Stripped and Covered

Pop act Six Part Invention opens 2013 with the release of their album Stripped and Covered, under their new label Universal Records. Six Part Invention is composed of Rey, Kaye and Tag Cantong, and Andy Dela Cruz.

Six Part Invention joins the elite roster of Universal Records roster – Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Spongecola, Christian Bautista, Noel Cabangon, Gloc-9, Richard Poon, Sam Concepcion, JayR, Billy Crawford, Callalily, among others.

“To be part of the Universal Records family is really a dream come true for us,” expresses Rey. “This album celebrates many firsts for us – our debut album for Universal and our first time to take on an album concept like this. I hope people can support our album.”

Stripped and Covered includes some of the well-loved light rock tunes from the 90’s including Def Leppard’s Two Steps Behind, Bad English’s When I See You Smile, White Lion’s You’re All I Need, Europe’s Carrie, Cheap Trick’s The Flame, among others.

Two Steps Behind is the album’s carrier single, which is now available on www.mymusicstore.com.ph and Itunes.

“The production of the album is really a labor of love from all of us in the band,” adds Kaye. “I hope this album takes everyone on a romantic musical journey.”

Six Part Invention is being managed by Orion Entertainment, alongside Noel Cabangon, Kimpoy Feliciano, Malay, Jordan Bautista, Jason Fernandez, Jensen Gomez, Aspen Way, Runmanila, and She’s Only Sixteen.

Stripped and Covered Tracklist:

1.  The Flame (popularized by Cheap Trick)

2.  Two Steps Behind (popularized by Def Leppard)

3.  You’re All I Need (popularized by White Lion)

4.  Honestly (popularized by Harem Scarem)

5.  More Than Words Can Say (popularized by Alias)

6.  When I See You Smile (popularized by Bad English)

7.  Is This Love? (popularized by Whitesnake)

8.  Carrie (popularized by Europe)

9.  Heaven (popularized by Warrant)

10. Patience (popularized by Guns N Roses)

Gee Canlas: From being TV’s fastest talker to Amazing Race Philippines’ surprise frontrunner

TV host Gee Canlas impressed audiences when she was introduced in the now-defunct ABS-CBN show Music Uplate Live, where he made a name for herself as Speedy Gee because of her ability to talk really fast.She then was given a hosting assignment in Pilipinas Win Na Win, alongside Pokwang, and Kris Aquino. The show however was axed after only a few months. Recently, however, Gee made a surprise, bold move when she figured as one of the finalists of TV5’s Amazing Race Philippines, where she is paired with her good friend Sheena Vera Cruz.

Her inclusion in the program also showed her transformation. Since she started her stint in the business, she lost considerable weight.

“Joining Amazing Race Philippines is an opportunity that presented itself, so I grabbed it. In fact, even before this local edition, I auditioned for the regional show,” says Gee. “Pero ngayon, with a new partner Sheena who is a very good friend of mine, we were chosen to be part of the show, so thankful talaga kami.”

In the reality show, Gee and Sheena were tagged as the “reunited friends” because Sheena lives in New York. Their team became the 4^th top team.

The “reunited friends” positioning served the team well because their friendship became one of the strongest assets of their partnership.

“We know each other since we were in College. We both love to dance. She is a member of the Philippine All Stars. Kabisado naming ang isa’t-isa,” adds Gee. “Pero her being an Inglisera also became a problem for us.”

Gee recalls that in one challenge, where they should have the same answer to a question, Sheena mistook the word “malas” to “malakas,” which obviously made the two have different answers.

In retrospect, however, Gee feels that their sense of humor made their team last that long in the competition.

“Malaking bagay talaga yung marunong kaming pagtawanan yung mga pangyayari,” admits Gee. “Pero, one thing I’ve really learned was that we were guided by two things as we joined the competition- FAITH and FATE.

Their journey on the show, according to Gee, is something she would cherish for the rest of her life.

Any regrets?

“Nothing really. It is just that after I saw the episode where we got eliminated, I felt na sayang, andun na e. That’s the only painful part,” says Gee. “But it is something that I will never forget.”

Aside from her participation in the show, Gee has been reaping commendations for her portrayal in the independent film Melodrama Negra. Which won Audience Choice award.

“I welcome every opportunity that comes my way – hosting, acting, dancing,” enthuses Gee, who is now part of MediaNation, management of Marvin Agustin, Aiza Seguerra, David Pomeranz, among others.

Solenn, Heart, Bianca and Rhian in MMFF Movie Sosy Problems

I was able to attend the Premiere Night of Sosy Problems last December 22, 2012 with my friends and some of the press. Seriously speaking, the trailer didn't get much of attention but knowing who are the main casts are, will make you really want to watch the said movie. 

Sosy Problems is all about the four "super-duper-elite" friends who decided to have a rally because of one issue; turning Polo Club into a Yaya Mall. The most famous line of this movie is "No to Yaya Mall, Yes to Polo Club." 

Meet the Sosy group:

Rhian Ramos as Lizzie Consuji

She's the most spoiled rich girl. She was sent to the province because of her bratty attitude. Rhian really did great in this movie. She acts naturally, but yeah of course in real life she's not like Lizzie. I hope Rhian will do a lot comedy movies in the future. 

Bianca King as Danielle Alvarez

Daughter of an ex-politician. Their family are having a money issue that made her do anything, even pretend to her friends that she's still rich just to hide their problem. Bianca's role are somehow common to other people and what I like about it is that it shows how a rich girl turn into a poor one and how she cope with it. Bianca's role is always simple yet memorable.

Heart Evangelista as Claudia Ortega and Solenn Heussaff as Margaux Bertrand

Claudia, the daughter of a beauty queen(Agot Isidro), a bestfriend and half-sister of Margaux who is also the daughter of a former beauty queen (Cherie Gil). They fell in love with the same guy that almost ruin their friendship just like what happened to their mothers. Heart is a good actress and so she can do whatever role they give her. It's good to see Solenn do another comedy movie after her movie with Jose and Wally. I think that being not so fluent in Tagalog adds a pa-sosyal to the movie which is I think a good point plus she's already kalog and that what makes her more effective on her role.

I've read a good and bad reviews about this movie. It is a good movie for me because it is something new here in the Philippines. I've seen a lot of exaggerated comedy movies international but not here in our country so it's nice that they've come up with that kind of concept.

Believe me or not, some of us are having sosy problems whether they are elite or just a social climbers, right? Oh come on, I prefer to watch this than to watch another sequel movie. So good or bad reviews, I still recommend this movie. :)

Watch Sosy Problems in cinemas near you!

Ogie Alcasid: The Songwriter and the Hitmakers celebrates 25th anniversary

Twenty five years into the business and Ogie Alcasid has established himself as one of the most successful hitmakers and most prolific songwriters of the Philippine music industry. In celebration of this milestone, Universal Records is releasing his most ambitious project, the 18 track album The Songwriter And The Hitmakers. 

The album gathers all the biggest singing and recording artists in the country to breathe life to Ogie’s compositions, including both his biggest hits and new songs. Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera, Piolo Pascual, Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Arnel Pineda, Noel Cabangon, Richard Poon, Jed Madela, Kuh Ledesma, Rachelle Ann Go, Kyla, JayR and Jaya are part of the album.

“I feel so honored to have been given a project as big as this,” says Ogie. “I am in awe of all the talents involved here.”

Tayong Dalawa, a heartwarming duet of Ogie and his lovely wife and Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez is also included in the album.

The album affirms the important role that Ogie is playing in the music industry, as the President of OPM.

“Gathering all these friends in one project gives me pure joy, and I would like to thank all of them for being a part of this milestone project,” adds Ogie. “I hope everyone will enjoy this 25th anniversary offering.”

A TV Special on GMA 7 entitled The Songwriter and The Hitmakers will air this November 25, which features songs from the album performed by Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, JayR, Jaya, Richard Poon, La Diva, Janno Gibbs, Michael V, among others.

Fab Collab: IT GIRL Solenn Heussaff for Vitress

Vitress launched it's new cuticle coat last November 14, 2012 in SM Makati.

IT Girl, Solenn Heussaff designed the new cuticle coat and the kikay kit too! (via Instagram)

I really like Vitress because it can protect our hair from harmful and bad effects of chemicals used in other hair treatments. It is also good for my curly hair because it tames unruly hair and give a natural straighter look. 

"Vitress is not only for girls, it can be also used by boys especially those who have long hair."- said Solenn.

See? Vitress can make your hair beautiful anywhere, anytime whatever your gender is. :)

Host/DJ Gino Quillamor of RX93.1

IT Girl Solenn Heussaff :)

Watch: Solenn Heussaff invites everyone to buy Vitress. :)

Thank you to Ms. Joanna King, Vitress and Ascott Makati for being so accomodating. :)

Credits to EJ Ballesteros for the photos and video.