Smart Infinity, the most premium postpaid brand of Smart—known to bring international Broadway productions like “Les Miserables,” “Chicago,” “Cats,” “Mama Mia,” The Phantom of the Opera,” and “Wicked” to Manila—is now bringing local talents to the international stage as it supports Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO)’s performance at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York.

“Smart Infinity has been bringing international Broadway musicals to the local audience; it’s high time we help bring local talents to the international stage because we know that our talents are world class as well,” said Julie Carceller, head of Smart Infinity and Smart’s Multi-Segment Marketing group.

“It took a whole community to make this dream come true,” said Chris Millado, vice president and artistic director at the Cultural Center of the Philippines during the recent sendoff for the PPO at Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo. 

Millado was referring to the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s upcoming performance at the Carnegie Hall on June 18. The PPO performance in New York marks the first time a Filipino orchestra will perform in the US and in the prestigious Carnegie Hall as well.

The PPO performance in New York marks the first time a Filipino orchestra will perform in the US and in the prestigious Carnegie Hall as well.

For the sendoff concert, the PPO will play some of the pieces in its Carnegie concert. These are Dmitri Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, op.96, Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor, op.47 and works by Filipino composers, including Redentor Romero and Ryan Cayabyab.

Thanking all the sponsors of the trip, Millado said everything was jumpstarted by a grant from the MVP Group of Companies, including Smart PLDT Foundation and Smart Infinity.

Millado recalled how PPO principal conductor and musical director Olivier Ochanine first started knocking at doors to make the performance possible.

“He tried year after year. He was rejected but he was determined,” said Millado.

In New York, world-class Filipino talents, pianist Cecile Licad and violinist Diomedes Saraza will join the orchestra. Proceeds from the show will go to a housing project of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) in Tacloban City for super Typhoon Yolanda victims.

The performance is part of Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s “MILESTONES: Celebrating the Filipino Spirit” concert tour of the US.

Millado also recalled how difficult it was to make arrangements for an 80-strong orchestra, from visa requirements to accommodations.

“That and the 10 additional airline seats required for 10 cellos, which cannot be checked in, made the arrangements very difficult. But it is happening! We are going to the Carnegie.”

Among the sponsors who are making the Carnegie Hall performance possible are Smart Infinity and One Meralco Foundation, with the support of PLDT Smart Foundation. The sponsorship is part of Smart Infinity’s commitment to support arts and culture. 

All photos shot with the Fujifilm XT-10.

Light fabrics and colors, breathability and being a little bit more dressed up can be rewarding. Maintaining personal style should always be held in high regard as trends come and go but your style should remain constant.

-V

 

Cool shades of blue, steadfast style.

#mangoman #mango #mensstyle #mensfashion #mnswr #MangoPH @mango_man 📷:@jb_deleon ⌚👓🎩

I love denim. Raw denim, washed denim, blue denim, bleached denim, acid-washed denim, it’s just one of those things you can’t live without. The fabric is synonymous as synonymous with cowboys and railroad workers as it is with rockstars and rebels, it is no wonder that a type of intrinsic style, attitude, and coolness imbues it’s wearer once worn. I was invited by Jeff Bascon, who heads Penshoppe’s direction and I must say I’m glad I made the trip as I saw the latest styles that will for sure be your summer staples very soon.

Joyce Pring hosted with her own brand of approachable sassyness unique to her. After rah rah-ing the crowd, the show was well underway.

Summer means softer, and washed denim for comfort and lighter hues for the temperate weather. Patchwork details, strategic distressing, and shorter lengths true to the trend.

I loved this white pair of distressed jeans!

Some darker hues for good measure, higher rise.

A few of the looks I liked.

Live music while the models walked the runway was a really nice touch.

Classic denim jacket, patchwork distressed denim, and black to gray washes speak style volumes.

CHEATS also performed, which had a sort of Arcade Fire sound while they were doing their breakdowns.

That shirt.

Need this black denim jacket!

Sandara Park was front row brightening up the venue with her pleasant disposition. Here she is with Bernie, Alice and Jeff of Penshoppe.

I did a soap opera with Sandara once upon a time, needless to say I’m glad she gamely posed for my camera.

Joyce interviewing Sandara on stage. Sandara busted out in full tagalog thanking her fans and most of all Penshoppe for bringing her over, the noise from crowd made it almost hard to decipher what the clamor was for. Some yelled “Daramon” while others were drowned out with shrieks and screams of delight once their idol came up on stage.

Sea of phones, and the diehard fans!

Sandara is part of Penshoppe’s roster of star-studded global ambassadors that include fellow Asian superstar Mario Maurer and supermodels Kendall Jenner, Sean O’Pry, and Lucky Blue Smith

Man of the hour Jeff Bascon, thanking everyone for coming and to come visit the stores for the latest collection to get the most current offerings of summer trends and styles to date.

Rustan’s had a sunset party entitled Summer Colors and Petals, featuring different top tier brands showcasing their summer colors in Rockwell, I was wondering where exactly the event would be since I wasn’t all too familiar with the place save for the actual mall. Sunset party, where could this be? Fast forward to entering a narrow corridor, greeted with sincere smiles (Hi Visions PR!) and led into a full fledged summer garden party -albeit indoors and airconditioned but it really felt like the best of indoor and outdoor worlds.

I had arrived with one of my blogger friends Paul, who seemed a bit overdressed for a prior event we had attended as well. Kaya pala! Little Moët bottles were being served like soda pop, and music was uplifting thanks to DJ Callum.

A few of the stylish ladies in attendance.

I liked a few pieces that were on the runway for men, featuring refreshing colorways and subtle tones from brands such as Pedro Del Hierro, Ascott Chang, Thomas Pink, and Facconable. Who says you can’t dress up for summer! Of course I also liked the Miansai accessories for the decidedly summer man’s attention to detail.

Ruffa Gutierrez with Teresa Herrera Anthony posing for a photo and being surprised it was me behind the lens, I love seeing that reaction!

Summer cool with Rustan’s curation of trendy and attractive pastel colors, cool fabrics, exuding afternoon elegance in silk dresses from Josie Natori and bringing the effortless style of the season forward with brands such as Pedro del Hierro, Marina Rinaldi and Adolfo Dominguez.

 

 

Shauna with her cool dyed jacket.

Kelly Misa-Fernandez, always all smiles at all times.

Issa Litton masterfully hosting, pronouncing brand names effortlessly and in such an excitement only a woman in a department store can understand.

Country garden feels.

Longchamp, Fendi, Rebecca Minkoff and Loewe bags were also present in colors more suitably matched with a Mimosa than a Martini.

Shauna who is always so pleasant and supportive of my endeavours!

Donnie and Crickette Tantoco with their take on summer.

Welcome the summer of love, lush, and color with Rustan’s Color and Petals Summer 2016 Collection available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Gateway, Alabang and Cebu.

http://www.facebook.com/rustansph

” A BREATHTAKING SPECTACLE ”
DAILY TELEGRAPH

” ***** ASTONISHINGLY POWERFUL ”
THE TIMES UK

“THRILLING, SPECTACULAR AND UNFORGETTABLE”
THE NEW YORK TIMES

Les Mis is an unforgettable story set in 19th century France of heartbreak, passion and the resilience of the human spirit that has become one of the World’s most popular musicals. I remember listening to the CD soundtracks as a teenager with my cousins and imagining banners flying through the air, revolution and of course unbreakable love. From listening to the 17 different international Jen Valjeans singing Do You Hear The People Sing/One Day More (10th anniversary original London Cast) I had always hoped that someday the one of a kind musical would someday come the Philippines. Sure, I had seen the brilliant production in London’s West End which featured a surprising yet applaudable Nick Jonas but I still wished for a show here in Manila.

Many years passed and I’d forgetten the heroic tale, the sorrowful I Dreamed A Dream, the unbelievable forgiveness of Who Am I and the admirable yet heartbreaking Own My Own. Save for the odd videoke night which did the songs no justice at all. Then lo and behold, Les Mis is here in Manila! I was excited beyond words when I heard the news on the Viber public chat of Smart, and knew I had to watch! Through providence I was able to get my hands on some tickets and caught the newest production at Solaire!

This was outside the parking building, a massive projection of the scenes I was about to see.

This surely added to the excitement and anticipation for one of my favorite musicals of all time.

The iconic logo of Les Mis.

The dressed to the nines guests, enjoying some chitchat before the show started.

I of course didn’t miss out on the opportunity to dress up comfortably, it was arctic cold in that theater I tell you!

Preparing myself for the cryfest that was about to ensue.

No photos are allowed in the theater, so you guys will just have to catch the show to see more! The all new digital sets which change the game in terms of storytelling, and Rachelle Ann Go did spectacularly well, as did the rest of the cast.  It’s really worth it, enriching and inspiring and makes one remember the important things in life. Themes are love, patriotism, forgiveness, faith in God, and never giving up.

Thank you Smart Infinity for a truly wonderful night. For those thinking about watching or not, don’t miss out. Don’t wait one day more.

 

 

I remember watching Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, yes, matagal na yun, and being amazed by how Robin Hood could split an arrow from incredible distances. I even remember purchasing those native looking bow and arrows from street vendors as a kid in New Manila and trying to no avail to pull a Robin Hood. All I did was scare Brownie and Whitey (my Lola’s Aspin dogs) My failed vigilantism and archery dreams disappeared, only to be rekindled when watching Arrow and the Hunger Games. Archery has had a reemergence recently, which can be attributed to movies and shows above, also who can deny the win of junior archer Luis Gabriel Moreno in 2014 (then 16) which sparked a growing interest in the sport. Winning the first olympic gold medal for the Philippines during the 2nd Youth Olympic Gamesin Nanjing, China last August 24, 2014. Several archery ranges have opened up since then, each with their own different approaches to the sport.

Is it easy? Hard? Dangerous? It can be either of the three or all. So great care and attention must be needed when handling a weapon. Yes, it is still a weapon despite the sporting aspect and should be handled as such. The new bows look very different from the Robin Hood ones, and for sure the Holmegaard bows that were discovered in Denmark which date 8,000 BP.

The fletching on arrows ensure the arrow is aerodynamic and flies true. If inserted into the bow improperly, the fletch may break.

Take aim, inhale, while exhaling, release! Kind of like firing! That’s just my own style, I have yet to confirm this with an actual archer. Utmost attention is also given to safety, like how you can only draw your arrow when your feet are over the shooting line. This made me feel at ease. Gio our rangemaster made sure we were safe at all times.

The Archery Academy started in March of 2014, in hopes of getting more and more people into the wonderful sport and build a pool of athletes who may become our next Philippine Champions in the sport!

This is Cody, he was using a bow which had a greater tension as he was aiming at a much further target than we were!

Looks legit!

Checking out the targets and learning how to properly remove arrows as they may break.

To make things interesting, balloons were attached to our targets as incentive to hit the bullseye!

These were a few of the olympic recurve bows in the range.

If you’re like me and like gear in general, whether triathlon, camera, music, et cetera you will love this sport.

Pleased with my “progress not perfection” target.

Not exactly Robin Hood but pwede na!

The most important part of trying a new sport? Picture taking! Surprised by how competitive Stephanie was at archery!

The Archery Academy has an upcoming summer program from March 28 to May 26, 2016. This is their third summer and the numbers are growing!

They offer a beginner’s classes with 8 meetings for 2 hours each for only Php8,500 for first time enrollees which also includes their own string, arm guard, finger tab and a shirt in the package. Returning students will only be charged Php6,500. We will have 3 batches and 4 schedules to choose from.

 

Questions and inquiries, you may contact Archery Academy

THE ARCHERY ACADEMY
5/F Intrawest Center, #33 Annapolis St. Brgy. Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Email: thearcheryacademy@yahoo.com
Contact Number: 0917-803-7422
Website: thearcheryacademy.wix.com/thearcheryacademy
Facebook: http://www.fb.com/TheArcheryAcademy
Instagram: @TheArcheryAcademy
Twitter: @ArcheryMNL
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheArcheryAcademySanJuan
Google Plus: http://www.google.com/+TheArcheryAcademySanJuan

Thank you to Rica and Gio of Archery Academy.

Your smile will give you a positive countenance that will make people feel comfortable around you.” – Les Brown

#mangoman #mango #MangoPH @mango_man

Tasteless Restaurant Group (Hole In The Wall, Wrong Ramen, Hanamaruken, Le Petit Souffle) has recently launched their newest creation at Bonifacio High Street, Fowl Bread! The name pertains to what they serve, which starts with spicy fried chicken sandwiches, fries, and it gets a little more adventurous with garlic noodles and gyoza!

The chicken sandwich has two chicken pieces, one is chicken meat and one is chicken skin! Genius! It’s then topped with a pickled pickle and radish.  You can choose your spiciness level, much like in Hole In The Wall’s Bad Bird. The levels are normal, spicy and chemical (as in chemical burn so good). Tastes very similar to aforementioned umami chicken joint which is not surprising as their resident chef Jen Slagle’s brains also gave birth to this fantastic piece of sandwich! Cocktails, craft beers, and slushy drinks also pair perfectly with their spicy cockery.

Fowl Bread

Bonifacio High Street

Taguig