PJ Francisco, father of 12-year old son, Coco, led the launch of the advocacy campaign.  By Leony Garcia | Ahead of the Christmas season - - of fun gatherings and bingeing - - advocates for children's health recently launched a life-saving advocacy called Champions of Children’s Optimal (COCO) Heart Health. Founded by PJ and Ramelyn Francisco whose 12-year old son, Coco, suddenly succumbed to heart disease, the initiative is aimed at promoting preventive cardiovascular care and improving heart health awareness among pediatric populations to help create an uninterrupted, brilliant future for them. Ramelyn shared a touching message with the hope that, “Today, we start with a whisper which we believe will swell into a big, resounding voice that stands up for future generations”. Dr. Alberto Atilano, the Director of the Foundation for Lay Education on Heart Diseases, in his discussion during the event, tackled the value of primordial prevention of cardiovascular disease. According to h...

PRESS RELEASE Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Youth Choir with choirmaster and conductor Mark Anthony Carpio face the audience at the Tolosa Choral Competition in Spain. THE Andrea O. Veneracion Sing Philippines Youth Choir, under the leadership of choirmaster and conductor Mark Anthony Carpio, secured an impressive fourth-place finish in both the Polyphony and Folklore categories at the prestigious 55th Tolosako Abesbatza Lehiaketa (Tolosa Choral Competition) held last October 31, 2024, at the historic Leidor Aretoa in Tolosa, Basque, Spain.   Competing against 16 countries from around the world, the SPYC captivated the audience with their rendition of a diverse repertoire, including folk songs and classical and popular choral works. Their performance was met with loud applause and accolades from an international audience, adding to their list of international achievements.  The choir has earned recognition for its unique artistry and contribution to the global choral c...

By Leony R. Garcia | Good news for gym-goers, health & fitness enthusiasts, and wellness advocates! A modern fitness facility is right there in your preferred home away from home in the bustling City of Manila. The Manila Prince Hotel, a top choice for leisure and business travelers in Manila recently opened its Modern Fitness Center to further delight clients and loyal guests. "Manila Prince Hotel has always been a symbol of hospitality. Our goal is to create a space where they can achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being throughout their stay with us,” MPH President Atty. Joey Lina said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 8, 2024. Atty. Joey Lina is joined Elaine Santos, Manila Prince Hotel vice president for administration, Marvin Kim Tan, Manila Prince Hotel vice president for sales and marketing, and Riza Shanti Lim, a renowned fitness expert and wellness advocate, at the opening ceremonies.  Located at the Lower Lobby of the hotel, the ...

Authored by art critic Cid Reyes and designed by Dopy Doplon, the book showcases Orlina's remarkable journey as an artist. Comprising 57 chapters, it spans Orlina’s artistic journey from the 1960s to the present, highlighting his life’s work of transforming discarded glass cullets into stunning art pieces. The overall project was brought to life and spearheaded by his wife, Lay Ann Orlina. The launch was graced by notable personalities, including National Artist Virgilio Almario, Secretary Sonny Angara, Senator Allan Cayetano and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Dr. Jimmy Laya, celebrity art patron Ms. Assunta De Rossi Ledesma, Metrobank Foundation’s Chito and Anna Sobrepeña, and Ms. Daphne Osena Paez. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach-Jauncey was honored as the book’s Ambassador both at the book launch and the vernissage night attended by diplomats including Ambassador Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino of Malaysia, Ambassador Tull Traisorat of Thailand, Ambassador Dr. Lai Th...

By Leony R. Garcia | A celebration of collaboration and creativity best described the 16th PMPC Star Awards for Music with an MTV-style awards night on October 27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza. The event brought together the brightest stars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), celebrating their significant contributions to the industry. Kudos to Director Eric Quizon and Airtime Marketing for an electrifying event that marked a significant, first-of-its-kind milestone in the music scene. Truly a night to remember, Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano, set the stage ablaze with a medley of his iconic hits coupled with electrifying dance routines which the one and only Gary V can pull off. He was honored with the prestigious Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement Award. He expressed his deep gratitude, noting the award's significance, as it honors Asia's Queen of Songs, who also played a pivotal role in his early career. A prelude to receiving the lifetime achievement award...