Duterte renews GMA Network franchise

President Rodrigo Duterte signs Republic Act No 10925 granting GMA another 25-year franchise, while the House bill seeking to renew the franchise of ABS-CBN is still at the committee level
President Rodrigo Duterte signed a law renewing the franchise granted to GMA Network for another 25 years.

He signed Republic Act No. 10925 on Friday, April 21.

GMA Network, which runs television channels, radio stations, and an online news site, had been given a franchise through Republic Act No. 7252 when it was still known as Republic Broadcasting System, Inc.

RA 10925 allows GMA Network to continue operating its channels and orders it to provide air time for public service announcements, especially in times of emergency or calamity.

It also exhorts GMA Network to "comply with the applicable labor standards" with consideration to "the nature and peculiarities of the broadcast industry."

In 2015, talents hired by GMA won a case against the broadcasting company. The labor arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission ruled that GMA-7' contractual workers, given the nature of their job, should be treated as regular employees and be given security of tenure and benefits.

Members of the Talents Association sued GMA-7 for depriving them of law-mandated benefits like health insurance and social insurance.

RA No 10925 also allows the President to temporarily take over or stop operations of GMA Network if in the best interest of the public.

Rival network ABS-CBN Corporation is also up for franchise renewal. The President's scathing tirade against the network has sparked concern among its stockholders, especially in view of the network's pending franchise renewal. (READ: Duterte tirade 'part and parcel' of media work – Gabby Lopez)

House Bill 4349 seeking to renew the franchise granted to ABS-CBN for 25 years is still at the committee level.

The bill requires ABS-CBN to provide free public service time -- equivalent of 10% of all its ad time -- to the government to relay important public announcements and warnings.

The network is also required to make closed captioning available for its programs.

“The franchise shall be subject to amendment, alteration, or repeal by the Congress of the Philippines when the public interest requires and shall not be interpreted as an exclusive grant of the privileges herein provided for,”  House Bill 4349 read.

“The grantee, its successors or assignees shall comply with the applicable labor standards under existing labor laws, rules and regulations and such other issuance as may be promulgated by the Department of Labor and Employment, taking into consideration the nature and peculiarities of the broadcast industry,” the law added.

The July 31, 2008 INQUIRER Lifestyle Series: Fitness.Fashion with Samsung Fashion Show

The Inquirer Lifestyle Series: Fitness.Fashion with Samsung, the flagship runway project of Samsung and the Philippine Daily Inquirer Lifestyle, together with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and the Peninsula Manila Hotel, a catwalk team-up between some of the country's top designers and best-selling activewear brands was held at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City on July 31, 2008. The fashion show was in cooperation with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the Makati Business Club (MBC), the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCor), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
The project was now completed after five years of planning, while in July 2008, a year after the July 12-15, 2007 EDSA Tres in Makati City, and the excavation works of the project at the Ayala and Makati Avenues in Makati City and the construction works of the millennium celebration stage in the said intersection with the Swatch Millennium Clock and the Peninsula Manila's rooftop with lighted parols, twin stairways and a giant stage for four days from December 26, 2007 to December 31, 2007 were being complete. The project's sponsors were the Ayala Corporation, the MVP Group of businessman Manny V. Pangilinan, the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

(Exceptions: "How fitness marries fashion" from the July 25, 2008 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer:)

One idle Sunday lunch, Lulu Tan-Gan was wondering, now that fashion shows are suddenly a dime-a-dozen, what other fashion-show concept could we have? One that could benefit the local fashion design industry, as much as possible. 

Then she talked about how she has taken up running, how much she’s enjoying it, and how it’s keeping her blood sugar level in check. Could we do a shoot of her in her running gear, we asked. A lot of today’s women could get many tips and ideas from her everyday wardrobe, one that takes her from workout to work. 

That’s it, we looked at each other, struck by the bolt of idea. That’s a fashion show that’s so now: activewear that takes a woman, or a man, to the rest of his day schedule—and that even makes a style statement. 

Lulu runs, joins a marathon. Sunday Inquirer Magazine editor Leica Carpo is not only running, but is also preparing for a triathlon (Iron Woman). And so is her sister Amanda. Inquirer columnist Tessa Valdes-Prieto is a mother and wife who does yoga, diving, running—as physically demanding as her party whirl. Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales is hardcore when it comes to squash and yoga. Designer Rina Go is a diehard boxer. Sen. Pia Cayetano uses her triathlon for a cause. Metroactive magazine editor-in-chief Jeena Lopez is a wakeboarding champion. 

These women are not athletes in the traditional sense. They just lead an active lifestyle, like millions of other men and women in the country. They do so because they want to stay fit and healthy—indeed they want to stay alive. And—this is a big ‘and’—they get a major high when they feel the adrenaline rush.
Weekend warriors, we can call some of them. And they live today’s lifestyle that is antidote to the stress and pressure of contemporary life. 

And—they don’t stick to one designer for their clothes. Since activewear is a style statement, they know how to marry brand with a custom-made design of a Filipino designer. 

“That was how the idea for Inquirer Lifestyle series’ Fitness.Fashion show was born. That Samsung chose to share this fashion vision turned the idea into reality. “The collaboration merely confirms Samsung’s sustained efforts to define what a lifestyle brand is all about. And PDI Lifestyle is a strategic alignment,” said Pen Roque, Cheil Country Director for Samsung Philippines. 

“We tapped some of today’s designers to collaborate with top active brands.
They are Vic Barba, Joey Samson, James Reyes, Louis Claparols, Rhett Eala, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Tonichi Nocom, Randy Ortiz, Ivarluski Aseron, Arcy Gayatin, Rajo Laurel, and of course, Lulu.”

“They are collaborating with Kipling, Bench, Speedo, Adidas, Nike Golf, Puma, Marks & Spencer, Fila, Aigle & Oxbow. Virgie Ramos’ Swatch is also supporting this collaboration.”

“Leica, Tweetie, Amanda, Rina, Sen. Cayetano, Jeena will be guest models in this show on July 31 at Peninsula Manila, with Inquirer contributing editor Apples Aberin-Sadhwani, Ruby Gan, Svetlana Osmena, Fely Atienza, Akiko Thompson, Enchong Dee, Paolo Abrera. ”

“L’Oreal is doing the hair and makeup.”

Get fashionably fit and fab (Apples Pickings By Apples Aberin Sadhwani) (Reprinted from the July 25, 2008 issue of the Philippine Daily INQUIRER)

Nowadays, everyone is more conscious about maintaining their health and getting fit and fabulous. 

As such, sports like running and tennis are gaining more popularity while other activities like yoga, swimming, boxing and badminton remain favorites for many. 

Today’s generation lead very full, active lifestyles. 

In spite of highly successful careers, plus families to take care of, they manage to find time to take care of themselves by indulging in fitness activities. 

Due to this multidimensional lifestyle, the need for fashionable clothing that double as active wear has emerged. 

Tapping into this new arena, Inquirer Lifestyle, together with Samsung, is presenting a fashion show (the first of a series) titled “Fitness.Fashion” on July 31 at The Peninsula Manila. 

Do you want to get into the Fitness.Fashion lifestyle, too? Follow these simple tips to look great in and out of the gym, the track or the ring: 

Throw out those hole-y and baggy sweats and tops. Oh, and ditch those dated pieces you’ve kept from the ’80s or some other era, as well. It’s time to update your workout wardrobe!
Comfort is key so choose pieces made of fabrics that can wick away moisture. The best brands always invest in research to come up with the best in fabric technology. 

Never underestimate the importance of wearing the right undergarments. These items should provide the best support at all times. 

Choose the right footwear that can provide the right support, as well. You will need a specific style with the right technology to meet your fitness needs. 

Build your fitness wardrobe and show your personality through your choice of color. Most brands create collections around color stories so it’s easier to pick pieces you can mix and match. 

Your choice of bag and shoes can also add flair to your workout outfit. Again, choose items that show off your personal style. 

When fitting your workout gear, move around, sit and do all the other positions you have to do when engaging in your sport or activity. This way, you’ll know you have the right coverage at all times.

To complete your look, invest in after-workout items like jackets, or fashionable sweats and tanks with chic matching slip-ons or more casual slippers that you can wear when doing errands, or going out with friends. 

Inquirer Lifestyle Fitness Fashion is also brought to you by HSBC, L’Oreal Paris and Swatch.

Style statement: Sporty 

Former Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino General Manager Marco Protacio

Senator Pia Cayetano

Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez

Socialite Amparito Llamas-Lhuillier

(Printed from the August 3, 2008 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer:)

It was Friday, June 12, 1998, a public holiday. Thousands of spectators flocked to Rizal Park awaiting the start of festivities for the Philippine Centennial Year celebrations.

They came by the busloads – couples, families, friends, even whole villages – donning caps, holding umbrellas and wearing Filipiniana attire amid the morning heat. Others wore the nation’s colors and carried various sizes of Philippine flags.

It was a field day for many, and the beginning of a long weekend. They laid mats and cardboard on the grass, brought out packed lunch in Tupperware and exchanged small talk.

For some, the park became an instant classroom for parents to give impromptu lectures to their children on Philippine history, culture and tradition.

One parent, Elizabeth Montecillo, brought her two sons and a nephew so she could tell them about the country’s heroes and the important events of the past. “Earlier, they inquired about the Rizal Monument,” she said. “It’s good for them to learn history at an early age.”

The children had a lot to look back to; it was, after all, 100 years of Philippine history. The festivities commemorated the day when Filipino revolutionaries, led by then-president Emilio Aguinaldo, declared the country’s independence from Spanish colonial rule in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898.

A 42-float parade depicted the country’s history during the celebrations at Quirino Grandstand, which was witnessed by then-president Fidel Ramos, vice president Joseph Estrada, members of government, the diplomatic corps, and other guests.

One float featured a life-size caravel, which showed the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in 1521 led by explorer Ferdinand Magellan. A mock battle was performed reenacting the Battle in Mactan between Magellan and the island’s natives.

The 300-year Spanish colonial rule was portrayed in the succeeding floats. It showed the country’s conversion to Christianity, the people’s enslavement to serve the Spanish empire’s economic needs, the revolts against colonial rule, the period of nationalist enlightenment, and the bloody revolution that it brought forth.

At the apex of the parade, a two-story replica of the Aguinaldo Mansion slowly made its way along the parade grounds. On the balcony, actor Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., an actor who starred in numerous action movies, played the part of President Aguinaldo.

With a solemn expression, Revilla held the flag from a long pole as he stood along with two other actors, Dante Rivero and Juan Rodrigo, who read the Declaration of Independence. When the declaration was read, he slowly waved the flag to the cheers of spectators wearing farmer costumes.

He then went downstairs, walked out of the mansion with the flag, and went up the stage to the awe of government dignitaries. As the drums rolled, Revilla handed the flag to Ramos, who then raised it with one hand before planting it on a stand at the stage.

Ramos had reenacted the same event from the balcony of the Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite, earlier that day.

In his speech during the celebrations, Ramos addressed the crowd. “Today, we have grown into the responsibility and the glory of nationhood. We are prepared to account for ourselves in the global community. We have begun to make our own history.”

“We, Filipinos, are rejoicing in our coming of age — in the final proof of our ability to understand, to use, and to protect the liberty our heroes won for us a century ago,” he said.

The celebrations culminated with a military parade that showcased our armed forces’ might, including a fly-by of Air Force jets. The evening was capped by a 30-minute fireworks display at Manila Bay — the largest and longest the country has seen — in the colors of the republic: red, white, yellow and blue.

Two years and four month after the country celebrated its centennial; on November 13, 2000 the House of Representatives impeached President Estrada for the first time. When the Senate failed to convict the impeached president, he was toppled through yet another show of mass protests at EDSA. The nation put into power its second woman president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose term was marred by three coup attempts and allegations of corruption and electoral sabotage.

Fashion becomes less a spectator sport when sport itself becomes the fashion.
Last Thursday, July 31, 2008, Inquirer Lifestyle staged the rousing, filled-to-the-bleachers (despite the heavy rains and flooding) curtain-raiser to its Lifestyle Series of events with “Fitness.Fashion,” a catwalk team-up between some of the country’s top designers and best-selling activewear brands, at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City. 

Co-presented with Samsung, it drew guests who cut across the fields of fashion, business and commerce, arts, media and entertainment. With the support of HSBC and Peninsula, the show had 12 sought-after designers melding their creations with the latest brand collections: Kipling with Vic Barba; Fila with Lulu Tan-Gan; Nike Golf with Anthony Nocom; Speedo with Louis Claparols; Adidas with Patrice Ramos-Diaz and Rhett Eala; Marks & Spencer with Arcy Gayatin; Aigle and Oxbow with Rajo Laurel; Bench with Joey Samson; and Puma with Ivarluski Aseron and Randy Ortiz. (Read the fashion report in this Friday's Lifestyle Fashion and Beauty.)

The exceptions of the articles about the INQUIRER Lifestyle Series: Fitness.Fashion with Samsung fashion show from the said newspaper were:

• "Personalities like Senator Pia Cayetano, Waterfront GM Marco Protacio, jewelry designer Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and socialite Amparito Lhuillier were among the big names who gamely participated in the event." - from "A dynamic, eclectic 2008", Apples Pickings by Apples Aberin Sadhwani, published in the December 26, 2008 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Losing vice-presidential candidates Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. (left) and Alan Peter Cayetano (right), now president Rodrigo Duterte (center)

• Former Davao City Mayor and now president Rodrigo Duterte and losing vice-presidential candidates Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Alan Peter Cayetano recalls on his sister's affair: The Pia Cayetano-Paolo Abrera Affair was started after the death of her father on June 23, 2003 in Muntinlupa City. Abrera's father died on April 16, 2004. Abrera and then-Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino general manager Marco Protacio and Aurora's daughter Rina Go would flank Cayetano since the launching of the project on June 15, 2003. But, CGAP and AJ Dee's brother, Ernest Lorenzo "Enchong" Dee, who graduated from Naga Hope Christian School to enter UAAP member school De La Salle University (DLSU) in May 2006. For this guy, he would ala-Bob Barker's Miss Universe hosting, Joe D'Mango and others impersonating. He was being a anchor-reporter for TVB News since 2007 to cover the infamous "EDSA 3" failed people power uprising on July 15, 2007. Mister Abrera and Mister Protacio says Dee was being a UAAP star, and he is a non-partisan guy

"The Pia Cayetano-Paolo Abrera Affair and re-run of Ninoy Aquino assassination (Companero y Companera)"

On December 6 to 15, 2007 when the 24th Southeast Asian Games was held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Inquirer Lifestyle Series: Fitness.Fashion with Samsung fashion show's guest model Enchong Dee before the in the finals of men’s 100-meter butterfly and he was placed eighth in the finals with the time of 56.87 seconds during the 2007 Southeast Asian Games swimming events in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand last Sunday, December 9, 2007. Photos: Lourise Gandionco-David/Multiply.com and courtesy of Bench

December 8-9 and 11-12, 2007, During a five-day swimming competition for the 24th Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand with national swimmer and then University of California swimmer Miguel Molina and the fashion show's guest model turned De La Salle Green Tanker Enchong Dee, the Senator Pia Cayetano-Paolo Abrera-Marco Protacio affair and the riots at Dee residence in Barangay Horseshoe, Quezon City. A 25-hour overnight vigil was held at the Greenbelt Chapel in Makati City, held on the same day starting at 7:00 p.m. and ends at 8:00 p.m. of the same day. Dee was in the finals of men's 100-meter butterfly last December 9 and lane 1 of men's 200-meter butterfly finals last December 11, and he was the eighth place finish in the said event with the time of 2 minutes, 11.47 seconds and he lost to Filipino-American James Bernard Walsh, the gold medal winner of men's 200-meter butterfly finals.

A re-run of the August 21, 1983 assassination of former Philippine senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. aired by GMA Network. (In 1983, Channel 7 was the first to break the news of Ninoy Aquino's death, and later would be the only television station to broadcast his funeral.)

The video conversation starts with the sound of the plane landing and people talking among themselves.

• “Everybody remains on board,” one of them says.

Moments later, a single gunshot rings out and women are wailing.

• “What happened? What was that?” a woman’s voice asks.

• More gunshots. The wailing becomes louder.

• Then an order from several men: “Inside, inside, inside!”

• “The soldiers… shot Ninoy. He’s dead out there,” a woman cries out.

Burton’s tape records faintly the sound of someone saying, “Eto na (This is it).” Footage shot by a foreign TV crew captures the words by now familiar to Filipinos who lived through the events surrounding the Aquino assassination. “Eto na, eto na! Ako na, ako na! Op! Pusila, pusila (This is it, this is it! Let me, let me! Shoot, shoot)!”

And then, the gunshot.

What is significant about the tape are the reactions of Aquino’s fellow passengers and the conversations Burton had with them.

Burton apparently kept recording as she discussed with fellow foreign journalists what happened.

Some eight minutes into the tape, Burton is heard saying, “It’s very confusing, I mean, I don’t know.” She then answers more questions from someone who sounded like an American.

• Man: “They shot Ninoy?”

• Woman, presumably Burton: “Yeah.”

• Man: “Where?”

• Burton: “Right at the bottom of the stairs.”

• Man: “When Ninoy was still on it or when…”

• Burton: “No, when he got off. I’m sure he’s dead.”

The tape also captures Burton and her fellow passengers after they had disembarked and ran into people waiting to meet the passengers from the China Airlines flight.

Local journalists who covered the airport at the time had been herded by military men to the entrance to the tube where they were to await Aquino. When they learned of the commotion at the tarmac, they interviewed the disembarking passengers to ask them what happened.

One conversation was that of Burton and a Filipino.

• Man: “What did you see? Who did it?”

• Burton: “Soldiers.”

• Man: “How many of them?”

• Burton: “I don’t know. I think we’d better wait.”

• Man: “Did you recognize him? Aquino?”

• Burton: “Yeah.”

• Man: “What’s your name?”

• Burton: “No, I’m not gonna… this is not the place to talk. We had just seen two assassinations take place right outside our window.”

The tape then records what sounded like Burton comparing notes with fellow foreign correspondents, everyone recalling what they heard and trying to reconstruct the moments when they heard the shorts.

In one portion of the tape, the conversation turns to who killed Aquino, and Burton points out that a Japanese reporter had seen one of the men in khaki, referring to one of Aquino’s escorts, being the gunman.

But a man contradicts her saying, “I did not see a man in khaki uniform shoot Aquino.” To this day, the question who shot Aquino remains subject to debate.

Cayetano and three personalities along with Samson, Reyes, Claparols and Eala were stayed in the same place to the said sporting event for fifteen days between December 6 to 15, 2007, followed by her father, the late former Philippine Senator Atty. Rene L. Cayetano's 73rd birthday celebration on December 12, 2007 and the welcome the new millennium 2008 between December 31, 2007 and January 1, 2008.

December 12, 2007, One of Enchanted Kingdom's attractions, the Space Shuttle roller coaster, stalled between the tracks, where school children from Bulacan, Laguna, and Batangas were included.

This unknown guy was wearing the collection for the said fashion show.

• "In other words, definitely nothing too organized for this young designer who wants his clothes light on the skin, including the wide-legged, fully sequined pants that he says anyone could wear. And we are looking forward to the reworked denim bodysuit for his model, swimmer Enchong Dee." - from "Three designers, one mission" By Irene C. Perez

Notable personalities of the Inquirer Lifestyle Series: Fitness.Fashion with Samsung Fashion Show in July 2008.

• “Fitness.Fashion” also scored a coup with the runway debut of fitness enthusiast and sports advocate Sen. Pia Cayetano. Other guest models were Akiko Thompson, Amanda Carpo, Rina Go, Paolo Abrera, Phoemela Baranda, Svetlana Osmeña, Jeena Lopez, Enchong Dee, Ruby Gan, Fely Atienza, Trishan Cuazo, catwalk queens Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez and Apples Aberin-Sadhwani, and Inquirer’s own Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Leica Carpo.” - from "Style statement: Sporty", published in page E-4 of the August 3, 2008 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
• In attendance were Paolo Araneta; Jose Cuervo’s AA Arquiza; twinkle-eyed beauty Abby Binay; golfer Charlie Carmona; Bench’s Ben Chan; Louie Chuidian; WhereElse’s suave Marcel Crespo; Monique Banzon Daez; Illac Diaz; Joji Dingcong; Patxi Elizalde and Sofia Zobel-E.; Malou Francisco of Store Specialists Inc.; Amanda Griffin; Lisa Gokongwei; Haresh Hiranand; and super eligible Mike Huang, Bea Jacinto; Lucia Jacinto; Angel Jacob; Patricia Javier; pretty, pretty Angelu de Leon; gourmet and wine connoisseur Alex Lichaytoo; lady of different faces Margarita Locsin; brilliant columnist and that miss with the four B’s, Celine Lopez; vivacious Bing Loyzaga; Cutie del Mar; DJ Mumph; The Body who makes ladies sigh, Marc Nelson; PR genius Keren Pascual; Miguel Pastor; Dave and Berna Puyat; Jaya Ramsey; New York City boy Patrick Reyno; Miguel Rosales; Cherrie del Rosario; Robin da Roza; Carmina Sanchez; Hans and Carol Sy; Joel Tantoco; the belle of any affair, Bea Zobel Jr. (she recently had café society’s jaws dropping with her witty answers in a candid interview with Karen Santos and Gina Tambunting Roxas featured in PEOPLE Asia’s fantastic March 2002 issue), Charlie Carmona; vibrant Breakfast Show host, Angel Jacob; the pretty faces behind Luna, Annie Cacho and Manet Dayrit; Zed’s pride, Fenee Amparo; dapper Jojo Manlongat; interior designer Miguel Rosales; well-loved designer, Pepito Albert; The Philippine STAR’s Tim Yap; exuberant Tina Tinio; exotic Thelina Nuval; and Maurice Arcache, BENCH/ endorsers VJ Amanda Griffin; John Prats; celebrity son AJ Eigenmann; Mickey Randall, Aubrey Miles and Francis Ricafort, studly lover boy Jon Hall and E’s gorgeous playgirl Lana Asanin, former sexy star Assunta de Rossi, Bench/ long-time endorsers Wendell Ramos and Jomari Yllana, Marc Nelson, Aya Medel, Diether Ocampo, Amanda Griffin plus the Antonio Aquitana open the curtain call for the 100-plus models in the BENCH during its One Night Only underwear and denim show last July 2002, Ces Oreña-Drilon and her hubby, renowned artist Rock Drilon; Agot Isidro and Manu Sandejas; searing beauties Dina Bonnevie and Ara Mina; Hans Montenegro; directors/actors Rowell Santiago and Gina Alajar with son Ryan Eigenmann; Former “Studio 23” VJ’s, Southern gent JM Rodriguez and charmante Cutie del Mar; and Fil-Am superstar Paolo Montalban.
• The Inquirer Lifestyle Fitness.Fashion with Samsung Concert held on Friday, August 1, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. at the Ayala and Makati Avenues after the fashion show on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila in Makati City. Guest performers during the said concert are Karylle, Tootsie Guevarra, Gino Padilla, Lana Asanin, Nancy Castiglione, Radha, Aliya Parcs, Jed Madela and the Dye Vest Band.
• On its first anniversary — held at the same venue on July 31, 2009 — their major guest stars were Bianca Araneta; Julia Clarete; Cheryl Cosim; Daphne Osena; Pia Guanio; Kenji Marquez; Derek Ramsey; JM Rodriguez; and Audrey Tan-Zubiri. But they managed to give away prizes to the live audience — mostly refrigerators. The high point of the event was when the cast members released doves — plenty of them. The second anniversary was even less memorable and nobody remembers it practically.
• "Then, in June 2010, it put into power the son of democracy icons that ignited the 1986 People Power Revolution. While the country enjoyed relative economic growth and the administration enjoyed record approval ratings, it faced lingering problems concerning corruption, a communist rebellion, insurgencies in Mindanao, and prevailing criminality. Now there are people clamoring for a return to authoritarian rule and impunity under the convoluted premise of instilling discipline in a society allegedly made corrupt by its democratic principles – as if our current problems are the result of our freedom to choose, instead of our flawed choices. With these developments, one must ask: “Have we, as a nation, really come of age?”
• They also included for the 2015 edition are Councilor Anjo Yllana, wife Jackie and kids Mikaela, Andee, Jaime and Nathan, Axel Torres and Jacob Benedicto, Xian Lim, Jessy Mendiola, JC de Vera, Rafael Rossell, Rayver Cruz, Martin del Rosario, Troy Montero and Ryzza Mae Dizon, Amy Ahomiro and Ella De Jesus of the Ateneo de Manila University Women’s Volleyball Team, Carl Guevarra and Kylie Padilla for Skechers, Louise Delos Reyes for Merrell, Shy Carlos and Matt Evans for Guess, Wilma Doesnt, Karyn Ann Johnston, and Luanne Dy for Mags, Marc Abaya and Iyan Tayao for Rogue.
• Led by TechnoMarine Philippines’ CEO Raffy Florencio with wife Kat, the event was a visual spectacle, bringing to life the sights and sounds of the ocean. Filled with a dazzling display of lights and colors, the room was illuminated in hues of blue while guests relaxed. Host Karen Pamintuan greeted guests and celebrities who wore their favorite TechnoMarine timepieces. Among those spotted wearing the watch brand were MTV VJ Maggie Wilson, Divine Lee, Camille Villar, Mons Romulo-Tantoco, Zanjoe Marudo, Jake Cuenca, Victor Basa, Priscilla Meirelles, Kristine Hermosa and Chris Tiu.
• The annual grand gathering also saw a rare opportunity where the stars from the three leading television networks in the country together in one occasion to uphold a good cause — education — by honoring the teachers, our unsung heroes. Among those who participated in the event are — Anne Curtis, Judy Ann Santos, Marian Rivera and Jodi Sta. Maria, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Jolo Revilla, Ogie Alcasid, Richard Gomez, Edu Manzano, Bianca Manalo, Ryzza Mae Dizon and hunks Rocco Nacino, Hideo Muraoka, Daniel Matsunaga, Vin Abrenica, Victor Silayan and John James Uy. 

Celebrities Robi Domingo and volley star Gretchen Ho running the 21K

• "Meanwhile, were on hand at the finish line where a neon street party was held graced by celebrities Gretchen Ho, Robi Domingo, [Bianca Gonzalez, and Phil Younghusband]."- from "Dela Cruz, Bacalan rule Rexona Run to Your Beat", published in the October 24, 2013 issue of Manila Standard Today.

The new faces of TechnoMarine, Phil Younghusband, Heart Evangelista, Kiefer Ravena and Bianca Gonzalez

• "The four Technomarine ambassadors are TV host Bianca Gonzalez, basketball player Kiefer Ravena, soccer player Phil Younghusband and actress Heart Evangelista." - from "Diamonds meet plastic in watches of ‘unconventional luxury’, published in the September 20, 2013 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
• "TechnoMarine recently introduced its new product endorsers along with two new collections. Carla Abellana, Tim Yap, and Allison Harvard of “America’s Next Top Model” join Heart Evangelista and Xian Lim as the brand’s newest ambassadors." - from "Watch brand has new endorsers, collections" published in the May 30, 2014 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
• Stars who modeled included Richard Gomez, Dingdong Dantes, Diether Ocampo, John Estrada, Rayver Cruz, Jon Avila, Bea Alonzo, Phoemela Barranda, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, Apples Aberin-Sadhwani, Marina Benipayo, Patty Betita, Annette Coronel and Suyen Chi.
• "The celebrities will be led by the so-called “Magnificent 7”—Richard Gomez, Lucy Torres, Ogie Alcasid, John Estrada, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Dingdong Dantes, and a “surprise guest” whom Ortiz will not name. Guest models include beauty queens Venus Raj and Shamcey Supsup, and actors Rayver Cruz and Daniel Matsunaga." - from "Randy Ortiz show could be the biggest for 2013" by Joselito O. Tolentino, published in the September 27, 2013 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
• "McDonald’s ambassadors Xian Lim and Jessy Mendiola, and athletic brothers Jeron Teng and Jeric Teng gamely put on their running shoes to join the race. Others spotted during the McHappy Day Fun Run were Chesca Garcia-Kramer and kids Kendra and Scarlett, Dimples Romana and daughter Callie, and football players and brothers Anton and Armand del Rosario, along with McDonald’s commercial talents Einar Ingebrigtsen, Paulo “Kuya Pao” Pingol, Kenneth Cruz and Vince Ferraren." - from "The 2013 McHappy Day Fun Run – a successful and memorable day for families!", December 16, 2013
• Star-studded Galaxy S5 Launch. "Manila’s tech-crazy crowd flocked to Samsung Hall recently for the launch of Samsung Galaxy S5, which offers consumers essential features for day-to-day use. It combines an advanced camera, fast network connectivity, dedicated fitness tools and enhanced device protection features. The event was well-attended by Manila’s hip set and showbiz personalities, among them are Ingrid Chua-Go, Ruby Gan, Ralph Tee Ten, Jorge and Nikka Abes, Sidney Yap, Apples Aberin, Carlos Fernandez, Duane Santos, Cathy Nazareno, Phil and James Younghusband, Steph Henares, Gino dela Peña, JM Rodriguez, LA Aguinaldo, “Boys Night Out’s” Slick Rick, Tony Toni and Sam YG. Dancing to the beats of DJ Tom Taus were Marj Sia and Harry Cheng, Coleen Garcia, Gretchen Fullido, Tony Taus, Andi Eigenmann, Nicole Anderson and Enrique Gil."
• Balloons, inflatable clappers and flags added to the campus cool vibe, while college “it” boys and girls made special appearances onstage, including hosts VJ Chino Lui Pio and VJ Joyce Pring, the UP Street Dance Club, Kylie Padilla, Kiefer Ravena of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, and Jeron Teng and Arnold Van Opstal of the DLSU Green Archers. The UP Pep Squad, Philippine All-Stars, and Billy Crawford energized the crowd with their performances. Coleen Garcia, Epi Quizon, Nikki Gil, Elmo Magalona, JC De Vera and Gerald Anderson also walked the runway for popular homegrown brands.
• “But apart from the free breakfast, McDonald’s also delighted customers by inviting celebrities to join the event. Among the personalities present in different McDonald’s stores during NBD were Solenn Heussaff, Lovi Poe, Rocco Nacino, Alden Richards, Drew Arellano, Matteo Guidicelli, Enrique Gil, Alex Gonzaga, Xian Lim, and Bianca Gonzalez.” - From “McDonald’s celebrates 3rd National Breakfast Day”, March 10, 2015 

From the boardroom to the gym, and back

(Reprinted from the August 8, 2008 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.)

Fashion is just a reflection of what’s happening around us,” said Rajo Laurel. “If the people need more outerwear and workout clothes to attain a healthy lifestyle, as designers we have to provide that.”

Thus came about “Fitness.Fashion,” the SRO curtain raiser to the Samsung-sponsored Inquirer Lifestyle Series, held last Thursday at Peninsula Manila. After Samsung, major sponsors are HSBC, The Peninsula Manila. The brands behind the show are Kipling, Speedo, Puma, Fila, Bench, Nike Golf, Marks & Spencer, Adidas, Aigle, Oxbow, Swatch and L’Oreal.

A collaboration between Manila’s top designers and leading activewear brands, the show featured fitness icons as guest models.

Lulu Tan-Gan said, “Thelma (Lifestyle editor who conceived the project) keeps us designers competitive and challenges us to trend-set... Today’s health-craze lifestyle is balance at work and play. Having to change gear from work to exercise can take time. The ideal is to be half-dressed for the action. This generation is selective and will not do active performance without style.”

Tan-Gan added: “It would be great if active sports brands can add new top-end lines that fuse athletic sportswear and style, with designers coming up with high-fashion athletic wear that focuses on sports performance.”

That may not be a long shot. This early, the project has already produced results. At least one designer is now in discussions to develop a fitness line, while a few others are adding sportier looks to their RTW lines.

Louis Claparols’ ‘Star Wars’ for Speedo

Since last year, Louis Claparols’ garments have taken a sportswear feel. Thus, “Fitness.Fashion” was a natural fit. A devout yogi, he didn’t, however, design around yoga. He worked around the brand’s Spa Collection of basic black swimwear and loungewear, influenced by the uniforms of the imperial storm troopers on “Star Wars.” He designed skirts, leggings, sheer tops and boleros in contrast black, blue and white for “visual impact.”

Lulu Tan-Gan’s futuristic tenniswear for Fila

Knits queen Lulu Tan-Gan stuck to her signature knits—tube ribbings, spaced dyed texture—to jazz up Fila’s tennis line of traditional tops, dresses, skirts, skorts and culottes. Her theme was “Spacey at the Court,” featuring what she described as “futuristic, fun, easy pieces.” In a nod to tradition, Tan-Gan maintained Fila’s traditional black, red and white, but used yellows for accent. In keeping with the futuristic theme, she used nylon thread for the knits with metal hardware thrown in.

Ivarluski Aseron’s couture touch for Puma

Hussein Chalayan will reportedly create a collection for Puma, which made Ivarluski Aseron especially thrilled to work with the brand. Aseron’s first activewear line paired Puma pieces with jackets and pants with couture touches—pleatings and drapings, patchwork patterns. “There were couture techniques, but they were very wearable. I put no linings and the fabrics were very easy (cotton piqué).” The good news: Similar pieces will be sold under his line for Myth.

Barba’s Suzanne Lenglen inspiration for Kipling

A strong believer in clothes that breathe and move with the wearer, Vic Barba looked to the French tennis great of the flapper era, Suzanne Lenglen, for inspiration. Lenglen was famous for both her ferocity on the court (31 grand slam titles), emotional displays and rebellious fashion style. At the time when stiff, long-sleeved dresses were the regulation court uniform, Lenglen opted for lightweight and gossamer dresses by Jean Patou. Barba similarly went for easy silhouettes—jumpsuit, maxi dress, shirtdress, roomy pants and Capri pants for men. He used stretch materials like cotton, jersey, twill.

Anthony Nocom’s preppy line for Nike Golf

A veteran menswear designer though a complete novice in golf, Anthony Nocom found it a pleasant surprise that Nike Golf’s shirts, specifically the Tiger Woods collection, were all in bright colors. Nocom designed shorts in candy-striped fabrics, and sport jackets, including a denim, to go with his after-tee, clubhouse look. His styling was very preppy; he layered the golf tees and threw in some pastel-colored belts. He picked a pair of lime-green pants that had “no hanger appeal” from Nike’s own collection, in the hope of moving it from the selling floor.

Patrice Ramos-Diaz’s feminine details for Adidas

“My collection was an attempt to show harmony between two concepts that are more often than not perceived as opposites— femininity and physical strength,” Patrice-Ramos-Diaz said.
Girly hooded ponchos, electric-pleat tulle and lace skirts and glammed-up tennis jumpsuits combined well with seemingly masculine Adidas pieces in techno fabrics.

“With the use of ornamentation and styling—crystal brooches, ribbon ties, fuchsia jersey wrist bands and thigh-high jersey leg warmers, and the use of materials such as tulle and metallized lace, I tried to push femininity to explore its contradiction to masculinity while still proving that fitness and strength can be found in a girly girl.” A fitness buff, Ramos-Diaz made sure her collection reflected that sports can be fun also for benchwarmers.
“I think fashion motivates people to get into a sport,” she said.

Joey Samson’s fresh take for Bench

To bring a fresh, more sophisticated feel to a mass retail brand like Bench was the challenge for Joey Samson.

He chose to inject the aesthetics of Japanese sportswear into the collection and added prevailing trends such as rock-star jackets and wide-leg sequined pants for formal cruise looks, if toned down by the fitness slant.

To contrast Bench’s multicolor palette, he went for a subtler black-and-white collection with some red accents. Samson used vintage fabrics from Cubao, which proved to be not enough when his initial ideas led to new ones.

No matter how basic a brand is, one can put a twist to it, he said. “The idea is to make something one can wear from work to workout or vice versa... In one look, I had a tuxedo jacket thrown over a golf outfit. That’s where the trick lies. When you say tuxedo, it doesn’t have to be strictly formal.”

Randy Ortiz’s military look for Puma

Randy Ortiz had earlier conceptualized an urban safari and military-inspired look for his Rainy Season Collection for Myth boutique. His collaboration with Puma was anchored on it, proving again that it’s not a stretch to marry sportswear with special designer pieces.

His palette was of khakis, fatigues and browns. “It’s how a designer chooses to dress it up—as street-casual couture or more dressed-up and upbeat. There’s a change in lifestyle. Everyone is into wellness. At a certain point, it jives,” he said. The military look is more a fashion statement than a political,” he clarified. And “it’s rebellious in that aspect.”

James Reyes’ modern gladiator for Speedo

The Olympian as a “modern gladiator” was James Reyes’ concept for Speedo.

To his delight, one of his pieces landed on the front page of the Inquirer last week, no small thanks to his model, sports advocate Sen. Pia Cayetano. Reyes likes to refer to his clothes as “non-garments” and mere add-on pieces to the Speedo Competition Line swimwear. He made shorts, hoodies, capelets and abbreviated jackets. They’re like “armory,” he said. For the senator, he made a jacket in deference to her stature. But “I was surprised because she didn’t want to wear it. She’s proud of her body. She’s very athletic.” Cayetano took to the catwalk in a headline-ready, bareback swimsuit paired with Reyes’ loose black skirt that grazed the floor.

Rhett Eala’s retro for Adidas

Himself a creative director for a casual-sportswear brand, Rhett Eala took the challenge as an expanded venue for a recent mini exhibit of his artworks. Deciding to use Adidas accessories for the collection, he transferred his nationalist and Damien Hirst-inspired paintings via silkscreen on polo shirts and bottoms from the brand Collezione, which he designs. For a retro feel, he went for a solid black-and-white collection.

Arcy Gayatin’s dance icons for Marks & Spencer

Choosing camisoles, basic tees and stretch pants from the British clothing brand, the Cebu designer decided to give a nod to modern dance’s grand dames Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham in her collection. Marks & Spencer gave her free rein to embellish the pieces. “It was fun,” she said. “I can relate [to the looks]. It means you can have a basic tee and an embellished skirt and even wear it to a formal affair.” The exercise was a positive project “to give people an idea that you can fuse these two ideas: off the rack and made to order.”

Rajo Laurel’s sports-to-sensual look for Aigle and Oxbow

His was a tough test: merging his aesthetics—romantic, luxurious and sexy—with that of two relatively unknown brands (at least locally). Aigle is a French outdoor-camping brand, while Oxbow creates surfing gear. Laurel picked out Aigle’s linen and earth-toned pieces and “resized them for more sensual shapes.” His own pieces were mixed with Oxbow’s swimsuits and shorts. “My vision was for a woman like my muse, Jeena Lopez, who rock-climbs one day, surfs and kite-boards the next, then goes to a club the next day,” Laurel said. He is now in talks with a brand to develop a fitness line.

Controversies

The country expected to make 10 million pesos ($ 357,000) profit out of the fashion show, as well as the accompanying media exposure. The 150 million pesos ($ 5.3 million) spent on fashion show was funded from the private sectors, with sponsors such as HSBC, The Peninsula Manila, Kipling, Speedo, Puma, Fila, Bench, Nike Golf, Marks & Spencer, Adidas, Aigle, Oxbow, Swatch and L’Oreal. 

Some of the expected sponsorship money did not eventuate, leading the shortfall to be covered by the city government.

By July 31st, when the fashion models and guest models were already in the hotel, organizers confirmed that they were short of money and were unsure whether a profit would be made from the event.

In the midst of rains around the time of the fashion show, the Makati City government promised to ensure that the day of the fashion show would be "rainy-free".

The fashion show came under attack from the Nationalist Movement of New Women, a branch of the National Democratic Front, which claimed that it was being used to promote sex tourism. The cost of the event was also criticised by the Philippine Congress, despite it being endorsed by President Tito Keren Pascual. A social function attended by guest models held prior to the fashion show was picketed by the women's group, who opposed the nature of the event and the lavish spending.

The day prior to the fashion show a small homemade bomb exploded outside the fashion show venue where the models and guest models had earlier been rehearsing, although it caused little damage and there were no injuries.

More than 3, 000 policemen were involved in protecting the models and guest models, as well as dozens of policewomen assigned as bodyguards.

Guest of Honor (July 31, 2008 Fashion Show at the Rigodon Ballroom of the Peninsula Manila):

• President Karen Lourdes Pascual
• Vice-President Noli de Castro
• House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles
• Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile
• Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno
• Former President Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino
• Former President Fidel V. Ramos
• Former President Joseph Ejercito-Estrada
• Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal B. Rosales
• Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim
• Makati City Mayor Jejomar C. Binay
• Tourism Secretary Alberto A. Lim
• Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Francis C. Tolentino
• Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan
• Ayala Corporation Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala
• Cultural Center of the Philippines Chairman Emily Altomonte Abrera
• National Commission for the Culture and Arts Chairperson Dr. Vilma Labrador
• Makati Business Club President Ramon R. del Rosario Jr.
• Makati Business Club Executive Director Bill Luz
• Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino
• Philippine Olympic Committee Chairman Peping Cojuangco
• Philippine Daily Inquirer Chairman Marixi Rufino-Prieto
• Philippine Daily Inquirer Founding Editor Eugenia Duran-Apostol
• Philippine Daily Inquirer President Alessandra R. Prieto-Romualdez
• Philippine Daily Inquirer Editor Letty Jimenez-Magsanoc
• Philippine Daily Inquirer Publisher Isagani M. Yambot, Sr.
• Philippine Daily Inquirer Lifestyle Editor Thelma Sioson-San Juan

Bela Padilla tries hand at story writing

Viva Films and N2 Productions bring to the big screen “Luck At First Sight,” a Joyce Bernal production that pairs off Jericho Rosales and Bela Padilla for the first time.

Interestingly, Bela also wrote the story.

“Nasa kotse ako, nakikinig ng conversation ng DJs sa radio. Tapos, naisip ko ’yung title, du’n nabuo ang story. Tungkol siya sa dalawang tao na sinuswerte kapag may physical touch sila,” she said.

“Luck At First Sight” comes on the heels of the production team’s previous box-office hit “Camp Sawi.” Director is Dan Villegas whose successful films include “#WalangForever” and “Always Be My Maybe.”

“Nu’ng nag-iisip na kami kung sino ang kukuning direktor, sabi namin, dapat si Direk Dan ito,” said Bela. “Sobrang galing kasi niya, sobrang ganda ng shots saka gusto naming ma-touch din ang point of view ng lalaki sa pelikula.”

As for Direk Dan, working on “Luck At First Sight” got him excited.

“Ang difference nito sa mga nagawa ko na, ’yung dati, rooted on reality, kung ano ang nangyayari sa totoong buhay. Kaya na-excite ako rito kasi may magic element, ‘di realistic. Medyo hyper realistic siya, magical, fantastic,” he said.

In the movie, Jericho is Joma Labayen, a down-on-his-luck guy who believes a “life charm” could help make for him a rosy existence. By some stroke of fate, he meets Diane dela Cruz (Bela), who he thinks has what he is looking for.

Diane, however, is no sucker for stories of luck, let alone life charms. She is a firm believer of love and how romance sheds light, beauty and happiness on one’s being. Their partnership proves lucky enough until they discover that choosing between luck and love can be a tough pick.

Echo, like Bela, is totally happy with and committed to the project. Though “Luck At First Sight” is their first as a tandem, he said that from the start, they agreed “ito ang pinakamagandang movie na gagawin namin together.”

“Luck At First Sight” opens in theaters on May 3.

• • •

Kilig scenes on ‘DTBY’

GMA Network’s “Destined To Be Yours” continues to keep viewers hooked on the romantic story of Benjie (Alden Richards) and Sinag (Maine Mendoza).

Based on AGB Nielsen Media Research Philippines Television Audience Measurement (TVAM)’s National Urban Philippines people data, the show registered an average rating of 10.7% from April 3 – 19 (April 9-19 based on overnights) beating its counterpart show which only got 9.8%.

Fans swooned over the latest episodes wherein Benjie and Sinag finally made peace and are on their way to becoming friends again. Benjie attends the radio station’s company outing and joins games where both he and Sinag are forced to be close to one another. Trish (Thea Tolentino) arrives and sees the two of them together, then finds out from Tala that Sinag was Sunshine all along – a revelation that infuriates her.

Moreover, Catalina (Ina Feleo) isn’t done trying to sabotage Benjie’s career at their architectural firm. She sets up Benjie to make it seem that he accepted dirty money from the project they were working on.

“Destined To Be Yours” airs weeknights 8:30 p.m. on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 25, go to Ms. Lulu Mendoza, David Ussery, Vir Mateo, Rea Reyes, Normelita Ocampo, Tessie Arrietta, Joey C. Recio III, Naning Tensuan, Erlinda Gamboa, Sidney Dongon, Vj Chuhan, Weng Ocampo-Ejercito, Dr. Mila Jardin-Ongoco, Joel Taginhota, Sidney Dongon, Norman C. Albano, Grace Lim of Metrobank Sta. Cruz Branch, and Gina Shucks…April 26: former Senators Orly Mercado and Jamby Madrigal, former Rep. Mikey Arroyo, Lani Oteyza, Romnick Sarmenta, Daisy R. Viray, Ronald Lorenzo, Edgardo Gran, Atty. Rodelo Poltan, Oscar F. Bautista, Thelma B. Tapia of Tagum City, Josie Raso of PCSO, Jeorge Batalia, Atty. Marvin Kris T. Macairan, Jan Leonard Francisco Marvin Kris T. Macairan and Engr. Marcelino Samaniego...