POP NEWS PHILIPPINES

Popular all-male group Hashtags who regularly appears on "It's Showtime" on ABS CBN will grace the grand opening of the first Solohod Fruit Tea store at SM Fairview, Lower Ground Level on Sunday, Sept 1. Solohod uses the best original leaf tea from the tea source, fresh fruit from the farm, and imported cheese. The Solohod Fruit Tea is made with “soul" and is committed to refreshing consumers' and the world's understanding of Chinese tea drinking culture and inheriting oriental tea culture in an innovative and technological way. Tea lovers may also avail of Solohod Fruit Tea buy one, take one promo during the store's opening.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar spelled out some of her program and legislative agenda during her second term as a senator. The senator, who topped the last senatorial elections, held a dialogue with businessmen during the World Trade Center Metro Manila business forum. She was featured in the “Up Close and Personal (UCAP) Business Forum and Networking Cocktails.”  She also vows to continue working for the development of the agriculture sector. 

Reigning Miss Philippine Youth International Rikki Mae Abuel Dela Pena graced the annual Niyogyugan festival in Lucena City, Quezon where sat as one of the judges in its festival competition. "It was such an honour for me to sit as one of the judges for the street dance competition at the Niyogyugan festival," said Dela Pena. "It was really a fun-filled event and seeing the Quezonians smile really makes me happy as well. Their hardwork and teamwork were very inspiring," she said. The teen queen who just graduated from college thanked the local officials for their warm welcome. "I would like to thank Hon. Aleta Suarez, Governor Danilo Suarez and Hon. Gerald Ortiz for inviting me and for trusting me as well," she said. "I really appreciate your hospitality. It was my first time to witness the Niyogyugan festival and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely comeback to Quezon," she added. In Lucena, Dela Pena wore outfits by ...

Bandang Ney has a new song called "Bahala Ka" which you can hear or download on Spotify. But first things first. Ney Dimaculangan wants to clarify something that the song is not alluded to his former band mates of 6Cyclemind. "It's not (about my former musical group). Kung babasahin mo ang lyrics, it's a typical scene of a guy pleasing his girl. Ginawa nating happy ending for the guy or kahit sino man. Positive pa rin para ma-boost ang morale," said Ney. Fans remember Ney as the frontman for 6Cyclemind who churned out the hit songs Upside Down, Aaminin Ko, Sige, Princesa,  etc. Ney said that he still play the old songs with his new bandmates during gigs just to remind the young ones about their hit songs. "Kinakanta pa rin naman ang mga old hits ng 6Cyclemind para maalala nila at sabihin, 'ahhh sila pala iyung kumanta nun!" he said. Other members of Bandang Ney are: Patch Sanchez, guitars; Louie Lopez, bass guitar;...

Gavin James, the Irish singer/songwriter who has opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran in Dublin and Sam Smith in the US, will be in Manila for his first-ever visit to Asia for a show at the New Frontier Theater on October 4. James may not be the major superstar the likes of super famous headliners he has supported on tour yet, but brace yourself; he just might steal your heart away. With a “spell-binding voice and a knack for stadium-sized hooks” as one critic described him, Gavin’s music can easily get into your head and stay there.  His current single, “Always,” has been described as a Coldplay-esque ballad that newfound fans simply adore. James says, “’Always is all about loss for me. It was about ending a relationship last year and then immediately regretting it, so it’s a pretty apologetic tune. However, the song can have a lot of different meanings and I’m excited for people to listen to it and make their mine up themselves about what it means to them.” Jame...

It's time to indulge on healthy and delicious meals! At Healthy Meals PH, they don't only serve delicious food. You also get the health benefits your body needs. "The concept of Healthy Meals PH is one roof that caters different healthy products," said Rodrigo Pelayo, founder of the restaurant, during a lunch with bloggers in Timog, Quezon City recently. Pelayo said that the restaurant serves meals with specific calorie count for weight loss, weight gain and Keto diet. "If you want real chicken, kare-kare, we have but it's baked," he said. Pelayo also said that they only use natural products in their dishes. "We serve natural products. It's an advocacy. I'm a product of my products. We don't use mixes. When you order tamarind chicken, it's really boiled with tamarind. Sa itsura, our presentation is gourmet," he said. Pelayo is a lifestyle coach for almost six years now, as he teaches people ...

Reigning Miss Philippine Youth International Rikki Mae Abuel Dela Peña has proven that pageantry and school can mix together. This after Rikki Mae graduated with the degree of Business Administration Major in Management at the University of Asia and the Pacific in Pasig City recently. “Finally, I made it! I remember back in January during my press conference, I was asked 'Wouldn’t this pageant be a distraction for me as a graduating student?' I believe this is a normal question to those beauty queens who are still studying) I honestly answered no because being a beauty queen serves as my inspiration to do better in school and being a student serves as my motivation in pursuing my dream which is to a role model," the young beauty queen said.  Rikki Mae said that the most important lesson learned as a university student was influencing people. "The most important thing that I have learned as a university student is how to have the confi...

SAS Philippines, the leader in analytics, continues to work hand-in-hand with the government in area of analytics that would help prevent fraud management, anti-money laundering, public safety, and cybersecurity. "For the government side, we've been working closely with the government in the digital road map for two decades now, " said Ryan Guadalquiver, ASEAN director for business solutions, SAS, during a press conference held at the Makati Shangrila Tuesday. Quadalquiver added: "In relation to Internet, I think for the past years, there was improvement in terms of speed for the past two years." "But the government is trying to get into this third telco thing. We hope to ride on that if the third telco comes in because at this point in time, we work more in terms of awareness not just on the government sector but the academe side," Quadalquiver also said. He added: "So that's the only way we can bring them to that level of adoptio...

Meet Jody Baines "JB" Saliba, 25, the Philippine representative to the Mr. World 2019 pageant in Manila. Saliba, of Olongapo City, graduated with a degree in sports science from UP last July. He played for the UP Maroons Baseball Team when he was still in school. He says he loves sports and has been an athlete since he was six years old. Saliba also loves dogs, wake boarding, baseball, swimming, and golf. The eldest and the only male among five children, Saliba is an upcoming movie star and a former contestant of the reality show Amazing Race Philippines Season 2. Saliba said it was his first time to try out on pageants and won Mr World Philippines 2018. "I always love new things so when I saw the opportunity, wala pa naman akong ginagawa, so why not?" Asked why he joined Mr. World Philippines contest, Saliba said:"Pageant is not about being handsome or beautiful. I want to help others on a bigger scale, especially if you have a title. Yo...

Through the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) where she sits as director, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar gives assistance to five distressed OFWs who have been repatriated to the country after suffering from various forms of maltreatment while working abroad.  The OFWs thanked the senator for all the help, including a sari-sari store start up package and financial assistance to start a new life.  The senator, who has been known for protecting the interests and welfare of Filipino migrant workers, vowed to continue supporting adequate funding to finance government’s repatriation and assistance programs for distressed OFWs. Susan Ople of the Blas Ople Center also joined Mrs. Villar.

The male and female candidates of the 2019 Ginoo at Binibining Alabang (Muntinlupa) were presented during press presentation held at the grand ballroom of Amore Hotel located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Glenn Ricaroz, host of the event, said that the annual pageant is part of the "Happy Fiesta" celebration organized by Barangay Captain Tingin Abas from Aug. 7-16. During media presentation, the candidates introduced themselves one by one as they presented their individual advocacy. The festival theme song called BAGONG ALABANG was also heard for the first time. It was recorded by Zed SD and Kapitana Tin-tin Abas. It was composed and arranged by Orly San Diego. The coronation night of Ginoo at Bb.  Alabang 2019 will be held at the Alabang Elementary School on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. Ricaroz said that previously, several activities kicked off the celebration for the fiesta. These successful activities were Grand Motorcade, Senior Citizens Night, Alabang Youth ...

Filipino-French star Solenn Heussaff and actor Benjamin Alves went daring in the horror-fantasy-drama "Misterio De La Noche," an entry to the Cinemalaya 2019 film festival at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). "Misterio De La Noche" is a period horror-drama flick that tackles the first reported mananaggal in the countryside. Scenes showed Solenn in nude as she portrays the role of an 18-year-old lass who falls in love with Benjamin during an encounter in the forest. Solenn transforms into a ghastly creature after her love affair with Benjamin went wrong. Both stars said that by far, "Misterio" is the most difficult movie they have done. Asked how she was convinced to go naked on screen, Solenn laughed and said: "I'm French. I have no inhibitions." "Napakaliit lang ng part ng nudity doon. It's the story which requires us to be emotional," said Benjamin during an informal press conference ...

You are never too busy to continue your education. This after former Mutya ng Pilipinas President Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo enrolled at the prestigious Yale University in Connecticut, USA to further her studies in the field of arts. Based on her social media posts, Hemilyn is enjoying her studies at the Ivy League school although she misses her family so much.  "It's difficult because you are far away from your family and love ones. But this is really one of my goals - to pursue more studies in arts," said Hemilyn during an exclusive online chat. As an amateur artist, Hemilyn has already sold some of her works.  Hemilyn became a bonafide member of United Women’s Artists Association of the Philippines, a group of professional women having common interests towards the arts.  She has joined several art exhibits, the most recent of which was the event dubbed "Arts South Festival" held at Filinvest in Alabang, Muntinlupa in March. He...

The controversial Wacuman Sanitary Landfill between Norzagaray and San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan should be shut down immediately as it is illegally operating and a big threat to health and environment, a group advocating environmental protection said. According to the Alliance for Consumer and Protection of Environment Inc. (ACAPE), the sanitary landfill has been operating without any local government permits from Norzagaray and San Jose Del Monte. Residents of San Jose Del Monte are against the landfill, which they said will affect their health and the environment. “Without permits, Wacuman is illegally operating its landfill. In addition, the local government of Norzagaray has issued a cease and desist order against Wacuman but the company is wantonly violating this,” said Rhia Ceralde, spokesperson of ACAPE. They cited that the location of the sanitary landfill is already illegal and a blatant violation of Presidential Decree 1152, which prohibits the es...

For the first time in national pageant, the 40 candidates of Mutya Pilipinas 2019 immersed themselves in self-defense training as part of their women empowerment program. "It's all about women empowerment. I want them to learn to be vigilant, to be alert, and to know more self-defense moves," said  Mutya Pilipinas President Cory Quirino during an exclusive interview at the press presentation of the candidates held at Citadines Bay City Manila in Pasay City. Quirino said that Mutya Pilipinas coordinated with the Philippine National Police under General Rhodel O. Sermonia for the half-day seminar. "This is really my dream - to empower women in that way. I don't want to happen to them what happened to me in 1995," she said. Quirino was referring to the incident when she, her driver, and an assistant were kidnapped by five armed men while taping for her TV show in Lake Caliraya, Laguna. Her driver died while she and her assistant were re...

Asians started to observe the Hungry Ghost Month last Aug. 1, as they shy away from business deals, wedding dates, surgery, and other activities that might affect their luck. This year, the ghost month will take place until Aug. 29, with its peak happening on Aug. 15. Ghost Month'' is a popular tradition that is widely observed by neighboring countries such as China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore,  Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam. In the Philippines, the Filipino-Chinese strictly follow the custom related to the annual festival which usually takes place on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. "During this period, the Gates of Hell (or the under world) are sprung open and the hungry ghosts or lost souls will roam around to visit their families or find victims among the living,'' says Master Hanz Cua,  Asia's youngest feng shui master, during an exclusive interview in Mandaluyong City. "Hungry Ghosts" are thos...

If reigning Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados would have her way, she doesn't want the prestigious beauty contest to be held in the country during her reign. "To be honest, I want the Miss Universe pageant to be held abroad because I want to travel sana," said Ganados during an interview after she was presented as the newest ambassadress for Blue Water Day Spa at Florabel Restaurant, Estancia Mall in Pasig City July 31. Gazini was reacting to rumors that the Miss Universe 2019 pageant might be held in Manila for the 4th time in January 2020. Earlier there were reports that the pageant would be staged either in South Korea or Dubai. But other reports said that it might be held in the Philippines once again. "But of course, I will respect the decision of the Miss Universe Organization for the country where they will stage the pageant," Gazini said. NEW ENDORSEMENT - Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados (center) poses af...

It's confirmed! Three showbiz personalities have enlisted for screening in Miss World Philippines 2019 beauty pageant. Screening for the official candidates is on-going until Aug. 4 but the showbiz personalities who submitted their application forms were Michelle Dee, Kelley Day, and Isabelle de Leon. Michelle Dee is the daughter of former Miss International Melanie Marquez and Derek Dee.  Pageant fans have encouraged her to join pageants for few years now because of her morena looks and good background. During an interview in 2017, Melanie  encouraged her daughter to compete in Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant. But things have changed and Michelle decided to screen for Miss World Philippines 2019. Said Melanie: "She has the looks. She has the x-factor, she has the height (5'11) and she's lady like unlike me who is rebellious." Melanie also gave successful tips to her daughter who is now one of the popular newcomers in the fashion...

Christmas came early for children of Sapang Uwak Elementary School in Porac, Pampanga after they received special gifts courtesy of Cabalen chain of restaurants. Led by Diane Tiongson, Vice President for Cabalen Management Company Inc., the group distributed school bags with supplies to the kids through its outreach program dubbed "Cabalen Para Sa Kabataan." Tiongson said that the distribution of special gifts is part of the social responsibility program of Cabalen restaurants.  "Cabalen cares to those who are in need. That's why we always hold CSR events like this so that we can reach out to them and help them in our own way," Tiongson also said. Now on its 33rd year, Cabalen started out as a resto that serves a la carte on West Avenue in Quezon City. It was in 1992 when they finally introduced the buffet set-up in Makati City. These days, Cabalen's biggest branch is located at the Mall of Asia compound in Pasay City. Caba...