MYMP in Asia’s Latin City

Pep Talk by Dante Corteza

One of the country’s best bands, Make Your Momma Proud or a lot famous as MYMP, performed in Zamboanga City Coliseum to an enthusiastic crowd last October 9. It was part of the grand celebration of the Zamboanga 2008 Hermosa Festival. And it was made possible by St. Joseph School (SJS) High School Batch ’83, the school jubilarian honoree this year.

MYMP is the author of the sweetest, softest and most soothing music the Philippine Music Industry could have. Pairing up the guitar work of Chin Alcantara and the most angelic voice of Juris Fernandez is truly heaven’s work. This tandem, together with their other band mates, has brought fans and listeners everywhere great music and pleasant times both with their wonderful personalities and their heart-warming songs.
The band’s female singer Julie Iris Fernandez (better known as Juris) hails from Davao and took her early education in Ateneo de Davao. She comes from a family of doctors and took BS psychology in Miriam College as a pre-medicine course. Although she graduated a BS psychology student, she pursued a career in music as a vocalist despite having no formal training in singing. Her cool and soft voice was eventually loved by the airwaves and the fans. Her quiet, simple and sweet appearance has made her appeal to the fans in their bar gigs and on TV. But despite all her success, she remains kind and fun-loving at heart. She is a great person to know and an even greater friend to have.

Chin Alcantara, born on March 12, started learning the guitar when he was 15. His talent and skill blossomed and with the support of his Dad, pursued a career in music. His musical influences are Jimi Hendrix, SRV, Mr. Big and Led Zepelin. His friendly and funny appeal makes him a crowd and fan favorite on and off the stage. He finished his college degree in communication arts in Miriam College. Here are some of his favorite things: favorite movies are Legends of the Fall and Star wars, favorite cartoon character: Sponge Bob and favorite book Thick face Black Heart.

Juris sang a duet with Asia's Latin City Mayor Celso Lobregat
St. Joseph High School Batch'83 with City Mayor Celso Lobregat
Thanks, SJS, for bringing MYMP to Asia’s Latin City.

More pictures at the photo gallery of What's on Zamboanga. Read more...

Ateneo Fiesta 2008 Schedule of Activities

The Atfest fever is once again here. Here is the schedule of activities for this year's festivities.

November 29 - December 1
7:30 AM /Sports Elimination /MPCC

December 3
2:00 PM /University Mass
Organization Shirt Contest
3:30 /PM University Parade
Float Competition
5:00 PM /Opening Ceremonies
Cheerdance Competition
Modern Dance Competition /MPCC

December 4
5:00 - 8:00 AM /5KM Run
9:00 AM /Debate
1:00 PM /Dance Sports Competition /Brebeuf Gym
6:00 PM /Grade School Night /MPCC
7:00 PM /College Night /Brebeuf Gym

December 5
6:00 AM /Golf Tournament Tee- off /Zamboanga Golf and Country Club
8:00 AM /Alumni Registration /Grade School Waiting Shed Area
9:00 AM /Quiz Bowl
4:00 PM / Jubilarians and Honoree's Mass /Sacred Heart Chapel
Alumni Torch Parade
Lantern Contest
Christmas Tree Contest
7:00 PM /Welcome Program
Alumni Fellowship Night /Backfield

December 6
3:00 PM /Awards Ceremony /LRC Garden
6:00 PM /High School Night /MPCC
7:00 PM /Singing Competition /Brebeuf Gym
Evening Individual Batches Fellowship

December 7
8:00 AM /Alumni Homecoming Mass /Sacred Heart Chapel
9:00 AM /Breakfast, Musical Program /LRC Garden
11:00 PM /General Assembly /CDCH
4:00 PM /Festival Dance /MPCC
Awarding /MPCC
6:30 PM /Blue and White Dinner Read more...

Kjwan performed at Musiklaban in Café Saco

by Dante Corteza

Kjwan with Anthony Mas and his son

Not a music lover, I was astounded for awhile when I witnessed how the contestants of the 2008 Red Horse’s Musiklaban Rock Challenge performed at Café Sacco last October 9. Banging their head and singing (for me, it was shouting) lyrics I could not understand. They were absolutely crazy I thought.

Opps - don’t tell me it’s my age since I have never appreciated rock music even I was a teenager. But that night I understood better why this music existed. I found out that it’s just another way of expressing their youthful energy and a way of releasing their angst about life for this genre of musicians.

I am glad that this alcohol beverage company is giving a legitimate outlet for our rock singers. Through a contest such as this, our rock musicians all over our country become more creative and develop closer bonding with one another. They are advocating too a strong campaign against the use of illegal drugs. And recently, I know an increasing number of Christian bands are also into rock Christian music.

Rock music is not after all hard rhythm and booze. And it was proven to me by Kjwan, the Philippine rock band that won the Asia International Music Contest held in Malaysia last year. Led by former MTV Philippines VJ Marc Abaya, Kjwan is out to conquer new heights this year with its new album being criticized as one of the bests to make a strong mark.

The band is busy this year promoting the band’s sophomore album "Two Step Marv."

The son of director Marilou-Diaz Abaya, Marc believes that his VJing and his being a rock band vocalist have essentially helped each other pull up his artistry and as a public figure. Undoubtedly he has carved a name for himself as one of the more distinctive attitudes in the biz, both as rocker and VJ.

Formed in May 2003, Kjwan released its debut album that produced the big rock hit "Daliri". Its 12-track second album was launched late last year under new label Barnyard Music, boasting the heavy love song "Pintura."

Asked about the music the group brought into doing "Two Step Marv", the eloquent crowd pleaser elaborated, "We made an effort to sound different and provide our listeners with something new. This is a more mature album, with some inputs unsafe, meaning, hindi madali ma-digest. Basically it’s still rock by nature, but the various influences we have as individuals have come into fusion that makes us say our sound now is something not being heard from other acts." He explained this in a newspaper article about him and his band.

The present lineup of Kjwan include Kelly Mangahas (bass), Jorel Corpus (guitars, percussion, vocals), J-hoon Balbuena (drums, vocals), and Boogie Romero (guitars, vocals).

Kjwan got its name from a teacher’s remark ‘kwan’, meaning ‘ano’ which had a student funnily scanning a dictionary because he thought of it as a mathematical variable. The silent ‘j’ in the word was just added for artistry; or as one of the members said, ‘artestry.’

You can watch the slide show of the photos below or visit the Photo Gallery of What's on Zamboanga.

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Market! Market! in Catribo

by Dante Corteza

In celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa 2008 Festival, Catribo Complex is holding a trade fair inside its big parking space up to October 16. With variety of traders selling assorted items from clothing, novelty items, food, fruits, cosmetics, barter goods, etc., this is the version of Manila’s famous shopping paradise Market! Market! – this is Tiangge Tiangge na Catribo.

It officially opened last Sunday with VP Elago as the event’s energetic emcee and with the popular local band, Detour, giving live music entertainment. VP with his quick wits and good hosting of instant games the shoppers surely had an enjoyable Sunday evening.

I learned most of these shoppers just came from their visit from Fort Pilar. Some drop by before paying their religious homage.

What makes this marketing event special, it gives family opportunities to be closer with one another. They can shop and dine together in one of Catribo’s finest restaurants. And sing also in the shopping complex videoke bar before calling the night off. Like praying together, a family that shops, eats, and sings together too, will stay together. And it can happen right here at Catribo!

Friends and lovers also can do midnight shopping, and of course, buy early Christmas gifts to avoid the season rush all together. A cup of coffee or a bottle of beer can bring out anything under the sun topics after their shopping spree too.

Among those that first caught my pocket is the Michelle Special Bangus – that sells different kinds of bangus (milk fish) preparations specially the sought-after belly parts. Our family’s favorite – we had a satisfying bangus breakfast yesterday. The enterprising owner said the bangus came from Dagupan the Bangus Capital of the Philippines. The good news? The price is comparable to the ones being sold in our local market and groceries. But Michelle’s Bangus are more delectable and lip-smackingly good in sight (hygienically packed), smell heavenly (the aroma comes out during and after cooking), and taste (very good!).

Budgetwise also launched their new wine collections. Together with several friends, we had a sort of “mini-wine party” at Mr. Bean with three of Budget’s best wines. No – we didn’t end up as drunkards afterwards neither it was a social drinking (pa shot-shot lang). It was sort of learning the art of appreciating wines.

We animatedly talked the history of wines, where they came from, how they are made, how to store them, how to distinguish good wines using our sense of sight, smell, and taste etc. with one of the managers of Budgetwise. It was really an enlightening evening with him. Want to know about wine? Visit the wine section of Budgetwise and learn too.

My favorite, Chinito’s, one of the booth participants, brought their best cuisines and drinks. Asked why they were there? It’s a chance to serve their customers who likes to have Chinito’s in midnight they explained.

It was also the launching exposure one of the services, the Doddle, offered by the up-coming advertising and business consultancy firm, What’s On Zamboanga. A newly created company (merging new trends in information technology and business opportunities), the corporate team members (composed of dynamic young men and women) created a big wall of doddle (a mix graphic arts of drawn subjects) that caught the attention of the shoppers.

This is used in Manila trade fairs and other events to bring in the crowd. People can take pictures with the doddle as the background. Try it! Bring you camera, pose with the Catribo Doddle Board, and take your shots. In other places, they charge certain fees. At Catribo, it’s free!
(Catribo Tiangge, conveniently located in Buenavista St., opens from 4:30 pm to Midnight.)
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Catribo Complex joins Fiesta Pilar celebration

The Catribo Complex at Buenavista street, Zamboanga City announces their activities lined up in relation to the Fiesta Pilar celebration. The number one hang out location in the city will be having a two-night foam party inside the Catribo complex on October 10 and 11. Party starts at 6:00 PM in the evening and will accelerate until dawn.

On October 12, during the Fiesta Pilar celebration, the Catribo Complex will open its Tiangge Tiangge na Catribo where visitors can find varieties of food delicacies, fruits, clothes (RTW), cosmetics, novelty items, and barter goods all at very reasonable prices. The Tiangge Tiangge na Catribo will be open from 4:00 in the afternoon to 12:00 middight from October 12 to 16, 2008.

The Catribo Complex will also feature live performances by local talents to entertain the crowd. There will also be other surprises such as games and contests wherein lots of gift items will be given away.

Everyone is invited to experience the nightly fun and excitement at Catribo Comblex, Zamboanga City's prime party destination.
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Team Philippines in Beijing Olympics

The 2008 Beijing Olympics started with a spectacular opening ceremonies. To show our support to the Philippine Team, we can pray for their victory and watch their games on TV. Below is the schedule of games for the Philippine Team:

Harry Tañamor (Boxing) : Aug 13 2008,20:15
Mary Antoinette Rivero (Taekwondo) : No sched yet
Mark Javier (Archery) : Aug 9 2008, 15:30 and Aug 13 2008, 15:30
Eric Ang (Shooting) : Aug 9 2008, 09:00 and Aug 10 2008, 09:00
Hidilyn Diaz (Weight lifting) : No sched yet
Henril Dagmil (Track and Field) : No sched yet
Marestela Torres (Track and Field) : No sched yet
Miguel Molina (Swimming) : Aug 12 2008, 19:28, Men's 200m Breaststroke - Heat 2 and Aug 13 2008, 19:46, Men's 200m Individual Medley - Heat 2
Ryan Arabejo (Swimming) : No sched yet
Daniel Coakley (Swimming) : No sched yet
James Walsh (Swimming): No sched yet
Christel Simms (Swimming) : Aug 13 2008, 18:36, Women's 100m Freestyle - Heat 2 and Aug 15 2008, 18:43, Women's 50m Freestyle - Heat 6
Shiela Mae Perez (Diving) : Aug 15 2008, 13:30, Women's 3m Springboard Preliminary
Rexel Ryan Fabriga (Diving) : Aug 22 2008, 19:00, Men's 10m Platform Preliminary Read more...

Go Team Philippines

The 2008 Summer Olympics starts tomorrow in Beijing, China. In the opening ceremonies, boxing champion Manny Pacquiao will lead the 15-man Philippine contingent. Team Philippines is composed of boxer Harry Tañamor, taekwondo jins Mary Antoinette Rivero and Tshomlee Go, archer Mark Javier, shooter Eric Ang, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, tracksters Marestella Torres and Henry Dagmil, swimmers Miguel Molina, Ryan Arabejo, Daniel Coakley, James Walsh and Christel Simms, and divers Shiela Mae Perez and Rexel Ryan Fabriga.

Go Team Philippines! Make us Filipinos proud. Read more...

Kinabayo Festival 2008

I just came from a 3-day vacation from Dapitan City, which is also known as the Shrine City of the South. Last July 25, 2008, Dapitan celebrated its annual Kinabayo Festival as part of the Feast of Señor Santiago or St. James.

Kinabayo Festival is a colorful celebration re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars, mainly the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan. They were able to overturn the tide through the miraculous spirit of St. James. The addition of local color and modernism has made this annual celebration a popular attraction which brings thousands of tourists to the Dapitan City.

The Festival was highlighted by a street dance and showdown which were participated by 3 teams. Barangay Bagting of Dapitan City bagged the grand prize.

Enjoy my pictures of the Festival Dance showdown held in Jose Rizal Memorial State College last July 25.

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Hola Zamboanga Cheerdance Competition 2008

Finally, the videos of the Hola Zamboanga 2008 Cheerdance competition is here. The contest is one of the highlights during the Dia de Zamboanga celebration.

1st: Western Mindanao State University
2nd: Pilar College
3rd: Ateneo de Zamboanga University

Read more...

2nd Handuraw Festival

Dapitan City is again celebrating its Handuraw Festival. Handuraw Festival aims to remember the life of Dr. Jose Rizal's life while being exiled in Dapitan from 1892-1896. Unfortunately, I have scheduled commitments during the said celebration so I cannot get some photos and footage of the events. However, if your near Dapitan, try to join the events. Below is the schedule of events:

Day 1 (Thursday, December 27) - Registration of participants of the seminar/workshop Reaffirming the Teachings of Rizal's Virtues and Idealism;
Opening Parade - Parade of Floats on the Legacies of Dr. Rizal in Dapitan;
Opening Programs of Handuraw 2007; Opening Program of Seminar Workshop; Launching of the Book "The Dapitan Correspondence of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt" Compiler: Former Congressman Romeo G. Jalosjos; Opening of the Booths of 'The 10 Anchor Destinations' ( One Barangay, One Product);
Opening of the Visual Arts Exhibit;
Start of the On the Spot Painting Lecture on "Rizal as an Artist" Lecturer: Mr. Christopher A. Rollo of the National Commission of Culture and Arts;
Mutya sa Handuraw 2007;

Day 2 (Friday, December 28) - Continuation of the Seminar/ Workshop; Dr. Jose Rizal In Dapitan;
Fluvial Parade;
Chorale & Rondalla Contest;

Day 3 (Saturday December 29) - Closing Program Seminar/Workshop;
Display of Paintings;
Street Dancing;
Showdown; Balak;
Initiation of New Members of the Knights of Rizal;
Fireworks. Read more...

Christmas Decorations in Zamboanga City

The plaza and city hall of Zamboanga is adorned with colorful lights. If you come to visit the place, you will forget that you are in Zamboanga. It resembles the bright lights in Paris and the festive atmosphere of Mexico.

Christmas in Zamboanga is celebrated by friends and families regardless of religious background. I can remember my college years when my classmates and I used to exchange gift and celebrate our Christmas party at a Muslim home.

For more pictures please visit my Multiply account. Read more...

Dapitan's Preparation for Christmas

This picture was taken during my recent trip to Dapitan City. The City Goverment of Dapitan started decorating the place in preparation for the Christmas season. A lot of local and foreign tourists are expected to visit the city in December. In a rotonda in Lawaan, they constructed a huge replica of a galleon. When this picture was taken, the carpenters were still finishing the construction. I assume that this galleon is already finished and lighted. In my next trip back to Dapitan, I will post a picture of the finished galleon.

PS: The galleon is only several meters away from our house. :) Read more...

Zamboanga Hesmosa Festival 2007 & Fiesta Pilar

I missed some of the events of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival and Fiesta Pilar on October 12, 2007 because I was in Manila for a seminar.

photo courtesy of Jan Santos

One of the events during the festival is the Street Dance competition. Since Zamboanga changed it's promotional identity to being the Asia's Latin City, the Street Dance competition features costumes that mix the colors that reflects the vinta and the Hispanic inspired flowing skirts. The said festivity is similar to the Mardi Gras of the Latin countries.

Aside from missing the Street Dance Contest, I also missed the Fiesta Pilar. The fiesta is a tribute to the Lady of Pilar. My father is one of the devotees of the Lady of Pilar. He made a promise to light a candle in For Pilar every the fiesta. Since I am the only son who is based here in Zamboanga, I was the one who goes with him during fiestas to light candles. Unfortunately, I missed that this year.

There are still several activities that are on-going and will be conducted in the coming days. There are still time to catch up with the festivities. :) Read more...

Regatta de Zamboanga: Vinta Racing Contest

One of the highlights of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival is the annual Vinta Racing Competition. During the competition, a number of colorful vintas line up the boulevard of Zamboanga City to take part in this fun event. I was glad to be there to capture the moment.

If you happen to visit Zamboanga during the Hermosa Festival, check the city's official website for the Vinta Racing competition. I assure you that you will enjoy the sight of these colorful sails which you can only see in Zamboanga.

Taken on October 7, 2007
R.T. Lim Boulevard, Zamboanga City






For more regatta pictures, please visit my Multiply gallery. Read more...