Happy: Have You Found Yourself Yet? - A Book by Amar Delon

Feeling unhappy of your state right now? Understand yourself and find out what you can do about it through Amar Delon's "Happy: Have You Found Yourself Yet?".

This book was recently launched at Ayala Center Cebu's Coffee Bean, Fully Booked branch last June 5, 2011.

The title of the book speaks much about its contents; defining oneself and managing the sadness caused by the hardships in life.

For people who are forlorn and cynic, I assure you that this book is way fascinating than hardcore emo music and thinner than the width of the sole of your black and white sneakers.

The book is sold for $16.99 and is available only at Amazon.com. Grab a copy now!

Amar Delon is like anybody else. He has encountered many predicaments in life that mad him feel so weary and sad. Eventually, he was able to cope up and is now very successful in his field.

He is an actor, director, screen writer, author and an international speaker.

Because he wants to help other people to become happy, he wrote a book about happiness and finding oneself.

Thus, the coming of "Happy: Have You Found Yourself Yet?".

Yeng Constatino Interview

Fans dominated the premises of Ayala Center Cebu's  The Terraces the night of September 18, 2010, Saturday. It was a bold proof of how Cebuanos strongly love the first 'Grand Star Dreamer' of Pinoy Dream Academy, Yeng Constantino.

A set of smashing performances by the young singing sensation, stirred up the audience from left to right in screaming and applauding. She was accompanied by her band, Morning Glory.

Who would not know her for the hit songs "Hawak Kamay", "Salamat", "Time In", "Sabihin Mo Na", "Galing ng Pinoy", and many others? It made Filipinos sing for real. Hawak Kamay ♫ ♪..  

Yeng greets her fans who are watching her from the balconies

Her concert at the Terraces was  for free. Everyone in the mall could sit front row or even jump and run onstage. Even though there were a couple of guards near the stage, the some avid fans didn't wasted their chance. They went up the stage while Yeng was performaning and took a picture at her side. *Whew* Yeng laughed and the guards were on patrol then and there. It happened again, actually. It was really funny.

People strolling around mall stopped and stood still to their nearest balcony to have a glimpse of the star. Yeng was so energetic and true. After every song performance, she'd talk to the audience about herself, her experiences and some details of her songs.

About two media groups were allowed to meet and interview Yeng after her show: some bloggers from the Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS) and some writers from Sunstar Philippines.

Yeng, her bandmates and the media inside her dressing room

It was easy talking with her. She is very earnest, open and is kind. Talking with her is like chattering with my funny and a bit-boyish bestfriend. Haha. Don't get me wrong but she's really nice and pretty too.

Weeeee! Haha! Yeng and Muah =D

To open up, Yeng Constantino is personally, one of my favorite Filipino artists for I love her style in delievering songs. Every artists has his/her distinctive style, hers is raggae but mostly RnB.

Yeng plugged her latest album which is so unique compared to other albums of today  It is because the line-up of the album songs are all written and performed by Yeng, herself.  "Gusto ko kasi magiging known ako as singer-song writer. Ayoko 'yong singer lang." Yeng explained.

In our interview she elaborated that her songs are true- "Ang mga songs ko'y basically parang diary kaya lang may tune." Yeng said. True indeed. With the lyrics of her songs, it's obvious that it's from a certain diary because it usually tells simple Pinoy teen stories.

Interview Highlights with Yeng

Ang layo na ng narating mo. Any tip for talent hopefuls out there?

"Simple lang- just keep on striving hard to reach your dreams in life. Maabot natin lahat ng paragarap sa mundo mag sikap ka lang talaga. Do the best you can tsaka most importantly, don't ever forget to do it all for the glory of God."

Lakas ng energy mo on stage. Napapasayaw- at may sumayaw talaga sa song performances mo. Sinong inspiration natin ngayon? Haha.
"Well, meron passage sa Bible, ewan ko- nakalimutan ko- basta ang sabi 'Impossible para sa mga tao pero possible para kay God.' Sobrang inspired ako sa line na 'yan. Ako kasi Happy-go-lucky lang ako. Wala akong iniisip masyado. Pero pag may ginagawa ako, most importantly pag nag porperform na ako, si God ang lagi kong tinatawag. God is no. 1! Normal na tao ka lang tapos binibigyan ka niya ng kakaibang talento. Ibang klase siya. Gagawin nya lahat para sa'yo."

Dumagsa talaga fans mo sa stage.(kasi free admision at walang rails) Kumusta 'yong audience?

"Kahit kailan, ang taas talaga ng standard ng Cebuano audience. Super smart and Cebuano audience. Papalakpakan ka lang pag sobrang maganda ang show." *chuckles* "Sobrang saya ko dahil talagang nakita ko na na entertain ko sila. Isa to sa di ko kailanman malilimutan na performance."

Meron ka bang gustong sabihin sa mga fans mo dito sa Cebu? Message.

"Sobra ang lakas ng angas ng mga taga Cebu. My sarili tayong connection. Thank you so much po for watching me perform dito sa The Terraces. Talagang malaking tulong po ang pag tangkilik ninyo sa akin. Sana magkita pa tayo uli at sana di mawala o masisira ang portal na nag coconnect sa atin. Salamat talaga sa pagsubaybay."

Cebu Bloggers Society with Yeng Constantino. Yey!

Yeng is very happy to come back here in Cebu. Before we hugged goodbye, she opened up of how it is being in Cebu. "Nag e-enjoy talaga ako pag nandito ako sa Cebu. Tuwing tumatawid na 'yong bus sa napakataas na bridge, -'yong parang kambal na bridge, sumasaya talaga ako." She said and chuckled.

A very good friend of mine who is a blogger too was able to take full videos of each of Yeng's song performances that night. She uploaded it on Facebook so I can't share it to you. I searched in youtube to have you guys see the concert in motion (not just by pictures) and I found this short clip. Enjoy!

Yeng wants you to be a part of her fad!
Be a yengster now! Visit yengconstantinorocks.com

photo credits: Vernon Go
video credits: hntp13

Grab a copy of Yeng Constantino's latest album: 'Lapit'

DJ Nico Devroe of Belgium

I was rushing things online when I saw a newly posted blog entry by my friend in a social networking site. That blog entry caught my attention because of its title "DJ Training". With full love for music, I didn't mind the time and hit the link to which lead me to the page of his blog entry. I read along.

It said everything about the poster seen above. I startled. Know why? I didn't know DJ Nico Devroe is such a famous Disc Jockey. I have met DJ Nico D. once  at Tiki Bar, Big Foot where my friends and I frequently slack and eat dinner. There was this time wherein my friend bought a brand new DLSR. Since we were out, we went to different places to try out the new camera. We took our dinner at the Tiki Bar where incidentally DJ Nico D. was there. 


I myself am a camwhore and an aspiring photographer. Tiki Bar, that time, observed no event but as always, displayed good lights and good music. I borrowed my friend's DSLR where I took a couple of pictures of the sceneries- the beach, the sky, the lights etc.. 


It was my first time to see a real foreign DJ that made my mind go up and down. I was so into taking pictures of the DJ's gadgets and him doing his thing, and so I did. Of course, I didn't made the night pass through without the DJ and Me having a picure. LOL. And oh, did I mentioned that he gave me his calling card; making me add him up in FB to tag him in the pictures I took in the Bar? Wahhahha! :P

*My friend didn't uploaded all of the pictures I took in his FB album. He choose only 3 of the pictures out of 15 that I took that night.*

That's the reason why I startled. I didn't know DJ Nico D. is a famous Disc Jockey outside Asia! Wahahah! I was really shocked when I read my friend's blog entry about the event that DJ Nico D. will be sharing his thoughts, experiences and most especially the basics of his work for free. I didn't miss edthe chance! Really! :D


Back to the main topic, I was able to attend the DJ Training. The staff in iCenter at Crossroads were there talking to him when I arrived. We all talked and hurrah! DJ Nico D. remembered the incident when I took pictures of him and whatsoever that happened (the story above)


It was truly nice meeting him again. The event went very fun and informative.


Happenings like this are really exciting.

Band Feature: December Avenue EXCLUSIVE Interview!

Exclusive Published Interview in Cebu

Hurrah! Famous boy band in Manila-December Avenue visited Cebu last July 17 and I am the only one who exclusively interviewed them for a published media. It was held at The Outpost Restobar around 10:40 pm.

In the year 2007, four boys; schoolmates in the University of Santo Tomas, formed a band and decided to compose and play songs that people could relate.


The all-boy band has gained popularity from posting videos of their performances in youtube that later on paved their way in performing live on stages of Restobars and Conventions. They have played in MYX Channel Live and have filmed a couple of music videos in their hometown.


The band was formerly known as Sense of Sound but they altered it and decided to start again, creating a new concept under the name- December Avenue.


December Avenue composes of Zel Bautista, the lead vocalist of the group who also plays the acoustic guitar; Jem Manuel, plays the lead guitar; Don Gregorio, plays the bass guitar, and Jet Danao who does the back-up vocals at the same time handles the drums.


The band visited Cebu first last July 15 to make their way to Bohol wherein they performed for two nights: in Bohol Divers Resort and in Tachy Bar. They went back to Cebu from the Bohol Island wherein they performed for the Cebuanos at The Outpost Restobar after a doze of interviews and live performances in a couple of famous radio stations in the province.

Adventurouslei  talks with December Avenue

Your band's name used to be Sense of Sound, why did you altered it into December Avenue?

"Our band has undergone some struggles so we decided to have a new name that sounds inspiring. The month of December is a very happy month for all of us. It marks the end and beginning of things. It's like a bridge that connects the past to a new life." Zel says.

Why do you choose playing acoustic, rock and alternative songs? Why not hard rock, metal or others?

"We write and perform songs that are based on our experiences. Our band wants to show something that people can relate to." Zel says.

This is your second time to visit Cebu, any food satisfying your tastebuds?

"Oh yes! We now have some favorite Cebuano food!" *chuckles* Jem answers with ease. "I love the Lechon here!" he adds. "Cebu's Potchero is very good." Zel says. 

How do you find the Cebuanos?

"Gwapo at gwapa" Jet answers quickly and laughs. "Gwapo at gwapa talaga." Zel approves.

What's the feeling of living-up your dreams now?

"All of us enjoy every performance that we do. It's just so fun and it feels so good." Don says.

Any questions you want to ask to your Cebuano supporters?

"Why are you so cool?" Jed answered.

You've got fans out there. What do you want to tell them?

"They're not our fans." Jem exclaims. "They're our friends." he adds. "We are so thankful for having them." "Keep on listening to our songs." Jet answers. "We hope they'll continue supporting us and in return, we will perform and compose more music that will suit their situation and will make them feel good." Don talks.

It was so much fun conversing with the band members of December Avenue. They are all friendly and open. Kudos to them and to their music!

December Avenue's music is available for streaming on Nokia and Myspace.

Jude Bacalso and Welcome to Intelstar

Live on Sunday Afternoon
OVER 200 people lined up outside CAP Art Center in Osmeña Boulevard last May 2, 2010 to watched the first show of "Welcome to Intelstar" starred by Cebu's prime television host, Jude Bacalso.

 Audience lined up an hour before the show.

Little Boy Productions staff greeted the audience in front of the event venue.

Excited faces flooded the place at 2:00 pm when the doors were opened.

Jude Bacalso and some staff of Little Boy Productions making a pose before the first show began.

 WELCOME TO INTELSTAR SHOWING

IT WAS MINUTES pass 2:00 pm and the lights in the room were turned off. A woman walked herself at the center aisle. She was in black suit, pearl accessories, toe-pointed high-heel shoes and a coffee tumbler. She headed up to the stairs of the stage and positioned herself near her table. She smiled at everybody. 

High-level call center trainer Miss Chelsea welcomed and congratulated all the new batch of trainees for passing all the sets of call center application exams and interviews.

She then introduced herself to the trainees.

Ms. Chelsea stressed out the significance of observing foreign accent inside the Intestar's premises.

She then showed to everyone the dos and don'ts in handling calls.

Miss Chelsea gave concrete examples of naughty callers by portraying a disrespectful guy and an irritating grandmother.

Before we knew it, an assignment was given and it was to memorize all the abbreviations of the different states of America.

The orientation ended well. In the morning, Miss Chelsea went home. She spoke vernacular and drunk in alcohol. She acted differently.

REVIEW OF THE PLAY

The play was a success. Although many watched the play while standing, everyone enjoyed the show. 

Some well-known Cebu personalities were also in the building to watch Jude Bacalso's performance. One of which is ABS-CBN's Prime News Anchor Leo Lastimosa.

Chris Martinez's "Welcome to Intelstar" is indeed another spectacular production of Little Boy Productions! No wonder it received a Palanca Award. Congratulations to Little Boy Productions and writter Chris Martinez.

ONE ON ONE Interview with Jude Bacalso

Are you currently working in a call center company?

No.

Only three people in the country were given the chance to act as 'Chelsea' in the play. How does it feel to be in line with Eugene Domingo and June Rabin?

I have played the role of Chelsea four years ago- in 2006. It was a hit. I felt proud. Today's play is funny and a bit uneasy. I just memorized the whole script last night *laughs* But since I already played the role before, I had this instinct of not feeling the pressure so much having a background of the story. I feel so guilty right now for not being so active more than I was in 2006.

What is next for Jude Bacalso?

I won't be doing another theater play by this year, 2010. There is this upcoming play entitled "New Yorker in Tondo", a satirical play in one-act written by Marcelino Agana, Jr. that Little Boy Productions will be showing. Just stay tunned about it.

What's your message to the people?

Two things. There are two things I want to tell the people. First, there is a need for people to be exposed in theater. Cebuanos are not theater educated. They have to induldge themselves in such activies whether just being an audience or a cast. Mimicking distants the performer from his/her true identy but in this way he/she can show to the watchers that the feeling and actions are true.

Second, I would like anyone to know that there is more than talking, encoding and staying up late at night or dawn if you are a call center agent. If you're a call center agent, you live two lives. You alter when you're at night. You are professional, patient and well-rounded. In the morning, you talk like you don't even know how to speak a word in English and you act like everything in life is boring & weary- so you sleep.

If you are a call center agent, you carry a heavy load on your shoulders. You get to have rants by people you barely know. You get reprimanded without doing anything wrong and at times, get disrespected. 

Being a call center agent is a tough job and that is something Cebuanos have to be proud of. We Cebuanos have the capability to talk the way pure Americans do without even going  out of the City as long as we go to school. Stupidity will counter education. If one is knowledgeable on basic things, then he/she can be productive.

photo credits to Edd Buenaviaje :)

Welcome to Intelstar

Little Boy Productions by special arrangement with playwright and film director Chris Martinez ("Kimmy Dora", "100" and "Here Comes the Bride") brings you the Palanca award-winning one-act play "Welcome to Intelstar".

Welcome to Instelstar is an interactive comedy show (audience participation required) that has been reviewed as "heart-rending and rip-roaring funny". It has played to full houses during its last run in Cebu in  2006.

Cebu renowned television host Jude Bacaslo takes on the role of Miss Chelsea, an expert trainer who orients a seminar to the audience who "plays" the part of her new batch of call center trainees.

Slated on the date, May 2, 2010, two shows (matinee and gala) will be offered to the audience. First show begins at 4:00 pm and second show at 5:00 pm. Laugh your instestines out at CAP Art Center, Osmeña Boulevard (across Jollibee Jones). 

Tickets are sold at Php120.00 at East, West Cafe, The Walk, IT Park.

Special tours, corporate and group sales can be arranged. Call 4158058 for more information.