Janella umamin: ‘Hindi talaga kami friends ni Jane nu’ng nag-start ang Darna, hindi kami nag-click agad-agad’
DIRETSAHANG inamin nina Jane de Leon at Janella Salvador na hindi talaga sila friends nang magsimula silang mag-taping para sa Kapamilya action-fantasy series na “Darna.” Aminado ang dalawang Kapamilya leading lady na pareho silang introvert kaya hindi sila agad nag-click noong mga unang araw ng kanilang taping para sa “Mars Ravelo’s Darna.” Naichika ni Janella […] The post Janella umamin: ‘Hindi talaga kami friends ni Jane nu’ng nag-start ang Darna, hindi kami nag-click agad-agad’ appeared first on Bandera......»»
For Mike Nieto, all roads lead to leading
Mike Nieto's leadership is not just for the basketball court. Apparently, his voice carries just as much weight inside the Nieto household in Cainta. "Hanggang bahay, umaabot yung pagli-lead ko," he shared with a laugh. "Rinig na rinig palagi boses ko sa bahay. Since I've proven to them na I can be a leader sa court, siyempre, I can also be a leader dito sa bahay." What does that mean exactly? Well, let's just say that whenever the Nieto family decides they want and need some quality time together, it's the 23-year-old who sets the time and the place where it would happen. "I think nasanay na rin kasi sila na ako ang palaging nagsasalita kahit sa ganyang bagay so most of the time, ako na talaga nagsasabi saan at anong oras kami pupunta," he said. This is not at all that surprising as when you talk about Mike Nieto, you talk about leadership. That has long been the calling card of the 6-foot-2 swingman - from his days as a Blue Eaglet to his time as a Blue Eagle and from his stint in Batang Gilas to his current run in the Gilas Pilipinas pool. But… Why do people say that in the first place? What is it with Mike Nieto that just speaks, leader? FTW: For The tWin To get the answer, we need to go back to the start. As in, the very, very start. Technically, Mike is the leader of the four Nieto siblings as he is the firstborn of Ateneo de Manila legend Jett and super mom and dentist Girlie. Matt is his brother, but is younger by two minutes. Make no mistake, though, the twins have always gotten along. "Kami ni Matt, ever since, close na talaga kami. We started playing basketball at the age of six and from then on, naging magkasama na kami sa lahat ng bagay," Mike said. He then continued, "Even course namin sa college, pareho kaya almost lahat ng classes namin, classmates kami. Ever since talaga, unusual na hindi kami magkasama." Indeed, the Nieto twins have always been some sort of a package deal. Hence, the reports of their commitment to Ateneo for college had headlines such as "Ateneo scores 'twin kill' as Nieto brothers commit to play for Blue Eagles." Through and through, however, Mike was thought to be the leader - even though Matt is the point guard. The reason for that? Because "Big Mike" is more vocal. And why is he more vocal" Well, because he had a two minute headstart on "Matty Ice" at letting his voice be heard. Seriously, though, Mike said it was just because he doesn't waste any time at all in being vocal - and that's why he's being heard first and more often. "Siguro, mas maingay lang kasi ako kay Matt. Ako kasi, kapag may nakita akong mali sa ginagawa ng teammates ko, siguradong makakarinig agad sila sa akin," he shared. He then continued, "Hindi ako papayag na lilipas ang isang bagay na alam kong makakasama sa team. Talagang maglalabas at maglalabas ako ng mga salita hanggang ma-solve ang problema." That doesn't mean that Matt doesn't lead, though. As his twin put it, "Matt is the leader on the court. That's the assignment Coach Tab [Baldwin] gave him and I think he has done well with that." Well, yeah, Matt has three rings as court general of the Blue Eagles' dynasty to show for that. LOL: Lead out Loud It was another court general altogether, however, who had made the biggest mark on Mike Nieto. While he never was a point guard due to his wide frame, he was always trying to emulate one of the best ball-handlers in the history of Philippine basketball. "Jimmy Alapag is my role model when it comes to leadership," he said. "I'm just very lucky that for a long time now, he would talk to me on how I can affect the team positively on and off the court." When Alapag was in his prime as captain of Gilas Pilipinas, Nieto was put on the pedestal as skipper of Batang Gilas. While he knew full well that was a tall task, he was also eager to prove himself worthy. "Sa Batang Gilas under coach Jamike [Jarin], he made me team captain kahit second year high school pa lang ako. But that made me realize na I have the capabilities of being a leader," he said. With that, Mike had the responsibility of making sure the likes of Paul Desiderio, Richard Escoto, Jollo Go, Jolo Mendoza, and Renzo Navarro were kept in line. And from then on, he just did not stop keeping at it. Whether it be as the Jrs. MVP as a Blue Eaglet or a rotation regular as a Blue Eagle, Nieto's biggest contribution has always been his leadership. "Being a leader is never easy. At the end of the day, you have to gain the trust of your teammates and your coaches - that's the hardest part," he said. Ask his teammates from high school, many of whom were still his teammates come college, and they would say they always have his back. "Buti na lang nakuha ko ang tiwala ng lahat ng tao na nakapaligid sa akin. Kaya rin ako nag-succeed being the team captain ng every team na nagiging part ako," he said. While he has always had the full faith of longtime teammates and good friends Thirdy Ravena, Gian Mamuyac, Mendoza, and of course, twin Matt, Mike could only acknowledge that it was another challenge altogether being the voice of the team that swept the season. "Ang malaking naging difference ngayong college from high school, kinailangan kong magsalita ng English mas madalas," he said, through chuckles. With foreigners such as Ange Kouame and Filipino-foreigners like Raffy Verano, Nieto, indeed, did have to make sure his communication lines were crystal clear. The thing about leaders, though, is that they give their all in anything and everything - whether that be giving a pep talk or passing the message to somebody like Kouame who only started learning English in 2017. IMO: In My Opinion And the thing about leaders? They do not necessarily care about themselves. Imagine Mike Nieto, a Jrs. MVP, a team captain for Batang Gilas, a literal blue-blood in Katipunan. Do you know his averages through their three-peat? In 47 games total, he saw 14.2 minutes of action and had 5.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Still, that did not matter at all. All that mattered for Mike are all those Ws. "To be a leader, you have to prove palagi that you can lead on and off the court," he said. "I think yun ang napatunayan ko kay coach Tab - na handa akong i-sacrifice ang personal goals ko para sa ikabubuti ng team. Wala akong pakialam sa sarili ko since ang nasa utak ko lang is kung ano ang makabubuti para sa team namin." But did he? Did Nieto prove himself to Coach Tab - a coach who has gone around the world and seen it all? The talented tactician's statement right after Ateneo completed its perfect run through UAAP 82 speaks volumes. “Look at all of us and think about where we’re gonna be in 10 or 15 years, you’ll forget most of us,” he said in the post-game conference where he sat alongside the Nieto twins, Ravena, Isaac Go, and Adrian Wong. “But you won’t forget Mike Nieto.” Coach Tab then went on to explain why he said so. As he put it, "Mike is a natural leader. Mike is a communicator. Mike is a thinker. In terms of touching people, making lives better, and making sure that everybody around him has a better chance than what he has, that’s our captain." High praise coming from the very mentor who has been getting nothing but high praise. Safe to say, though, Mike has proven himself to coach Tab. TBC: To Be Continued In doing so, Mike Nieto has also made it possible for the two of them to continue working together. Mike, twin Matt, fellow Blue Eagle Go, University of the East's Rey Suerte, and San Sebastian College-Recoletos' Allyn Bulanadi were the first five names listed for the Gilas pool. The likes of Ravena, Dwight Ramos of Ateneo, Justine Baltazar of De La Salle University, Dave Ildefonso then of National University, and the University of the Philippines foursome of Javi and Juan Gomez de Liano, Kobe Paras, and Jaydee Tungcab also made the list not long after. But the fact remains that "Big Mike" - he of zero starts, but three titles in a row in his last three years in blue and white - was one of the first names there. With that, he is now one of the few Batang Gilas players who have successfully gotten promoted to the Men's team. "Of course, sino bang ayaw i-represent ang bansa natin, 'di ba? That's why I'm very grateful for this opportunity to be part of the Gilas pool," he said. He then continued, "That's why I've been working on my game even harder so that I can provide whatever Gilas needs from me." Of course, what Gilas would need from Nieto is, first and foremost, his leadership. After all, that is still and would always be his greatest strength. To do so, though, the youngster would have to prove himself yet again - not only to Filipinos who are forever invested in their national team, but more importantly, his teammates, many of whom are already superstars in the PBA. For Mike, however, this is nothing new - nothing new at all. "Ever since I was in grade school, people have been doubting that I can progress my game to the next level. What we can't forget is that at the end of the day, it's in your hands if you want to prove them wrong or prove them right," he said. He then continued, "I actually enjoy these kinds of moments since dito talaga lalabas ang totoong pagkatao mo. Ang sigurado ko lang, I will fight for my spot in Gilas." And so, from a successful high school career and then an even more successful college career, Nieto is now seeking success as part of the Gilas pool. Does he deserve to be there? That's for the haters to hate, the doubters to doubt, and the bashers to bash. And that's for Mike Nieto to lead them out of the darkness. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
CJ Perez got the best out of Robert Bolick and vice versa
For a winning team like San Beda University, the standard has become San Beda University itself. Having won 11 of the last 14 championships, the Red Lions have dominated the recent history of the NCAA. And with that, back in 2017, Robert Bolick had more than just back-to-back titles in mind as a goal. "Nung nag-champion kami sa (2017 PBA) D-League (Aspirants Cup) tapos natalo pa namin La Salle (sa Filoil Preseason), sabi ko na, baka ma-sweep namin 'to ha," he narrated in The Prospects Pod last Friday. The boys from Mendiola had just reclaimed the crown and were upbeat about their chances of repeating as they had a mostly intact core. Bolick, indeed, went so far as to aim for the perfect season that had only been done by San Beda's 2010 squad led by Sudan Daniel and Borgie Hermida. "Sa San Beda kasi, nakalagay sa court kung sino yung naka-season sweep. Sabi ko, baka ma-duplicate namin ito ha," he said. After an 18-point win to start the season, all was going swimmingly for them. And then, they got ambushed - ambushed by Pirates. "Biglang pangalawang game pa lang namin, natalo kami agad. Sabi ko, hindi ito yung inaasahan namin ha. Nagulat talaga kami sa linaro nila," the 6-foot-1 playmaker said. Lyceum of the Philippines University sent a statement to all of the league with a thrilling five-point triumph over San Beda. From there, they would go on to win each and every one of their assignments in the elimination round - the very first team to go 18-0 in the history of the Grand Old League. Of course, the Pirates had to win two more - and Bolick and the Red Lions had other plans. In the end, the red and white triumphed anew and took away the upstarts' shot at history. "Akala ko nun, magcha-champion na ako sa NCAA. E biglang kumana nang kumana yung Robert Bolick, wala na," Lyceum's CJ Perez then said. Despite the heartbreak, though, LPU only became better as it moved forward. Indeed, it was at that point that San Beda - and by proxy, Bolick - became a true obstacle Perez had to hurdle. As he put it, "Ako kasi, naniniwala ako sa mindset e. kunwari kung kalaban namin San Beda, Robert Bolick, sabi ko talaga gagalingan ko kasi alam kong gagawin niya yung best niya." The Pirates forged a rematch in the NCAA 94 Finals, but yet again came up short. Still, they had made their school proud and that was more than enough. And looking back, the 6-foot-2 guard said that having the Red Lions as the standard did nothing but pull them upward and upward. "Ganun yung mindset ko lagi kaya kapag kalaban yung San Beda, Robert Bolick, matututo't-matututo ka," he said. For his part, Bolick could only acknowledge that Perez did the same for him and LPU did the same for San Beda. "Kailangan talaga yung ganun e. Kailangan mo ng katapat," he said. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Jessy umamin: Hindi ko talaga type si Luis, gusto ko moreno, yung pa-mysterious
DIRETSAHANG sinabi ni Jessy Mendiola na hindi ang tipo ni Luis Manzano ang “ideal man” niya. Ayon sa dalaga, magkaibang-magkaiba kasi ang personality nila ng TV host-comedian kaya hindi sila talaga nag-click noong una silang magkakilala at magkasama. “Naku, hindi. Hindi talaga kasi hindi kami same ng personality ni Luis. Napapansin n’yo naman si Luis […] The post Jessy umamin: Hindi ko talaga type si Luis, gusto ko moreno, yung pa-mysterious appeared first on Bandera......»»
Fran Yu driving, delivering desserts right to your doorstep
Fran Yu silenced his haters with a breakout in NCAA 95. Not only that, he did so on the biggest stage and under the brightest lights - Colegio de San Juan de Letran's run to the championship. Putting up per game counts of 13.7 points, 6.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals, the 5-foot-10 playmaker was the hands-down Finals MVP of a series that saw the Knights dethrone dynastic archrival San Beda University. For him, that breakout was all for his haters. Remember, not that long ago, a particular post questioned where Yu had come from - and, essentially, just who he was. "Siyempre, wala naman akong ginagawang masama nun, galing lang akong Palarong Pambansa eh open court yun, maitim talaga kaming lahat," he said in his appearance alongside RK Ilagan in The Prospects Pod. "Tsaka simula nung bata ako, maitin ako. Hindi ko talaga alam bakit nila nasabi yun. Naglalaro lang naman ako." Four years after that, he drove Letran to the championship and delivered to them a Finals MVP performance as well. As he put it, "Naging motivation ko talaga yun." And up until now, he is driving and delivering the goods - even outside the court. The now-21-year-old is now the proud owner-slash-employee-slash-endorser of a humble homemade desserts business. With the helping hands of a few friends and family members, he offers Oreo graham, mango graham, and banana graham cakes to sweettooths all over Metro Manila. "Nag-start lang kami nung ECQ kasi wala kaming magawa sa bahay. Nagtinda kami ng merienda, pero hindi pumatok," he said, talking about life in the time of the continuing COVID-19 crisis. He then continued, "Tapos nag-Mother's Day, inisip naming bakit hindi kaya graham na lang ang itinda. Dun na nag-start pumatok kasi summer din kaya gusto ng mga tao ng malamig." Even more, Yu himself drives around in his motorcycle to deliver the desserts to patrons - within his hometown Manila, that is. "Para mas lalo silang bumili diba? Marketing strategy yun," he said, through chuckles. And with that, Fran Yu is actually "namamasada," as of right now. Only, he is far from "nagpapahinga lang." He's actually taking care of business. "Actually, open na nga kami for resellers e. Tapos kung mas lalaki pa yung business, why not ituloy-tuloy pa, diba?" he said. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
PBA: Nambatac recalls first practice with Yap: 'Nabulol ako'
From what it looks like, the keys to the Rain or Shine franchise have been handed to Rey Nambatac. The former Letran star truly blossomed in the last PBA season, giving the Elasto Painters some great playoff wins by way of his clutch performances. [Related: PBA: Nambatac continues to prove status as ROS’ top gun] The former first-round pick is getting all the opportunities to accelerate his development, getting the much-needed playing time all while playing with championship-winning veterans. Championship-winning veterans like James Yap. "Nabulol ako, hindi ako nakapag-salita ng maayos," Nambatac said on the PBA's Kamustahan as he recalled the moment he practiced with Yap for the first time. "Si Manong [James] kasi idol ko talaga since elementary pa ko. First day of practice ko, kinausap niya agad ako. Sa isip ko, 'panaginip lang yata to,'" he added. In his rookie season, Nambatac didn't see much playing time behind Rain or Shine's crew of veteran guards. But as he made his transition from college to pros, Yap's early piece of advice to Nambatac sure came in handy as Rey finally got his chance in his sophomore year. "Sinabi niya sakin na pagbutihin ko raw at hindi naman daw ganoon kahirap practice namin kasi professional na nga raw kami," Nambatac said. "At huli niyang sinabi sakin, i-guide niya raw ako para madali akong makapag-adjust," he added. — Follow this writer on Twitter, @paullintag8.....»»
Barbie Forteza sa ‘magic’ ng loveteam nila ni David Licauco: ‘Hindi kasi kami nagta-try magpakilig’
SIGURADONG magpapasabog na naman ng matinding kilig at good vibes ang Kapuso tandem na sina Barbie Forteza at David Licauco sa bagong kuwento ng “Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko.” In fairness, talagang binigyan agad ng GMA 7 ng follow-up project ang dalawa matapos sumikat ang tambalan nila sa katatapos lamang na “Maria Clara at Ibarra” […] The post Barbie Forteza sa ‘magic’ ng loveteam nila ni David Licauco: ‘Hindi kasi kami nagta-try magpakilig’ appeared first on Bandera......»»
Regine Velasquez hindi raw tugma ang schedule kay Jane kaya hindi natuloy sa ‘Darna’
PINADALHAN kami ng program statement ng “Darna” dahil hindi na tuloy ang guesting ni Regine Velasquez sa nalalapit na pagtatapos ng Mars Ravelo series ni Jane de Leon. Salungat sa naunang kumalat na balita na diumano’y “nag-inarte” raw si Jane kaya hindi natuloy ang guesting ng Asia’s Songbird sa naturang series, ang tunay na dahilan […] The post Regine Velasquez hindi raw tugma ang schedule kay Jane kaya hindi natuloy sa ‘Darna’ appeared first on Bandera......»»
Jane de Leon nag-inarte raw kaya hindi natuloy ang pasabog ni Regine Velasquez sa ending ng Darna
MAY isyu ba si Jane de Leon kay Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez? May nabasa kami na bilang pasabog sana sa pagtatapos ng “Darna” series ni Jane sa ABS-CBN ay naghahanap ang produksyon ng isang aktres na gumanap na rin noon bilang Darna. Kung sino man daw ang mapipili ang siyang makaka-face-to-face ni Jane at ang […] The post Jane de Leon nag-inarte raw kaya hindi natuloy ang pasabog ni Regine Velasquez sa ending ng Darna appeared first on Bandera......»»
Sofia Pablo umaming hindi sila nag-click ni Jillian Ward as friends: ‘Magkaiba po kami ng interes at may mga isyu rin’
NAGPAKATOTOO ang Kapuso Princess na si Sofia Pablo sa kanyang naging sagot nang matanong tungkol sa matagal nang issue sa pagitan nila ng kapwa Sparkle artist na si Jillian Ward. Humarap si Sofia sa ilang miyembro ng entertainment media nitong nagdaang Miyerkules, January 11, para sa bago niyang primetime series sa GMA 7, ang “Luv […] The post Sofia Pablo umaming hindi sila nag-click ni Jillian Ward as friends: ‘Magkaiba po kami ng interes at may mga isyu rin’ appeared first on Bandera......»»
Direk Benedict Mique excited sa pelikulang ‘Girlfriend Na Puwede Na’, ‘Darna’ malapit na nga bang matapos?
KASALUKUYANG nasa Los Angeles California, USA si Direk Benedict Mique at tsinat namin siya kung totoong patapos na ang “Darna” TV series ni Jane De Leon at sinagot niya kami ng hindi niya alam ang eksaktong pagtatapos nito. Inalam din namin kung may shoot pa siya pagbalik niya ng bansa, “Meron pa sila pero ako […] The post Direk Benedict Mique excited sa pelikulang ‘Girlfriend Na Puwede Na’, ‘Darna’ malapit na nga bang matapos? appeared first on Bandera......»»
Bea tinawagan agad si John Lloyd tungkol sa kumakalat na ‘fake news’: We both agreed na hindi kami magpapaapekto
DEPENDE pa rin sa script at magiging availability ng schedule nina Bea Alonzo at John Lloyd Cruz kung matutuloy na nga ang kanilang reunion movie sa pagpasok ng 2023. Yan ang nabanggit ng Kapuso actress nang tanungin siya tungkol sa sinabi umano ni Lloydie na “fake news” ang balitang pinaplano na ang bago nilang movie […] The post Bea tinawagan agad si John Lloyd tungkol sa kumakalat na ‘fake news’: We both agreed na hindi kami magpapaapekto appeared first on Bandera......»»
Mga sikat na social media influencers na sina Zeinab Harake at Jelai Andres walang kompetisyon
AYON SA social media superstar at internet sensation na si Zeinab Harake hindi raw totoong may rivalry sa pagitan nila ng isa pang sikat na influencer na si Jelai Andres. Ang dalawa ay parehong brand ambassador ng Beautederm Corporation na pag-aari ni Rhea Tan. “Ay! Naku po! Wala po talaga! Friends po talaga kami! Actually, yun yung […] The post Mga sikat na social media influencers na sina Zeinab Harake at Jelai Andres walang kompetisyon appeared first on Pinoy Parazzi......»»
Jose Mari Chan feeling blessed sa pagkakaroon ng sariling Funko pop; ka-level na sina Pacquiao at Jo Koy
TALAGANG bumili kami agad ng Funko Pop figure ng tinaguriang “Father of Philippine Christmas Carols” na si Jose Mari Chan dahil baka magkaubusan agad. Collector din kasi kami ng mga Funko Pop kaya hindi namin palalampasin ang pagkakataon na magkaroon ng FP figure ng OPM icon at hitmaker. “It’s a real thrill and honor for […] The post Jose Mari Chan feeling blessed sa pagkakaroon ng sariling Funko pop; ka-level na sina Pacquiao at Jo Koy appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Jose Mari Chan feeling blessed sa pagkakaroon ng sariling Funko pop; ka-level na sina Pacquiao at Jo Koy
TALAGANG bumili kami agad ng Funko Pop figure ng tinaguriang “Father of Philippine Christmas Carols” na si Jose Mari Chan dahil baka magkaubusan agad. Collector din kasi kami ng mga Funko Pop kaya hindi namin palalampasin ang pagkakataon na magkaroon ng FP figure ng OPM icon at hitmaker. “It’s a real thrill and honor for […] The post Jose Mari Chan feeling blessed sa pagkakaroon ng sariling Funko pop; ka-level na sina Pacquiao at Jo Koy appeared first on Bandera......»»
Sanya Lopez, mas bet ang non-showbiz boyfriend
HABANG tumatagal ay lalong bumobongga ang karera ni Sanya Lopez. Lalo pa ito gumaganda! After the success of First Lady ay may follow-up project na ito agad sa kanyang home network at ayon sa mga tsismis ng mga maritess ay hindi raw Kapuso actor ang kanyang makakapareha. May suspetsa na kami, but our lips are […] The post Sanya Lopez, mas bet ang non-showbiz boyfriend appeared first on Pinoy Parazzi......»»
Hindi po kami inabandona ni Arjo at sana’y wag n’yo kaming husgahan agad — Manuel Chua
Manuel Chua at Arjo Atayde NAGLABAS din ng “ebidensiya” ang character actor na si Manuel Chua, Jr. para patunayang hindi sila inabandona ni Arjo Atayde habang nagsu-shooting pelikula sa Baguio City. Sinegundahan ni Manuel ang naging pahayag ni Hashtag Nikko Natividad na hindi sila pinabayaan ni Arjo tulad ng mga naunang napabalita. Isa si Arjo […] The post Hindi po kami inabandona ni Arjo at sana’y wag n’yo kaming husgahan agad — Manuel Chua appeared first on Bandera......»»
Gabbi ‘ghinost’ si Khalil noon para makipagbalikan sa ex-boyfriend
IKINUWENTO nina Khalil Ramos at Gabbi Garcia ang unang pagkikita nila sa first episode ng kanilang “Figure It Out” podcast na mapapakinggan sa Spotify. Agad raw nag-click ang personality ng dalawa habang nagkakaroon ng getting-to-know-each-other moment. Amin pa nila, meron talaga silang deep connection ngunit hindi pa tama ang oras para sa kanila. “Maybe I […] The post Gabbi ‘ghinost’ si Khalil noon para makipagbalikan sa ex-boyfriend appeared first on Bandera......»»
Ghosts from the past: Throwback horror stories (I)
Scary tales from the teens of the ‘90s During the 90’s, stories about creatures like aswang, mananangal, tikbalang, kapre, tiktik, tyanak scared us, especially for those of us who lived in the province. But since we’re doubtful these creatures really exist, because we haven’t seen one, we just outgrew the scare from the tales about them. What really frightened us during those times were stories from family and friends about their experiences with multo (ghosts)—restless spirits that cry for help, either because they couldn’t accept their fate or they are paying a visit to their loved ones. There is nothing scarier than seeing dead people. So it’s time for some throwback horror. Here are some ‘90s tales that you might have already heard before but still give you a fright even today. Ozone bystanders October 1997, a few minutes before the bell rang to signal the start of sembreak, our audio visual professor, who also produced documentary films for one of the country’s television networks, narrated a story that made us rowdy students silent and attentive. “Don’t forget to watch our feature story on the Ozone Disco Club tragedy on Oct. 31!” he said with a voice modulated to echo in every corner of the room. This was seven months after the tragic fire incident killed 162 people before midnight of March 18, 1996. “Since there were rumors that ghosts show up and crying voices can be heard at the burned establishment, we decided to make a feature story on Halloween. So I sent our camera crew to Ozone, with hopes to get actual footage of the restless souls and record their cries. But, well, they failed, but our camera crew told us a hair raising story,” he started. “Our cameramen went to Ozone before noon. While on their way inside, some bystanders were able to follow them. They called their attention and asked them gently to go outside because they are the only ones permitted to be there. Good thing, the bystanders willingly obliged. “Apart from the eerie shades of black and gray, our crew captured the burned DJ booth where the fire started, the ceiling that went down and sandwiched disco goers, the small exit door that wasn’t used and could have saved more lives, and the door at the entrance, which is the main reason why many guests were trapped inside,” he narrated. The door he was referring to has a one-way opening, push if you’re outside and pull if you’re inside. Since most of the guests ran to this door, the ones who were in front were not able to open the door because they got pressed before they got to pull it. “But our cameramen were persistent,” he continued. “Hoping to get something for our Halloween special feature, they decided to go back after dinner. When they were shooting inside, they noticed that they were bystanders again standing a few feet behind them. Our main cameraman asked his assistant to tell them that they are not allowed to watch. And so he did. “‘Mga Sir, mga Ma’am hindi po tayo pwede dito, labas po muna tayo!’ yelled the assistant. “But everyone didn’t move a muscle and was still staring at them. So the assistant decided to go near the group to escort them out. ‘Ma’am, Sir, pasensya na po, bawal po tayo dito, labas po muna tayo,’ he commanded with an earnest voice. “But then, someone talked, with a gentle voice, ‘Hindi po kami, makalabas. ‘Hindi po namin mabuksan ang pinto. Tulong…Tulong…Tulong…’ Then this sound slowly faded. “The assistant attempted to shout but there was no sound coming out from his mouth. Trembling, he went back to his buddy, told him to turn around the camera. But when they about-faced, no one was there. All the time they were shooting, they were the only humans present inside the Ozone,” our professor ended the story. BRRRING! The campus bell rang right after our professor stopped talking. We were all shocked and went nuts, some fell on their seats, some jumped on it, some threw their staffs, others wailed, “Naaaay ko po!”.....»»
Sugarfree drops new song ‘Nagkita Muli’ on digital platforms
No grand launch or crowded listening parties. Just a new song from one of the popular Filipino bands Sugarfree whose sound endeared OPM lovers for many years. The new Sugarfree returns as a duo with Kaka Quisumbing (drums) and Jal Taguibao (vocals/ bass). After nine years, minus fellow members Ebe Dancel and Mitch Singson, Sugarfree is back with a new tune called “Nagkita Muli” released under Glass Onion Entertainment. “Dear Friends. Sugarfree is back with our newest single, ‘Nagkita Muli.’ This was just premiered tonight exclusively at Jam 88.3 FM!,” says Sugarfree made the announcement on Facebook when their new song debuted on February 25. Eight months later, “Nagkita Muli” will be streamed on audio streaming and media services providers. Their fans are simply ecstatic about their comeback in the music scene. Some of the comments: “Long wait is over!” “Love it” “100% support! Sugarfree is Sugarfree!” “Missing both these guys!” “Sooo glad to see this. I just hope people from the scene would just let them be. They’re just making music and clearly not harming anyone or anyone else’s legacy for that matter.” On Oct. 9, the group posted on Facebook: “And now we are here and meet again. Wounds heal and all pain.” Kaka Quisumbing (left) and Jal Taguibao. “Na-miss lang namin talaga ang isa’t isa sa pag-gawa ng kanta. Ang tagal din namin nawala sa music scene. So nung nagkita kami, sabi namin gawa uli kami ng songs,” says Taguibao, who is also a professor in the Department of Political Science, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy at the University of the Philippines Diliman. “Ganun lang ka-simple kung paano nabuo ang new song namin,” adds Quisumbing. During an exclusive online interview, the duo reminisced about memorable moments of their successful career. “Ang hindi talaga namin malilimutan yung mga ‘lagare’ gigs namin. Meaning pagkatapos ng isang gig sa isang lugar, pupunta kami ng probinsiya for the second gig and then lilipad naman uli sa isang province para tumugtog,” recalls Taguibao. Quisumbing says: “Minsan sobrang sikip ng venue na parang hindi na kami maka-hinga. Ang hindi ko makakalimutan siyempre yung beginnings namin. Noon kami pa ang nagbabayad sa venue para maka-kanta lang tapos wala pang sampu ang nakikinig sa’yo. I guess halos lahat dumaan sa mga ganung simula bago sumikat.” A.L. Henson, manager of the group, says nothing big is being planned yet now that Sugarfree is back. “Initially, ang plan lang muna is to release a song. Then konting gig siguro. Release uli ng song. Ganun lang muna,” says Henson when asked if the duo was going full-blast in 2021. The duo adds that it will keep its Sugarfree style of music, similar to the sound they have embraced in the past. “Sa ngayon naman wala kaming plan mag experiment ng new sound. Tama na sa amin yung tunog na kinalakihan ng aming mga fans. Wala kaming plano na gumawa ng mga obscure na sound,” says Taguibao. Formed in 1999, Sugarfree is known for their hits “Hari Ng Sablay,” Mariposa,” “Wag Ka Ng Umiyak,” “Makita Kang Muli,” Burnout,” etc. They disbanded in 2011. In February 2020, they came back as a duo. No plans yet for a Sugarfree reunion despite clamor from fans, Hanson says. But the band promises fans that they will continue to make music. Formed in 1999, Sugarfree is known for their hits “Hari Ng Sablay,” Mariposa,” “Wag Ka Ng Umiyak,” “Makita Kang Muli,” Burnout,” etc. They disbanded in 2011. In February 2020, they came back as a duo. “Our fans can expect that we will be making new music with our brand of melodies and flavor. While doing that, we will continue exploring tunes to articulate through music, our personal histories and experiences,” the duo said......»»
Go urges BFP to push modernization efforts
Senator Christopher ‘’Bong’’ Go on Friday urged the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to continue its efforts to modernize and enhance its ranks by acquiring more fire trucks and equipment especially for the remote areas in the country. Sen. Bong Go (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Go issued the statement after attending yesterday the ceremonial turnover at the Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City of the recently procured equipment of the BFP, including 84 units of 1,000 gallons capacity fire trucks, five units of aerial ladder, and three units of rescue trucks to be distributed by BFP to various local government units around the country. “All over the country po ito ipapamahagi. Natutuwa po ako dahil ang gusto naman po natin ay mabigyan ng sapat na kagamitan laban sa sunog ang mga iba’t ibang lugar — hopefully sa lahat ng sulok po ng bansa ay handa po tayo,” Go said. (These will be distributed all over the country. I am happy because we want to give the appropriate fire-fighting equipment to different parts of the country.) Go said there are many municipalities that have no financial capabilities to buy such an equipment. “Hopefully, patuloy pa ang pag-acquire nila ng mga panibagong equipment. Kinausap ko rin po si Dir. Embang na ikonsidera rin nila ‘yung mga maliliit na fire trucks na puwedeng pumasok sa mga liblib o masisikip na lugar kasi doon po madalas nagkakasunog,” Go said, referring to BFP Chief Jose Embang, Jr. (Hopefully, their acquisition of fire-fighting equipment will continue. I told Director Embang that BFP should consider buying small fire trucks that can enter narrow roads and congested areas where fires usually originate from.) Last February 11, 2020, Go joined President Duterte in witnessing the turnover of 74 fire trucks. The Senator also continues to provide aid to fire victims in different parts of the country. “Mahirap po mawalan ng bahay at kagamitan dahil sa sunog at iba pang sakuna. Kaya po patuloy akong nagbibigay ng tulong sa mga biktima at nag-iiwan ng ngiti sa oras ng kanilang pagdadalamhati,” Go said. (It is hard to lose a house and personal belongings due to fires. That is why I continue to extend help to fire victims and give them a reason to smile during a time of grief.) “Bilang isang Senador at public servant, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo, lalo na sa mga mahihirap at nangangailangan na apektado ng krisis tulad ng sunog. Kasabay nito ay pagsisikapan ko bilang mambabatas na mas palakasin pa ang ating fire prevention and protection measures,” he added. (As a senator and a public servant, I continue to be of service, particularly to victims of crises like fires. As a lawmaker, I continue to help to strengthen our fire prevention and protection measures.) As vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Peace and Order and as a main advocate of fire protection modernization initiatives, one of Go’s priority bills is Senate Bill 204 which is now consolidated under Committee Report No. 111, otherwise known as BFP Modernization Act of 2020. The measure is currently undergoing the period of interpellation in the Senate. The bill aims to ensure the hiring of more personnel, acquisition of modern fire equipment, and the conduct of training for firefighters of the BFP. The bill will also empower local communities in preventing fire incidents by mandating the BFP to conduct monthly fire prevention campaigns and information drives in all local government units (LGUs), especially in vulnerable areas. Go said President Duterte fully supports the modernization efforts of the BFP. “Ang sabi ng Pangulo, sabihin mo sa kanila huwag na nila ako unahin, ‘yung kagamitan ng mga sundalo at kapulisan at bumbero ang unahin natin,” he said. (The President said the equipment of soldiers, policemen, and firemen should come first.) During the event, Go expressed his and Duterte’s full support for the country’s fire personnel, citing the government’s recent effort to increase the salaries and promote the welfare of the military and uniformed personnel. “Full support po kami sa inyo. Unang-una po, ‘yung pangako niya pagkaupo pa lang niya bilang Pangulo, tinupad niya agad ang pangako niya,” Go said, referring to the increase in salaries provided to uniformed personnel, including firefighters. (We give our full support to you. The President fulfills his promises when he took over the presidency in 2016.) Go also said that he supports the President’s position of arming BFP personnel so they can help in the fight against criminality. “We are currently studying this added measure of arming firefighters. Nabanggit na rin ito ng Pangulo. Makakatulong din sila sa paglaban ng kriminalidad at para rin maproteksyunan ang kanilang mga sarili. Pati sa kampanya laban sa droga, makakatulong din sila,” Go said. (This was mentioned by the President. They can help fight criminality and also protect themselves. They can also help in containing the spread of dangerous drugs.) In addition to fire trucks and other modern equipment, Go also said that he is coordinating with BFP officials, government finance managers, and concerned agencies on how to also provide additional ambulance units to the BFP. He said that providing ambulances will make the BFP more responsive in fulfilling its mandate and will be useful, especially in times of national emergencies given that their personnel are well-trained frontliners. “Kapag mayroon nang vaccine kontra COVID-19, pwede pong tumulong ang BFP para mabakunahan ang mga tao. Nagtutulungan po lahat ng ating uniformed personnel, mula military, pulis, bumbero, at iba pa para maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan,” Go explained. (Our firemen can also help in the vaccination of our countrymen to fight the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Our uniformed personnel, from the military, policemen, firemen and others can help in protecting the interests of Filipinos.) Go thanked officials for their efforts to modernize the BFP and for their continuing service, especially during the pandemic, specifically Department of the Interior and Local Government officials led by Secretary Eduardo Año and BFP officials led by Embang, Jr. Go also acknowledged local officials and district representatives who were present, including Congressman Onyx Crisologo of the 1st District of Quezon City, Congresswoman Angel Amante-Matba of the 2nd District of Agusan del Norte, Mayor Marcy Teodoro of Marikina City, and Mayor Judy Amante of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte and thanked them for their support to the national government in the bayanihan efforts to overcome the pandemic. “Dahil mahirap ang panahon ngayon, we have to adjust to the new normal pero konting tiis lang po. Alam kong hirap po kayo. Kami ni Pangulong Duterte, hindi kami nawawalan ng pag-asa, magtulungan lang po tayo. Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan kundi tayong kapwa Pilipino,” he said, (Because times are hard, we have to adjust to the new normal. Please bear with us. I know you are suffering. I and President Go have not lost hope. We should help one another.).....»»