Cooltura, one of IBC 13’s infotainment programs showcasing the country’s travel destinations and cultural heritage, will be starting its new season on April 2019. The new season of Cooltura highlights the Philippine culture and tourism in the age of social media.

A combination of documentary and reality, the show aims to encourage viewers to discover, rediscover, appreciate and embrace different aspects of culture (arts, history, food, traditions, festivals) and tourism (destinations, landmarks) of a particular town, city, province or region in the Philippines.

Colltura is hosted by Kevin Lapena and Kris Tiffany Janson who are both passionate about Filipino culture. Each episode is a fun and meaningful journey where Kevin and Kris become cultural travel companions, entertaining, educating and inspiring viewers of all ages with their exploration of and immersion in every place they visit.

Armed with the latest gadgets, Kevin and Kris record portions of their travels, uploading them in social networking and video-sharing sites like Facebook. Youtube and Instagram. By doing so, they connect easily with the audience on television and online.

The new season of Cooltura airs every Tuesday at 7:30PM on IBC 13, with replays every Saturday at 9:00 M and live streaming on ibctv 13 Facebook page. Premiere telecast is on April 30.

If you're one of those kids who grew up in the 80s to 90s, IBC 13 is one of the television channels who airs interesting shows from comedy to children shows. I remember this channel airs  one of the comedy show on television, Sic O'Clock News. So knowing that the network is being revive again to air show and call the network Kaibigan Network.

Another interesting news about the reviving of the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation or better known as IBC Channel 13 is that it has a new President and CEO in the person of Katherine Chloe De Castro. She is the daughter of former Vice President and veteran broadcaster Noli De Castro and TV producer Arlene De Castro.

A Communication Arts graduate of Miriam College, de Castro is no stranger to the broadcasting industry. She started her career as a field reporter in ABS-CBN Channel 2 and later on hosted her own travel show "Trip Na Trip" and business magazine show "Swak na Swak".

Malacanang appointment on De Castro, first as a Board of Director then later on as President and CEO, came at a time when IBC is transitioning from its old office in Broadcast City to the new IBC 13."

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) headed by Secretary Martin Andanar, the overseer of IBC 13, is poised to privatize the network within the year. Due diligence is being undertaken to provide smooth transition and secure all the stakeholders of the company especially its employees and blocktimers.
Meanwhile, IBC 13, with Kat De Castro at the helm, is putting its foot forward as it regains the public interest with the re-airing of its well loved IBC shows for the 80's and 90's. Dubbed as the "Ultimate Throwback", the series of classics include TODAS (Monday-Friday 7:30 PM), Sic O'Clock News (Monday-Friday 6:00pm), and Cooltura (Monday-Friday 10:30 PM).

New programs are scheduled to air on IBC starting this month. In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the network, a documentary special entitled "The Original No. 1: IBC 13's Legacy to Philippine Television" airs on March 8, Friday at 9:30 PM, OOTD: Opisyal of the Day, a public affairs program featuring the senatorial candidates airs every Tuesday and Thursday at 8:30 PM. And coming soon is a travel show entitled "#Cooltura', a millenials approach to travelling around the Philippines.

An improved and vibrant IBC 13 courtesy of Kat De Castro is expected to happen in coming days. Their station ID says it all - iconic, bold and chill. IBC 13 will be your best companion when it comes to entertainment. Like a friend, it will make you laugh, cry, give information and advice. IBC, kaibigan mo. 

We often watch the show Got Talents and Asia's Got Talent is one of them.  David Foster gave 10-year-old Eleana Gabunada a standing ovation and his Golden Buzzer after she gave a rousing rendition of the classic Barbara Streisand’s “Rain on My Parade.”

“There’s a lot of people much older than you that could sing that song, but they don’t understand the genre…but somehow at age 10, you understand your mission, and you understand your job and there’s no doubt in my mind that if you want to be on Broadway one day, you will,” David Foster exclaimed.

Anggun was equally floored by her performance, proclaiming that Eleana performed like a “baby Streisand”.

“I think you’re the only act that made David stand up,” Jay Park added.

Eleana grew up listening to David Foster’s music and she was definitely thrilled to receive a Golden Buzzer from him.

The Golden Buzzer will send Eleana Gabunada straight to the Semi-Finals in March where she will have a shot at the USD100,000 grand prize and the winning title.

Watch the encore telecast of this episode on Saturday at 7:20pm on AXN. New episode of Asia’s Got Talent airs every Thursday at 8:30pm on AXN. To follow the journey of this season’s acts, check out #AXNAsia and #AsiasGotTalent.

To watch extended highlights of Asia’s Got Talent and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, fans can subscribe to the official AXN Asia YouTube Channel at www.YouTube.com/AXNAsia.

www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent

AXN has also teamed up with Google to add a Google Assistant Action of the show experience, where fans can playfully interact with the hosts and learn more about the show, the judges and the acts on their mobile devices. Fans can activate the Google Assistant and simply say “Talk to Asia’s Got Talent” to get the conversation started.

Asia’s Got Talent is supported by regional sponsors Princess Cruises, the official cruise line of Asia’s Got Talent; Great Eastern, the market leader and a well-established trusted brand in Malaysia and Singapore, and GoDaddy, the world's largest cloud platform dedicated to small, independent ventures.

Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destination, is the official destination partner of Asia’s Got Talent.

Asia’s Got Talent is the 67th adaptation of the Guinness-World-Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

AXN is a leader of regionally produced original content in Asia, with notable ratings successes including two record-breaking seasons of Asia’s Got Talent, five seasons of the award-winning The Amazing Race Asia; The Elements: Cosentino; Adventure Your Way; Cash Cab Asia and Cash Cab Philippines; The Apprentice Asia; Cyril: Rio Magic; Cyril’s Family Vacation: Hawaii Edition; and Cyril: Simply Magic.

Launched first in Asia in 1997, AXN is a global channel brand with a presence in Latin America, Africa and Europe. In Asia, the channel is enjoyed in 133 million households across 21 territories and is available in both SD and HD. AXN Asia is wholly owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment and managed by Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.

I love to watch theater plays and musicals. The feeling is different when watching it live. It's more than 4D or 5D for me. It was great that there's another great musical production, the Waitress, will be playing in one of the theaters in Manila and much greater that its international premiere is in Manila, which will be  at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City this coming November 9, 2018. The show, which continues to perform for sold-out audiences on Broadway and across the USA, is also set to debut at London's West End in 2019 and in Australia in 2020.

This musical production is based on the beloved film by Adrienne Shelly and it features music and lyrics from 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Love Song," "Brave"); and a book by Jessie Nelson. The show made history by having Broadway's first all-female creative team.



Waitress tells the story of a pie maker named Jenna who, despite the mundanity of her life, finds comfort and reckoning in the simple magic of baking. With the help of her two friends Dawn and Becky, she dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage and musters the courage to change her life for the better.

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One of the award winning international musical theatre star Joanna Ampil leads the show as Jenna. Some of her West End musical performances are Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Avenue Q and Jesus Christ Superstar. She also played as Candida in the recent film Ang Larawan has won her numerous Best Actress Awards locally. Jenna will be her first role back in the local theatre scene after her stint as Grizabella in the international tour of Cats.

Another character in the musical is Becky, the sassy waitress and lovable friend of Jenna, which will be played by Bituin Escalante. One of the influential figure in OPM, Bituin has also made rounds in the theatre scene since 1999 and she said during our interview with her that before singing it was theater. She has starred in numerous Tony-winning shows in roles such as Joanne in Rent, Effie White in Dreamgirls, and Asaka in Once on this Island. Her recent performance as Aling Saling in Himala: The Musical has earned her critical acclaimed.

Maronne Cruz completes the trio characters in Waitress as plays the role of the neurotic and eccentric character of Dawn. Maronne is no stranger to musical theatre. She has appeared in numerous productions including Jeannie in Hair, Gabbi in Sa Wakas, Josephine in Ako Si Josephine, and Stepsister Joy in Cinderella.  She has also appeared in the indie film Mariquina as Monet and, most recently, performed in the hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo.

Joe's Pie Diner would not be complete without the men of the show and joining the ladies are Bibo Reyes as Dr. Pomatter, Nino Alejandro as Ogie, George Schulze as Earl, Dean Rosen as Cal, and Steven Conde as Joe.

Waitress also features Luigi Quesada, Gerhard Krysstopher, Luis Marcelo, Emeline Celis Guinid, Teetin Villanueva, Sarah Facuri, and Jillian Ita-as.

It is under the direction of Bobby Garcia, Choreographed by Cecile Martinez, Set Design by Tony Award winner David Gallo, Lighting Design by Aaron Porter, Musical Direction by Farley Ascuncion, Costume Design by Raven Ong, Sound Design by Josh Millican, Hair and Make-up Design by Johann dela Fuente and Vocal Coaching  by Manman Angsico.

The international premiere of Waitress will run from November 9 to December 2 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, contact Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

As a Mommy I need to learn more on cooking and serving my family a different dishes. Lets accept it Mommies, sometimes we are so tired of cooking the same food for them. There are instance that I cook the same food in two weeks. How I wish that I can cook different dishes in a month and never serve it within a month. I hope so!

Gladly, San Miguel Foods Home Foodie ushers in a new and exciting season featuring Drew Areallano and Iya Villania's levelled up cooking skills, more consumer engagement, new chefs and more delectable dishes that are certified Madalicious (madali na, delicious pa)!
We will see Drew and Iya's confidence in the kitchen. They are ever playful and perky while helping the chefs prepare the featured dishes. They provide tips and offer Madalicious meal solutions to both TV viewers and to the online community.

Here are some of the foods that presented during the Home Foodie Season 4 launch. I will definitely try this at home, for sure my family will be entice to try it.

Longganisa Pilaf

Crispy Pata Tim

Chicken Galantina

Baked Cheesy Kamote Boats

Together, Drew, Iya and the SMPF Home Foodie Chefs will unlock your inner food cravings as they prepare Madalicious Meals inspired by trending dishes from restaurants and teach you new hacks and twists to classic favorites!

The Home Foodie family just got bigger and this is another reason to look forward to in this season of Home Foodie. We will meet two new Chefs who will join Chef Llena Tan-Arcenas in guiding Drew and Iya create Madalicious Meals - they are Chefs Martin Narisma and John Valley.
Experience the ultimate food porn and feel the mouthwatering goodness of each Madalicious Meal in every episode as they give the spotlight to food and at the same time showcase the ease and convenience of making featured dishes.
Home Foodie is a cooking show hosted by real life couple Iya Villania and Drew Arellano together with the San Miguel Pure Foods Culinary Center Chefs - Ms. Llena Tan-Arcenas, Rene Ruz, RJ Garcia, Martin Narisma and John Valley. It features a wide array of San Miguel Purefoods products used in different Madalicious Meals.

San Miguel Purfeood Home Foodie Season 4 will air on GMA 7 starting June 11, 2018, from Monday to Friday after Unang Hirit.


Mommies it will be a big help to us to prepare different kind of dishes if we watch the Home Foodie. I will definitely try those dishes one of these days. Watch out for it.
To know more about Home Foodie and its featured Madalicious Meals, you may log on to www.homefoodie.com or check out the Facebook and Twitter accounts @HomeFoodiePH

It's exciting. It's thrilling and it's amazing! The stage is set for the biggest magical spectacle this Holiday season as IMPOSSIBLE: World’s Greatest Magic Show finally arrives in Manila. Opening on Christmas Day, December 25th to January 3rd at the Araneta Coliseum, Filipinos will finally be able to see the much-awaited magical show live on stage.
My kids love to watch Magic Show online, they were longing to watch a live act and gladly yours truly was invited in one of the magic show recently played here in the Philippines, the  Impossible. It is staged in Philippines to let Filipinos watch it this holiday season. My family, of which I always dubbed it as Date with My Boys were all there to enjoy it. As most of you knows that I'm the only girl in the family and my boys are my two kids and my hubby. Our date happened last Christmas day, we went to Smart Araneta Coliseum for our time with the magicians.
We were so excited! And yes, this is the first time that my kids will watch it live. At first they were so thrilled until Bello Nock get the terrifying stunt, even me, I am so nervous with the stunts. Personally, I do have fear on heights, so this one gave us a scary feeling that everytime that he seemed to falling we would shout and were frightened.  

Fresh from its record-breaking success in London’s West End, IMPOSSIBLE has been hailed by critics as “the Hottest Act in Town” (Daily Mail) for giving “variety, illusion and magic a brilliant, fresh spin” (The Stage). The Guardian describes IMPOSSIBLE as “a fiesta of trickery and illusion,” and "an absolute blast from start to finish!" says Hollywood News.
IMPOSSIBLE features six of the world’s most mind-blowing magical acts, fusing death-defying stunts, technological trickery, grand stage illusions and close-up magic in a fast-paced breath-taking performance that reinvents the biggest illusions in history.
“We were overwhelmed by the welcome that London audiences showed IMPOSSIBLE last year and hot on the heels of our success in different parts of the world. We are delighted to be bringing our spectacular World Tour now to Manila.” says Jamie Hendry (Producer).


IMPOSSIBLE features Boundary-Breaking Magician Ben Hart, Explosive Street Magician Magical Bones, Mind-Blowing Mind-Reader Chris Cox, Grand Illusionist Josephine Lee, Master of Magic Ali Cook, and Comic Daredevil Bello Nock.
 
The next thing that my eldest son, Maki asked was "How'd they do that Mommy?" when Ben Hart did the electrifying transportation. It was so amazing. I cannot explain it well, I just said to my son "It's Magic". While my youngest son, Gelo wanted to volunteer to Chris Cox when he asked the audience to read what was inside the mind of that specific person. He wanted to talk to the magician, he kept of raising his hand, hahaha, Gelo is very active and curious at the same time. Mind Reading is so amazing and spectacular, we really like it that much.

Ben Hart and Magical Bones made the news headlines recently as they left Filipino audiences stunned with their up-close magic and sleight of hand tricks during their promo tour in Manila to announce the show.
Finally the end was near, and it was Bello Nock again that made us all terrified with his stunt and we would shout whenever he is on the almost falling. Again, that was so amazing and spectacular. Most of the audience were really frightened with his stunts even my kids, their eyes were hooked with Bello Nock.

“Wilbros Live is thrilled to bring the world’s greatest magic show IMPOSSIBLE to Manila. This is a must-see live spectacular for the whole family this coming holiday season,” adds executive producer Winston Llamas of Wilbros Live.
We have an awesome Christmas celebration at the Impossible: The World's Greastest Magic Show. My kids are asking me to let them watch it again the next day, they really enjoyed the night and were hoping that we would watch it again. Thank you Wilbros for the opportunity and yes to See is to Believe at the Impossible.

#SeeToBelieve #ImpossibleMNL

Nuvali Magical Field of Lights is not new to me, I was there last year when they open the fields and I was really amazed. This year, they once again opened it, the 2nd year and this is my 2nd year as well. They say things are better the second time around. So, I'm back and enjoyed the show, the magical lights. Love to watch them over and over again and this time is more memorable because I'm with my Family.
Visitors to the fastest growth center in Southern Luzon, Ayala Land’s largest eco-community estate Nuvali, can now immerse themselves amidst a field of over 5,000 LED bulbs that light up like an enchanted field of tulips dancing to jubilant hymns starting November 11, 2017 until January 8, 2018. The nightly show from 6:00 to 10:00 pm is open to all guests and can be viewed at the Nuvali football field also known as The Fields, right beside its retail complex Ayala Malls Solenad.

Dubbed the “Magical Field of Lights”, the first ever lights and sounds show to light up a whole outdoor field winning a Silver Stevie award for best exhibition display, is the sequel to last year’s maiden launch upgraded with colorful light spheres scattered all over the fields as well as featuring the people’s favorite, the 50-meter light tunnel, festive LED Christmas trees, and dandelion light installations. A Christmas fair that showcases traditional Filipino Christmas culinary treats complements the nightly spectacle on the fields.

“We engaged the best local artisans, engineers, and designers to come up with a truly captivating Christmas treat for residents and visitors to Nuvali,” said Jenn Chua, Nuvali Marketing Manager. The Nuvali light and sound show team developed a combination of light-and-sound technology with inventive and dream-like choreographed light arrangements which fully embodied the spirit of Christmas.

This year, the audience will get to enjoy three new medleys featuring popular songs such as Kumukutikutitap by Ryan Cayabyab, Ang Pasko ay Sumapit, and Joy to the World. Before and after watching the light and show, visitors can visit nearby Solenad mall to explore its shops and Christmas bazaars, or watch the latest films in any one of the four state-of-the-art theaters equipped with with Dolby Digital, Recliner Seats, and the latest in sound technology, Dolby Atmos. Nature lovers and adrenaline-junkies can also check out Nuvali’s outdoor adventure playground and teambuilding facilities to try out the roller coaster zipline, Asia’s tallest Free Fall, wall climbing and bike tracks. Families may also opt to enjoy the Christmas cool breeze and watch movies under the stars at the Nuvali Nightsky Cinema events in partnership with Skycable, Fox Movies and Cinema One with shows on November 25, December 2 & 3, and December 16. Guests can also opt to stay a little longer for a Christmas staycation at the 150-room Seda Hotel Nuvali.

Was able to have a chance to experienced it again, the beautiful magical field of lights at Nuvali. Unfortunately, my means of documenting the experience with son experienced technicalities and in other words some of the videos with my kid wasn't been able to be retrieved as of now. I was hoping to it will be revived but to no avail it is still down and having it fixed is costly. Good thing I was able to save and posted some. My kid, Maki, enjoying the wonderful lights at Nuvali will be a mere experience, undocumented. It happened the day after we visited the grand opening of the Nuvali Magical Field of Lights, my cellphone did not open and we can't retrieve all the pictures and the videos that I took during the visit. It was a very sad day, though the experiences and the memory during is still in my son's wonderful memory. Maki said "Mommy I love those lights and ang Ganda naman dito, let's go back here again". Thankful that my kid really enjoyed the night though no proof of videos. Maybe next time or this year we will visit again the Nuvali Magical Field of Lights.

Mommies, you can now spend your holidays or bonding moments with your family and loved ones at Nuvali Magical Field of Lights. It will be a treasure to experience with them and a wonderful sight seeing the magical experience Christmas. 

Nuvali expects to surpass last year’s total visitor count at more than 900,000 with guests coming from Metro Manila and nearby cities like Laguna, Cavite, and Batangas. Aside from spreading yuletide cheer, the light show encourages the community to enjoy the outdoors and Nuvali’s wide open lush spaces which features a 35-kilometer mountain bike trail, a multi-functional lake, hiking paths, a wildlife and bird sanctuary, and a tree nursery and demo farm called Greens & Patches.

“By deriving inspiration from nature and carefully studying the estate’s distinct landscape, the show would like to represent and highlight Nuvali’s generous 50-50 open-space to built-environment ratio,” said Chua.

At 2,290-hectares, Nuvali is the largest mixed use development of Ayala Land that is an integrated eco-community with over 400 shops at Ayala Malls Solenad, 150-room Seda Hotel, office buildings, an events place, QualiMed Hospital, 2 schools and over 6,000 residents in multiple residential developments by Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida, and Amaia.

***photos by Sonny Espiritu***

We all love to cook, but the problem is how to prepare it in a very easy way and serve it in an unusual way. There are now too many cook books in the market that can teach how to cook and there are too many cooking show that can guide you, but the problem is that which one is the best for you, for us.
Okay, there's one show that I was glad to have seen and known, the Home Foodie. It continues to have shows that teaches and help create simple to prepare, easy to cook and delicious food. So it's another round for the good hosts of Home Foodie as they air their 3rd Season. Home Foodie is hosted by the ever click couple Drew Arellano and Iya Villana-Arellano. Together with the line of products of San Miguel Purefoods, with Celebrity Chefs, RJ Garcia, Rene Ruiz and Nutri Nurse Llena Tan-Arenas will get to share more of the "Madalicious Meals". Easy and delicious home cook meals.


Madalicious stands for Madali (easy) and Delicious food that they will offer this season. In addition to that, Home Foodie Madalicious Meals Mobile App was launched during its digital conference, where all home foodies can download the app in their smarthphones and watch 60-second cooking demos as weal as meal planning and preparation tips of the the recipes featured previously on Home Foodie TV episodes. This season, once the show is up on the TV it is automatically added to the Madalicioius Mobile App. Host Drew Arellano explains all about the said app through the video below;
The 26 recipes will be presented in thematic combos to give viewers quick tips and ideas on meal pairings. Most of the recipes featured this season have about 5 main ingredients that are pantry-friend and come in a 4 step procedures, using the finest quality products of San Miguel PureFoods.

During Home Foodie Season 3 Blogcon, Bloggers also had a taste of the flavorful dishes that will be featured on the show. Here are some of the food presented to us;

Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf.

Easy Oven Toaster Pizza, Bread Pudding in a Pan, Salted Egg Spareribs and Mediterranean Chicken Pilaf.

Mommies, this will be a big help for us as we serve meals for our loved ones and what's interesting is that it is a Madalicious Meals.  It will be a more bonding moments with the family because it is "Madalicious"








Catch Home Foodie beginning today May 15, Mondays to Fridays, after Unang Hirit on GMA 7.
To know more about Home Foodie and their recipes log on www.homefoodie.com.ph and follow them at Twitter: @homefoodiePH Instagram: @homefoodiePH and on Facebook www.facebook.com/homefoodie