Fans get high with Hi-5

Hi-5 is back in the Philippines this holiday season! I love how they can get all the kids high and groovin' on positivity (without having to give them sugar). Happily, I got to chat with them again (same day as last year!:))

Ainsley, Dayen, Mary, Stevie and Tanika sing about a world of dreams with fairy gardens, outer space, and underwater adventures. Stevie who's on his last tour with the group also released a new book:) Anything is possible indeed! 

You may catch Hi-5 House of Dreams from December 18-22 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

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How to invade 75 Filipino artists' studios in one sitting

Manila Bulletin recently lauched a coffeetable book featuring 75 Filipino artists in their workspaces.

Multimedia artist Rosscapili is one of the many talented icons featured in the book. (I was lucky enough to be photographed by this master back in 2006.:) I must say he hasn't aged a bit!)

He feels honored to be part of it. He says by "invading" his studio, the book explores his growth as an artist as well as his various techniques.

Along with the other generous artists, Rosscapili donated one of his works for a private sale in Manila Hotel for the benefit of the Philippine Red Cross. His painting is nice & bright with butterflies amidst moving trees that seem to come alive when you squint!

I heard the paintings were sold like hotcakes!:)

"Filipino Artists in Their Studios" is available at leading bookstores for 3,990php. 

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Crackin' Holiday Blues with PBT's "Nutcracker"

As the second resident ballet company of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine Ballet Theater (PBT) has 20 resident dancers plus adopted scholars through various foundations. 

Master Anatoli with his children; Edward sits in front (wearing purple) while Emerson stands near his brother

14-yr-old Edward Evangelio and his older brother Emerson are some of PBT's young scholars. Edward says that ballet helps them support their big family (I heard they have 9siblings) while they study at Sta Ana Public School. They also get to express themselves when they dance.

A real artist supports others in any way s/he can

Russian ballet master Anatoli Panasyukov has been training the PBT dancers and scholars for 20 years. Master Anatoli says his students are his children; they call him  "Papa." He regrets that some of his most talented apprentices resort to looking for other jobs after finishing their studies for lack of proper funding. It's admirable how he perseveres in mentoring promising talents in the country for the love of classical ballet.

To kick off the holiday season, the Philippine Ballet Theater restages the Nutcracker. Master Anatoli is excited to have American guest dancer Joseph Phillips.

A story about Clara, a girl who experiences a one of a kind adventure because of a nutcracker from her grandfather, PBT President Sylvia Lichauco-de Leon says: "The story of the nutcracker and the mouse king originated in Germany. It's a folktale about a little girl who dreams. The prince comes all because of a nutcracker her grandfather gave her on Christmas. They're supposed to bring good luck to your house and ward off evil spirits. Many people collect nutcrackers; it's a special gift." Lauchengco adds it's a great spectacle that could help alleviate stress. She herself has watched it several times in various countries. 

 To demonstrate further how it can make you smile, she allowed the feelingera ballerina to try one of PBT's colorful costumes!:p

The Nutcracker by the Philippine Ballet Theater will run from Nov 13 to 15 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

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PAT's Top 5 Moisturizers

As we're experiencing the worst El Niño ever this ber season, dams and agricultural lands are in danger of running dry.  Experts are coming up with ways on how to alleviate the situation.

Likewise, unavoidable exposure to the heat and pollution could make the skin dull, dry, irritated and unattractive.  Thank God we have some friends that can aid us in our plight. Here's my fab squad in battling skin scaliness and premature ageing in these times of distress:

1. Virgin Coconut Oil

      VCO is known to provide natural UV protection and prevent wrinkles. With its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, some take this as a nutritional supplement to increase metabolism and reduce the risk of heart disease.    I use this to moisturize my gums and reduce the occurence of bleeding now that I'm pregnant (See oil pulling). It doubles as my waterproof eyeliner remover too.

VCO: versatility in a bottle 

2. Burt's Bees Handcream

      Who could say no to dessert? Sniffing the light scent of almond milk is just uplifting.

dessert for the skin

3. Creamy Moisturizing Oil

      Contrary to what most people think, oil slathering doesn't have to be greasy.  Aveeno's lightweight, easily absorbable formula works wonders even when it's hot and humid.

Creamy oil

4. Argan Oil

      I would have to agree when people refer to this as liquid gold.  Some brands are too sweet smelling for me; I like Skinstation (in bottle form),  Zen Nutrients (in balm form which I also use as my heavy makeup remover), and Color Collection (in lipgloss form).  Now that I'm discouraged from using synthetic perfumes, this somehow doubles as my scent at the moment.    

Argan Oil

5. Total Moisture Nourishing Lotion

      I've been using this for quite some time now; I like it because it minimizes the appearance of uneven skin, spots, and bumps.  I guess I really love oatmeal.

Oatmeal lotion

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Happy Preggy: My Top 5 Favorite Cleansers

Now that I'm pregnant, some ask what I use to help keep myself happy and blemish-free.  The first trimester wrecked havoc on my skin & hair (among other things) because of flaring hormones. Skinstation advised me to skip my Collawhite and Silver Masque facials when I was able to confirm (nearing the third month) that I was indeed expecting.  I was also advised to avoid my favorite infladerm cream (which tamed down skin inflammation & redness) and other products with tretinoin and retinol.

In spite of these restrictions, I still insisted on having my facials done when zits & blackheads invade my sanity. I happily endured the slight pain. We limit the steam to my T-zone (there are some studies that point out that pregnant women should avoid the sauna), skip the medicated astringent & laser, and finish off the facial with some Vitamin C Serum.

But now on my third trimester, I'm relieved that I don't experience as much skin problems as before. Here are some cleansers that help at home:

1. Dermax Skin Prep Gel Cleanser

      If they can use it to prep the skin professionally, why not use it at home? It's sulfate, paraben & fragrance free so it's safe for everyday use.  It's even good for other parts of the body that experience occasional breakouts (like my back, arms & chest). I like it because it rinses off easily & leaves the skin smooth.

Dermax Skin Prep Gel Cleanser

 2. Mild Shampoo

      My mom wants me to cut my hair short now that I'm expecting but I'm not willing to let go of my long tresses just yet.  Some formulas in the market are just too harsh & trigger more hairfall and bacne breakouts.  So to compromise, I opt for mild shampoos like Hana and Zen Nutrients' Gugo with Tea Tree Oil.  Singing in the shower is a prelude to a great day.

mild shampoo

 3. Burt's Bees Orange Facial Scrub

      I used to make a masque out of nutmeg and cold non-fat milk to tame down the redness of my face (my skin is really sensitive even before).  With this product, I don't have to do that anymore :) Just mix it with a little bit of water and voila! I use this at least once a week. I finish it off with Burt's Bees organic toner on my T-zone and some tea tree oil on pesky trouble spots.

tomato toner, orange scrub & tea tree oil

 4. Oatmeal Body Wash

      Hmmm...I just love the scent!

5. Ultra-calming foaming cleanser

      This one doubles as a light makeup remover.  There are days when you want to skip the cold cream/wipes/makeup dissolving oil.  You just want some fresh lather on your face that you could rinse with cool water.  On those days, this product is such a reliable pal.

ultra-calming foam

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Music at Play

I had so much fun this week as I was able to watch two musicales. Musicales just make me giddy with glee.

First was the culmination of the great BenCab's birthday month at Solaire. Last night (April 30) was the world premier of Sabel: Love & Passion.

I just adore the angel dance. The singers were all splendid, exploring different musical genres in one night.  Ms Yza Calzado was almost mystical in her modern terno while Antoinette Taus was such a revelation. & yeah..ballet dancers never fail to make me jealous with their gracefulness. 

They'll have another run in Greenhills this June.

*******

This morning (May1), the excitement continued as I watched Peppa Pig live from West End at the Meralco Theater. Like Avenue Q, the musical actors sang alongside the charming foam puppets.

Familiarizing kids about animals & modes of transport the fun way, I think even grownups enjoyed singing along. Fans cheered on when they finally found the treasure:)

I satisfied the kid within as I had a fan moment with my cousins. Becky Adams who has been playing Peppa for almost two years now is delightfully charming. 

You have until May 3 to catch them in Manila:) They're heading to Singapore next. Oink!

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Synthesis

Some claim OPM is dead, yet some artists like Glaiza de Castro struggle to prove them wrong. She makes an unexpected return to her music roots with the release of her latest album "Synthesis"

Glaiza says her closest friends including Angelica Panganiban, China Ortaleza, and Alessandra de Rossi helped her with this album. As production of film "Madaling Araw, Mahabang Gabi" wrapped up, she found herself creating songs from snippets of their conversation.

She has been singing eversince she could remember, but it was in showbiz that she became exposed to other genres like r&b, rock, alternative, new wave, no wave and pop rock.

It took her 2yrs to finalize the material. Her friend, R&B Prince Jay-R with his independent recording label, Homeworkz, helped her with distribution.

(http://www.jayrsmusic.com/homeworkz.php)

With that, we'll be seeing more of Glaiza in the Philippine concert scene.

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