It’s Monday, another start of the week. Though my body urges me to go back to bed my mind is telling me to wake up or I’ll be late for work. That’s what I feel every Monday whenever I get up and prepare for work. My morning starts around quarter or few minutes before 5 am, preparing myself and getting ready to go to work. I leave the house at around quarter to six.

Before moving out of the house I make sure to have a last peek of the kids. It is a little keepsake for the whole week that I’ll not be around with them. I would be missing them for some time and it breaks my heart leaving the kids and my wife. They are Daddyless for the week but I have to because it’s for them.

Last February 23, I was able to cover the Grand Finals of the Yoshinoya Beef Gyudon Eating Contest.   A yearly activity of Yoshinoya Philippines headed by President and General Manager Timothy James Yang.  The event was held at the New Activity Center of Glorietta 1 in Makati City with twenty eight (28) finalists who competed during the qualifying rounds from different stores of Yoshinoya in past month.


Aside from the 28 contestants present in the Grand Finals there were also contestant from different medias, like the print, television, radio and online.  One of our famed blogger friend Florencio Jusay, Jr. was one of the contender.

Here's one of Kwento Ni Toto's mostly likely things to do... save the environment!  Yup, and since we cannot literally pick trash online well sharing things that can help reduce waste and help MOTHER EARTH is the least that we can do online.  Gladly here's one brand that aims to do the same as well with their reusable bags and it is called BagsGo, an on-the-go bag.  This is exactly what this new, revolutionary reusable bag is trying to do: HELP YOU HELP SAVE THE EARTH.

I know it's a bit late for the love month but I just want to share this great moment that I experienced last Valentine's Day at the Rockwell Power Plant Mall. It was an awesome dinner date with my loving wifey! The night was filled with plenty of surprises from Rockwell, there was an awesome and tasty three way course dinner with some goodies and it also comes with a movie viewing. Now, isn't it great and an awesome Valentine's date?!

Too bad, I wasn't able to get to visit the recently concluded 18th Hot Air Balloon Festival.  Though my place of work was just a ride away from the venue of the said festival I wasn't able to enjoy the great views of gigantic and colorful hot air balloons.  Anyway I did enjoy watching their air show which is just a glimpse away from my place of work.

After his very successful venture into artist management, former Hale frontman Champ Lui Pio, now CEO of Mecca Music, proudly announces the launch of Luigi D'Avola-- a fresh new face and talent who brings more to the entertainment world than just music.

“At Mecca Music, we take pride in producing and managing our artists. It’s a process that we put a lot of time and hard work. We really invest in our artists and make sure we guide them to reach their full potential. Luigi is a testament to that commitment, we are very excited to launch his music which we have worked on for almost a year now. We believe that he will break grounds in the music industry this 2013.” Lui Pio said

It's rare for me to get invited in big time concerts and especially if it is a concert of big time foreign artists, that's why when I was invited to watch this once in a life time concert I made my self very sure to attnd this concert. It was the one night show of Psy, the Korean hit maker that sung the Gangnam Style. Take note as well, though it's embarrassing I admit this was my first time to watch in SM Arena. So, definitely I don't know the whereabouts and ways inside the arena, if ever I was alone I'll definitely get lost and ask for help. Good that my better half is with me, she has been here a couple of times already and perhaps she's more knowledgeable of the place.

The PAO or The Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO) recently organized one of their projects which is called the “EyeBags,” a campaign that seeks to support the education of students from underprivileged families through the donation of various school materials. Incorporating ‘green’ into the advocacy, eye doctors from all over the Philippines have committed to donate hundreds of unused bags from medical conferences that they attend every year.

After reviewing and listening to thousands of entries, this coming February 24 12 different love songs or the P-Pop songs will be judged to hail the most well love Pinoy Pop Love Song. 

In celebration of 60 years of Philippine television, ABS-CBN and Star Records once again set the stage for brilliant Filipino composers to share their musical masterpieces to the world as it relaunched the country’s biggest multimedia songwriting competition “Himig Handog” with the theme, “Pinoy Pop (P-POP) Love Songs: Mga Awit at Kwento ng Pusong Pilipino.”

Perhaps if you enjoyed watching the motion picture of this movie then you'll definitely enjoy having a copy of its soundtrack.  A great way to reminisce the moment of watching the Les Miserables.  Know more about this great offer from MCA Music.

MCA Music (Universal Music Philippines) is proud to announce that an expanded, two-disc deluxe edition of the soundtrack to the film version of Les Miserables will be released next month. The complete Motion Picture Soundtrack will have 22 more tracks than the Highlights edition currently available.

Sunday has always been a busy day for Kwento Ni Toto but for this specific day it is much more busier than what I have thought. Of course this has nothing to do with the usual Sunday regimen, this time it's a busy day inside the mall. If you're one of our dear followers, I'm sure you've already read about the recent post regarding the sale that will transpire at one of the SM Malls which is the SM City Sta. Mesa or mostly known as SM Centerpoint.


In last year's sale features we have already featured some of their sale activities here in this blog. Kwento Ni Toto believed that many have seen it and we just don't know if shoppers was able to hunt for some good discounts and best buys. But of course with SM's sales you'll definitely find one for you. I do hope that you, my readers, was able to go there as well.

If you have been missing the member of the famous rock band before then perhaps you'll his company with his new group as they rock your world once more with their music.  Get the details below.

MCA Music’s latest superband The Oktaves successfully launched their self-titled debut album last Feb. 17 at the Glorietta New Activity Center. The event was presented by MCA Music, Ayala Malls, Glorietta in cooperation with Red Box, Astroplus, Businessworld and Herword.com.

Few days ago one of Kwento Ni Toto's correspondent was able to be part of the group that Chef Robby introduced and have a taste of his entry for the Manila Food and Wine Festival which is called Porchetta which is an Italian dish but what make it interesting is that Chef Robby put a Filipino twist in it.


Chef Robby will present his take on Porchetta, which is usually referred to as the "Italian pulled pork" made of savory, fatty and moist boneless pork roast of Italian Culinary Tradition, spice with garlic, rosemary, fennel and other herbs.  Chef Robby puts a Filipino twist in this Italian dish by using the Pinoy's well love lechon, spice and dressed with caramelized onions and arugula leaves to suit the Pinoy taste.

If you're one of the Rivermaya fans you'll definitely know how long they have kept in silence.  Here's the details of what's new with them.  Read the story below.

Iconic and multi-platinum-selling band Rivermaya releases their much-awaited single Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising? This single is the band’s first single in four years.

Pilipinas, Kailan Ka Magigising, penned by founding Rivermaya member Mark Escueta, is reminder to everyone to go against crab mentality, and selfishness, especially now that another elections is within the horizon once again.

English folk-rock band sensation Mumford & Sons added another feather to their cap with the triumph of their latest album at the just concluded Grammy Awards 2013. The album "Babel" won the Album of the Year plum at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, proving how recognized they have become among fans and criticsalike.

Babel is the band's sophomore full-length studio effort released last September in several European countries, in South America and in the United States and Canada. The follow-up package to the highly successful debut "Sigh No More" debuted at number one on both the UK Albums Chart and US Billboard 200. It became the fastest selling album in the UK last year, selling over 159,000 copies in just the first week of release alone. In the US it sold 600,000 during week 1 in the market, eventually earning the tag as 2012's biggest selling debut of any album. The album, released in the Philippines by MCA Music, was actually nominated for four Grammy Awards as it also earned nomination nod for British Album of the Year at the 2013BRITAwards.

Present at the opening were Karate Kid Business Unit Manager Wilber Z. Escleto, CafeFrance Corp. President Malou Molina, Karate Kid EVP Raymond Yap, Manila Complaint and Action Team Chief Franklin Gacutan, former COMELEC Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, and former PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

Hay... yah!  Here's a good news for all food lovers in the metro, specially those who are near the Quiapo area.

Karate Kid, home to the metro’s favorite Japanese-American specialties, gives more Filipinos a chance to experience its delectable offerings as it opens its newest store in Quiapo, the first one for 2013.

“The market for Japanese fusion cuisine has shown steady growth through the years and we feel that Karate Kid has greatly contributed to that,” says Karate Kid EVP Raymond Yap. “After the success of Karate Kid’s five store openings last year, we continue to strengthen our commitment to provide Filipinos with the brand’s signature Japanese-American delights as we expand in key areas in the metro.”

What would you think if you hear two contrasting elements mixed together in a specific phrase? Ironic or crazy, perhaps, but this title of the newest teleserye of ABS CBN makes it interesting to watch. Entitled as “Apoy Sa Dagat” is a contradicting phrase translated in English as “Fire on Water” or “Fire on the Sea”.

Few weeks ago, we were given a time to sit down and chat with the creative team of “Apoy Sa Dagat”. It was a lively and interesting chat with the writers and director, with Director F.M. Reyes as the one who lead our small chit chat.

Known as “The Prince of Teleserye Theme Songs”, Bryan Termulo held his 2nd Bloggers' Conference at Insomia Bar in Centris last February 9, 2013 to introduce his upcoming 1st Major Concert entitled “Bryan XXV Termulo” The Birthday Concert! Yup it is his birthday, so this is his gift to his fans.

The night was filled with fun and laughter as Bryan Termulo answers questions from the bloggers. Gladly, Bryan Termulo was game with the session and most of the bloggers shoot their questions, though some of them were already known to many. Mommy Jo ask one question that made everyone listened to what would Bryan will answer. The question was “Tell us things that we don't know about you (Bryan Termulo)?” Well before that here's something about Bryan Termulo and his upcoming Birthday Concert.

Don't have any gift ideas or your just too busy to look for the perfect present this coming Valentine's Day?  You should worry no more as Lazada, the country's premier online shopping mall that offers all-around convenience for time-strapped shoppers will ease that problem.

Lazada is home to a vast selection of products¾from books clothing, footwear, personal care, accessories, electronics and gadgets that will surely captivate the most discriminating taste. Featured brands include Samsung, Cherry Mobile, The Body Shop, Celine, Nike and Spalding.

Leaving loads of nail-biting cliffhangers for loyal viewers as it went on its mid-season hiatus, “The Walking Dead” Season 3 returns to Fox Philippines on Feb 16 at 8:55 PM. Fans of the hit TV series about a hardy group of survivors of the zombie apocalypse are expecting an all-out war to explode on their screens at the premiere and will tune in to see what happens when different aspects of human nature clash in a world with little hope left in it.

Have you been to Guijo Street in Makati?  Well, I have been there once.  It's not a big street but with almost 500 people in attendance and imagine that crowd, this young singer-songwriter Jensen Gomez held his album launch for Umpisa last February 1.  It eventually transformed Guijo Street in Makati into a concert venue.  Jensen, along with his band, performed all the 10 songs included in the album.

SM City Sta. Mesa will be having its 3 Day blast of Sale this coming February 15 to 17 and there are plenty of things to expect.  There will also be the usual discounts plus if you get there and shop at the first 2 hours of the first sale you'll get another 10% discount.

LOVE

Hahaha, it's better late than never and gladly I was able to find this staff!

Who says expressing love only shows in words, well not for this creative hands in Fruits in Bloom.  This Valentine's Day offer your love ones with a healthy treat but of course with a touch of romance as this very special occasion call for gifts that verbalize what words sometimes cannot. Fruits in Bloom offers a fresh take on gift-giving, making events more meaningful and lovelier, with its fresh and innovative approach to the random ‘fruit basket’ we have come to expect.

Just an update for the Gary V fans out there!

The latest album of Gary Valenciano, Gary V Sings: Just For You, has recently been presented with a Gold Record Award for its outstanding sales. The album includes Gary’s renditions of memorable hits like In Your Eyes, It Might Be You, Somewhere Down The Road, What Matters Most, Overjoyed, among others.

The award was given last February 10 during ASAP 18, where he also launched the second single of the album – a modern take on Stephen Bishop’s It Might Be You. Present during the awarding is Universal Records’ General Manager Kathleen Dy-Go.

More and more artists are coming out of their hibernation and just recently, Alden Richards, one of GMA 7 fastest rising stars embarks on a new journey as a recording artist as he signed up under Universal Records.

Alden joins the elite roster of local artists of Universal Records like Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Christian Bautista, Jaya, Noel Cabangon, JayR, Richard Poon, Gloc-9, premiere bands like Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Calla Lily, Sponge Cola, and young performers Sam Concepcion, Kimpoy Feliciano, Emmanuelle, among others.

For those who loves rock instrumentals, this one is for you!  Rock on!

Journey mainstay Neal Schon, the only member of the globally renowned arena band who's been there since day one, has just released his latest solo venture -- an all instrumental album he recorded on a four-day creative spree right after putting the finishing touches to his band's last album "Eclipse." The album entitled "The Calling" is instantly interesting considering it is "showcasing a side of Schon that isn’t often represented on Journey albums."

Released by MCA Music late last January, the 12-track instrumental set was created minus the pressure of giving in to the requirements of radio-friendly format, thus, guitar purists and music enthusiasts tired of hearing saleably safe and forcibly derivative hooks will find this one a breath of fresh air, especially that it comes from a guitar god whose talent sometimes gets underrated when stirred with Journey's monumental pop rock success.

Presenting... Imagine Dragons!

The band released two EPs titled Imagine Dragons EP and Hell and Silence EP in 2010, both recorded at Battle Born Studios. They returned to the studio in 2011 Another EP, It's Time, was made before they signed a record deal.

Continued Silence, Hear Me and Night Visions (2011–present)

Imagine Dragons signed to major label Interscope Records in November 2011. They are working closely with producer Alex Da Kid with whom they recorded their first major label release at Westlake Recording Studios in West Hollywood, California. An EP entitled Continued Silence was released on Valentine's Day (February 14, 2012) digitally and peaked at #40 on the Billboard 200.

Get a doze of Hollywood glitz and glamour this morning as Star World brings viewers the biggest awards shows and red carpet events this February. Find out which films and which stars will garner the most honors at these prestigious occasions, and marvel at the celebrities as they parade up the red carpet and set the fashion world abuzz in their stunning designer suits and gowns.

If you want to know who's on the list of 2013 Grammy Nominees check it out at here.

Capitol Records, through PolyEast Records, will release the 2013 GRAMMY® Nominees album is now available in the market which features 22 critically-acclaimed smash hits from a myriad of chart-topping artists from various genres. The album will be album at all record stores nationwide.

Two of the successful Filipino artists in Asia and are considered multi-platinum record holder Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart SABRINA and Asiansation Christian Bautista finally recorded a duet together via the song “Terrified.” This single was originally played by Katharine McPhee and Zachary Levi, it is included in Sabrina’s latest album “I Love Acoustic 5”. Its music video was directed by Mark Esteban of Pixeleyes Multimedia and it is already moving up the charts of music channel MYX.

According to Sabrina, “I had so much fun shooting the video and it was so nice to get to know Christian more. It was truly an honor that he agreed to this duet with me which is our treat not just for our Filipino but our Asian fans as well. We have been getting requests for a long time for this and we’re glad it finally happened.”

To all PSY fans out there I know you are waiting and very much eager to watch this show.  Finally, the much awaited concert will happen this coming February 16, 2013 as Korean pop superstar PSY performs for his Filipino fans.   The concert will be held at SM Mall of Asia Arena 8:00 pm.  PSY will be sharing the stage with country's comedy concert queen AiAi delas Alas with special guests Jose and Wally.   This show is presented by That's Ntertainment Production, Ovation Productions and Music Management International. Dubbed as “Tanging Family Valentine Show,” enjoy a post-valentine treat with a worldwide phenomenon GANGNAM STYLE, which has over a quarter of a billion views for his amazing viral music video, choreography which soared to the top of the charts and spawned myriad copycat videos by everyone across the worldwide web.

Perhaps some people are just plainly curious about what the buzz is. Or maybe a good promo team is backing this phenomenal folk-rock group act called The Lumineers.

The fact that tickets to their shows sell like hotcakes to every stop means that the interest is far from just the result of bandwagon phenomenon. The group has been capturing audiences as the successful release of their self-titled debut album last year proved they have what it takes to conquer and draw in more people.

Few days before the first episode of Juan Dela Cruz, I was able to catch the advance screening of its first whole week. The advance screening was available in few places in the Philippines. One in Megamall, in Cebu, and in Davao.  All Coco Martin fans are very much eager to watch it. The screening in SM Megamall was packed with celebrities showing their support for Coco Martin come after the successful love story Walang Hanggang which was hailed by many fans and viewers as well as the fans and supporters of Coco.

Not so long time ago there were two individuals with different personality met in a not so ordinary day and a not so ordinary place, it was Valentine's Day.  Though with differences they both collided in a good manner.  It's like a magnetic attraction, opposite ends attracts.  A mixture of two personalities complimenting each other.  It was a new haven for both of them.


There were rumors they will not last but with God's blessing their relationship grew more.  Even stronger with every trials they face.  Through heat and through rain they endured everything just to be together in each others arms.  It took time before they finally decided to settle the long yearning of their soul.  The screaming of their heart, shouting their love for each other.

Sports fans! Here's something that you should be watching! FOX International Channels (FIC) Asia, News Corporation’s international multi-media business and Asia’s leading pay-TV network, announced today that FOX SPORTS will be showcasing the LIVE broadcast of the highly anticipated 2013 National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl XLVII on Monday, February 4 at 7.30am (HKT), featuring the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens.