Juan Luna Decoded

BAYANIHAN REPUBLIC:

Let's face it.  The moment we hear the word museum, we get bored or sleepy in an instant.  'But I guess not for someone who loves History as he loves the Internet.  Okay, that's me haha.  And recently, I got an invite to be part of the Luna Walk organized by the GSIS Museum of Arts.  Without a doubt, I said yes.  I know that my knowledge on Philippine History will be enriched if I join this activity.  And I was right.

Juan Luna

But first, for those who don't know exactly who Juan Luna is, let me give you a glimpse of who he is.  Juan Luna, born in Badoc, Ilocos Norte in 1857, is an icon in Philippine history, arts and culture.  He is the first Filipino International Achiever and one of the greatest Filipino painters who have ever lived.  In celebration of the birthday of Juan Luna, on Oct. 23, GSIS organized the Luna Walk to commemorate the special occasion and remember the contributions of a great Filipino artist.  The annual Luna Walk was initiated by Prof. Eric Zerrudo in 2003.  By 2006, GSIS Museum took over, this time, it was expanded to include Bahay Nakpil, National Museum, Luna Monument, San Agustin Church, Metropolitan Museum and GSIS Museum. For this year, his student Michael Charlton "Xiao" Chua, a professor in De La Salle University, Vice President of National Historical Institute and Panelist in ABS-CBN's Bottom Line, conducted the Luna walk and lecture.

Jose Mari Chan and Richard Poon finally team up for a special one night concert this December

POTATO ON THE GO (Music):

The ability to belt is something Filipinos like from a singer.  Most of the time, this becomes the gauge on how good a singer is.  It's always a jaw dropper witnessing such performances.  So I won't contest that.  Composers and record producers, and even singers themselves, know that a recording artist's or concert performer's wide range will be of big help in singing the way a song should be, as how it's written.  However, as I mentioned in my previous post, my preference for song varies on my mood, on what I am doing, on what I want to express.  Of course I also like well belted songs.  'But for moments that I want peaceful joy, relaxation, romantic setting or just a plenty of smiles, I go for mellow music.  So songs of singers like Jose Mari Chan, Richard Poon, Christian Bautista, Sitti and Juris, are household names in my song collection.

So when I got an invitation to the presscon of Jose Mari Chan and Richard Poon for their upcoming concert, I can't help but say a big yes!  It's not just one, but two of my favorites -- an OPM legend and singer-songwriter (Jose Mari Chan) and a modern day crooner and big band music enthusiast (Richard Poon)!  And both of them collaborating for a concert is such an excellent idea, and I got excited to see (and hear) it!  For sure, it will be a night of cool music, pleasant to the ears, heart and soul. 

Produced by Record Breaker Events and J&F Productions, co-presented by Zest-Air and conceptualized by Cornerstone Talents & Events, the special concert, entitled as "The Songwriter and The Crooner" is a one night engagement set this December 2, 2011 at the PICC Plenary Hall in Manila.

MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS Online Banners Unveiled!

Potato On The Go Bulletin:

Marvel fans' excitement will continue to heat up as Marvel Studios unveils the online banners of "Marvel's The Avengers"!

Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in Philippine theaters by May 2012.
 

TITANIC 3D Trailer Sets Sail on November 17

Potato On The Go Bulletin:

Marking the 100th anniversary of Titanic setting sail, James Cameron's blockbuster movie version of "Titanic" starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet will sail anew as  it comes back to theaters by April 7 next year, but this time in magnificent 3D!  (Titanic sailed on April 10, 1912).

“Titanic 3D” trailer will have its maiden release on 20th Century Fox (Philippines) Facebook page and www.Clickthecity.com on November 17 (Thursday).

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, “Titanic”, released in 1997, has remained the 2nd highest-grossing film of all time. “Titanic” starts its maiden voyage with an agora of British nobility, American industrialists, New York’s and Philadelphia’s best and hopeful poor emigrants in a gilded era where star-crossed lovers Rose Dewitt Bukater (Winslet) and Jack Dawson (DiCaprio) met aboard the ill-fated passenger ship.

The Battle Between Vampires and Lycans Continues in UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING

Potato On the Go Bulletin:

The war between vampires and werewolves has fascinated audiences from all over the world. And while many have been produced and watched by millions already, movie goers are craving for more. Hence, the battle continues.

And in Columbia Pictures' upcoming action horror-thriller “Underworld Awakening”, the supernatural rivalry continues as the fourth installment to the Underworld franchise brings a stunning new dimension as it is the first movie in the series shot in 3D.

Take your first look of the film's first domestic (U.S.) poster which Columbia Pictures has just released.

Foydi's Favorite Artists Do the TaDi Pose! :)

Foydi's Catch:

In music, I am not particular in any genre.  As long as it suits my taste, I would eventually like a song... and its singer and composer.  I think there's a specific type of music that fits a certain mood.  If I feel like relaxing, I go for ballads or acoustic.  If I feel like celebrating, poprock and dance songs come in.  And the list goes on and on. 

However though, I noticed that unconsciously, I feel like I'm the type who will be regularly hooked on mellow music which is relaxing to the ears, to the heart, to the soul.  It doesn't mean though that the other genre are dropped from my list.  I do like them as well, they fit a lot of occasions and situations too.  It's just that the former seems to be my ear's staple.  

And, folks, I am so lucky to have the chance to meet, know and talk to three of these singers, three of my favorite artists.  They are Jose Mari Chan, Richard Poon and Christian Bautista!  :)  And, of course I won't miss the chance, and luckily again, they were all game to do the TADI Pose!  :)

Jose Mari Chan for Tatak Digitista

Richard Poon for Tatak Digitista

Christian Bautista for Tatak Digitista

OPM legend and singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan and big band music enthusiast and practitioner Richard Poon are collaborating for an upcoming special concert dubbed as "The Songwriter and The Crooner".  The one night only concert is set this coming 2nd of December, 2011 at the PICC Plenary Hall.  They will be sharing the stage for the first time and promise bring the best of the past and the promise of refined future for OPM.

Asiansation Christian Bautista on the other hand launches his first international album under Universal Records entitled "Outbound".  The album contains eight songs which is a good mix of slow and upbeat ballads.  The first single "All That's Left" brings out Christian's new and bolder sound which proves he is more than just a balladeer.  (He's actually a good dancer now! hehe)

More of the coverage, interviews and reviews will be coming up next in Tatak Digitista's Potato On the Go page!  This post is just the first!  So watch out for it!  :)

Youtube Sensation Maria Aragon is the Voice of SM Christmas!

Action & Event-ure:

Like Cebu City Jail's Dancing Inmates and Charice Pempengco, Youtube Sensation Maria Aragon has also made a name for herself after her phenomenal stint at the said video sharing site.

The 11 year old Filipino Maria Aragon from Canada has come a long way ever since she uploaded a video of her breakthrough acoustic rendition of Lady Gaga’s song, Born This Way, back in February of this year. This video has become a viral hit after Lady Gaga herself saw and promoted this video urging her fans to view it, and at present the video already reached more than 43 Million views worldwide.  In a recent interview with her here in the country, Maria shared how that Youtube video changed her life.

Sponge Cola continues its winning streak through its newest album Araw Oras Tagpuan

POTATO ON THE GO (Music):

For someone whose wonder years have evolved during the golden era of Pinoy bands, the 90's to be exact, witnessing new bands rise and become successful just always give me a big smile.  I just always feel that this is our music reaching out to the current generation.

Sponge Cola is also for Tatak Digitista!  :)

And one of which is diamond record band Sponge Cola composed of Yael Yuzon (vocals/guitars), Erwin Armovit (lead guitars), Gosh Dilay (bass) and Tedmark Cruz (drums).  Sponge Cola has always made its presence felt since breaking the local music scene in 2001 via the new rendition of Madonna's signature song Crazy for You.

The only recording band to reach diamond after Eraserheards for the outstanding sales of Tambay (EP) via Coca-Cola’s summer promo, SPONGE COLA scores yet again as the band releases its highly anticipated fourth full-length album titled Araw Oras Tagpuan under Universal Records. But the band is not content to rest on its laurels yet, this is just the beginning.

Experience Antarctica via HAPPY FEET 2 in IMAX 3D starting November 23

 POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN:

With the arrival of IMAX theaters in the country, I have become a 3D fan.  I am always put into awe watching movies that bring me to the world their talking about.  But I don't agree though that every film should be in 3D.  If there's one film genre that is best filmed and exhibited in 3D, that would be animated pictures with fascinating settings.  

And with the sequel to “Happy Feet,” the Academy Award®-winning animated smash hit, Warner Bros.' “Happy Feet 2” will bring us once more to their world and let us experience the magnificent landscape of Antarctica in superb 3D, both in IMAX theaters and digital cinemas everywhere.

Philippine Gala Premiere of BREAKING DAWN PART 1 to happen on November 17

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN:

The year is almost over but if you think there are no more big movie events coming up, then you should check out this breaking news! :)

The highly anticipated worldwide phenomenon TWILIGHT SAGA... BREAKING DAWN PART 1 will have its Philippine Gala Premiere Night at the SM Premiere Cinema, Mall of Asia, on Nov. 17, Thursday, 8:00pm. Experience the movie in the all new state-of-the-art Dolby Digital Surround sound and in Special Widescreen Format.

Limited tickets are now available at AstroVision / AstroPlus branches or you may contact ticket hotlines at 524-0175 or 310-2004. Free imported 2012 calendar of the movie exclusive for this Philippine Premiere only. In the movie Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson), plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child… which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).

With more of the romance, passion, intrigue and action that made Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse worldwide blockbusters, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, based on Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series, begins the conclusion of the tale of vampire love, boundless friendship, acceptance, and finding your true self.

Put your comments on this post and get a chance to win a Twilight - New Moon cloth bag!   I'll pick one winner and send the prize to your address!  :)