Asiansation Christian Bautista Makes Bolder Moves With His New Album OUTBOUND

POTATO ON THE GO (Music):

The Way You Look At Me.  Hands To Heaven.  Colour Everywhere.  So It's You.  Beautiful Girl.  Tell Me Your Name.  With those titles, I believe you already know where this post is leading to.  :)  Yes folks, it's about the Asiansation, Mr. Christan Bautista!  And the titles I just mentioned are the songs that made me admire the talent that is Christian Bautista.

Christian continued to make waves in and out of the country, may it be in film, TV or music.  He starred in his first international film A Special Symphony and he is also part of the first and hit Pan-Asian musical TV series The Kitchen Musical. He is also the only recording artist to receive a 4x Platinum Record Award for Romance Revisited: The Love Songs Of Jose Mari Chan for 2011. He worked with Grammy-nominated pianist Jim Brickman, K-Pop R&B trio One Way, and fronted for the concerts of K-Pop sensations Rain and 2NE1. He also topbilled jampacked concerts here and abroad. He also has numerous endorsements tucked under his belt coupled with billboards all over the Metro and has consistently won numerous awards and citations.

In a recent Bloggers Meet organized by Universal Records in cooperation with Pinoy Magazine and Orange Magazine TV, I together with other bloggers was able to interview Christian and get to know his insights, feelings and what's new about his latest endeavors.

“Ever since I took the very first steps in my career, I cherished all the lessons and experiences I’ve gained through all those years- the ups and downs, the highlights and the difficult moments. These helped me hone my craft and led me to doors of opportunities. Every recognition that goes my way, favorable or critical comments on my work challenge me to do better because I owe it to my audience that I utilize my full potential,” says Christian with a smile. With all these career highlights, Christian Bautista remains humble expressing and thankful for all these blessings.

50 Years of Conserving the Living Planet -- The WWF 50th Anniversary Celebration

ACTION & EVENT-URE: 

Earth, the only living planet, the last frontier.  'But with the current state of our world's environment - forest denudation, air pollution, fish kill, landslides, excessive rainfall, rise of sea level, I can't help but think if we're heading towards our planet's darkest hours.  That's until I saw The Panda... and hope is rekindled in my heart.

The Panda I'm talking about is the symbol used by WWF, the world's largest and most experienced conservation organization.  This year, WWF celebrates its 50 years of taking care of our living planet and marks the 15th anniversary for WWF Philippines.  Marking these milestones, WWF Philippines recently held the Black and White Benefit Gala at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City.

WWF-Philippines celebrates the WWF global network’s 50th anniversary at the Main Lounge of the Manila Polo Club.

WWF-Philippines’ National Ambassadors, Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, hosted the event.

WWF Philippines Chairman Vince Perez in his speech said that fifty years ago, wildlife enthusiasts signed a manifesto creating an organization that could raise awareness, raise funds and forge alliances to champion the cause of environment conservation.  "That organization is WWF, now regarded as the world's largest conservation organization," said Vince Perez.

WWF-Philippine Chairman Vince Perez delivers his keynote speech and enjoins partners to support the Philippine Fund for Nature.

Lory Tan in Tubbataha Reef

From an organization that focused on protection of endangered species and other wildlife, WWF has now evolved into a premiere conservation organization.  WWF Philippines Vice Chair and CEO Lory Tan explained, "WWF has come to realize that we cannot save the Philippine Eagle, unless we manage our forests well.  And there is a crucial link between forests and water supply.  Unless we manage water supply, rice production is at risk.  In fact, all human activity is at risk."

WWF-Philippines Vice Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan discusses the organization’s successes since it was founded in the Philippines 15 years ago.

The Philippine Eagle

Lory added that the conservation of source" makes no sense unless we focus on the "management of use.  And no supply can be considered sustainable, unless there is a parallel effort to manage demand.  "As we face climate-defined future, no program can be considered up to snuff , unless it encompasses both the realities of today and the scenarios of tomorrow.  We are all connected."

Sustaining the Demands of a Hectic Lifestyle

FEATURISTIC:

I start my work at 9 am and usually end it at around 10 pm.  And then when I get home, I use what's left of my peaceful time to blog.  When events and special projects at work come in, most likely a minimum of two to three every month, unfortunately I almost don't sleep at all.  :(   If there are rare opportunities to leave the office at 6 or 7, I make sure I do something fruitful for my blogcast -- watch movies / theater / concerts for reviews, cover events, do interviews and meet up friends.  And as of this writing, the good news is, I am still alive...

But as I live a busy and indulgent lifestyle, unfortunately, my health takes a backseat. I tend to skip meals especially if I'm in between meetings; eat the wrong food like taking too much instant and processed dishes and eating them at my work station to catch up with deadlines; sleep less when there's a big event or meeting the following morning; move less when I'm stuck with my computer writing and editing stuff; and endure too much stress when working with tight schedule, a lot of stakeholders and suppliers, and sometimes, yes folks, difficult people! :D  In fact, a few weeks back, because of these stress and sleepless nights, I already endured the wrath of a condition called vertigo for the first time, for 9 to 10 days!  It was a real wake-up call for me folks. 

Prior to that vertigo phase, as mentioned earlier, I know I've been living a really toxic lifestyle.  That's why when I started working on a recent health oriented project, I volunteered to take the lead.  Okay, you may ask, why volunteer when I say I'm overloaded and  too much stressed already?  It's not just plain masochism folks haha.  Well it's really because I think I can actually relate to it and I just know I that I can help more and contribute more given the fact that I myself am trapped in such a hectic lifestyle .  And of course I believe also that the new information and learning that I'll get from it will benefit my quest for good health.

The project is actually about the new adult nutritional beverage of Wyeth called Enercal Plus.  And in its launch event which adapted "The Wake-Up Call" as its title as well, Wyeth formally presented Enercal Plus which aims to help safeguard our health while we strive for excellence in our lives.

Celebrity achievers Paolo Bediones, Angel Aquino, Jett Pangan, and top wellness doctor Oyie Balburias, graced the event at The Loft @ Manansala in Rockwell and shared their personal experiences  and insights about our rapidly changing environment, current busy and fast paced lifestyle, the things we disregard and the steps we need to take to meet the demands of our way of life (which really are quite similar to most of us!). 

Dr. Oyie Balburias, Head of Medical City’s Wellness Center and Emergency Department, says that the changes in our environment brought about by technology and mobility pose a lot of threats to our health as our bodies are not designed to live a sedentary way of life. “Everything has changed, our lifestyle, our diet, but our body remains the same. And if we are unable to adapt to these changes, it may cause deficiency and imbalance to our health,” Dr. Balburias explained.

Dr. Oyie Balburias, Medical City’s Medical Director and Unit Head of Center for Wellness and Aesthetics discusses the health effects of stressful careers and ways to overcome these.

Ace broadcast journalist Paolo Bediones, who recently moved to TV5, now anchors the late night newscast Aksyon JournalisMo which airs daily at almost 12 midnight and co-hosts the station’s morning show Sapul sa 5 which requires him to be on set by 4 am every day. And in between his news reporting schedule, he tapes regularly for his documentary show USI (Under Special Investigation) and Extreme Home Makeover, does volunteer work for Rescue 5 team, runs his businesses, performs with his band and supervises his soccer team. This pace allows him only a few hours of sleep on a daily basis. And as he’s always on the go, he often resorts to fastfood, as long as it keeps him going.

Paolo Bediones

Top model turned critically acclaimed actress Angel Aquino, as she embraces her successful TV hosting and acting careers, also juggles a heavy schedule every week. She tapes for her ABS-CBN drama series “Maria la del Barrio,” which sometimes lasts almost 24 hours, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Tagaytay and reports to Studio 23’s Us Girls every Tuesday and Thursday in different locations. As much as she wants to add some more sleep on the set, she tries to be awake all the time to prepare for the demands of her heavy role and get ready for every scene where she’s needed.

Angel Aquino

After more than twenty five years in the industry, rock icon Jett Pangan on the other hand is still at the prime of his career. His nights are very much occupied with the gigs of his rock band “The Dawn” not just in Manila but all throughout the country. During performances, he often skips meals and compensates by taking in liquids such as coffee and soda. And though he does not drink and smoke a lot anymore, he still succumbs to other health risks such as second hand smoke inside clubs and bars and unhealthy food choices. Aside from his band, Jett also hosts Myx Live and ventures into musical theater, which requires him to spend a lot of time and effort for rehearsals and performances.

Jett Pangan

Spielberg and Jackson have the same bet on who to play Tintin

POTATO ON THE GO BULLETIN:

Do you know who's playing the iconic role of  Tintin, the intrepid, boyish reporter who has mirrored countless dreams of adventure?

The filmmakers behind the upcoming animated feature Adventures of Tintin chose Jamie Bell!  “Jamie’s performance in Billy Elliot was astonishing to me, not just the subtlety of his acting, but the tremendous physical performance he gave,” Steven Spielberg, the film's director notes. “Peter and I both thought he had all the right qualities for Tintin.”  Peter Jackson is the producer of the movie.

Growing up in England, Bell had been a Tintin fan since childhood. “There’s something about Hergé’s art that leaves an imprint on you. It’s unforgettable,” he muses. But now, he had the chance to imprint the character with tangible, human emotions and that thrilled him.

HAPPY FEET 2 is one cool movie! :) -- HAPPY FEET 2 Movie Review

POTATO ON THE GO (Movie):

Antarctica is a place that fuels my curiosity.  So when March of the Penguins and Happy Feet were screened a few years ago, I was amazed how wonderful the penguins are.  Prior to that, it's just Penguin, Batman's villain, that captured my attention haha. And when I heard that Warner Bros. is cooking up the sequel to Happy Feet 2, I can't help but get excited.  :)  

Mumble (Elijah Wood) returns to the screen but this time with his son Erik (Elizabeth Daily who voiced the young Mumble in part 1).  He has a problem though with his son as Erik is choreo-phobic.  Remember, he was the one who popularized dancing in the first film.  Embarrassed with his first dance and reluctant to do it again, Erik runs away and encounters a penguin who can fly -- The Mighty Sven!  Mumble this time competed with The Mighty Sven for his child's adoration.  But things get worse when the world is shaken by powerful forces.  Erik discovers his father's real worth as Mumble goes out of his way to solve a disaster. 

Happy Feet 2 official movie trailer

Directed by George Miller, Happy Feet 2 is a fascinating story of the Antarctic's wildlife that depicts relationships among the family, friends, community and other living creatures in the cycle of life.  It may be a simple animation but it teaches us lessons on acceptance, forgiveness, cooperation, compassion, word of honor and love.  It also shows how each one of earth's living creatures is interconnected and dependent on each other.  And a disruption in the balance of life will definitely affect everyone.

Disney Pixar Releases New Trailer of BRAVE

POTATO ON THE GO:

Disney / Pixar has recently released the new trailer of its upcoming animated adventure "Brave".  Set in Scotland, the animated feature will hit the big screen in August 2012.

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts. Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson).

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!  :)