Lady Gaga x Terry Richardson Contest Winners

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Saab

I had so much fun going through all the entries you sent in for the Lady Gaga x Terry Richardson book!!

I especially loved the ones with accompanying stories of how they were once bullied when they were younger and how they took control of the situation and made a comeback. Here are my favorite before and after photos.

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Janine Armie Palomo formerly known as “Golden Buddha” or the most original insult ever: “baboy”

HOT MO, GIRL!!

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Roxanne Diana Figuerroa: “Boys in class teased me because I was such a weakling. They would block my way and push me around. Once a seatmate who was one of the achievers in class put earwax in my notebook just ’cause I can’t multiply numbers.”

She ended up being the batch salutatorian and 3 of her bullies ended up courting her.

Ang say ko: ANYARE, BOYS?! Roxanne Diana, wag mo silang sasagutin pleeeeeease.

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Ricardo Fernandez‘s before and after photo

Panalo ka sana kaya lang walang kasamang anecdote nang pagka-bully sayo.. Pero oh my gosh GWAPO MO. And you’re fighting against HPV. Love it!

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Jessica Orense was a lot like me in grade school. Both nerds except she’s good at Math, ako pang English at Reading lang. She won this medal at an international Math competition held in Lucknow, India. How very Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan in Mean Girls)!

“Boys in our class would also compare me to other smarter, thinner, prettier girls and [they] would tell me that the only thing I’m good for is studying… and that nobody would ever like me. The sad part is it really got to me and I always walked around with my head down, avoiding stares.”

“I’m in fourth year high school now, and I’m happy to say I know better. I’m comfortable in my own skin, and although I still get insecure from time to time, I definitely love who I am and I wouldn’t want to be anyone else.”

Work it, girl! She said this photo was taken after their class had a Gossip Girl-themed fashion show and she was Jenny Humphrey. I think you’re way hotter than little J ;)

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Marie Paulyn dela Cruz. She stopped tying her hair back when she was 9 because of classmates making fun of her big ears.

She’s 16 now and she obviously outgrew her classmates and realized they were being so immature!

She puts her hair up in a ponytail and is thankful to God for giving her bigger ears. She now considers them a blessing rather than a curse :)

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Nilo Reyes sent me his “evolution” through the years!

Keri!

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Cindhee Lopez didn’t want to look at herself in the mirror because she was always being teased about the burn on the side of her face :(

“I realized that I need to accept first myself so that others will do too.” And you should totally be proud of who you are because whenever I see you at gigs you have one of the most pleasant faces in the crowd <3

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I love Marie Lyzette Cuenca‘s transformation!

You make that head gear look so chic, I’m not even kidding. You look so calm and cool in this picture! But I do sympathize with you and the fact that your childhood “friends” used to call you Bangus, Tilapia, Golden Teeth and Palakol because of your teeth, dark skin and small build.

BUT LOOK AT YOU NOW! Akala ko nga si Kylie Padilla.

I’m sure the taunts from your bullies (who are for sure ugly today because nagmamanifest ang sama ng ugali sa itsura ng tao) helped you become the confident sociable person you are today!

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Cutie pie Chino Matienzo sent in his before and after photos with this message, “Treasure your haters. They are the very trophies that show people that you use your freedom to do what you want to do and you enjoy it. Haters gonna hate!”

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Jerlie Driza Baruiz used to get bullied all the time because of her glasses, uneven teeth and boy-cut hair.

Her father passed away towards the end of 6th grade and this made her think of her two younger siblings. She knew she had to stand up to her bullies to protect herself and her siblings as well.

“I’m very proud to say that I have changed a lot not only physically but as well mentally and emotionally. And guess what, those boys that use to bully me are now my admirers! :P” I’m sure, sexy!

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Gell-o Conferido was bullied because he was sexually confused at a very young age. Name calling, emotional abuse and even violence (damn you, Marco, whoever you are!!) were used to bring him down.

“Now, I’m FIERCE, in college and at the same time working in the fashion industry, fit-er than ever, more successful than those guys who bullied me before and damn more confident of myself and my sexuality! But somehow, I thank them for doing that to me, coz I wouldn’t be this strong if it wasn’t for them. I wouldn’t be as tough as a rock when someone tries to make fun of me. Instead of swallowing my pride, I’d just go up to them and say ‘God bless you’ :)”

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Ira Giorgetti was your typical high school nerd (in my opinion a very cute nerd)

He didn’t include a story about his experience with bullies but I think this photo taken by Regine David speaks a lot about the issue at hand.

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FINALLY! The two winners (I wish I had more copies of the book to give to all of you huhuhu):

MICO TALAN was called Kirara and Horseshit when he was studying in an all boys school where being gay automatically makes you a target for these insecure/confused/probably-gay-themselves teenage boys. One time Mico helped a classmate who, instead of thanking him, pushed him because he didn’t want to be associated with Mico. He actually broke his arm and ended up in the hospital because of that incident (which was dismissed as an accident and the boy was not punished – what the heck, Don Bosco…).

He studied Air Transportation in college and was also bullied by his college classmates. He turned “Nita Negrita” into “Ms. Angola” and embraced his dark skin and sexuality! His school gave him his own plane to fly and it came in pink!! LOVE IT!

JEFFREY IMUTAN was bullied in grade school and he joined on behalf of his daughter who loves Lady Gaga. This is his only before photo because their house burned down :(

He sent in this picture to prove his now oozing confidence.

Don’t know what’s up with all the shoes and that logo on your thigh but that pose is golden. Your daughter’s lucky to have you!

Congratulations! The two of you may claim your books at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street beginning tomorrow, just show a valid ID.

Posted in Beauty, Books, Contest | 26 Comments

Cara Manglapus and The Executives Unplugged

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Saab

One of my best friends and fellow Creative Writing student back in college Cara Manglapus has bloomed into a beautiful young jazz singer. I blogged about her and kind of predicted her singing career. She started having regular gigs when she came home in 2011 after two years of traveling the world.

The Executives Unplugged is a musical spin-off of the historic 15-piece jazz group, The Executives Big Band. Founded in 1957 by Senator Raul S. Manglapus, the original Executives have jammed with giants in both music and government, including Duke Ellington, Gary Burton, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Byrd, the King of Thailand, the King of Cambodia, Former First Lady Ming Ramos, and Former US President Bill Clinton. The have also performed for Pope John Paul II in the Vatican.

This love for great music is carried on by Raul’s son, Francis Manglapus, who now manages a 3rd generation of musicians that compose today’s Executives Band. Francis and his daughter, Cara, make up ½ of The Executives Unplugged, playing rhythm guitar to Cara’s smooth and sultry lead vocals. A business executive by day and a musician at night, Francis also plays the piano and the drums.

Cara Manglapus started singing at age 2, heavily influenced by her father’s enthusiasm for Broadway classics and The Beatles, and her grandfather’s zest for jazz. As she grew up, she broadened her vocal capacity by taking voice lessons in both pop singing and musical theater, and singing with the multi award-winning Woodrose High School Glee Club. She graduated with a degree in Creative Writing from the Ateneo de Manila University and went on to work in Hong Kong, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Taiwan, and Sweden as a project manager of a distinguished advertising company. She has since returned to the Philippines to rekindle her devotion to the arts, with a debut performance on the main stage at the French Embassy’s Fete de la Musique in June of 2010. She is also a contributing writer for local magazines.

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I’m happy to promote their upcoming Valentines Day Concert in Alabang’s newest 5-star hotel, Acacia.

They’ll be playing 3 sets of 45 minutes each and the cherry on top is how affordable this date would be for you and your loved one. A romantic 4-course meal with a glass of red wine and a smooth jazz band to score your Valentine’s kiss. www.acaciahotelsmanila.com

Cara just recently started her own blog (finally!), you might want to follow her: caramanglapus.blogspot.com

Posted in Events, Music, Websites | 6 Comments

Join The Red Revolution!

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Saab

The REVOLUTION will take over the month of hearts as the finest music of today go hand in hand in raising the alarm for HIV AWARENESS. Prepare for a Bigger and Better RED REVOLUTION, February 9, 2012, Metrowalk Open Parking Lot, gates will open at 3pm. Let’s SPREAD the LOVE!

Don’t forget to do your part. Be aware, get informed. Sound the alarm. BLOW HARDER!

Ticket price is Php 50.
(there will be no more P30 and P20 denominations but we will still accept the tickets purchased before.)

See you there! Read more for the full list of bands!

Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Health, Music | 11 Comments

Tattoo Unleashes a New Global Resistance

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Saab

Pushing the bounds of connectivity, Tattoo has taken on the challenge that continues to make Filipinos more mobile, powerful, global and consequentially, revolutionary. Get ready for a new domination in your broadband – with three reasons to resist the slow and unreliable broadband internet that plagues the market. With an empowered prepaid and postpaid portfolio Tattoo outdoes competition yet again in etching a permanent mark in the minds of the young, mobile, and techno-savvy. More to these, it is their new brand ambassadors, it seems, that causes the most buzz in the beeline.

Proof that Tattoo packs a punch in providing value for money for the best deals, the “Filipino Flash” Nonito Donaire raises his fist in resisting mediocrity with the tired old broadband we all have been accustomed to. The current World Bantamweight Champion has risen from jaggedness and aims for prominence. And putting up the same stance for the country’s #1 most preferred broadband, Tattoo promises internet service that is uninterrupted, with strong and powerful signals at unbeatable speeds.

With his perma-lined eyes, black swept hair, and his melodic howl, vocalist Miggy Chavez has raised a strong following for a religion he calls Chicosci. Armed with hypnotic guitar riffs, surreal lyrics, and, Chavez’s addicting vocal styling, Chicosci has reared a legion of head-banging cronies for their “Vampire Social Club”, a historic hit for Philippine rock. And with Tattoo on his side, Miggy Chavez can take his ‘vampiric’ social network following to virally fanatic proportions, with reliable bandwidths designed for instant updates, super-sonic uploads and downloads, and unlimited interaction. Backed up by Tattoo, Miggy breaks through limitations caused by slow, unreliable internet access, as he puts his rock-cult status in the burning spotlight and paves the way to musical innovations that would bring the Pinoy sound to the international arena.

Model marvel Georgina Wilson on the other hand, with her multi-faceted persona has invaded the international fashion consciousness and left an indelible mark all her own. From the face that launched a thousand billboards, to her display of Filipina beauty in the global stream of America’s Next Top Model, Georgina has proved, time and again, that the Pinay supermodel is more than just a pretty face. Above all, professionalism, personality, and panache transcend a model into an invading icon.

Tattoo challenges you to RESIST all your old notions of what your broadband can be. It is time to RESIST the undependable, and start living your connected lives without limits, as it takes you to the new generation of global broadband domination.

Join the resistance and choose your weapon, visit www.tattoo.globe.com.ph

Posted in Gadgets, Press Release | Leave a comment

Suntok Sa Buwan

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Saab

ESQUIREMAGAZINE.PH — Suntok sa Buwan is the directorial debut of Bianca Catbagan, together with Jose Antonio de Rivera. Starring Joem Bascon and Daniel Fernando, the story revolves around two boxers: one,  young and talented, the other, aged yet passionate. The two are headed for a collision as they prepare against each other in the bout that will define their lives.

When a boy with everything to lose faces a man with nothing to lose, who will win the fight?

Visit the movie’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/suntoksabuwan
Release : January 2012
Directors: Bianca Catbagan and Jose Antonio de Rivera
Stars: Joem Bascon, Daniel Fernando, Noni Buencamino, Jacinta Remulla

Posted in Movies, Philippines, Press Release | Leave a comment

Marshall Law

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Saab

Marshall is a world renowned brand because of their amplifiers

Guitarists from all over the world have been using Marshall amplifiers since 1962. From Jimi Hendrix, Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris and Janick Gers, to Snow Patrol’s Nathan Conolly and Marion Raven (of M2M/Pokémon OST fame).

I’m not a pro guitarist (I’m not even an okay guitarist) but I know good music when I hear it – Marshall’s sound is off the hizook (what…)! Just imagine if you can use the same quality equipment to simply listen to your favorite music.

Enter: Marshall Major Headphones! I personally picked out Marshall headphones as part of my DJ-ing equipment.

How can you go wrong with a brand that’s trusted by the best musicians in the world?

The super soft cushions keep your ears comfortable even if you listen to songs at full blast (which you really shouldn’t be doing, you know). It comes with a microphone and remote for when you want to use it with your cellphone.

The 6.3mm adapter makes it compatible with your amplifier or, in my case, my turntables.

If you’re more of an in-ear user, the Marshall Minor Headphones (PhP2,950) are perfect for you.

I really love earphones with tangle resistant fabric cord. The design is so slick too. I just opened mine yesterday and now I can replace my worn out iPod earphones, thank goodness. We all know iPod earphones suck and if yours isn’t broken right now, it will break down eventually.

Another plus for Marshall Headphones is their awesome packaging

Lucky for my Twitter followers, I’m giving away one pair of Marshall Major Headphones. You get to own the classy white version.

It’s worth PhP4,650 and you can get them at these stores:

8Telcom – Davao
Astrovision
Beyond The Box
Digital Hub
Digital Hub – CDO
Digital Walker
ECentral – Cebu
Gadgets iN Style
HTC – MOA
iStore – Cebu
iStore – Dumaguete
iStudio
Listening Room
PC Hub
Power Hub – Davao
Power Mac Center
Switch
Technoholics
Urban Athletics

Open only to Philippine residents and only to my Twitter followers: You can win a White Marshall Major Headphones by leaving your Twitter username on the comments section of this post. If you are not my follower (@saabmagalona) then you won’t be qualified to join. I will select a winner via electronic raffle by Sunday. Good luck!

Posted in Contest, Gadgets, Music | 1,151 Comments

Privato: The Art of Investment

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Saab

I’m not aware of the age range of people who read my blog but I’m pretty sure there are some working students and even 40-year-old moms who read this. If you are still in high school and not working, you may also want to read this entry for future reference. If you are like me and you’ve been earning your own money for years, I sure hope you are better than me in saving your money.

At the end of 2011 I swore that all the money I earn will be blown on traveling. That was obviously the free-spirited side of me thinking. I’m already 23 and I can’t deny the fact that within the next ten years I’ll probably be married with children. Honestly, this thought makes me want to cry because I can’t time travel to when I was 17. I realize the pressure is on when I hear about my batch mates getting married, giving birth, etc. I definitely need to start thinking about my future and making sure I have money saved for my future family’s sake.

This is where my batch mate from Ateneo de Manila University Gab Perez comes in. He just turned 24 and he is known for being the youngest real estate developer in the country. He put up his first condominium, Angelica Manor (located in Ortigas), right after graduating from college in 2009 – today, it’s fully occupied and a success!

I met with him yesterday to talk about the new hotel he’s putting up called Privato.

Privato is located at 706 Shaw Boulevard. Privato’s architectural team is led by the renowned and Hong Kong-trained Architect Carmelo T. Casas with London-trained designer Juan Carlo Calma as Interior Consultant.

Of course these are just renders because construction will finish in May 2013. I got to take pictures of the show room yesterday though.

Going back to my point of investing your money, this is how the whole thing works: you buy a room for 1.9Million and it will be yours, complete with a title certificate. Unit owners will receive 70% of the total income of the hotel. It doesn’t matter if your room is not occupied, as long as the rest of the hotel’s rooms are occupied, you get a share of the whole pot. For example, if 70% hotel is occupied for 70% of the year you will get about PhP290,000 a year. Multiplied by 20, your initial 1.9 million becomes 5.8 million without having to pay for maintenance or anything else. Did I mention you can pay

The difference between investing your money in being a shareholder for Privato and putting your money in the bank for time deposit is this (in the words of Gab because I have no idea about these kinds of things):

Time deposit is when you lock in your bulk money at the bank for a certain period. In exchange for not allowing you to withdraw your cash, they give interest of around 3% a year. So rather than tie down your money there, might as well put it somewhere that will earn more plus payable in installment basis. It’s our alternative offer to conservative investors who don’t like risking their money.

Oh yeah, did I mention that you can pay for 20% in 23 months and on the 24th month you may pay the remaining 80% via bank financing. The bank will pay Privato in full then the investors can choose to pay the bank in installments. If ever, the rental/profit share you get is more than enough to cover the installment fees. It’s a self-liquidating asset.

I’m taking my mom to meet Gab within the month so I can get her opinion! You can also do the same by visiting their showroom at Angelica Manor Building 46 Capinpin st. San Antonio Village Ortigas, Pasig City. You may call 477-6888 to schedule an appointment! Rooms are running out quickly!

http://privato.com.ph

P.S. You can also check out Gab’s blog: http://theroaring20s.blog.com

Posted in Feature, For Sale | 10 Comments

Manikako

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Saab

What happens when an old robot falls in love with a beautiful doll?

“Gift of Life” is a film about an old robot and a beautiful doll, directed by A/F Benaza for Manikako, and sponsored by Energizer.

Manikako is a Filipino organization that teaches children how to make their own dolls from old clothes and recycled materials. It offers free doll-making workshops to less-fortunate Filipino children, helping them rediscover creativity, resourcefulness and environmental responsibility–values which can help them rise above poverty.

At the Manikako workshop, a Manika (doll) is transformed into a Manikako (my doll). We believe the world becomes a better place when we make beautiful things for someone else, so you always make a Manikako for a friend–never for yourself. The Manikako staff will guide the participants throughout the workshop, sharing doll-making tips, sewing techniques, and a story or two.

To know more about Manikako, please visit: www.manikako.com.

Posted in Philippines, Press Release | 2 Comments

LADY GAGA x TERRY RICHARDSON

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Saab

During an almost year long global odyssey, renowned photographer Terry Richardson brilliantly captured the intimate, random, behind-the-scenes moments of Lady Gaga in all aspects of her life. This visual dialogue showcases more than 450 stunning, provocative color and black-and-white photographs — beginning with Lollapalooza in August 2010, to the February 2011 Grammy Awards, to the final shows of her Monster Ball tour. 

Anyone who doesn’t like Lady Gaga needs to get their heads out of their asses. This woman has been nothing short of revolutionary for our generation. Yes, most of her songs and videos have strong sexual themes but human beings are naturally sexual beings anyway. What I really appreciate with Gaga more than her music is her strong influence on the gay community. She’s all about embracing yourself and not caring if other people think you’re crazy (hence the outfits). As long as you’re not stepping on anybody, you shouldn’t be ashamed of being yourself.

Lady Gaga also really helps people stand up to bullies. Sometimes, other people bully you because they’re annoyed that they’re not as fabulous as you and their own lives are boring. I was bullied in grade school, high school, college, and even until now. Today it seems like it’s lessened but really, I just don’t get as affected as much as I used to. They get tired eventually when they realize they’ve got bills to pay and jobs to look for. #losers

I’m not even kidding about the bullying during my grade school/high school days. I was a pretty easy target.

I remember in 4th grade, this lesbian two batches higher than me would link arms with her best friend (or girlfriend?) and block my path every time she would see me. Patintero-style. I did what any educated young girl would do – I told my homeroom teacher. Haha. Turns out she was my homeroom teacher’s niece so she never gave me trouble again. In 2nd year high school, this freshman named Ethel Balasabas* used to bully me with her “cool clique” but really, with a name like Ethel Balasabas, I wouldn’t even think of bullying anybody (that was mean, sorry). She would laugh out loud while looking at me, that sort of mental sabotage that provoked me to finally lash out at her when we were on a school retreat one time. I cried and she laughed while the teachers tried to calm me down. Fast forward to 2011 when she tried to add me on Facebook. Ummm…

Hahahahaha <– this is me having the last laugh.

*If anybody you know is named Ethel or Balasabas, don’t get offended – that comment was just for mean people. I love Ethel from Archie comics. (I can’t believe I had to put a disclaimer.. I just know maraming balat sibuyas na Pinoy #itsmorefuninthephilippines)

ANYWAY: I’m giving away two copies of the Lady Gaga x Terry Richardson book. It’s an amazing hardbound book worth PhP1999 and you can own it by joining this contest. I’d like to have former underdogs have it. Were you bullied in grade school/high school? Send in your before and after photos! One where you were kind of shy and nerdy and one where you’re oozing with confidence like Lady Gaga! You can send it to contests@spellsaab.com with the subject I LOVE GAGA. Open only to people who are willing to pick up the book at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street. Your photos might be published on my blog so make it awesome! Deadline is on Saturday, January 14!

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | 52 Comments

Paint That Purifies The Air

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Saab

I really appreciate products that help the environment!

Boysen Knoxout is a paint from the Philippine-based paint manufacturers, Pacific Paints, Inc. And the wonderful thing about it is that it filters Nitrogen Oxides in the air, purifying the air you breathe.

Here is a beautifully art directed video, showing how art breathes life to a greener world–literally.

Now to work on quitting smoking. I’m not a chain smoker but that’s just me minimizing. I really need to save myself AND the environment. I’ll update you when that day comes. I’m cutting down alcohol intake to help get rid of my fat gut so I’m sure the smoking will stop with it. Wish me luck!

Posted in Art, Environment, Health | 14 Comments