The cold reality behind prison cells is told in Dance of the Steel Bars

Newsmen are great storytellers.

This holds true in Dance of the Steel Bars — a film co-produced by Dubai-based Portfolio Films International and GMA Films, and woven out of the wealthy imagination of journalists Jiggy Manicad, his wife Marnie and Cesar Apolinario.
As executive producer and director, respectively, Manicad and Apolinario banked on their rich field experience in giving justice to the character of Mando, a convicted murderer portrayed by Dingdong Dantes, who had to deny his passion for dancing to prove his masculinity inside a harsh and grim prison condition where hardened criminals and corrupt jail officers take advantage of weaker classes.
“We, ordinary people, may not know it, but these things are really happening inside the prison,” said Manicad, whose wife teamed up with Apolinario in developing the script inspired by the dancing inmates of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
“In creating this movie, Cesar, Marnie and I put our heads together and asked ourselves about what is really wrong in our (penal) system and what is the culture inside it. There is corruption, intimidation, violence and, to some extent, sex. That’s why we created the character of Mando, who is a good dancer but doesn’t want to show it because he might be tagged as a weaker sex in a world where only the strong survives.”
Marnie, the genius behind critically-acclaimed National Geographic Channel documentary Inside Malacañang and weekly motoring program Turbo Zone, said Dantes is their first choice to portray Mando’s character for being brilliant in dancing and in delivering English lines with foreign actors.
After all, Dantes is a former member of Abztract, an all-male dance group whose call to fame was its rare combination of good looks and deadly stunts. He is also a product of Ateneo de Manila University and skyrocketed to fame after portraying the role of a rich, good-looking kid named Iñaki Torres in the 1990s youth-oriented program TGIS.
“Dingdong was our first choice,” she said. “But since he was busy when we were conceptualizing the film in 2008, we contemplated on giving Aga (Mulach) the role. Fortunately, he found time to work with us and we were so happy with the outcome because the character of Mando is really for him.”
Apolinario — winner of two best director trophies — agreed.
“We were looking for an actor who is good at dancing and can speak perfect English,” he said. “And Dong fits the bill. Very eloquent si Dong. He is perfect for the role.”
The story revolves around Mando, a classical jazz instructor who got jailed for murdering a gay admirer. Prison life will make him doubt the will of life. He will be the subject of many sexual advances, and it doesn’t help that he is homophobic.
In prison, he becomes friends with another inmate, Allona, a transsexual played by Joey Paras, and they try to contribute to prison reform by teaching dance exercises to fellow inmates.
Together — with the art of dancing serving as energetic backdrop — Mando and Allona get involved in a tricky struggle between the positive changes initiated by the new warden, Rodrigo Yumul (Ricky Davao), and the corrupt system that seeps through the very foundation of prison culture.
The character of Frank Parish (Patrick Bergin) also enters the fray as a retired American fireman and philanthropist wrongly accused of murder and jailed in the Philippines. Parish will later on play a crucial role after finding himself in the crossroad of lies and must choose between concealing what he knows to keep him out of harm’s way or helping his fellow inmates by revealing the truth despite the sorrowful consequence.
In the end, sanity prevails and Mando decides to dance again — the dance of the steel bars.
Also in the cast are Mon Confiado as Gudo; Kathleen Hermosa as Lulu; Thou Reyes as Dong Mata; Gabe Mercado as deputy warden Diaz; Renee Salud as Charity; and former Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia as herself. Chris Lim penned the screenplay.
“I have been a journalist for nearly two decades, and I can say that I’ve been through the hell and back,” said Manicad, last year’s Ten Outstanding Young Men awardee whose exploits as an ace reporter brought him to countless dangerous situations like a crashing helicopter, war in Afghanistan and the hunt for Osama bin Laden in 2001, war in Iraq in 2003, Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006, the al-Qaeda bombing in London in 2005 and the attempt to climb the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, in 2006 — probably the most difficult assignment a journalist ever covered.
“That’s why in creating this movie, we collected all our thoughts on what is really happening in the society, what is happening inside the dangerous dungeon of convicted offenders. This film says it all. This is the reality. This is what’s happening in our society.
“And this is the story I gathered in my 17 years in the industry.”

Dance of the Steel Bars is still showing at all SM Cinemas.

The New Zealand Embassy, in cooperation with United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), is bringing to Manila the photography exhibition titled “Christchurch: See Through My Eyes.”
The exhibition showcases photographs taken by 24 children from Christchurch, New Zealand, and illustrates how the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes affected their lives and communities.
New Zealand ambassador to the Philippines Reuben Levermore said: “We hope that the exhibition will encourage people to reflect on how best to prepare for disasters, including here in the Philippines.”
New Zealand is a long-standing development partner of the Philippines. The New Zealand Aid Program supports disaster risk reduction and management projects in the Philippines aimed at building greater resilience against future disasters. New Zealand has also extended humanitarian assistance to communities affected by natural disasters, including tropical storms “Bopha” and “Washi,” which devastated parts of the southern Philippines in each of the past two years. This includes support for Unicef activities.
For his part, Unicef Philippines representative Tomoo Hozumi remarked: “The countries on the Pacific Ring of Fire — be it the Philippines, New Zealand or Japan — share the challenge of high susceptibility to major disasters, which is not a matter of if but when. Forms of expressive activity, such as photography, help in the psychosocial recovery of the affected children. I hope this exhibition enhances understanding, compassion and commitment to disaster awareness and preparedness.”
For the “See Through My Eyes” exhibition, the young photographers, aged 11 to 14, participated in workshops led by professional photographer and ICT educator Stuart Hale, from whom they learned basic skills for taking quality digital photos and how to compose a shot to communicate their thoughts and ideas. Every young photographer also provided a caption to their photos.

“See Through My Eyes” will run from June 21 to July 5 at the Water Dragon Gallery, Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.

Steak time with Chef Tee
Getting that great steak doesn’t have to put a hole in the wallet — that’s what Chef Sharwin Tee is set to prove on this week’s episode of Curiosity Got the Chef. To add that perfect touch of gourmet to your humble abode, curiosity leads to creating all the necessary courses to make that perfect steakhouse dinner complete, including all the right courses to make it truly authentic and unforgettable — all the while being unbelievably affordable. Catch the third season of Curiosity Got the Chef this Wednesday (June 19) at 9:30 p.m. on the Lifestyle Network. For more information, visit and like the Lifestyle Network on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LifestyleNetwork.

Maxie the Musical auditions
Maxie the Musical: Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros will have special auditions for the roles of Victor and Kuya Bogs on June 22 (Saturday) at 4 p.m. at UP Diliman (Palma Hall’s Room 132).
Those interested to audition are requested to sing two songs (one Filipino song preferably from a local alternative band/artist and one English song from a Broadway musical). They should also be ready to perform a dance/movement piece (may be hiphop, contemporary or jazz).
Victor (police officer, object of Maxie’s puppy love, affection) must look like in his mid to late 20s, should be willing to appear on stage in underwear, has strong baritone or tenor voice, and must be able to sing both ballad and rock songs. Bogs (Maxie’s brother) must be in his early 20s, preferably able to play the guitar. If auditioning for this role, prepare a slow OPM song and showcase guitar ability.
For inquiries, contact Nick Guila at 0915-1916384.

Fatman Scoop live in Manila and Pampanga
For the very first time Vans and Illest present Grammy awardee hype man, rapper, promoter and radio personality Fatman Scoop in Swerve 2013 on June 28 (Friday) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City and on June 29 (Saturday) at Party Place Concert Bar in the San Fernando City, Pampanga.
Isaac Freeman III, better known by his stage name Fatman Scoop, is an American hip-hop promoter and radio personality famed for his on-stage rough, raw, loud voice. He is known for the track “Be Faithful” which went to number one in the United Kingdom and neighboring Republic of Ireland in fall 2003 and top five in Australia and Denmark. The song has been a favorite in clubs around the world for years but it took two years to clear the samples from Jay-Z, Black Sheep, Queen Pen, The Beatnuts and Faith Evans.
He was nominated at 2005 Grammy Award for Best Rap Song (“Lose Control” with Missy Elliott and Ciara) and won at the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video. In 2006 Soul Train Music Award, he won as Best R&B/Soul or Rap Dance Cut for “Lose Control.”
The Swerve 2013 Urban Manila and Pampanga Jam features S4S Autohub Car Show, Vans BMX Jam, the Philippine All Star Dance showcase, Crooks and Castles Fashion Show and Rane Serato (2013 DMC World DJ Championship Philippine Finals) and exciting performances by local artists such as Abra with LDP, Loonie and Ron Henley (Stick Figgas), Pikaso with Li’l Humble and Turf Girls and DJ Buddha.
Swerve Manila show starts at 2 p.m. until dawn For Manila ticket inquiries, call SM Tickets (470-2222) and TicketWorld (891-9999). Swerve Pampanga at Partyplace Concert Bar starts at 8 p.m. Pampanga tickets are available at SM Pampanga, Partyplace Concert Bar, Steak Street Restaurant (Marisol Village, Angeles City). Text or call Sam Bennett (0916-5577008), Raffy Ong (0927-7373200) or Mark Paulo (0915-7899156).

Erik Santos’ album launch series
Megaworld Lifestyle Malls heats up the season with heartwarming songs coming from Erik Santos. The multi-platinum singer will be unveiling his new album, The Erik Santos Collection: Timeless Movie and TV Themesongs, which features the singer’s memorable interpretations of themes and soundtracks of popular TV series and blockbuster movies. It will be launched via a grand launch series that music fans can exclusively catch only at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls.
Santos will be giving a special sneak preview of his new album under Star Records at the Eastwood Mall Open Park on June 22 and at the Venice Piazza in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio on June 23. He will also be taking his album launch series to Lucky Chinatown in Binondo on July 5.
A copy of his new album will also entitle fans to free VIP seats at the venues. Those who will buy CDs will also have the chance to meet the singing champion in a special autograph signing session happening after the show. As part of the many exclusive perks and privileges of getting the new Megaworld Citibank Card, cardholders will get to enjoy Santos’ upcoming shows absolutely free along with one companion. Call the concierge at 709-9888, 709-0888, 0917-8380111 or visit www.megaworldlifestylemalls.com.

Ritz and Daniel reveal the real score
Watch for TV5 Princess Ritz Azul and Kapatid hunk actor Daniel Matsunaga, as they make primetime viewing even hotter this July with the premiere of TV5’s one of a kind, six-week mini-series, Misibis Bay.
Set in the luxury island playground in Albay, Misibis Bay will definitely leave viewers in awe with its grand production, stellar cast and engaging story of a girl who dreams big and perseveres against all odds to get what she deserves.
Azul will play the role of Maita Ramirez, a poor girl who only dreams of providing a comfortable life for her ailing grandmother. Follow her story as she turns her life around from a story of misery to great success. Joining Ritz is Kapatid hunk actor Daniel Matsunaga, who will play the role of Andrew, the eldest son of Anthony Cadiz (Christopher de Leon) and the most focused and business-minded of the Cadiz brothers. The newest mini-series Misibis Bay premieres in July on TV5.

Starry French film fest
The French Film Festival rolled out the red carpet on its opening night last June 6 at The Gallery, Greenbelt 5 to bring the prestige and glamor of the Cannes Film Festival to Manila. The evening was likewise a homecoming party for Filipino directors and actors whose films were presented in the Un Certain Regard selection and in the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.
On its 18th year, the French Film Festival offered a selection of high quality films that told stories of love, family, and relationships in contemporary French society, in ways unique to modern day French filmmakers. What’s in a Name? (Le Prénom) opened the festival to give the audience a taste of French humor, tension and drama with a touch of history and literature.
Meanwhile, Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman Briccio Santos was quoted in saying that “as our films graced the shores of Cannes, we openly welcome in return the very best of French Cinema in our theatres,” adding that Filipinos “will again marvel at lives in a distant shore while also finding comfort in our commonality.”
The public screenings of five French films were held from June 7 to 9 at the Greenbelt 3 cinemas.

BUZZBREAKS! Charice made a smashing return to ASAP by singing “Kisapmata!”... Sarah Geronimo’s planned drama anthology, which was supposed to replace her Sunday night show, has been shelved!... With TV5’s Misibis Bay and GMA 7’s My Husband’s Lover, adult material is back on weekday primetime!... The face-off format of Sunday All-Stars that replaced Party Pilipinas is thrilling, but puts Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs and Jaya on “sitting” status!... Originals Jennylyn Mercado of Tweet Hearts and Mark Herras of Tropang Trending ruled over new joiner Christian Bautista of Team Instagang in the contest!... Buzzstation thinks Jolina Magdangal’s Team I Like should have won!... Orly Mercado: All Ready premieres on Radyo5 NewsFM this Mon, June 17, 6 to 8 a.m.!

Charice cries in Wowowillie
Luther Vandross wrote the moving song “Dance with my Father” with Richard Marx as a tribute to his father, Luther Vandross Sr., who died of diabetes complications when he was seven. He recalls fond memories of dancing with him as he carried him in his arms while dancing with his mother, Mary Ida. The lyrics invoking painful and private memories, he asks God to return his father even for one final chance. The Father’s Day that was is as close.
Saturday noon last week saw a touching episode of the Father’s Day edition of Wowowillie over TV5. The controversial Charice was special guest with another Filipino world-class act, Lani Misalucha.
Charice opened the show with a song number. Wearing an all-white pantsuit, she then performed in the show’s “Mini-Konsiyerto” segment with its regular artists. After singing “Dance With My Father,” she must have remembered her late dad, who passed on last year. She started to cry.
After all the negative things that have been said about Charice, Willie was very vocal in telling the show’s viewers how proud Filipinos are of her. She was touched by his expression of support about her gender decision. She must have felt Willie as her big brother in the absence of her father.
Wowowillie started airing at 12:30 p.m. on June 17.

Belo treatments for dad
Beauty has become synonymous with Belo.
Last Father’s Day, the topic of beauty treatments for men was tackled by Dr. Vicki Belo, pioneer of the Philippines beauty industry. She introduced three treatments that husbands, fathers and brothers will enjoy just as much as the ladies do on Salamat Dok on ABS-CBN, simulcast on ANC.
The new INARA treatment for acne targets the acne-inducing bacteria present in the skin and prevents oiliness. Unlike most acne treatments that only deal with eliminating symptoms, INARA gets down to the root of the problem, preventing further breakouts. It also helps rejuvenate the skin.
For the Belo Acupuncture Facial, Dr. Belo featured a special guest, chef Buddy Trinidad of Park Avenue Desserts, who was treated to the relaxing procedure, which makes use of tiny needles to stimulate blood flow in the face. It not only improves blood circulation  and muscle tone  around the treatment area, it also targets pigmentation and dark spots, detoxify the body and regulate acne-producing hormones. It gives the face a tighter, more contoured appearance, making it look younger and more radiant.
And the new Freeze Treatment for the abdomen was demonstrated live in the show. A procedure that melts fat in the problem area, it tightens skin that men want as much as the women.

Willie questions child exploitation case
Willie Revillame excused himself from Friday’s airing of Wowowillie to be able to attend the child abuse case involving the body wave dance of 12-year-old Jan Jan Suan in Wil Time Big Time on March 12, 2012. He lent his presence and informed the court he would defer to legal counsel lawyer Leonard de Vera for comments regarding the case.
This is in connection a criminal case for violation of Section 10 (a) of Republic Act 7610 filed against Willie by the Prosecutor’s Office of Quezon City. The criminal information filed was based on the complaint of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Soliman after a spliced and abbreviated version of the episode went viral on YouTube and various social networks.
Willie filed a motion seeking probable cause to pursue the case. De Vera pointed out that the segment was taken out of context and requested that they be allowed to present audio-video tape that would prove that the dance and whole act did not violate any act or provision.
Next hearing is set for July 4.

‘Vilma Santos, Extra/ordinary!’
This 10-inch-by 10-inch digital art entitled Vilma Santos 1 is by Jonathan Benitez, a Puerto Princesa, Palawan-based painter and graphic artist, part of the forthcoming Peridot Online Gallery exhibit entitled “Vilma Santos, Extra/ordinary!”
A limited edition collector’s item of 25 prints, the signed and numbered artwork will be printed on premium acid-free board. Edition no. 01/25 will be presented as a gift to the Batangas governor during the world premiere of Ekstra (The Bit Player) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). Price including shipping is P1,000 and comes with a Certificate of Authentication signed by the artist.
This exhibit is in connection with the screening the Vilma Santos starrer, as directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, in the Director’s Showcase of the 2013 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival at the CCP and pilot theaters in Greenbelt, Trinoma and Alabang Town Center from July 28 to Aug. 4. Contact Peridot Online Gallery via exom.ph@gmail.com or through mobile no. 0939-502533.

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TV5 outperformed competition in key areas in Visayas and Mindanao, posting higher viewership for its primetime programs for the week of May 19 to 25. Based on Nielsen TV Audience Measurement in key cities in the Visayas, TV5 had a significant increase in audience share in metro cities in Iloilo, where the Kapatid network experienced its highest viewership ratings, allegedly beating GMA in barely a year since its signal presence was established in the area in July 2012. Similarly, TV5 continued to gain strength in Metro Cebu where it reached its highest primetime viewership and an 11 percentage-point audience shares lead — the biggest lead over GMA so far. The Kapatid Network has also been continuously enjoying a comfortable lead over the Kapuso network in Metro Bacolod since the year started.
The numbers continued to surge even further for TV5’s primetime viewership in the Mindanao metro cities. Its audience share in Cagayan de Oro reached its highest primetime viewership, posting its biggest lead over GMA since it has overtaken the Kapuso network in June 2012. In Metro General Santos, TV5 is once more at neck and neck with ABS-CBN in terms of primetime viewership and has generated more than twice as much viewers as GMA’s. TV5 has even surpassed ABS-CBN for the week of April 28 with a primetime viewership score of 38 percent.
As the network continues to gain traction and attract viewers in key regions in the country, TV5’s new president and CEO Emmanuel Lorenza remains positive of the network’s trajectory.
“This is very inspiring for us,” he shared. “This gives us the energy and the confidence to continue with our efforts. We have the possibility to win audiences in Visayas and Mindanao in terms of pushing reach and we will do whatever it takes to increase our reach.”
Apart from widening its network reach, TV5 is set on strengthening its programming content. As the fastest growing network in the country, TV5 has already redefined primetime viewing by offering a variety of news, entertainment and sports programs — shows that appeal to its intended audience and encourage co-viewing among family members. In closing, Lorenzana shared plans for more innovations in the upcoming months.
“The media consumption of the average Filipino is now different,” he says. “We have to be the network that is cognizant and is able to satisfy the way they use and consume media. We want TV5 to provide content that is relevant to our target group — content that we can transfer to various platforms. I would like us to be at the forefront of that.”

GMA Network through its sales and marketing arm, GMA Marketing and Productions Inc. (GMPI), emerged as the most awarded broadcast company at the 2013 University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) Tambuli Awards: 7th Asia-Pacific IMC Effectiveness and Values Awards.
GMPI brought home four recognitions including a gold award for its highly-praised Christmas short film “Hating Kapatid” under the Family-Oriented Brand category.
Created in partnership with Columbia Foods International for So Lucky Soda Crackers, “Hating Kapatid” effectively depicts the spirit of giving during the holidays through a story of two boys, who took turns wearing a worn down pair of shoes. Widely commended for its inspiring and heartwarming content, it previously won a bronze award at the 2012 Araw Values Awards and also gained international recognition with another bronze award at the prestigious Busan International Advertising Festival (Ad Stars) during the same year.
Meanwhile, two of GMA’s Kapuso Mine-Sine offerings, Aruga and Gustin respectively won a silver and a bronze award in two separate categories. Aruga, a story about an inspiring relationship between a mother with a hearing impairment and her son, won in the Family-Oriented Brand category. On the other hand, Gustin, based on the real-life story of a poor young boy who surrendered a bag filled with money to its owner, was recognized in the Advocacy category. Aruga was jointly produced with Unilab for Ceelin while Gustin was created together with Peerless Products Manufacturing Corp. for Champion Laundry Detergent.
The Kapuso Network also won a bronze award for its widely anticipated Christmas Short Films campaign in the Integrated Branded Content and Entertainment category. Over the last seven years, GMA makes it a yearly tradition to touch and inspire Kapuso viewers through various relevant and inspirational short films, and this award certainly serves as a validation of such efforts.
Aside from gaining these recognitions, GMPI’s marketing campaigns have also generated much online buzz as seen in the thousands of page views, as well as positive feedback on various social media networks by both netizens and industry experts.
“We thank our advertiser clients and agencies for continuously supporting GMPI,” said GMA marketing and productions president and COO Lizelle Maralag. “These awards inspire us to create even more values-oriented advertising materials, while imparting the message that selling products and promoting positive values can be done at the same time.”
Established in 2005, the UA&P Tambuli Awards seeks to recognize excellent campaigns, materials and executions that not only communicate the brand’s message and objectives but also promote good values among different audiences.

Virlanie children meet NBA legend
3M Philippines, a supporter of the Virlanie Foundation, a non-government organization which cares for street children, helped Virlanie children meet NBA legend Muggsy Bogues at the National Training Camp of the Jr. NBA Philippines 2013 held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last April. The children were welcomed by NBA officials and Muggsy Bogues and treated them to front row seats to watch the Jr. NBA All Star Alumni game, and among other Jr. NBA activities. Muggsy Bogues gave each child a Jr. NBA baller bands, Jr. NBA sling bags, and autographed pictures. He took a special moment to engage them in an inspirational chitchat and treated the children with KFC lunch. They also took home tokens from event sponsors such as Alaska Milk and Rexona. The Virlanie children were all smiles as they enjoyed a whole day of basketball fun.

Gary V. electrifies crowd
Singer-songwriter Gary Valenciano wowed the crowd at Circuit Makati recently with yet another high-octane performance during the grand launch of Solstice, Alveo Land’s first residential development in Makati City’s newest urban district. The 48-year-old performer, popularly known as “Mr. Pure Energy,” serenaded the audience with several of his hits and grooved his way to a high-energy performance to the delight of those in attendance. Also joining him on stage was the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. Solstice will be the first of 21 residential towers that will rise within Circuit Makati, a 21-hectare master planned, modern-day urban neighborhood envisioned to take shape as the city’s one-stop entertainment district. The development is bound to exude a multi-faceted, fun living, cultured and energized character as it emerges, as the central piece of Circuit Makati, dubbed as “Makati’s lifestyle playground.” The district looks to become the first and only large-scale urban district development in the country that will host an iconic riverwalk, design studios, performing arts center and other forms of interactive entertainment.

Marian’s spellbinding scent
To help women bask in confidence and grace, Tupperware Brands brings another fragrance that will truly captivate Filipina’s senses. Bring out the best in yourself with Enchanted by Marian, the second in the series of celebrity fragrances of top actress Marian Rivera.
This floral green scent successfully captures the feminine and charming allure of Marian. The actress’ poise and versatility are perfectly represented in Enchanted with its sheer, almost sparkling soft petal sweetness. Enchanted by Marian opens with fresh notes of verbena, citrus and basil, leading to the sweet and soft petals of honeysuckle, peony and jasmine, and finally settling into the silky elegance of white amber, sea moss and vetiver.

Volcanoes don jerseys
Friends and loved ones of the Philippine Volcanoes were invited to participate in a jersey presentation event before their big game. In such ceremonies, players are presented with their official jerseys, which represent their position in the game. The intimate gathering was held in Acacia Hotel Manila, the official residence of the Philippine Volcanoes since 2012. General manager Bobby Horrigan was in attendance to hand out the jerseys to players.
The support from the close circle of family and friends set the right mindset in the team to eventually win the important match against UAE. The recent victory cements the Philippines for a spot in the elite division of the Top 5 Asian Nations, which automatically qualifies the team to participate in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Raising awareness for the sport is one of the team’s advocacies. According to the team, this achievement proves that Filipinos can play rugby and are able to compete on an international level.

Ramon Bautista’s cool ride
Best-selling author and “Internet superstar” Ramon Bautista shares his insights about being “astig” and likens himself to a motorcycle unit.
“When you say astig, that means you’re cool, you know what to do with your life,” says Bautista in Filipino. “And of course, it’s not only about the looks or being pogi, but also your attitude in life,” he adds.
According to him, the “pogi” attitude is feeling good about one’s self. He then compares himself with the new Hayate 125 FI from Suzuki Philippines. He shares in Filipino, “I’m like the new Hayate 125 FI, dependable and powerful in terms of performance, therefore, astig. Its tagline is power with premium performance. Just like me, I bring power with every performance, be it with work or with show business.”
As a Suzuki ambassador, Bautista is always present during Suzuki Invasions, the company’s nationwide service campaign. For more information about Ramon Bautista, upcoming Suzuki events, and the new Hayate 125 FI, visit www.facebook.com/SuzukiBikersFed and www.suzuki.com.ph.

Running coach Rio de la Cruz may describe running as a simple sport, but over the years, it has overcome its faddish appeal and become a member ost lucrative and anticipated annual event in the country.

Among the many runs organized by various entities, Unilab has been organizing its own brand of runs and multi-disciplinary events for quite some time.
Since 2010, Unilab, through its Unilab Active Health (ULAH), has been organizing the Run United series.
The Run United series is undertaken in collaboration with RunRio, under the helm of De la Cruz. For this year, runners, especially the progressive active runners, can mark their calendars this coming July and October for Run United and Tri United.
Tri United 2 2013 will be held on July 7, while Tri United 3 will be held on Oct. 27 in Laiya, Batangas. Run United 3, on the other hand, will be held on Oct. 6. The schedule of these events might change so interested participants are advised to regularly visit this Web site: www.unilabactivehealth.com.
Organizers of Run United series say that they provide the whole package when holding these events. To involve the whole family, a 500-meter dash for kids is usually held after their parents join a Run United race. For any upcoming races, organizers say that they have what the runners need before and after the race. These include online/in-store registration, running clinics with coach Rio, nutrition/recovery talks, race day activities that include product samples, booth games and activities at the Active Health village setup and post-race services such as foot/leg massage and race analysis.
“We aim to be the leading provider of active lifestyle solutions that can empower the active Filipino to pursue their activity,” remarks Lester Castillo, Sports and PR executive of ULAH.

Photo from Unilab Active Health FB Page

Today’s young professionals are pro-active when it comes to their health. They are more likely to load up on what is good for them, and avoid the things that can cause lifestyle diseases later on. Fitness is the order of the day. Proof of this is the increasing number of fitness-conscious individuals joining marathons or yoga classes, and those who are making the right nutrition choices and taking health supplements.

Healthy habits
Active 20-something sisters Monica and Margaux Uy, and their cousin Chynna Mae Lesaca, make it a point to have not only regular work-outs at the gym, but also engage in sports such as running to de-stress and keep in shape.
Monica, an interior designer, says, “Being healthy makes me more productive at work and gives me extra energy to bond with family and friends.”
Chynna adds, “As a dental student with a busy study schedule, health for me is an investment that is worth more than anything else.”
Margaux, who is a chef, says, “Work is demanding, so being fit is a must. I feel good inside and out when I’m healthy.”

Balancing acts
Upwardly mobile couple Charlene Falcis and Lester Fuentes also prioritize their health and pay attention to their nutrition and fitness regimen while busy raising a one-year-old.
“As a first-time mom, I had to adjust my previous lifestyle of scheduling meetings from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. I try to be home by 7 p.m. If I can, I drop by the house for lunch. In between that, I’m in meetings in my capacity as an operations manager for our food business. I use the treadmill, lift weights and attend Plana Forma classes,” Charlene shares.
Lester, too, makes a conscious effort to spend time with his family. “I leave the house to go to work as a marketing director between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., and go home in the afternoon. We’re enrolled in the gym and we try to go at least once a week. Charlene and I also run occasionally.”
They believe that their health is even more important now, as it will also affect how they take care of their baby and his future.

Fiber to the rescue
Margaux, Monica and Chynna all agree that C-Lium Fibre is key to their keeping fit and healthy. By ensuring that they get enough fiber in their diet, they are able to manage their weight so they can reach their health and fitness goals. They all take C-Lium Fibre every day even when they travel.
C-Lium is also the fiber supplement of choice for Charlene and Lester.
“I feel lighter and better after taking it,” Charlene says.
Lester adds, “C-Lium Fibre absorbs toxins and promotes regular bowel movement, so it keeps the body clean. We both prefer the husk form, which Charlene mixes with her orange juice.”
Fiber has been found to be a key to preventing lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood sugar, hypertension and even colon cancer. Because C-ium Fibre is made from 100 percent natural psyllium plant, it has up to 14 times more natural fiber than oatmeal or cereal. It is a natural fat absorber that can help in weight management, because it creates a feeling of fullness that reduces hunger pangs and food cravings.
All these on-the-go individuals who are pro-active with their health agree that getting enough fiber in their diet keeps them fit and in their best form. They realize that staying healthy today not only lets them live more, it also lets them live young longer!

One of the advantages of joining beauty pageants is being given the opportunity to experience activities that are unique and exciting. Take for instance Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013’s Family and Fitness Day. Held last May 18 at Las Fiestas, Pasig City, this activity was one of those rare moments where the contenders are able to show their glamorous pageant experiences with their families. It involved a cooking demo by Nancy Reyes-Lumen, Zumba for both the kids and adults, and fun and exciting games for the whole family.
“We’re very excited about the Family and Fitness Day because this hasn’t been done by any other pageants before. The finalists of Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013 and Little Miss Solane 2013 have been very busy preparing for the pageant night, so we decided to give them a day where they can enjoy and spend quality time with their families. After all, these women and young ladies draw strength and inspiration from their loved ones. And as we’re very close to the pageant night, there couldn’t be a better time for their families to show their support for them,” says national pageant director Morena Carla Cabrera-Quimpo.
Mrs. Philippines-Globe 2013’s Family and Fitness Day was the break the finalists need before they competed and took center stage during the pageant night at Sunset Pavilion, Sofitel Philippine Manila Plaza.