Maricar likes how her online presence enables her 'to reach more people in a more personal way.'

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

May 22, 2024 09:43 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Maricar, an artist of Cornerstone Entertainment, explained that she's just "taking a break from showbiz" but not quitting it.

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Maricar Reyes (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Pretty Maricar Reyes may not be so visible in showbiz, but she's vocal about loving her "other life" as a content creator and online personality. She's now a thriving author of her self-titled book and maintains the "Relationship Matters PH"  page together with her husband, singer Richard Poon. The page, which discusses family and relationships, has close to a million followers on Facebook.

Maricar's book discusses her journey towards self-healing after that seeming scandal in 2009 when she became a national topic. Many people admired Maricar for handling the situation by just keeping quiet. This is precisely what her book discusses: dealing with online shame and getting oneself out of a messy situation.

It took Maricar about 15 years to face the issue and write it all down. The good thing is that it made her "relatable" to countless others being bullied online or facing some form of stigma.

Maricar likes how her online presence  enables her "to reach more people in a more personal way."

"When people get my book and they tell me a similar story of what happened to them, I like it because we feel connected in some way," she narrated.

Maricar, an artist of Cornerstone Entertainment, explained that she's just "taking a break from showbiz" but not quitting it.

"When the pandemic happened, Richard and I needed to re-evaluate things. We decided to focus more on our business, like the chocolate cakes. And then from there, I thought there are other things apart from showbiz, so it's nice to explore that," she reasoned.

She clarified, however, that "if there's an offer, if there's a nice role, then we will consider it." She added that she watches a lot of true crime documentaries and would be partial to doing that type of film.

We teased Maricar that with her fair complexion and slanted eyes, she would fit seamlessly in a Korean movie. At this point, she gave credit to her skin clinic of choice, Velasco Medical Aesthetics (VMA), located at the Inoza Tower in Bonifacio Global City, for her Korean glass skin complexion.

Not all people know that Maricar is a licensed medical doctor and the owner of VMA, Dr. Erika, is her batchmate at the University of Santo Tomas where they studied medicine.

Maricar goes to VMA for the Lutronic Hollywood Spectra, a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment with minimal downtime.

"What I like about this place is that the beauty sessions are really long. You can completely relax, and when you wake up, fresh ka na!," the actress enthused.

"What I also like is that they will only give you what you need. Hindi yung sobra na. Ang gusto ni Doc, parang natural pa rin," she noted.

Maricar was a special guest, along with other celebrities and influencers, at the first year anniversary celebration of VMA recently.

Even though it is located in BGC, Velasco Medical Aesthetics is gaining popularity among office workers for its affordable facials and other beauty treatments. It's an Instaglow facial, which takes an hour and costs P2000. On the other hand, the 14-step Prime Facial - which lasts two hours - is priced at only P3,500.

Daniel Padilla set to attend Bagong Pilipinas concert in Davao

By: Anne Pasajol

INQUIRER.net / 09:07 AM May 22, 2024

Daniel Padilla will be among the guests at the “Pagkakaisa” concert in Davao in June, an event organized by Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair.

The actor’s attendance at the show was announced by his mom, actress-TV host Karla Estrada, through her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, May 21.

Estrada shared a publication material released by Padilla’s fan club, which shows the details of the upcoming event.

“This is it! See you in Davao del Norte, June 7!” she captioned her post.

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, a flagship program of the Marcos administration, is a service caravan that “aims to provide major government services to less fortunate Filipinos in various communities across the country and features the government’s flagship programs.”

How to vote for the next Miss Universe Philippines 2024 winner

 Miss Universe Philippines 2024 coronation night poster

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

May 22, 2024 | 9:07am

MANILA, Philippines — Have you been a member of a selection committee or a judging panel?

Those who have will tell you how difficult it is to weigh your options to arrive at the best results.

Well, tonight is your chance to be the 11th member of the Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) 2024 judging panel.

In a message on social media, the MUPH Organization wrote, "You can be the 11th judge! Fans everywhere can now vote for their favorite Miss Universe Philippines 2024 finalists and help increase their chances of getting closer to the crown.

"From the Top 20, vote for your favorite to enter the Top 10. And from the Top 10, you can vote again to move up your favorite to the Top 5. From the Top 5, vote one last time for the one you think deserves to be Miss Universe Philippines 2024!

"This is exactly how it feels to be a judge in Miss Universe Philippines! The power to choose our next queen is in YOUR hands!"

Cast your votes using the Miss Universe Philippines app.

Catch the finale later tonight in SM Mall of Asia Arena. Or, you may opt to watch the Livestream via EmpirePH's channel on YouTube. All others can watch the final show on Sunday, May 26, through a delayed telecast on GMA.

Capturing the fleeting beauty of flowers

Rachell then developed a love for drawing flowers and would make floral line drawings

BY MB LIFESTYLE

May 20, 2024 08:16 PM

  

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An artist’s life is not an easy one. Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime but now his paintings of irises, sunflowers and cypress trees are some of the most recognizable images in the art world.

Rachell Ann Morada

This is why parents often tell their artistically-inclined children to take up a business course at university, so they can have something to fall back on. As the dutiful daughter, Rachell Ann Morada followed her parents’ advice and enrolled in an accountancy course. She graduated and began to help support her family—but a creative life continued to beckon to her.

“I discovered my love for art when I was in kindergarten. I was fond of drawing girls and anime characters,” Rachell recalled. She experimented with other visual art forms like calligraphy, portraits and watercolors but always returned to drawing.

Photo shows (L-R): A Mother’s Love; Enchanted to Meet You; Hello, Spring.

Rachell then developed a love for drawing flowers and would make floral line drawings. In 2021, she discovered acrylic paint and began using color to bring her flowers to life. “Now I can say I’m a painter who paints flowers for people’s homes.”

When she marked her 30th birthday earlier this year, Rachell knew that she wanted to focus on creating art even if not everyone could appreciate the art she made.

“I’m at a point in my life where I’m trying to live my life not on people’s expectations. Slowly, I’m having the courage to pursue things that I truly love—and that includes painting—while also trying to live a purposeful and meaningful life. I believe it’s God’s perfect time for me,” she said.

On her Instagram (rachelience_art), Rachell posts short clips of herself at work. With her back to the camera, she paints masses of flowers on large canvases. There are roses and daffodils, hydrangeas, daisies and spider mums. The arrangements are placed in an assortment of vessels: blue and white china, clear glass vases, milky blue jars. 

For this self-avowed people pleaser, the act of painting is therapeutic and healing. She is able to slow down, be present in the moment and make her mind go quiet.

“I was a perfectionist but painting taught me that every stroke of the brush doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be free. It allows me to love the imperfections. It’s okay to make mistakes—sometimes they’re even the ones that enhance the painting.”

Her paintings have a naïf-like quality and might not be everyone’s cup of tea but Rachell has made peace with the fact that she won’t be able to please everybody.

In an IG post, she shared what her mother told her. “You don’t need hundreds of friends or many people showing you love. If at least one soul loves you, that is enough to appreciate.”

RLC’s Roseann Villegas saw the potential in Rachell and reached out to ask if she was interested to stage her first solo exhibit at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria. 

Having a solo exhibit wasn’t in Rachell’s plans because she said that she only wanted to paint, share her art, and serve others through this gift she had been given. “When I read Ms. Roseann’s message, I felt like the universe conspired for me. I’m so grateful for the way they support new artists like me.”

I Love You Always; Sunflower Love; You Are My Home.

With the help of ARTablado, Rachell’s paintings are now on view in her first solo exhibit, “Life in Bloom.” Aside from the obvious reference to her floral paintings, she said she chose this title because she believes her life is robust and alive. “I always see the blessings in my life, whatever season it is in. Like flowers, we all bloom differently.”

Asked what she would tell struggling artists, Rachell said that they should accept that their feelings are valid. “If there's hesitation because you fear the unknown or you fear failure, it is valid. It takes courage to be an artist. Sometimes you get the support you need but sometimes you don't. But I hope that you keep on finding the courage to create and make art and do what you truly want to do.”

“Life in Bloom” is on view at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria from May 16 to May 31.

BY GISELLE SANCHEZ

May 21, 2024 08:05 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Although Sheree will show a lot of flesh and sex appeal in this concert, she still dedicates this dream concertto her son Gian Haley, who has turned 16.

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Sheree

“My advocacy is to empower women to be strong and brave while embracing their sensuality. This is why I staged this concert. 'L’art De Sheree' is a dream concert of mine. We, women, should be courageous in facing any challenges that come our way, turning our dreams into reality. As an artist, I love exploring and creating art, whether painting or entertainment. I enjoy experimenting and creating shows that resonate with me, such as cabaret, burlesque, and Cirque du Soleil. I have trained and studied the art of pole and aerial dance, blending it with my love for music. I want to inspire women to believe we can make our dreams come true. I hope to showcase this show in the Philippines and tour it in different countries. That is my dream," sultry singer and actress Sheree tells Gossip Girl. 

From a simple birthday online concert, her idea has now evolved into a full-scale dream concert at the Music Museum this coming May 24.

“I am not getting any younger, and my fear is growing old without achieving my goals. I want to fulfill my dreams until I can no longer do so and then pass them on to someone who shares my aspirations. As much as I can, I will work tirelessly and continue to learn and experience life," the seductive pole dancer Sheree tells us.

Directed by Jet Loveria with Bobby Velasco as musical director, Egay Bautista as Creative Director, and Earl Baer as her choreographer, accompanied by the Speed Dance Company,  L’Art De Sheree plans to top Dita Von Teese’s Burlesque shows.

Although Sheree will show a lot of flesh and sex appeal in this concert, she still dedicates this dream concert to her son Gian Haley, who has turned 16. 

“I am a lucky mom because my son is smart, amazing, talented, and, most of all, has a good heart. He understands what art is all about and that I express my art through seductive song and dance. I also dedicate this concert to my mother. I love my mom so much, and I am very grateful to have a mom who is as hardworking, generous, and loving as she is." Tickets can be purchased through Ticketworld (www.ticketworld.com.ph). L’Art de Sheree is presented by Happy Studios, Botejyu,Digital Fusion, and dooh.ph. 

Air traffic software glitch delays Naia flights, 9,000 fliers

 

By: Dexter Cabalza - Reporter / @dexcabalzaINQ

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:46 AM May 21, 2024

MANILA, Philippines — More than 9,000 passengers—mostly those departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia)—were affected by flight delays and cancellations for several hours on Monday due to a technical issue with the navigational air traffic management system.

In an advisory issued at 1 p.m., the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) said it identified a “potential problem with the software” in the system of the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC).

“To ensure [the] safety of the flying public, Caap decided to be conservative and control the operations by providing longer separation of departing flights,” it said.

Caap did not give other details but an advisory from local carrier Cebu Pacific said the “main flight data processor of the ATMC system experienced a technical issue.”

The ATMC houses the communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffic management (CNS/ATM) system, which manages and supervises the air traffic activities within the Philippine Flight Information Region.

Caap assured the public that “communication and surveillance at the ATMC remain available and unaffected” during the three-hour period when the software issue was being fixed.

According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the flight disruptions at Naia, the country’s busiest and main gateway, started around 11 a.m.

A total of 56 flights were affected as of 3 p.m.—36 were domestic (five arrivals, 31 departures), while 20 were international (three arrivals, 17 departures), with the number of affected passengers estimated at 9,240.

Among the worst affected was Cebu Pacific’s Flight 5J 506, which was supposed to depart Naia Terminal 3 at 11 a.m. and arrive at Tuguegarao at 12:10 p.m.

Because of the problem with the ATMC’s system, it was only able to take off almost four hours later at 2:41 p.m. and arrive at Tuguegarao Airport at 3:41 p.m.

By 2 p.m., Caap issued another advisory, saying the “identified problem in the ATMC is now resolved, and regular flight operations are being restored.”

It would take some time, however, for operations at the four Naia terminals to normalize. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines already canceled several flights on Monday afternoon and evening.

To address the situation, MIAA general manager Eric Ines ordered the opening of the Naia runways for 24 hours for airline flight recovery operations.

This was not the first time Caap’s ATMC system malfunctioned. On Jan. 1, 2023, hundreds of flights were delayed and thousands of passengers at Naia were left stranded after the Philippine airspace shut down for several hours when its CNS/ATM system and backup failed. It took days for flight operations to normalize.

Beat the Heat

 

Beat the Heat How we can survive the long hot simmer

May 21, 2024

It may have started raining now, but make no mistake: Per the weather bureau, temperatures will remain high and we remain vulnerable to the extreme heat that scorched us during this year's unprecedented summer season. March 2024 now stands as the hottest month in the planet's climate record, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. It was also the 10th in a row of record-breaking warm months. With climate change, the projection is that we will have to live with hotter and hotter days in the years to come. What can we do to keep ourselves safe and healthy in this increasingly dangerous weather? How do we avoid heatstroke? Are there foods we can eat to keep ourselves cool and hydrated? How do we help lower the temperature in our homes and vehicles? Here's a collection of Inquirer stories that provide tips and other timely reminders on how to survive the long hot simmer we're now experiencing. Always, drink lots of water! How to avoid heat stroke Children, the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Common symptoms of heat-related illnesses range from mild symptoms such as red and itchy skin (heat rash) to more serious ones including nausea, fainting and muscle pains (heat stroke).

Rondina, Canino join forces as collegiate, pro players banner PH team in AVC Cup

BY KRISTEL SATUMBAGA-VILLAR

  

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AT A GLANCE

• A mix of professional and collegiate players will comprise the Philippine women’s volleyball team that will compete in the 2024 AVC Cup happening on May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

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A mix of professional and collegiate players will comprise the Philippine women’s volleyball team that will compete in the 2024 AVC Cup happening on May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Sisi Rondina, left, and Angel Canino banner the PH team in the AVC Cup.

Former Premier Volleyball League Most Valuable Player Sisi Rondina and last season’s UAAP MVP Angel Canino of De La Salle headline the squad that will be handled by outgoing coach Jorge de Brito.

PVL players in the lineup are returning Japan V.League import Jia De Guzman, Chery Tiggo’s Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, Cignal’s Dawn Catindig and Vanie Gandler, PLDT’s Dell Palomata, Akari’s Fifi Sharma and Faith Nisperos and Choco Mucho’s Chery Nunag.

Collegiate players Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel, as well as University of the East’ Casiey Dongallo are also part of the crew.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara said they are awaiting for the green light on several collegiate players from National University and University of Santo Tomas, who are competing in the UAAP Season 86 finals at press time.

A total of 10 teams are competing this edition, with host Philippines bracketed in Pool A along with Chinese Taipei, India, Iran and Australia.

Pool B comprises Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Singapore and Hong Kong. Rondina recently showed her excitement and enthusiasm to don the national colors while being fresh from Choco Mucho’s runner-up finish in the PVL All-Filipino Conference against Creamline.

Young talents to dazzle in 'Dragons Unleashed' concert on May 22

Special guests are Ice Seguerra, Laarni Lozada, Lipstick Band, and Peggy Geisler.

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

May 19, 2024 11:41 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Celebrity makeup artist Bambbi Fuentes has expressed confidence in her upcoming talents andsharedsome advice on showbiz longevity.

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Irizz

Get ready! The "Dragons Unleashed" concert will dazzle fans as young and fresh talents bring their A-game to the Music Museum in Greenhills on May 22.

The young talents under Dragon Artists Management who will be part of the concert are Shira Tweg, Khai Flores, Christa Jocson, Mira Aquino, Elle Fernandez, RJ Ariar, and Ariz Rodil.

Other talents sharing the limelight are Jace Eusebio, Ash Carpio, Kisha Garcia, Keinrad Estallo, Ruby Garcia, Lindsay Magsaysay, Rjay Quenvido, Mark Cester, Shoogar, and Irizz.

Special guests are Ice Seguerra, Laarni Lozada, Lipstick Band, and Peggy Geisler. Janna Trias will host the show. Part of the proceeds will go to Servants of Charity. The show is directed by Vivian Poblete Blancaflor.

Celebrity makeup artist Bambbi Fuentes has expressed confidence in her upcoming talents and shared some advice on showbiz longevity, during an interview in Quezon City recently.

All of you are on equal footing. You have the looks and talents. But at the end of the day, the most important thing to do is to have that perseverance and the patience to pursue what you want.

"Pwede naman kayong sumikat. But the question is longevity. Kaya niyo bang tumagal? Maraming flash in the pan. So sana tumagal sila sa business. Kumbaga kahit matagal ka na, kinukuha ka pa rin. Hindi naman kami nagkukulang (bilang manager). They have workshops sa voice, acting, and dancing. 

(You can become famous. But the question is longevity. Can you last? Lots of flash in the pan. So I hope they last in business. Even though you've been around for a long time, you're still being hired. We are not lacking (as a manager). They have workshops on voice, acting, and dancing.)

"Importante talaga sa akin yung personality. Ugali or attitude ng mga bata. Kahit na may talent ka pero yung ugali mo hindi naman ganun kaganda, wala rin. Kahit na may contract kayo, kailangan ang mutual respect sa isa't isa. They can stay long forever," Bambbi said.

(Personality is really important to me, especially the attitude of children. Even if you have talent, your attitude could improve; nothing will happen. Even if you have a contract, mutual respect is necessary for each other. They can stay long forever.)

When asked which is more difficult to manage, a boy or a girl, Bambbi said, "They're just the same."

It's a dream come true for Bambbi to finally fulfill her dream of managing the careers of newcomers. While she is successfully known as the makeup artist to the stars (Marian Rivera, Ruffa Gutierrez, Aiko Melendez, Janice de Belen, Dawn Zulueta, Ai-Ai Delas Alas, Julie Anne San Jose, etc.), this hardworking stylist revealed she has been offered to manage upcoming showbiz talents on many occasions in the past.

"I was turning down artists from way back. During that time, I really fell in love with makeup, and I was busy then with Kris Aquino," Bambbi recalled, during an interview at her salon in Timog, Quezon City recently. 

"But did you know that in those years, there were two artists who later became popular in the entertainment scene? Umakyat talaga sila sa tugatog ng tagumpay. Isang banda at isang female singer." She refused to reveal these celebrities.

Those were the days. Bambbi said she was happy about these two entertainers' success and didn't regret rejecting the chance to manage them.

"I was turning down artists from way back. During that time, I really fell in love with makeup, and I was busy then with Kris Aquino," Bambbi recalled, during an interview at her salon in Timog, Quezon City recently. 

"But did you know that in those years, there were two artists who later became popular in the entertainment scene? Umakyat talaga sila sa tugatog ng tagumpay. Isang banda at isang female singer." She refused to reveal these celebrities.

Bambbi Fuentes

Those were the days. Bambi said she was happy about these two entertainers' success and didn't regret rejecting the chance to manage them.

Then came the pandemic, leading up to the lockdown. The business establishments were severely affected. It was at this point that Bambbi decided to revive her dream of establishing a management agency.

"I told myself, 'I want to give it a try!' One thing led to another. Our first baby was Khai Flores. Then came with a few talents and there were referrals hanggang sa nakabuo na kami," said Bambbi.