Biographies of world figures

In about a day, the 65th Miss Universe Pageant will be telecast live from Manila, Philippines. The last time the Philippines hosted the event was in 1994 when Sushmita Sen of India won the crown. Miss Universe 1974 winners This year's event will both be bittersweet and exciting since whoever wins will be crowned by the reigning Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach of the Philippines. The last time a Filipina won was in 1973. Margarita Moran was the second Filipina winner of the Miss Universe pageant. The following year, the Philippines hosted the Miss Universe pageant and Amparo Muñoz of Spain was declared the most beautiful woman of the pageant. That year also marked the first time the event was hosted in Asia. Cebu was a designated destination in the 1994 pageant. The contestants had their photo and video shoots in Shangrila Mactan. For this year's event, all of the 87 Miss U contestants visited Cebu on January 17 to have the Swimsuit Presentation and selected contestants also modele...

What happens when you walk around hungry in Cebu IT Park at Midnight? --- you discover wonderful eating places. Meet the wrestler, Red Lizard Introducing Red Lizard Taqueria by the Abaca Group. It's a Mexican-inspired taqueria serving quick and fast taquitos, nachos, burritos, tacos and margaritas. The place is great for casual diners. Think of this place as a more laid-back and affordable Maya restaurant. It's another successful restaurant for the Abaca Group which also owns Beqaa, Luncheonette, Tavolata, Phat Pho and Abaca Baking Company. I love their whole theme which centers around the popular Lucha Libre or Mexican Wrestling. Their wall art depicts the varied wins of the Red Lizard inside the wing. Their ceiling lights, distressed wooden tables, and decorated table tops, just exude that Cantina atmosphere. The tale of Red Lizard The Maestro: table artwork I tried their Chipotle Chicken Taquitos or flautas. These are overloaded with shredded lettuce, creamy queso and sour c...

One of the things that I love the most is Philippine History. I've always been attentive in school whenever this subject was being talked about especially the Spanish Colonization years.  I've been fascinated with the architecture, artifacts, designs, food, and customs that the Spaniards imparted in our National Psyche. And living in Cebu for the past few years have been an eye-opener.  And I admire people or institutions who promote the preservation of this heritage of ours. Casa Gorordo Museum holds art contest As a way of getting more young Cebuanos to appreciate local culture and heritage, the Casa Gorordo Museum is holding its art contest called “A House in the Parian: The Casa Gorordo Museum Art Contest”. This contest is open to youths aged 12-16 years old and residents of Cebu or enrolled in Cebu schools. The competition is in two categories – “House” and “Object”. Contestants can choose to send an entry for either or both categories. If a contestant chooses to join the...

T he nominees for the Oscars 2017 are here.  The announcement was made earlier today by first time host, Jimmy Kimmel. Photo courtesy of Oscars.org The 89th Academy Awards will be aired on ABC on February 26.  Looking at the nominated actors and actresses, it's a mix bag of winners, previous nominees and first-timers.  The Academy Awards is the Granddaddy of all awards.  There are also no clear frontrunners compared to previous years. Most of the films featured weren't even blockbuster hits.  Some say that Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are strong contenders but the Academy voters are known to digress from the popular choices. Best Actress in a Leading Role Best Actor in a Leading Role Performance of an Actress in a Supporting Role Performance of an Actor in a Supporting Role Best Picture Best Original Song Adapted Screenplay Original Screenplay Best Directing Animated Feature Film

If you ask any alumni or student of the University of the Philippines - Diliman Campus, they all know Mang Larry's Isawan. A Cebu Foodie needs to experience Mang Larry's Isawan when one visits Metro Manila. It's a foodie destination that you shouldn't miss. I'm not really a fan of Isaw (chicken or pork intestines) but when you get to taste Mang Larry's, you will be a convert. The best parts are the tastiest Filipinos love eating street food. It's fast food, yummy and affordable. And everyone has a favorite or two.  We, Filipinos believe in the saying, "waste not, want not". We don't waste any chicken  or pork part. We use and cook all of their body parts. From humble beginnings, Mang Larry's now have several branches in Quezon City.  This iconic food stall has even been immortalized by Manix Abrera in his comic strip, KikoMachine. In a span of two days, I was able to buy my share of Isaw and other barbecued innards in two different Mang Lar...

The first Tim Ho Wan restaurant that opened in Manila was located in SM Megamall. It was in 2014, that Filipinos were able to try the dishes of this popular Hong Kong restaurant.  I am hoping that Tim Ho Wan will finally open it's SM Seaside branch before the Sinulog Festival in January. Cebuanos are fans of good quality and affordable Chinese food.  Tim Ho Wan Favorites In the past week, I've eaten twice in Tim Ho Wan while enjoying the Holidays in Manila. That's how I'm addicted to it's food menu. I've tried most of their popular dishes and I keep wanting more and more ---- especially the pork buns! Unfortunately, when you order the dumplings or dim sum, they don't serve calamansi or chili oil. They only use the spices that they have in the original Hong Kong store. The prices per dish averages about 140php to 200php. It's a little on the high side compared to local Cebu Chinese restaurants but it's less oily and greasey plus the flavor is quite ta...

Were you able to see the newest GMA Christmas 2016 station Id, Maniwala sa Magic ng Pasko? You can watch here the complete and official Music Video of GMA Network's Christmas 2016 Campaign, Magic ng Pasko. Maniwala sa Magic ng Pasko is a unique and heartwarming Christmas station Id from GMA. All the animations are done by their talented in-house artists.  It's the newest offering that everyone will surely enjoy. The whole campaign was divided into three stories with different themes. Magic Crayons , Magic Phonograph  and Magic Wand provides a look at the culture, values and traditions that we, Filipinos, hold near and dear to our hearts. Sung by Julie Anne San Jose with lyrics by BJ Camaya and Nicolle Castillo. Music was composed by Anne Figueroa. The music video also features the different stories and has lyrics so that you can sing along. Meet the Characters Magic Crayons family members Lolo Jaime and Lola Hasmin of Magic Phonograph The kids of Magic Wand Song lyrics I Ang ...