Turismo Pilipina Charities Inc. (TCPI) through its President, Ms. Precious Lara Quigaman, has announced the Search for Turismo Pilipina 2009. The simple launching of Year 2 of Turismo Pilipina coincides with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between TCPI and NAITAS (National Association of Independent Travel Agencies of the Philippines) as strategic partner in organizing this year’s beauty search. Supported by the Department of Tourism, Philippine Tourism Authority, Philippine Airlines, PAGCOR, Duty Free and SKAL International Philippines, Private Joyce Collection- (official swimsuit provider) and Ever Bilena Cosmetics as sponsor.

“It is only but fitting that TCPI has forged a strategic partnership with NAITAS, one of the largest and respected travel organization in the country for it will help strengthen TCPI’s advocacy and mission in promoting a Culture of Tourism in our country,” says Lara, during the launch at the Wine Museum in Pasay City.

The winner of Turismo Pilipina 2009 will be actively involved in promoting tourism, travel and trade in various events and fair here and abroad that NAITAS has lineup for her during the entire year of her reign.

The Search is open to all Filipina, between 18-25 years old, at least 5’5” tall, single and never been married or have given birth, at least high school graduate, with pleasing personality and good moral character, and has a good knowledge on Philippine Culture and Tourism.

Turismo Pilipina 2009 will receive P250,000 cash while the first and second runners up will each receive P75,000 and P50,000 respectively.

Preliminary screenings are scheduled on Aug. 23, 29, 30 and Sept. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and 26 from 1-6 p.m., at the Turismo Pilipina Head Office at # 10 Kasing-Kasing St., East Kamias, QC.

Anthony Improgo, Slapshock at SM Dasmariñas

Catch Metro Station drummer Anthony Improgo today, Aug. 23, 6 p.m. at SM City Dasmariñas for a special drums exhibition. This special show is in line with the album launch of rock band Slapshock’s latest full-length entitled “Cariño Brutal.”

Slapshock is composed of Jamir Garcia (vocals), Jerry Basco (guitars), Lean Ansing (guitars), Lee Nadela (bass), and Chi Evora (drums). It should be noted that Slapshock is the first Filipino band that was featured in the popular “Dubai Dessert Rock Festival” last year and the band also had a successful concert tour in Canada.

Now on their 12th year in the music industry, Slapshock has released 5 full-length studio albums under EMI Philippines with such hits as “Agent Orange,” “Direction,” and “We Are One” among many others.

Today, the band finished recording all the tracks of “Cariño Brutal” which is also due for release in the US this year. The album contains 6 original tracks including its carrier single “Can’t Stop Us Now.”
Improgo on the other hand, is the Filipino and the drummer of American pop band Metro Station.

Metro Station was formed in 2006 in Los Angeles, California. They are best known for their Top 10 Billboard hit single “Shake It,” from their self-titled debut album. Popularized mainly by their co-front man Trace Cyrus, older brother of “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus, and Mason Musso, older brother of Mitchell Musso also from “Hannah Montana,” the band has experienced a recent boom in their record sales.

This is the first time Improgo returned to the Philippines since Metro Station visited the country last June.

6cyclemind brings  project to the malls

Their single “Walang Iwanan” off their fifth album “Project 6cyclemind” is turning out to be one be one of the hottest tracks of 2009 with its heavy airplay on radio stations and music channels. Such is the proof of pop-alternative band 6cyclemind’s continued popularity.

Fans could get to hear that single live as Ney, Rye, Bob, Chuck and Tutti a.k.a 6cyclemind conquer the malls on Aug. 23 at SM City Rosales, Pangasinan and SM City Bacoor, Cavite on Aug. 30. The mall shows, presented by PLDT MyDSL, start at 4 p.m.

An autograph signing session will be held for those who buy 6cyclemind’s latest album “Project 6cyclemind.” Buyers will also have a chance to win prizes from PLDT MyDSL. “Project 6cyclemind” is now available in CDs at record stores under Sony Music and is being presented by PLDT MyDSL.

Nickelodeon gives you one awesome August!

New shows, new episodes, and a TV-movie special make up one awesome August!

Nickelodeon reels off with a new animation series which gives the classic Camelot an action-comedic twist. Welcome “Gawayn,” a series about a 10-year-old knight-in-training named William who is completely devoted to his mentor, the loveable but slightly inept knight in gleaming armor, Sir Roderick. William sets out on a hilarious adventure to save Princess Gwendolyn weekdays at 11:30 a.m.

Catch additional doses of “iCarly’s” new episodes that will keep you entertained every Wednesday to Friday at 4:30 p.m.

There are equally amazing surprises up at “Nick Jr.” For starters, your favorite party of five –Pablo, Tyrone, Uniqua, Tasha, and Austin – returns with more stories and adventures. In one episode, for instance, rookie security guard Tyrone faces a tough night when he is alone to guard museum art pieces – Austin, Pablo, and Uniqua – that come alive at night! Watch the new episodes of “The Backyardigans” on weekdays at 9:30 a.m.

In “Back At The Barnyard,” Nicksters should watch out because Cowman, the Uddered Avenger, is in town! Thinking there’s too much crime in the Barnyard, Otis becomes Cowman and Pip turns into Ratboy. Together they give you some superhero action as “Back At The Barnyard’s Cowman: The Uddered Avenger” debuts on Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Finally, take a trip down the memory lane with The Naked Brothers Band as Nat, Alex, and the gang stop over New Orleans for a concert and end up reuniting with some childhood playmates. The Naked Brothers Band’s TV-Movie Special entitled “Polar Bears” is set to debut on Aug. 31 at 3 p.m.
For other highlights, check out www.nicksplat.com.

VIPs shop at Greenhills

Not ordinary shoppers and bargain hunters shop at the Greenhills Shopping Complex but also big names in showbiz, government, business, and sports. It was reported that the Queen of Spain visited Greenhills (who is said to have come to buy pearls incognito) and US Ambassador Kristie Kenney who brought some friends and relatives to Greenhills.

Albert Castro, a coordinator of Prime Asia Trade Planners and Convention Organizers (PATEPCO), a pioneer trade fair and consumer exhibitor in Greenhills said that in Greenhills, VIPs are treated as ordinary shoppers. They can go around, dine, shop, play, and just pass their time without anybody disturbing them.

He also said that in Greenhills, he ordinarily meet some movie personalities like Claudine Barretto, Caridad Sanchez, Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, and basketball player Ronnie Magsanoc and many other more.

For some VIPs and the rich, they visit Greenhills because of South Sea Pearls.

He said the Moro pearl shops in Greenhills has become a paradise for pearl shoppers, local and foreigners alike.

Greenhills Shopping Complex is a favorite shopping mall because with the introduction of the tiangge in a mall.

The 16th National & Arts Antiques Show, another sale event will be held Sept. 14 to Oct. 8.