Empress Of Drac, A Cebuana Blogger

Two years ago, Myspace reported a total number of 7 million bands registered on their website.  This number had definitely increased after a span of 2 years.  And, out of this millions of bands, we can only count from our fingers and toes those who really made it to the top.

Most music artists worldwide are surviving not by popularity nor by money and by demand, but by  their passion to share their music.

In Cebu alone, bands from various music genres are sprouting from local pubs and bars.  Most of them have potentials to make it to the mainstream scene but in the music industry, you need to be backed up by big label companies to make it to the top.

Make Way for the Wonggoys

Photo by Jorich Ponio

Does the name sounds so familiar?  The Wonggoys is Cebu’s newly formed band composed mainly by the talented Wong brothers.  They recently launched their debut album last December under 22 Tango Records.  Their producer is no other than Cattski Espina, one of Cebu’s finest singer-songwriter.

At six this morning, they will be performing on local TV (ABS-CBN’s Maayong Buntag Kapamilya).  They will be singing some of the songs in their first album - “I’m Not Sure What To Say But I’ll Say It Anyway“.

Gabe Wong, main vocalist and chief composer, Kyle Wong, guitarist, and William Wong, guitarist, are Cebu’s newest music artists to watch out this year 2011.

Keep yourself updated of the band’s whereabouts by liking their fan page in Facebook.  Good luck and more power to Wonggoys. \m/

Have you been so busy during the holidays that you got no time to watch your favorite movies on the big screen?

Now’s your time to catch up with the latest movies and blockbusters from Hollywood that would surely make your New Year celebration complete.

To make your movie experience more entertaining and fun, IMAX Theatre SM Cinema Cebu has a great promo for all IMAX lovers out there - IMAX Theatre Tron Legacy Pick-A-Prize Promo.

Here’s how you can join this promo.

1. Fore every purchase of two (2) TRON Legacy IMAX tickets at any IMAX theater from December 25, 2010 to January 18, 2011, you will have a chance to play the pick-a-prize game.

2. Present your IMAX movie tickets to ticketseller and pick a stub from the fishbowl.  You will automatically receive the corresponding prize indicated on the stub.

For inquiries contact IMAX Theatre SM Cinema Cebu, 3L SM City Cebu, North Reclamation Area, Mabolo, Cebu City 6000(032) 231-4852 / 231-3876 / 268-3511, imax.cebu@smsupermalls.com, smcinema.com.

Wonggoys, the newest and fast-rising Cebuano band, will be having their Media Launch and Listening Party to introduce their Debut Album on December 09, 2010 at IPI Club House , Sacris Road, Mandaue City.

Band Mongers:

Gabe Wong - Main Vox/Chief Composer

Kyle Wong - Guitar 1/Vox

William Wong - Guitar 2/Vox

Stay tuned for a detailed review about this band on this website. \m/

CBSi members during Red Box Pre-Opening | Photo by Clarence Mongado

Red Box Karaoke, one of Cebu’s most searched karaoke bar according to my Google Analytics stats (contact me if you wanted to know how often Red Box Karaoke is searched by people online), is now offering more affordable barkada packages for the fun-loving Cebuanos and Cebuanas.

Red Box now features a new value twist to their usual barkada and family packages to provide cheaper options to Cebu’s karaoke lovers.  Their signature time segments packages is now getting more and more affordable.

If you are working on graveyard shift (i.e. call centers, bpo companies), you would probably want to check their Lunch Hour package (12 noon- 3PM).  This package includes eat-all-you-can lunch delivered straight to your rooms.  Karaoke with your friends during a full-meal lunch for only PhP 299 per head.

Their Happy Hour package (3-7 PM) inclusive of one free drink: your choice of local beers, softdrinks, coffee, tea, or bottled is only PhP 199 per head. Singing your lungs out for four hours with your friends is priceless.

For the traditional and daytime workers, the Primetime package (7PM – 12 midnight) inclusive of TWO free drinks is only PhP 299 per head (PhP 399+ Fridays & Saturdays).  You have 5 hours of singing at a mere PhP 59/hour! An additional PhP 199+ on weekdays gets you a premium dinner buffet included in the package.

And, for the nocturnal homo sapiens out there, Red Box Karaoke bar is also offering an After Hours package (12 midnight- 4AM) inclusive of one drink for only PhP 199 per head.

About Red Box Karaoke Cebu

Photo by Michael Sinjin Pineda

Red Box Karaoke Cebu has twenty-one (21) generously-sized rooms including two party rooms with additional entertainment options available. Each is uniquely designed to look like no other KTV place in town. Contemporary, modern interiors contribute to a sonically engineered environment and the best song delivery system in the market today  to make for an unforgettably happy experience.

Red Box is open Tuesdays-Saturdays 12 NOON to 4 AM and Sunday & Monday 12 NOON to 12 Midnight, and is located at G101, Garden Level of The Terraces (below the Active Zone, across the fountain) at the Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park.  For inquiries please contact (032) 417 1675 or (0917) 6233397. Visit www.redbox.com.ph for more information. Find Red Box on Facebook : Red Box Karaoke Philippines.

Miss Cebu 2011 Coronation Night will be on January 12, 2011, 6:30 PM, Wednesday.  This will be held in the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel.

Without further ado, here are the beautiful Cebuanas who complete my top 6 list.  This ranking is based on first impressions and how I saw them carry themselves during the press conference last 27th of October.  The list below is in ascending order.

6. Mia Zeeba M. Faridon

5. Rosemary J. Gore

4. Benjielyn Rose A. Ongluico

3. Tiffanie Lene E. Llmada

2. Katrina Raye C. Yuson

1. Vanessa Claudine M. Ammann

You may wanted to know how I came up with this list.  As I mentioned in my previous post, I originally have my top 3 candidates but I when I rechecked my notes, I found out that this lovely ladies in my top 6 are the ones who did well in the question and answer portion.

I rated these ladies in terms of their confidence and how smart they are in answering random questions.  Those other 6 ladies who are not included in this list displayed too much anxiety and nervousness.

In beauty pageants wherein most of the candidates are already unquestionably attractive, it’s the attitude that matters the most.

In my next posts, I will feature detailed reviews for each candidate in this list.  As for now, I still have a lot of research aka stalking to do.  LOL!

By the way, who’s your bet to become the next Miss Cebu? (;

Photo: Michael Sinjin Pineda

Joining a beauty pageant requires physical prowess and a personality that stands out above the rest.  We know a lot of attractive and beautiful people but do they have the attitude that can handle pressure and the brain that can outwit challenges?

Beauty queens like Miriam Quiambao, Ruffa Guttierez, Charlene Gonzales, and Gloria Diaz have one thing in common — unshakable confidence.

Who Stands Out?

Last 27th of October, I attended the Miss Cebu 2011 press conference wherein for the first time the twelve finalists were presented to the media people.

Among the very few candidates who stand out during the question and answer portion were Vanessa Claudine Ammann, Katrina Raye Yuson, and Tiffanie Lene Llamada.

My Top 6

The Miss Cebu 2011 finalists are mostly nursing and medical technology students, and I noticed that most of them are studying in Cebu Doctor’s University.  I am a bit disappointed that there are no candidates from
technological institutions.

It’s not actually hard picking up my top 6 candidates.  Originally, I only have my top 3 favorites but I plan on making a separate review post for the six remaining contestants that are not in my top 6 list just to give a second look at those ones who don’t impress me that much.

Check Miss Cebu 2011’s schedule of coronation night here.  Anyway, I will be revealing my top 6 candidates in my next post.  So, stay tuned. (;

Are you a fan of the original Tron movie?  Or do you want to watch a sci-fi film in 3D?  If your answers to all these question are yes, then you have a chance to win tickets to the worldwide special screening of more than 20 minutes of never-before-seen 3D footage of TRON: Legacy at the IMAX® Theater, SM Cebu on October 28, 2010 (Thursday), 7:00pm.

If you are residing in Cebu City and its surrounding towns, then you should not miss this opportunity.  Winning free tickets is very easy.  Just visit this link and follow the instructions.  If ever you will win, don’t forget to text me so that we can go together. (;

Tron: Legacy

Tron: Legacy is an upcoming sci-fi film scheduled for release on December 17, 2010 (US and Canada).  It is actually  a sequel to the 1982 film Tron.  The story is about Sam Flynn, a rebellious 27-year-old who is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of his father Kevin Flynn, a man once known as the world’s leading video-game developer.  When Sam investigates a strange signal sent from the abandoned Flynn’s Arcade—that could have only come from his father—he finds himself pulled into a world where Kevin has been trapped for 20 years. Continue reading here.

Tron Night: An Imax 3D Experience

Tron fans (who will win the Tron free tickets promo) will have the opportunity to join this very special event on October 28, 2010 at selected 3D & IMAX 3D theaters worldwide (SM IMAX theater here in Cebu).  This event will give audiences worldwide the first opportunity to step onto the Grid and into the cutting-edge, 3D world of Walt Disney Pictures’ high-tech adventure “TRON: Legacy,” during an exciting 20-plus-minute sneak peek of the highly anticipated film.

What are you waiting for?  Join the Tron: Legacy 3D Free Tickets Promo NOW!  Ja ne! ^__^

WARNING: There might be Spoilers ahead.  Please proceed if you’ve already watched Resident Evil: Afterlife

Good news to all Wentworth Miller fans out there.  Our Prison Break hero is back and he is being detained in some fiber optic glass prison in the zombie infested city of Los Angeles.  Of course, you know that I’m referring to Wentworth Miller’s newest character, Chris Redfield, one of the two main protagonists of the movie, Resident Evil: Afterlife.

Michael Scoffield is now Chris Redfield

Photo by RAFY – © 2010 Constantin Film International GmbH & Davis Films/Impact Pictures Inc. All rights reserved.

I just watched Resident Evil: Afterlife the other day and I was surprised to see my favorite PB hero being featured as one of characters in this kick-ass movie.  Even though this is the first time in the film adaptation that the Chris Redfield character is being introduced, every Wenthworth Miller fan should know that the character he’s playing is the main guy in all the game series of Resident Evil.

Jill Valentine, Chris’ original partner (and also the real protagonist of the Resident Evil game series ), also did a come back at the end of the film but she was under the control of Umbrella Corporation, leading an attack against Chris, Alice, Claire and the remaining human survivors aboard the Arcadia.

Resident Evil: Afterlife, A Must-See

Every Resident Evil fan should not miss this terrific sequel that would surely blow our bloody brains out.  Resident Evil: Afterlife doesn’t disappoint me and I’m looking forward for the next sequel in the next 2 or 3 years to come.  I am more excited for the sequel because I’m bloody sure that Wentworth Miller would be on it and I think he will have longer screen appearance and longer script that time.  I would love to see his bulging muscles as Chris Redfield’s character.

Anyway, I noticed something strange about Milla Jovovich’s face in this movie.  She used to have a square jaw in the previous ones, but if you will observe closely, her jaw is square no more and her face seems to elongate.  Plastic surgery?  Well, it doesn’t really matter.  She’s one of the big factor of the success of all Resident Evil series.  XOXO

Ogie Alcasid, one of the most talented singer-songwriter in the Philippine entertainment industry, will be performing live at The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu on September 25, 2010, Saturday, 7pm.

OGIE ALCASID RELEASES NEW ALBUM “NGAYON AT KAILANMAN : A TRIBUTE TO GEORGE CANSECO”

Universal Records proudly presents Ogie Alcasid’s album release for 2010, “Ngayon at Kailanman : A Tribute to George Canseco”. Produced by Platinum producer Ito Rapadas, the tribute album includes the late master songwriter’s classics “Ikaw”, “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo”, “Kaibigan”, “Paano Kita Malilimutan”, “Ngayon at Kailanman”, the carrier single “Yakap” and many more. Listen to this treasure trove of immortal classics enhanced and beautifully interpreted by the soothing and emotional vocal performance of Ogie Alcasid. A truly inspiring tribute to the artistic legacy of George Canseco.

George Canseco was a prolific composer, lyricist, songwriter - one of the greatest the music industry has ever produced. He started writing songs when he was 20 and had written about 300 songs, some of these movie themes and ballads that are now considered OPM classics. Canseco’s music career spanned almost four decades and his compositions were interpreted by the country’s top recording artists like Basil Valdez, Kuh Ledesma, Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Pilita Corrales, Dulce, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Leah Navarro, Martin Nievera among other top singers. Canseco received five Lifetime Achievement honors from Katha, the Philippine Association of the Record Industry’s Awit Awards and the Star Awards.

Ogie Alcasid has been in the entertainment industry of music, TV and movies for more than 20 years and still, he is consistently regarded as one of the most successful celebrities in the business. His compositions, whether sung by other singers or himself, are certified hits. His albums (20 all in all) have received platinum and gold certifications and all of his concerts here and abroad were sold-out, proving that many of the listeners and viewers love his brand of romantic music. Who can forget Ogie’s classic hits like ” Bakit Ngayon ka Lang”, “Nandito Ako” and “Sa Kanya”? Despite all the success and controversies he received and has gone through, Ogie has stayed as humble and prolific as ever. Ogie is a regular of GMA-7’s top rating shows like “Party Pilipinas”, “Hole In The Wall”, “Show Me Da Manny” and “Bubble Gang”.

“Ngayon at Kailanman : A Tribute to George Canseco” ALBUM PREVIEW : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvm1DZd9VBI

FOLLOW OGIE ALCASID:

FACEBOOK FANPAGE : http://www.facebook.com/pages/OGIE-ALCAS…7239832997
TWITTER : http://twitter.com/ogiealcasid
OFFICIAL WEBSITE : http://www.ogiealcasid.ph/

“Ngayon at Kailanman : A Tribute to George Canseco” Tracklisting :

1. Yakap (originally popularized by Junior)
2. Hanggang Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan (originally popularized by Basil Valdez)
3. Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan (originally popularized by Kuh Ledesma)
4. Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo (originally popularized by Basil Valdez)
5. Kaibigan (originally popularized by Anthony Castelo)
6. Siya Na Ba (originally popularized by Basil Valdez)
7. Kapantay Ay Langit (originally popularized by Pilita Corrales)
8. Kastilyong Buhangin (originally popularized by Basil Valdez)
9. Dito Ba (originally popularized by Kuh Ledesma)
10. Langis At Tubig (originally popularized by Sharon Cuneta)
11. Kahapon Lamang (originally popularized by Sharon Cuneta)
12. Ikaw (originally popularized by Sharon Cuneta)
13. Ngayon At Kainlanman (originally popularized by Basil Valdez)
14. Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan (originally popularized by Basil Valdez)

Follow the procedure below to get an entry pass.