Last June 24, 2015, I had the opportunity of attending the Nissan GT Academy Event held in Craft Bar, Bonifacio Global City. The event was on the press launch of the finals leg of the Nissan GT Academy competition. Members of the press and the blogposphere were invited to cover the event.
The contest aims to find players who can finish the fastest in a time attack mode in a driving simulator. Gran Turismo 6 is the game engine while the car is none other than the Nissan GT-R. Players can only have their run at a virtual replica of the Silverstone circuit.
The players with the top 6 completion times will represent the Philippines in the Nissan GT Academy event to be held in England. They will be sent there to be trained as race car drivers. But out of the six contestants, only one will be chosen to become a member of Nissan's official racing team.
Guess what, their mentor and guest judge will be none other than Marlon Stockinger. He is a half-Filipino renowned race car driver who has garnered several titles in the industry, He won the Formula BMW Pacific 2008 Championships, the Senior Rotax Max World Finals 2007, the Asian Karting Championship 2006, and the Philippine Super Karting Series 2002. He is also a reserve driver of the Lotus F1 team. Such marks his biggest accomplishment to date.
Accroding to Nissan Philippines Inc., President Antonio Zara, having Marlon Stockinger in their team will be very invaluable to finalists in the training to be held in August. They will compete with other representatives of different countries from Asia. This time, though the opportunity is given to a Filipino to become part of Nissan's racing team.
Mr. Stockinger, during the press conference, has mentioned that he is excited to coach these aspiring racing drivers. He also aims to impart his knowledge to them. He does note, however, that the applicant must work hard in order to become the champion.
For those who haven't joined the earlier qualifying rounds held in locations in Manila, there's still hope. The Nissan GT Academy Live Final Event will be held on June 26, 27, and 28 at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center.
Also, Mr. Stockinger will exhibit his racing skills in the Globe Slipstream event on June 27 in the Bonifacio Global City.
The event is sponsored by Nissan Philippines Inc,, the national sales company of Nissan Japan. It started its operations in 2014. NPI is responsible for brand promotion and sales strategy in the Philippines. Visit their website at www.nissan.ph
(Special thanks to easternmotors.info for the pictures)
Up Dharma Down's photo montage of their Singapore trip
The bar at Level33
Armi Millare at Haji Lane
Armi at vocals
Carlos Tanada with the Ferrari test drive
Carlos Tanada with the Guitar
Ean Mayor at Level33
A stunning backdrop with the Marina Bay Sands and Ean Mayor in Drums
The Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay
Modparade at Haji Lane
The Black Angus Tenderloin at Level33
Paul Yap at Pidgin Kitchen and Bar
Paul Yap dining at Level33
Paul Yap with the Bass
Shades of Green from 2am:dessert bar
UDD with another band (The Next Movement)
UDD at Gardens by the Bay
The band at Haji Lane
The band enjoying their lunch
a snapshot from the music video
During my college days, I have avidly listened to Up Dharma Down as they launched album after album. I personally enjoy the beat and rhythm of their songs, particularly "Oo" and "Tadhana". Naturally, I was elated when I found out that I was invited to one of their events in 12 Monkeys, Century City Mall, along Makati Ave on May 19, 2015. At around 7 pm, the band went on stage to perform a number of their greatest hits. The crowd couldn't help it but sing along with the band as the songs which were all too familiar to a generation filled the air.
After the performance, the show went on with an exhibition of the band's newest song, "All the Good Things" along with a music video. It was during the event that I found out that the Sinagpore Tourism Board sponsored the event and the creation of a song especially for its tourism promotion activity in Philippines. Up Dharma Down was specifically chosen to become the official music partner of the Board.
In this new music video, the band captures their entire Singapore experience, particularly its cuisine, sites, and attractions, in the span of four minutes. The video shows some of their fun and thrilling side of the country they had not experienced before. It takes us through Up Dharma Down’s journey to various iconic and off-the-beaten-track locations in Singapore, sharing the experiences and personal moments that inspired them to create their new song.
The trip took the band on visits to quirky places like Haji Lane to explore concept stores that featured unique creations by local designers and artisans, and stops at various Mod-Sin cuisine establishments like Pidgin Kitchen & Bar and 2am:dessertbar that reimagined local hawker favorites into gastronomic innovations.
Attractions like Gardens by the Bay and the Henderson Waves captivated the band with its marvelous sights, and Carlos Tañada, the band’s guitarist, even got to experience being driven in a Ferrari through parts of the famous Marina Bay street circuit used for the Grand Prix night races. They capped off their visit to Singapore by immersing themselves in the city’s bustling nightlife, drinking signature brews at LeVeL33 and hanging out with local musicians, The Next Movement, at The Mad Men Attic Bar.
As for the song, the upbeat tune expresses the band's delightful experience of the country. According to the band, this tune "captures the soul and spirit of the Singapore" they have come to love. They were also proud to note their accomplishment. They also recognized travel as "one of the most inspiring experiences for any artist", and that "their trip to Singapore was a journey that opened their eyes to another side of it."
All this is in line with Singapore's celebration of its golden jubilee as a nation. Singapore Tourism Board’s Area Director for Philippines & Brunei, Mr Adrian Kong, added, “Through this collaboration with Up Dharma Down, we hope that Filipino travelers will view Singapore as a destination where they can partake in unique experiences across retail, dining, entertainment and attractions .”
The music video of "All the Good Things"
In celebration of Singapore’s 50th year, having these inspiring experiences to shop, eat and play is made even easier with the Golden Jubilee deals. The Golden Jubilee promotion is an exciting selection of exclusive deals on flights, hotels and more. Take advantage of special airfare deals, stay at any one of the participating hotels in the city for 2 nights to get the 3rd night free, shop till you drop during the Great Singapore Sale for a chance to win S$500 daily, and embark on a gastronomic adventure with exclusive dining discounts from various establishments.
With all these and more, there is no better time to plan your own inspiring visit to Singapore to discover all the good things.
To see what inspired Up Dharma Down in Singapore, visit www.yoursingapore.ph. To know more about the exciting Golden Jubilee deals, visit www.yoursingapore.com/goldenjubilee.
Have you ever seen one of these ads? I do remember seeing them in Manila and the NLEX. I have wondered what the cryptic message meant. One day, I got an invite from a PR company which told me to go to EDSA Shang on the stated date. Upon joining the event on the stated date, the true meaning of the message was revealed. And it isn't a marriage proposal!
The real occasion behind the billboard is the revitatization of the historic MLQU, a University which has, for the longest time, been a paragon of excellence in training some of the best individuals in the country. In the post war era starting from the 1950's, this University has been known as part of the top three institutions which has fielded a consistent stream of timeless achievers in the legal field, private sector, and government service.
NSJBI AND THE REVITALIZATION OF MLQU
According to Dr. Isagani Germar New San Jose Builders, Inc. (NSJBI) co-chairman and MLQU president, the event was organized by the renowned real estate developer New San Jose Builders' Inc. This corporation took an interest in restoring the University back to its glorious days, complete with the heritage of excellence which has become a trait of the school for decades past. The campaign heralds the university’s many plans to continue its legacy into the future.
At this time, NSJBI has acquired a significant controlling interest in MLQU. With capital infusion coming from a company committed to a strong revitalization program, the only question now is how the University will be able to reclaim its glorious place in terms of outstanding alumni and prestige.
Evidently, the university’s plans for upgrading are beginning to take shape. There has been a change in leadership and management of the institution. Also, this new leadership strongly makes it a point to produce graduates who will eventually become some of the finest in their respective fields. In order to achieve that goal, the university administration hopes to streamline the curriculum and standards to help create 100% passing rates in board and bar exams.
NOTABLE ACHIEVERS OF MLQU
MLQU has produced notable Quezonians who have made an impact in their respective industries. Among these are Rustica Carpio (academician and multi-awarded actress on stage, film, and television) who first appeared in Ishmael Bernal’s Nunal sa Tubig in 1976. She made over 50 other films in her more than 30 years in the industry. Eleven of these movies were directed by film genius Ishmael Bernal, earning her the reputation in the movie industry as a Bernal favorite.
For her accomplishments, Dr. Carpio is a recipient of over 50 national and international honors and awards which includes being one of the Ten Outstanding Women of the Philippines in 1968 from Federacion Internacional de Abogadas (FIDA Phil.) for her invaluable achievements in the field of performing arts. She was also cited in The World Who’s of Women, Vol. 6, 1982 published in England by the International Biographical Centre.
Another alumnus who made a name for himself is Neil Perez, an officer of the Philippine National Police Aviation and Security Group, he won the title of Mister International Philippines in a pageant held in Seoul, South Korea on February 14, 2015.
The list of MLQU outstanding alumni is endless, and some of them held the position of Secretary of Justice in the person of Justice Ricardo C. Puno Sr.(1979-1984), Justice Sedfrey Ordoñez (1987-1990) and Justice Artemio Tuquero (2000-2001) while Justice Ricardo Villarama Jr., Justice Venicio Escolin, Justice Jose Melo, Justice Jose Vitug, Justice Ruben Reyes and Justice Isagani A. Cruz went on to become associate justice of the Supreme Court.
Others who have gained fame in the practice of law are: Juctice Carmelita Manhan, Atty. Benjamin Tabios, Justice Alicia Sempio-Dy, Justice Nicolas Lapena, Atty. Norberto Quisumbing, Justice Manuel Pamaran, Justice Hilarion Aquino, Justice Roberto Abad, Justice Perlita Tirona, Justice Jose Vitug, Judge Jesus F. Guerrero, Justice Renato Dacudao, Atty. Ma. Luisa Dizon-Villarama, Justice Serafin Camillon, Justice Nicolas Lapena Jr,. Justice Luis Victor, Justice Enrico Lanzanas, Justice Ricardo Ilarde, Justice Ricardo Lagman, Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, Justice Jose Hernandez, Justice Samuel Martires, Atty, Conrado Vasquez, Atty. Medwin Dizon and Atty Danilo Lopez.
Meanwhile, MLQU graduates who made notable achievements in government service include Former Foreign Affairs secretary Alberto Romulo; Former Commission on Elections chair Benjamin S. Abalos ; Former Labor Secretary and Senate President Blas F. Ople; Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin; Department of Trade and Industry undersecretary Lilia de Lima; Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz; Tarlac Governor Jose V. Yap; Former Chairman, PCGG Magtanggol Gunigundo; Former Agrarian Reform Secretary and former Bulacan Governor Obet Pagdanganan; Former Senator Wigberto Tañada Former Senator Wenceslao Lagumbay; and Congressmen Rodolfo Albano Jr., Pangalian Balindog, Fredrick Abueg, Silvestre Bello III, Antonio del Rosario, Samuel Pagdilao and Reynaldo Umali.
Not to be forgotten are Police Senior Inspectors John Gary Erana, Max Jim Tria, and Rennei Tayrus, who served the country and sacrificed their lives as part of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force’s “Fallen 44”.
With its many graduates who have achieved distinction in their field, MLQU is indeed a school for achievers and future heroes. This is because through quality education and training, MLQU strives to produce nationalistic, competent, educated, and upright Quezonians imbued with a spirit of selflessness and commitment to being of service to society. This is why many Quezonians have become popular in their fields.
AVP OF THE MLQU PROGRAM
(courtesy of the MLQU website)
MLQU MOVING AHEAD
MLQU offers courses such as Law and Paralegal Studies, Education, Arts and Sciences, Accountancy and Business Arts, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Criminology, Architecture, and Information Technology. Under the new management’s supervision, there is a plan to add a course on real estate management. All of these courses would not be possible without the credible and reliable faculty and deans who are industry experts and who graduated from top universities here and abroad in order for the school to offer world-class education.
MLQU is also aims to establish its presence in Balanga, Bataan, as well as strengthening its Professional School, the School for Professional Advancement & Con btinuing Education (SPACE), which would further upgrade the level of education that they provide. With the involvement of its alumni, the public can expect more changes and improvements in MLQU.
MLQU recently held a grand alumni homecoming at the Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, with the theme: “MLQU Regaining its Glory! Sikat ‘pag Quezonian” hosted by Luanne Dy and GMA Kapuso host Drew Arellano. The event was attended by famous MLQU Alumni and notable government officials.
Pictures courtesy of Angela Abad (https://loveteacherange.wordpress.com)
I was invited to attend the launch of successlounge.biz last June 16, 2015. I was initially clueless as what to expect from the event, but when I found out that John Calub was the one hosting it, I immediately confirmed. The venue was at Success Lounge International, a concept restaurant owned by John Calub somewhere along Tomas Morato, Quezon City. It is designed to encouarge its patrons to dream big and achieve success. I attened the event with various media representatives from print, visual, and online realms (with me coming from the online media). I do love the fact that Mr. Calub's staff really took care of our food and amenities in the course of the event. Also, I admire the dedication and time that the company took in order to give the media excellent service. We had a delectable lunch in Alex III restaurant while the talk was given in Success Lounge.
To those who don't know him, John Calub is one of the most sought after motivational speakers and in the Philippines. He is known for organizing seminars focused on entrepreneurial education and personal self-improvement. This day though, the agenda was different. Instead of inviting his guests to attend a seminar, he proudly announced his newest pet venture. This is a website called successlounge.biz.
The homepage of successlounge.biz
The website is a compilation and directory of various resources which the common Filipino can access to achieve their dream of financial security and economic maturity. It is a venue which any member can use to develop their skills, talents, and hobbies in order to achieve more in life. According to John Calub, he aims to make the website one of the largest and most-productive e-learning tools in the country for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also aims to develop the website as one of the leading motivators of Filipinos so they can become leading contributors to the country's economic success. However, a person can only access the website by becoming an exclusive member under the categories of vip and vvip. The vip program is offered at 3,888 pesos while the vvip program is offered at 12,000 pesos. The vvip program is more recommended due to its emphasis on advanced tips and tricks in entrepreneurship and other fields of life.
During the live demo session, Mr. Calub showed us the ins and outs of the website. The website was heavy on content with topics in personal
development, motivation, sales and persuasion, business skills, communications
training, entrepreneurship, etc. Also, the speakers in these videos and the writers in the articles were some of the best in their field and expertise. Apart from these, the members can join live events across
the world during podcasts. Aside from its affiliate marketing system where one can potentially earn from, the site has advanced learning technologies and principles in all of its courses/programs such as: brainwave entertainment, mind exercises, interactive videos, experiential exercises, creative visualization, metaphoric exercises, etc. Mr. Calub wanted to open this opportunity to Filipinos as a way of giving back to the community. He also said he wants to used this medium as an opportunity to reach his goal of making 10 million Filipino millionaires in the future.
I am inviting you guys to log on to the website at: www.successlounge.biz/growyourwealth I do hope this can help you achieve your dreams of financial freedom.
John Calub Training, Incorporated (JCTI), the
Philippines’ biggest personal development and success coaching company in the
Philippines’, owns and operates the website. Pictures of the event:
John Calub with Coach Lambert Flores and Justin "The Mental Assassin" Pinon
