Red Box revolutionized the way we look at Karaoke joints –or make that “the way Wii look at Karaoke joints.”

Last night, we attended Red Box’s media launch of their Nintendo Wii cabled rooms.  Beginning this month, Red Box selected rooms became equipped with Wii consoles that enables karaoke lovers to alternate between microphone and nunchuk controllers.  Singing birds are not only limited to singing their lungs out, Red Box has made karaoke joints more fun and interactive for the audience who don’t sing with the installation of pool tables, poker tables and now, even Wii games are available! 

Marcelle took the first whip at Wii playing Tennis against Aj.  Dinnertime and I just had to go back to the buffet table for more of their chicken in mustard sauce and pork in spicy sweet sauce.  Soon, event host Darwin, who is in his favorite Wii character costume, opened the show by welcoming the guests.  Paolo Del Rosario, marketing director of Red Box, gave a short introductory on their Wii offering including packages that include food. 

Jayvee also made some announcements regarding Blog Bank and the newly released Blog Bank card.

After some wacky group photos at the Clique Photo booth, we sauntered to one of the rooms and played Wii.  Fran and I both played bowling where I embarrassed myself to no end with gutter shots.  We tried baseball as well with Arvin while Bubba and Jayvee sparred using the Wii boxing game.

I happened to meet Hannah again (from WordCamp) and Jehzlau at the event.

Paul and I hit the billiards table immediately after another group abandoned the table.  This is where I enjoyed the most since I haven’t played billiards for quite some time –3-4 years back.  I remember I used to play a lot during freshman and sophomore year in college at the 3^rd floor of University Mall, Taft Avenue.  I wonder if that place is still open.  Back in high school, whenever I take advance classes at YMCA in Binondo, to while away the time from one class to another, I go to the 5^th (was it 5^th) floor and play pool too.  It was great to play billiards again while watching the rest of the group enjoy the Wii.

With Red Box’s extensive list of services, today’s more sophisticated urbanites can enjoy a karaoke experience that is comparable to how most first class cities in the world enjoy their own. “Before Red Box, the karaoke business has never been taken seriously. Mixing art, technology and a lot of fun, we want our customers to sing, eat, drink, play and lounge in the distinctly global Red Box way,” says Paolo.

Red Box really thinks out of the box and makes sure that nobody is left out of the fun.  Now there’s more reason to hop to Red Box in groups!  Experience a different level of karaoke high.  Red Box has branches in Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma.  For reservation and inquiries, please call 757-6188 or visit www.redbox.com.ph. 

Wii Party Album  

Az Album 

Jehzlau Album

After two years, Chicane is back in Manila. 

That evening was packed with a lot of Metro on-goings.  My feet walked into 2 events in a span of 2 hours, URCC University Challenge @ A-Venue Hall and Attica Launch in the same area.  But the big story of the night is the Chicane event presented by Big Fish Manila and Nokia.

My Sabiclub friends –or family if I can put it more appropriately, were raving about Chicane since a month ago.  Although I appreciate house/trance (I can’t even differentiate between the two) music, I grew up knowing about the ‘90s baggy jeans.  Hip-hop and RnB are really the music I can easily relate to.  Carlo and I used to banter back when we were officemates which one really rules the scene.  Of course, my loud voice always won over the debate.  I’ve attended several Big Fish events in the past most of which are the annual Cream Halloween balls and in time, house music steadily gained a higher level of respect from me.

I have to remove cobwebs off my ears though because it’s been almost 2 years since I last attended their event.  The last one was Cream Halloween 2006 –and Bubba, as a friend then, bumped into our group and kept getting my drink from me!  What a flirt!

(Music)

Well If U Love Ya Girl
And Wanna Keep Ya GIrl
Don’t Be Walkin Up And Askin Me To Meet Ya Girl
‘Cause I’m Well Enough A Flirt When I Speak To Girl

My apologies for the commercial break…  Back to tugs tugs tugs ugs ugs…

The Sabi crew planned to all attend the event except for a few (pointing at Yssah) –which made it so tempting for me to go since I miss these guys.  What a delightful feeling it was when I opened my email and read that I won two tickets from Spot.ph!!!  

E-L-A-T-I-O-N (and I don’t pop!)  Just natural high baby! 

World Trade Center.  Surprisingly, the line for media/VIP guests was longer than the “selling ticket” lane.  15 people were ahead of us.  It didn’t “cramp the style” (let it pass.  No more heef haf language after this) anyhow because it took only a mere 10 minutes to get our names crossed out the list.

Two familiar faces by a cocktail table flagged my sight, gorgeous couple Phoebe and Jayvee.  From Plurk info, I think Nina was supposed to cover the event too.  A few chats, snaps snaps and a handful of UFO blings later, each couple went their way to meet friends.  We got inside and saw the group near the stage.  I hugged Camille tightly because I missed her so!  Carlo enjoying the music… NA looking fab in her chic dress… Shiela and Bubba whispering and laughing heartily on the side… Shiela has the sweetest smile ever.  Even in a dark room full of blasting music, I can feel the softness in her smile.  Drinks drinks drinks… John Boy Lee prepped the crowd.  Dance, dance, dance… sauntering from one area to another…  I’m so glad we had the VIP wrist badge that granted us access to the VIP area.  My feet weren’t so tortured.  I was able to rest in a couch if I need to.  We also bumped into Mark Nep, Yvette, Lala and Richie.  Then back to Sabi peeps…  At one point I saw Ricky Dakker on stage.  We went to the ABS-CBN reserved area where Bubba hung with his friends.  Then back to Sabi peeps… Staring at the stage and basking on the music… Celebrity spotting: Bianca Araneta with husband Mr. Elizalde.  Phoebe gave us Nokia blue light necklace thingies… sweet! 

We saw Trina too, CW former officemate in Asia Brewery Inc.  We were on our way out to go to the Johns when we heard loud shouting.  “Chris! Chris!”  (It sounded like an old man’s voice!  Haha, just playing Antz!)  We look up and saw Antz with Mark’s group @ the ABS area, waving his hands summoning us to go up.  Chicane finally came on stage around 3am.  I also bumped into Fritz somewhere in the night –or morning.  Too bad that the band encountered some technical problems –but it totally didn’t spoil my cake.  We left a little past 3 hungry.  We went to Burger Avenue to cap the long but fun night.  I received an SMS from Martin or Martini as I would call him that he caught one of the drumsticks that the Chicane drummer threw –awesome memento of Chicane in Manila 2008 for him.

What a fantastic time it was!  It’s been a while since we’ve been out and this was the ultimate resurrection!  I had an absolute blast going sway sway shake shake wave hands up the whole night! 

Much love to Spot.ph (and Karl Bustamante) for the two (2) VIP tickets!

Chicane Album

Yay!  I scored two (2) VIP passes to the Big Fish event, Chicane Live on Stage.  Thanks to SPOT!

Nokia Music, Big Fish presents a one of a kind dance concert :::Chicane LIVE on Stage::: Catch the event at World Trade Center, September 27, Sat,

Trivia from Martin: Chicane is not a one-man dj like tiesto.  Chicane is a full band composed of 7 members headed by Nick Bracegirdle.  They will be performing live on stage with keyboards, bass, drums guitar, percusiion and male/female vocals.

For tickets and VIP tables, please call 6348238/6327762. 

Website: http://bigfishmanila.com

My Royler Gracie Moment

My Chuck Lidell Moment

Chuck Lidell is in Manila to promote MMA in the Philippines and will hold an open training session in Atrium, MOA this coming Sunday, September 21, 2008, 3pm.

Chuck Lidell, dubbed as the “Iceman” of UFC is in town!!!  He is a former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion who showcases intense kickboxing and excellent wrestling skills.  Despite being known for his takedown defense, he is tremendously admired for his stand-up fighting stance and strong knockout punches.  The Iceman is an unorthodox striker who throws his punches on a side step and from different angles.

Gear up MMA fans and see your MMA idol in the flesh on Sunday!  Head to the Atrium, Mall of Asia.

Party at Nuvo on Monday follows.

In high school, for a show and tell presentation, while everyone was doing recipes on this and that, I played magic tricks (trying hard not to be conventional)… I was the only one in class who did.  Unconventional = bulls-eye! 

In college, for an English class, we had a “how to” project.  I didn’t want to fix something that’s not broken.  I went with the same bag of tricks for a different audience.

In 2003, Mia, my officemate in PS, threw a party for her daughter and I volunteered to do a magic show for the kids.  The unconventional then became usual to me.  Growing up, I’ve always been a sucker for magic tricks of…   

David Copperfield

David Blaine

and David Beckham (oops, not included here).

I first heard of Erik Manna, the Philippine version of the two, on AXN a while back.  During the AXN Beyond event last Friday, August 1, I had the pleasure to meet him face to face.

Now, you don’t…

(Puzzled?)

On meeting Erik Manna…

NOT! (in Borat’s voice)

Album: http://cushee.multiply.com/photos/album/533/08_0801-_AXN_Beyond_Trade_Event_Embassy   

SMS Exchanged

Cushee:  Still in meeting? 8pm tonight Alicia Keys concert, SMX.

Bubba:   Yup, still in meeting.  You have tickets?

Cushee:  Yes, for myself only.

Bubba:   L

Cushee:  Hahaha.  Okay okay, including you sweetheart! J

Bubba:   Haha!  Wait!  Seryoso na!  U have tickets?  Where did you get it?

Cushee:  Ya, I have 2 tickets.  8pm tonight.  But I’m still considering whether to bring you… Kulang sa lambing eh.

Bubba:   Harabuzi harabuzi!  Me me me me!  Ngoink ngoink ngoink!

Cushee:  Ok, you’re my date!

MASKARA SCHEDULE FOR 2008  

Oct 16 - Schools Category of Maskara Street Dancing

Oct 17 - Barangay Category of Maskara Street Dancing

Oct 18 - Open Category for the Maskara Street Dancing

Oct 19 - BACOLOD CITY CHARTER DAY CELEBRATION and MILITARY PARADE

We all have a social mask, right?

We put it on, we go out, put our best foot forward, our best image.

But behind that social mask is a personal truth,

what we really, really believe about who we are and what we’re capable of.

~Phil McGraw