Category: Press Releases

Liederabend: a night of singing and classical guitar music

Lieder. It’s one of my favourite musical genres. Mozart, Bach, Schubert, and Schumann music were, for me, very intersting to study and sing. And I look forward to listening these music, as delivered by this duo of the male voice and warm guitar strings.

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Ayala Museum and IPAV, Inc. in partnership with Lufthansa, Official Airline, present

Liederabend:
A Night of German Songs

An Ayala Museum GuitarNights Feature

featuring LIED DUO
Knut Schoch & Carsten Linck
June 2, 2016 |  6:30 PM | Ayala Museum Ground Floor Lobby

In the 19th century, the “golden age” of the guitar, songs with a guitar accompaniment was the most popular form of vocal music-making. Innumerable compositions for this combination – not only in German – appeared at this time, true masterpieces in a virtually inexhaustible repertoire of songs. It was only from the 1830s that this position on the “popularity scale” was increasingly assumed by the piano, and the guitar song was gradually pushed into the background.

           To this day, the wistfulness of the guitar, its sensitivity and delicacy, still reveal a very personal and rather intimate view of the songs of love, passion and death. The listener often finds these settings of poems dealing with romantic feelings or the descriptions of nature popular at the time to be more authentic, and especially in the quieter ranges, more subtle.

           The concerts given by the LIED duo (Knut Schoch and Carsten Linck), are always received with enthusiasm by their audience on account of their freshness and intensity, demonstrate the value of reviving the treasures of the guitar song genre from this period. Their usual repertoires include both original compositions from the 1800s and original arrangements of works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and Johannes Brahms.

           The duo’s captivating concert appearances, enhanced by short introductions to the works and their respective composers composers, give an unforgettable insight into rarely heard but exciting repertoires. In addition, transcriptions such as of the song cycle Die schöne Müllerin by Franz Schubert provide an opportunity to discover new perspectives to old familiar works.

           For these song recitals, Carsten Linck plays a 19th century guitar replica by Johann Georg Staufer which has a very similar sound to a fortepiano of the period. As the guitar is played standing, the player can perform in an informal narrative style, creating a very lively performance for the audience.

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE LIED DUO, CLICK HERE.

ABOUT THE CONCERT SERIES

GuitarNights is a new addition to the list of musical experiences offered by Ayala Museum and Independent Philippine Art Ventures, Inc. (IPAV), gathering some of the country’s foremost and international classical guitarists, bringing the familiar and beloved instrument to a whole new light.

TICKET PRICES AND HOW TO PURCHASE

P 700 Regular
P 560 Discounted Rate*
P 500 Senior Citizens
P 300 Students

Tickets available for sale at the Ayala Museum ticket counter, open during museum hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 AM to 6 PM.

* Discount applies to Ayala Museum Members, Ayala Rewards Circle, and AGC Employees.
 

Terms and Conditions for purchasing tickets:

Pre-event

Tickets are now available for sale at the Ayala Museum, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati, open from Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM.Kindly present a valid ID to avail of applicable discounts.Cash payment is preferred.Limited seats available. In the event the maximum seating capacity is already reached, succeeding buyers will be duly informed of standing room only status and can purchase tickets at the minimum price (P 300).It is best to call 759 82 88 local 31 or 35 to get the latest update on the availability of tickets.

During concert date

Counter for unclaimed and/or unsold tickets (if any) will open on June 2, 2016. Gates will open at 5:30 PM.Ticket holders who were guaranteed seats (purchased before reaching maximum capacity status) during the sale period may sit anywhere. Please note that there are no seat assignments and that seating is first-come, first served.All tickets sold for the June 2, 2016 concert is valid only during said date.

For inquiries and reservations:
CALL: 759 82 88 local 31
EMAIL: concerts@ayalamuseum.org

The Russian Romanticism of Manila Symphony Orchestra

unnamedThe beauty of Russian Romanticism is that it’s hard to pin down. Sensuous in certain parts, exuberant in others, it is both textured and simple, intense, but controlled. To define it into a word or a phrase is a disservice to its identity and heritage; so what better way to showcase the true qualities of this genre than by attempting to breathe life into it?

On June 4, 2016, the Manila Symphony Orchestra, with acclaimed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Professor Arturo Molina, highlights the beauty of Russian Romanticism with a performance at the Power Mac Center Spotlight.

As the Manila Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 90th year, the performance ushers in the season for  #90YearsYoung—a celebration of a new decade in music that cements the country’s most revered orchestra’s legacy of Filipino musical heritage.

With Maestro Arturo Molina at the helm, they are putting the spotlight on the saxophone—a novel addition to traditional orchestral programs that speaks of the genre’s heritage and Molina’s mastery of the symphonic repertoire of the great Russian composers.

The evening will draw works from two of the five great composers of the Romantic era, namely Borodin and Mussorgsky. The pieces selected have been curated around the Glazunov Saxophone Concerto, a 15-minute piece, keeping with the themes of Russian Romanticism – colorful, passionate, and exotic.

“It’s an honor to be part of such a great milestone for the Manila Symphony Orchestra and to be able to share their genius and talent to music and theater enthusiasts around the city,” says Mel Ignacio, Ayala Land Assistant Vice President. “We look forward to seeing you at Power Mac Center Spotlight to witness this great event live.”

 

For ticket inquiries and more information, like and follow Power Mac Center Spotlight on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PMCSpotlightOfficial

Instagram: pmcspotlight_official

Brotzeit Junior Chef@Work with Mommy Bloggers Philippines

Summer is synonymous to workshops.

This summer alone, my little learner is taking ballet, just finished swimming, and taking day workshops, like this recent one we attended in Brotzeit Shangrila Plaza.

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We were welcomed with this banner.
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Kinder Koche für den Tag! Kid Chef for the day. I miss speaking auf Deutsch!

And I missed Germany because of the overall feel of the restaurant.

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Typical German Bier Bar. They serve Bavarian Cuisine. Oh yes, Munich.

Since it’s all about brot, or bread, I assume the kids were making bread. And they did. For starters, they made Brezn, or Pretzel. I let my little one work her way by herself, they had great instructors led by Chef Ivan.

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My daughter did the entire process herself–from putting ingredients together, mixing the dough, rolling, shaping the Brezn.

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From the oven to her mouth, these Cheese Brezn or Pretzels looked and tasted good. Lekker!
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The “Graduates” with Chef Ivan. Great job, MBP kids!

The kids had loot bags from one of the sponsors, Toy Kingdom.

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Mommies had our own loot, too, from Cusina Home. Watch out my review of this product, my new household dishwashing buddy!

 

The workshop was great exercise for the kids to acquire kitchen skills. It also taught them how to focus, following instructions, reading ingredients, waiting, keeping the workstation and their hands clean when preparing food. I must say, my kid learned a lot in this short time, and applied these skills at home (we both love baking!).

You can still have your kids experience this in Brotzeit, all Saturdays of May!

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Vielen Dank, Brotzeit!

~ Touringkitty

 

Brotzeit Junior Chef at Work Workshop

Brotzeit Junior Chef @ Work – A Fun Baking Workshop For Kids This May

 

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Mommies and kids find cooking and baking sessions fun especially this vacation. The kids like to play and imitate their moms in the kitchen, mold some dough and bake easy to prepare cookies and breads. Moms enjoy seeing the kids able to work on their own, even with their little hands, and be able to make simple treats all by themselves.

This month of May, every Saturday, Brotzeit will be having their Brotzeit Junior Chef @ Work where little ones can have a fun afternoon of making their own favorite Brotzeit food. They can learn how to make their own Fladen, Cookies, and Pretzels. It will be an exciting experience for little kids complete with aprons, cooking tools, and certificates and they will get to taste and bring home the products that they made.

Sign up at least one week before each class. You may also contact Malou Gonzalez at malou@brotzeitphil.com for schedules and registration.

Come with your kids and experience the fun of being Junior Chefs!

Check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Website for details.

Magnolia Ice Cream + MaiChard: Pinasarap ng Tamang Panahon

It’s extremely and terribly hot these days! Just makes me want to jump in a pool or stay indoors with my AC in high cool temp.

Makes me want to scream, “Ice Cream!!!”

During Holy Week, I got a timely invitation from Magnolia Ice Cream to taste their newest Best of the Philippines Collection flavours. Such a great break from the intense heat that day!

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The very accommodating Elmer Villasanta, product head of Magnolia Ice Cream, talked about their newest products and campaign.
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The three new flavours are Banoffee Pie, Mango Salted Caramel, and Strawberry Crumble Pie. Sounds like desserts, right? Because the names were taken from cakes and dessert flavours. Likewise, the main fruit ingredients are summer fruits–bananas, mangoes, and strawberries, all refreshing in this summer heat.

As you can see, Magnolia had us taste all three flavours in one sitting, giving out a serving of two scoops each one after the other, while the flavours were introduced. It was the first time for me to eat that much ice cream! I wasn’t able to finish each glass though but they all tasted so good and rich.

And the endorsers of these new flavours were introduced to us. And they’re no strangers to the guests who came in the intimate event, because they belong to different fan clubs of the endorsers. No less than the Phenomenal Love Team, Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza.

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Larger than life: Alden and Maine standees in lieu of the real thing. Close enough!

Fans of Alden, fans of Maine, and fans of their love team had this opportunity to get to mingle for the love of Aldub and ice cream. It was nice to learn how passionate these people are in supporting their idols, who were handpicked by Magnolia to endorse their new product offering. Who else could best spread the news but their fans themselves!

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Alden and Maine fans flocked Magnolia's office for the tasting.

We also got a pre-launch viewing of the newest Magnolia commercial featuring Alden and Maine, to the delight (and kilig) of the guests. Click this link to watch the commercial.

And if these were not enough, Magnolia extended the ice cream treat to our families by giving us free samples of these three flavours! Plus, they thought of the little ones at home and threw in some popsicles for them.

I actually was able to buy another tub of Strawberry Crumble Pie just recently, and the family finished it in just a couple of days! The big tubs (they only sell in one size) are really meant to be shared with the whole family.

Thank you so much for that yummy and wonderful afternoon, Magnolia Ice Cream!

Do watch out for more from Alden and Maine for Magnolia, and watch out for exciting promos from our favourite ice cream!

If you want to win autographed mini standees, here’s your chance!

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1. Follow @magnolia_icph on Twitter.
2. Watch out for the questions from Quiz Masters Alden and Maine.
3. Tweet the correct answer with the hashtag #MagnoliaIceCreamisALDUBest
4. First to tweet the correct answer wins!

Ready for Action: Paw Patrol Meet and Greet at SM Mall of Asia

Meet and Greet events are the modern-day fans day for the little ones. My kid has been to quite a number already, and we event travelled far and near for these events.

Fortunately, Toy Kingdom has had several of such events in the past couple of years, such as Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins, Jake the Neverland Pirate, and the Arendelle Sisters Elsa and Anna, which was a perfect fifth birthday gift to her last year.

This weekend, our favourite patrollers will visit the Mall of Asia, and we’re all invited to attend this fun day of activities.

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Dates & Venues:

3:00 – 3:30pm and 5:00-5:30pm

April 29 & 30 – Music Hall, Mall of Asia
 

 

Mechanics:

For a minimum single receipt purchase worth P500 at Toy Kingdom and Toys Section of The SM Store, customer will be given a stub by the sales personnel on duty.The stub will serve as the ticket to enter the Paw Patrol Ready for Action Event on April 29 or April 30, 2016.

• One stub can accommodate one child and one adult.Only purchase made from April 1 to 30, 2016 can be accommodated for the Meet & Greet schedule.

• Customers must present the stub and pre-register first to the officer in-charge at the registration area located at the event areaRegistration time is 2:30pm to 3:00pm

• Photo opportunity with the Paw Patrol characters will be done on a per batch basis. Total of 3 to 10 individuals can be accommodated every 3 minutes. Maximum of 100 individuals can be accommodated per Meet & Greet schedule.

 • Should there be more than 100 people in line, they will be prioritized for the next meet & greet schedule of their choice.All stubs must be surrendered and valid for one time use only. Stub is not replaceable once lost.

You got the details, now we’re Ready for Action! See you this weekend at the Mall of Asia!

~ Touringkitty

Bert Lozada Swim School: Trusted name in swimming lessons

I love water, but swimming doesn’t love me!

Hmmm, did I say it right?

I love being in a pool, I can be on it especially when it’s summertime (for as long as it’s no more than four feet deep). I had several attempts in learning how to swim, but to no avail. Well, a little perhaps. Back in college, one of my choirmates “tried” to teach me for a whole week, in between rehearsal sessions. At the very least, I learned to float. That was it.

So I promised myself that I’d bring my child to swim lessons as early as possible. And this is the opportune time for my little girl to start. And doing this with no less than the decades-long trusted name in swim lessons, Bert Lozada Swim School.

Before the Holy Week break, mommy bloggers were invited by BLSS in their Summer Classes launch at our favourite pool place, Ace Water Spa in Pasig City.

Aside from the actual launch, we were given a chance (yes, both moms and kids!) to have a lesson with their very competent coaches.

My little mermaid having fun in the water.
My little mermaid having fun in the water.
Underwater!
Underwater!

The moms had no less than the company’s COO, Angelo Lozada, as our coach for the day.

Mommy Bloggers get quality lessons from the company head himself.
Mommy Bloggers get quality lessons from the company head himself.

Coach Angelo was a pedagogue, really. He made sure he knew each mom first before we even got in the water. We had our own personal concerns with the water. Some can swim, most cannot. Some fear submerging, others cannot float. So we got sorted into various groups (a la Harry Potter) and got to work on what we knew and what we wanted to achieve that session.

While we moms were pretty sure our kids were enjoying their lessons, we are dealing with our own swimming issues and concerns. We got through, and personally, I’d like to learn to swim because it is a life skill, as what BLSS has been stressing that whole afternoon. Plus, it might also save another life, who knows!

And everyone, too can have that safe and enjoyable summer because they know how to swim! BLSS offers programs from babies to adults, even for persons with special needs. They also train competitive swimmers and coaches. For whatever age and need, BLSS has that personalized touch to each student.

Visit their website to know the various programs they offer. They are in over 60 locations.

Their promise: At BLSS, everyone can swim!

Third generation Lozada swimmers and owners of BLSS: Angelo and Anthony Lozada, with bloggy babies Anika (of Mommy Fleur www.mommyfleur.com) and Ariadne (of Touringkitty www.touringkitty.com)
Third generation Lozada swimmers and owners of BLSS: Angelo and Anthony Lozada, with bloggy babies Anika (of Mommy Fleur www.mommyfleur.com) and Ariadne (of Touringkitty www.touringkitty.com)

 

Visit www.bertlozadaswimschool.com to learn more about their quality programs and locations.

 

~ Touringkitty

 

Photo credit: All event photos from BLSS.

Math made fun at Mathemagis

Find Math boring? Well, not in this “school.”

We started enrolling Aria in Mathemagis when she turned four. Though not continuously, we are grateful for what Mathemagis has contributed to Aria’s study habits. Especially in her writing.

Mathemagis is a Singapore Maths tutorial center where kids can get a kickstart in loving and living Math. Kids learn from a variety of methods like worksheets, manipulatives, even iPad applications exclusively used in their classrooms. Their teachers are nurturing, and this is one reason why Aria loves Mathemagis.

We are near the Makati Branch, so we enrolled there. Aria’s first teacher is Teacher Cherry, whom Aria calls her second favourite teacher (next to Mommy, of course!). She is now assigned in the Active Fun BGC Branch.

The Makati Branch had activities like this. This was the Pi Day celebration (yep, on March 14, 2014!)  and awarding for level finishers. Aria hurdled the first level for her age that time, with flying colours and lots of fun!

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Aria and Teacher Cherry during last year's Active Fun Halloween party. We chanced upon her while we were doing the trick or treating around Active Fun.
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Sneak peek: Aria on the iPad at Mathemagis Makati with Teacher Mika.

We are enrolled at the moment, since she also takes Singapore Math for homeschool. It is a good supplement for our at-home lessons.

And if you want to get to know more about their programs, check out these two events happening tomorrow.

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Seminar on teaching math effectively at the SM Center Pasig. March 19, 3-4pm. Free registration, just contact Teacher Rose at 09328785501.

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Memagis in partnership with Kids Central will be holding an Open House event this Saturday March 19 at our Serendra branch. 2nd flr Mall area above Conti’s Restaurant. 9am-12nn. Contact Teacher Len at 8337374 for more information.

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Summer is fun at Kids Central Makati! Mathemagis and First Robotics offer summer programs for kids 4 and up. Visit them at the 3F Cedar Executive Building, 1006 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati or call 5565109 for details.

Bakasyunan Summer Fun

Summer is slowly creeping in! Feel that heat especially around lunchtime? Don’t forget to hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate!

Thinking of other ways to beat the heat? Here’s a getaway you could try.

Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center located at Tanay, Rizal is a perfect sanctuary for vacation and relaxation for everyone, Nestled in a 15-hectare forest property with a spectacular view of the Sierra Madre Mountains and Laguna de bay, Bakasyunan is a tourist and vacation destination for fun and adventure.

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They offer rooms for overnight accommodation, team building, conference, seminar, wedding and special events for small groups to big groups, pair that with the amazing mountain and nature view around the resort.

Bakasyunan has a total of 94 rooms, and can choose from double, quadruple, family and dorm rooms.

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Check out their Team Building Activities that can accommodate groups of up to 500 capacity for overnight accommodation and 1000 capacity for day tour. Rate is 100 per head but we offer this for FREE for groups of 20 and above.

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For those who want to have a perfect venue for Conference, Seminar, Wedding, and any Special Events; our Event’s Place is the one that you are looking for. Their function rooms have a capacity of 20 persons up to 500 persons.

Have fun this Summer and start your adventure at Bakasyunan Resort.

 

Bakasyunan Resort Head Office (Monday-Friday 9am-6pm)
Tel. Nos.: 02-4401230 / 4408802 / 7064509
Mobile: 09175755116 / 09178303438
Email: bakasyunanmarketing1@gmail.com
Bakasyunanmarketing2@gmail.com

Bakasyunan Resort Tanay, Rizal
02-8814515 / 09175755120 (Everyday 7am-10pm)
www.bakasyunanresorttanay.com

Bakasyunan Resort Iba, Zambales (Beach Resort)
02-6688986 / 09175755158 (Everyday 7am-10pm)
www.bakasyunanresort.com
www.facebook.com/BakasyunanResortTanay
www.facebook.com/BakasyunanResortZambales

Mini-Course: Make your Christmas Stress-Free

Christmas has been my most favourite season. And it is also my busiest season, especially at church. Advent and Simbang Gabi Masses, preparations for other church activities, rehearsals, meetings. And when work gets in, that’s the time that I have to multitask, too.

I’m happy though that it’s that way, but sometimes, with the many other things going on my mind (family, oh yes, family matters, which sometimes gets set aside), I just with Christmas would pass, and the New Year just goes by, so that everything would be done.

That’s why I need to calm down, sit down, and relax. This mini-course would help me with just that.

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Mich Nicolas, Filipino mom and writer, helps busy moms through this online material containing audio files (listen to the on the go), slides (see what you’re learning), and reflection sheets (write them down, too).

Do you feel stressed because of the seemingly endless things on your to-do list this season? Instead of holiday cheer, are you more in the zone of holiday mess and panic? Do you want to get back to what truly matters and find meaning at Christmastime?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then “Stress-free Christmas: A mini-course for busy moms” is here to help you:

• Reduce unnecessary stress

• Let go of the pressure of perfection during the holidays

• Go from panic to peace

• Enjoy what matters

• Celebrate the Reason for the Season

If you are looking for a more meaningful, happy and stress-free Christmas, then take hold of this mini-course. It won’t take much of your time, but it will help you get that peace and joy you’ve been longing for.

When you purchase this mini-course, you will receive the following:

• 5 Audio Files (Estimated Total Running Time: 33 minutes)

• 25 Slides with Key Points

• 2-page Reflection Sheet

 

Visit this link to get your copy straight to your email, and together, let’s have a stress-free Christmas!

 

~ Touringkitty