Getting over the VDay Blues

http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/631
By Ana Valenzuela · Tuesday, February 14, 2012 · 12:11 pm



February 14 is day of the year that singles shun the most. Comments such as “why celebrate, it is not even a holiday?”, “everybody’s got somebody but me,” and “kapag ba single malungkot, bakit lahat ba ng taken masaya?” would fill social networking sites.

After all, what makes this day so special? Why spend your hard earned money on roses, chocolates, and what not’s just to profess your undying love for someone. Isn’t Valentine’s Day supposed to be a saint’s feast day not a commercial hype to promote love and couples? According to research, $1.7 billion have been spent on flowers on Valentines Day in the US alone and $116.21 is the average money spent on a Valentine’s dinner date in 2011. Couldn’t you say that you love them each day and make those memories memorable?

Hey, I’m not being bitter. Even though I’ve been single most of my life, I get to enjoy Valentines Day with a date. Since high school, I’ve been spending Valentines Day with my barkada. It’s just us girls, the four of us together.

I remember the first time we spent Valentines together at my friend’s house, our usual tambayan. We cooked pasta, carbonara, and had chicken, and a bottle of wine. Last year’s date had a little bit more of tweaking as we were already working. We met early as we decided to do something special—feed and take care of children at the House of Joy in Tayuman. Afterwards, we had some pork-silog at one of my friend’s favorite carinderia at the University Belt, and got all made up and headed to Cloud 9 in Antipolo, to get a view overlooking the city.

There we were surprised by one of my friend’s partner. She had with her flowers, not only for my friend, but for all of us. She gave Mela a dozen hand-tied bouquet of roses, and to each of us, a single long stemmed rose. Now, I wonder, what is it that made this day so special that Doris would go out of the way to track us down, wait for the right moment to surprise us, particularly Mela, with flowers?

Especially since flowers cost more than a movie ticket or two on the day of hearts. On Dangwa Flower Market, a bouquet of assorted flowers, ranging from Malaysian mums, gerberas, and stargazers, would cost from P200 to P450. A bouquet of roses would run from P300 to P650 depending on whether you would like a teddy bear and a balloon to go with the flowers. A bulk of roses, usually two dozen, would cost P200, however the vendor did warn me that the price would increase by night and as Valentines day approaches. Apparently the cost of the flowers rises up three times the regular price.

If you are the type who does not like to haggle and order from a flower shop like Paraiso flowers, which has a store at Waltermart Makati or online through manilablooms.com, a dozen flowers cost about P2,500 to P8,000 depending on the type of flowers and the arrangement.

People go all out and spend thousands of money on Valentines Day and they make it so special like it’s their anniversary. (Heck, some people don’t even celebrate their anniversary.) A great tasting chocolate bar lik Machiavelli costs P125 per 25 grams. A room at the Manila Hotel runs between P7,250 to P18,250. You could also buy an airplane ticket to a local or Southeast Asia destination with that.

Khay, one of my barkada, spent her Valentines a week late last year. Her boyfriend of more than four years gave her bouquet of assorted flowers. Then, she and her boyfriend went up to Tagaytay and enjoyed the food and also each other’s company at the Greek Taverna. Although the celebration for the day of hearts was delayed, they still made the effort to do so.

It might be more than the smile that you see on your loved ones’ face. Couples would not save their money and look for the best gifts, reserve in the best restaurants so as to have a memorable evening together. It’s more than the cliché-ish answer: love, or to be more exact, part of that is.

Even though you are single, you are still expecting something out of February 14. Maybe from a secret admirer or maybe even a smile or a “hi” from an office crush. If not, then why bother with all the fuss about Valentine’s Day.

I may not feel the way couples feel on Valentines—so much in love with their pupils dilating. But, at least I feel special without having the need to spring for a high cost bouquet of roses or a Valentine’s gift for anybody. I maybe the only single person in the group, since time immemorial; still I thank my friends for making me feel that Valentines day is not all about the couples, but also a day to spend single blessedness. Who knows what we would do next this year?

In the mood for love concerts

11-Feb-12, 8:01 PM |Interaksyon.com
By Ana Valenzuela

No plans yet for the season of love? Well, fret not as there many places to be, performers to see and entertain you, and just fill that date with enough romance. Here is a roundup of the showshappening this Valentine Season.

Sharon Cuneta and Martin Nieverra

Once in a Lifetime

February 11, 2012, Smart Araneta Coliseum

What took them so long? For the first time, the Megastar will share the stage with the Leading Man of Concerts. Good friends since way back, expect an animated evening of the best of OPM love songs as well as the witty banter of these two seasoned concert artists.

Once in a Lifetime also promises a lot more withsurprise guest performers and Louie Ocampo as musical director and Rowell Santiago as diretor. Call Viva Concerts at 687-7236 or Ticketnet at 911-5555 for inquiries and reservations.

Dingdong Avanzado and Rachel Alejandro

February 11, 7:00 PM, Eastwood Mall Open Park

February 14, 7:00 PM, Venice Piazza, Mc Kinley Hill

Fall in love all over again with Rachel and Dingdong.The OPM singer-songwriters and former lovers would perform love songs such as ‘Nakapagtataka’, ‘Paalam Na’, ‘Maybe This Time’ and ‘You Should Know By Now’.Relive your sweetest memories with the two as they perform at the Eastwood Mall Open Park and at the Venice Piazza, Mc Kinley Hill.

Rex Smith

February 12, 7:00 PM, Venice Piazza, McKinley Hill

February 14, 8:30 PM, Midas Hotel

Be serenaded by the man who gave hits such as, ‘Simply Jessie’, ‘Forever’, ‘You Take My Breath Away’, and ‘Foolish Heart’ as he performs in Manila. Reminisce to Rex Smith’s classic love songs on February 12, 7PM at the Venice Piazza and on Valentines Day at the Midas Hotel.

The Midas Hotel’s premiere 2702 Lobby Lounge also offers turndown pralines and two complimentary show tickets. Tickets are priced at 1584 which includes two free drinks. Prior reservations required. Call Ticketworld at 891-9999 for reservations and inquiries

Basil Valdez, Rachelle Ann Go, and The CompanY

Seasons of Love

February 13, 2012, Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World

Hear love songs as they reach new heights, as three of the country’s top performing acts, Basil Valdez, Rachelle Ann Go and the Company, join together for one lovely night.

Basil first made his mark as the vocalist of the Circus Band in the 70’s, but a more successful solo career did give him hits that became popular standards, ‘Ngayon at Kailanman’, Let the Pain Remain, ‘Kastilyong Buhangin’, and many others. The Ultimate Champion, Rachelle Ann is one of singing contests discoveries with hits such as ‘Don’t Cry Out Loud’, ‘Masasabi Mo Ba’. The Company, the country’s premiere vocal group, on the other hand is responsible for such its like ‘Now that I have you’, and ‘Pakisabi Na Lang’.

One of the show’s highlight would definitely be the duet a capella of ‘Pagdating ng Panahon’ between Basil and the Company. The latter’s recent single. Call Ticketworld 891-9999 and Viva Concerts 687-7236 for tickets and inquiries.

Nina and Luke Mijares

Update Your Status

February 13, Music Museum

Whether you be single, in a relationship or ‘it’s complicated’, it is time for you to update your Status with Soul Siren, Nina. Hear her belt out some of her hits like ‘Through the Fire’ and ‘Love Moves in Mysterious Ways’. Nina will be joined by the Philippine’s R&B Kine, Luke Mijares. For ticket and reservations call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or Music Museum at 721-6726.

Charlie Green

February 14, 7:00 PM,Eastwood Mall Open Park

International teen sensation Charlie Green is here in the country promoting his new album Rainbow. Apart from that, the British-Filipino crooner will sing his way into everyone’s hearts this Valentines Day at the Eastwood Mall Open Park. Let Charlie set fire to the passions in your hearts and witness how Charlie has grown-up from his breakout act in Britain’s Got Talent to the crooner that he is.

Rico J. Puno

The Best of Rico J. Puno

February 14, Newport Performing Arts Theater

Let the ‘Macho Gwapito’ performer entertain you on Valentines day with his unique blend of soulful singing and humor. Rico J. Puno, named after the legendary Italian tenor Enrico Caruso and born on Valentine’s Day, has been a top concert draw here and abroad. Why not? Rico played a major part in the Manila Sound explosion of the 70s era with his hits such as ‘Kapalaran’, ‘Sorry Pwede Ba’, and‘May Bukas Pa’. Rico will perform these hits one more time at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on February 14. The show also features, singer and actress Katya Santos and Philippine music’s Vamp, Vernie Varga. Call Ticketworld 891-9999 and Viva Concerts 687-7236 for tickets and inquiries.

Aiza Seguerra and Duncan Ramos

Sessions of Love

February 14, 8:00 PM Music Museum

Unwind and enjoy the cooling sounds of the ‘Pagdating ng Panahon’ hitmaker Aize Seguerra, as she joins the stage with Duncan Ramos. The night promises to be a session of love and acoustic sounds, as the two artists performs their hits and crowd favorite covers.

For ticket and reservations call Ticketworld at 891-9999 or Music Museum at 721-6726.

Engelbert Humperdinck

February 14, 7:00 PM Manila Hotel

February 15, Smart Araneta Coliseum

Reminisce to classic love songs made famous by Engelbert Humperdinck. Be captivated by the voice of the singer who brought us the hit songs ‘Release Me, ‘ Have I told You’ and ‘Quando, Quando, Quando’.

Engelbert would be performing at Fiesta Pavillion of the Manila Hotel on Valentines Day, with guests Pilita Corrales, Angelos, and many more.

For tickets and inquires you may call Ticketnet at 911-5555. For Manila Hotel tickets, call 527-0011 or 911-5615.

Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez

Mr. And Mrs. A

Feb. 14, 8:00 PM, Smart Araneta Coliseum

Rekindle the fire of romance and go weak in the knees as Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez, a.k.a. Mr. and Mrs. Alcasid, perform together this day of hearts at the Araneta Colisuem. The dynamic couple are set to carry out duets of their hits together with guests Angeline Quinto, Kyla, Eric Santos, Dingdong Dantes and Vice Ganda. For tickets and other inquiries call Ticketnet at 911-5555.

Jon Santos

Love in 3D

Newport Performing Arts Theatre, Resorts World

February 15

Enjoy Armida Siguon-Reyna, Vilma Santos and Charice Pempengco all in one show, as the witty comedian Jon Santos take on his beloved characters namely D Queen of Philippine Music Tita Mids, D’ Star for All Season Ate Vee, and D’ Gleeful Star Chareez.

“My characters are chosen because they are really, really liked or there is strong public opinion about them,” says Jon.“When I take the stage my characters come out first. I put on the masks first and towards the end come out as myself,” shares Jon.“That persona has always taken a back seat to my characters. I guess I’m star struck!

“It’s a celebrity fiesta,” Jon swears. People can certainly count on seeing Tita Gloring, Krissy, Sherrap Estrada, and Jon’s numerous impersonations. Tickets for Love In 3D are available at Ticketworld 891-9999 andViva Concerts 687-7236.

School Sweethearts

School Sweethearts
By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD May 2011

THE school isn’t just an avenue for learning but for interaction. It is where students meet other students mostly their age to talk about school work and more often, their personal life. The interaction that they share in their daily activities build their emotional connection that they need to deal with the changes and problems that may come later on in life. Thus, the school makes for a perfect place to find a partner.
But does a campus romance ensure a lifelong commitment? Love Notes
Never Lonely
For keeps. Having a committed relationship guarantees you have someone to talk to and share the good and the bad moments with. Your boyfriend can bring out the best in you by being a study partner and reminding you of upcoming exams and due dates. He’d serve more of an inspiration rather than a distraction.
For kicks. Loving someone doesn’t always assure the kind of relationship that both of you are involved in. There might be constant fights over petty things that keep your relationship from any progression, whatsoever.

The social network
For keeps. Your group of friends suddenly grows when you have a boyfriend, because his friends become your friends as well.
For kicks. You both know that you are each other’s BF-GF, but also know of the other players in the field which you most of the time check out. Like, you constantly laugh at his best bud’s jokes, but fail to make out what is funny in what he says.

Spoiled Brat
For keeps. Need a cuddle? A hug? A boyfriend automatically spoils his girlfriend with one, sometimes even with material things.
For kicks. Being with your boyfriend all the time makes you more attached to him, more often than not, leaving no time for other matters. It is worse when you fail to see your friends or study for an exam, but can always squeeze him and his barkada into your schedule.

The Big Plans
For keeps. You know that you both are headed somewhere. So, talking about serious matters such as the future does not scare you both. This is good as it allows you to build something together.
For kicks. You have different interests and goals in life. Whenever he talks about the future, you simply nod your head and go with the flow of the conversation.

School Sweethearts

School Sweethearts By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA Published MOD May 2011 THE school isn’t just an avenue for learning but for interaction. It is where students meet other students mostly their age to talk about school work and more often, their personal life. The interaction that they share in their daily activities build their emotional connection that they need to deal with the changes and problems that may come later on in life. Thus, the school makes for a perfect place to find a partner. But does a campus romance ensure a lifelong commitment?

Love Notes Never Lonely For keeps. Having a committed relationship guarantees you have someone to talk to and share the good and the bad moments with. Your boyfriend can bring out the best in you by being a study partner and reminding you of upcoming exams and due dates. He’d serve more of an inspiration rather than a distraction. For kicks. Loving someone doesn’t always assure the kind of relationship that both of you are involved in. There might be constant fights over petty things that keep your relationship from any progression, whatsoever. The social network For keeps. Your group of friends suddenly grows when you have a boyfriend, because his friends become your friends as well. For kicks. You both know that you are each other’s BF-GF, but also know of the other players in the field which you most of the time check out. Like, you constantly laugh at his best bud’s jokes, but fail to make out what is funny in what he says. Spoiled Brat For keeps. Need a cuddle? A hug? A boyfriend automatically spoils his girlfriend with one, sometimes even with material things. For kicks. Being with your boyfriend all the time makes you more attached to him, more often than not, leaving no time for other matters. It is worse when you fail to see your friends or study for an exam, but can always squeeze him and his barkada into your schedule. The Big Plans For keeps. You know that you both are headed somewhere. So, talking about serious matters such as the future does not scare you both. This is good as it allows you to build something together. For kicks. You have different interests and goals in life. Whenever he talks about the future, you simply nod your head and go with the flow of the conversation.

You will not go wrong when you are grounded on the right values’

You will not go wrong
when you are grounded
on the right values’

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD March 2011

SHE may be pushing 40, but Lucy Torres-Gomez still looks as radiant as the first time she graced our television screens in a shampoo commercial opposite her now husband, Richard Gomez. Lucy, who is, nowadays, wife, mother, TV host, and Congresswoman of her hometown Ormoc, Leyte, manages to stay energetic and youthful-looking as she attends to her responsibilities. She shares some of her life secrets to looking as beautiful as ever and living the good life.



Don’t fight the aging. “There are certain changes women my age can’t help dealing with. So although we already sweat the small stuff, we also become more mindful with the choices we make, especially when it comes to food and lifestyle. We may be past the insecurities of youth, but we also have to face the realities of aging.”

A good health supplement matters. “If you survived with little or no sleep in your teens or early 20s, lack of sleep at this age will immediately manifest its unflattering effects on your skin and energy level. I find the multivitamin supplement Immuvit, for example, helpful especially now that I have a busier schedule. It gives the maximum amount of health benefits women my age need.”

Make informed choices. “I stay out of the sun as much as I can and likewise use my eye cream religiously. Like with the vitamins and supplements I take, I am also mindful of what I put in my body. Like most women my age perhaps, I am forever reading labels and product briefs because I want to make informed choices.”

Eat healthy. “I have been eating brown rice for a few years now and have a better appreciation for fruits and vegetables. I like juice and I try to munch on healthy snacks like dried and fresh fruits and nuts.”

Control your binges. “I once read that our stomach is just about the size of a big fist and we are supposed to put just that much food into it at a time, too. I try to think of this when I am tempted to go on a binge. I also try to always eat fruits first, instead of last, as is the norm. I read that they have to be consumed first over fish or meat because they are easier to digest.”

Grab a quick nap. “If you have that sleep in the bag, then staying mentally alert is not a problem. I can say that I have also become an expert at taking naps whenever I can. Grabbing a quick doze really helps a lot when you have many responsibilities to attend to in a day.”

Find a happy space. “When I dance or do yoga, I feel totally carefree and energized. I feel like a child again. I feel so good about myself and my life and at that circumstance I actually feel I can take on anything. The natural high dancing gives me is the reason I keep going back to it. It makes for a happy space for me.”

Keep yourself grounded. “The world being so small and all, the very people you meet on your way up are also the ones you will meet on your way down. I also strongly believe that you will not go wrong when you are grounded on the right values.”

Home is where the heart is. “Family is important. I cannot say that often enough. The world can go all crazy, but as long as you have a family to go home to, a family to anchor you, you have a safe haven.”

Angel Locsin: Where She’s Putting Her Money

Angel Locsin: Where She’s Putting Her Money

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA PUBLISHED MOD August 2010

ANGEL Locsin has already proven herself well in showbiz so she endeavors on a new enterprise where she is putting her well earned money. And she is taking with her the things she learned from the entertainment industry as she fulfills a new role of an entrepreneur.

The actress recently ventured into the food industry by opening her own bar and KTV in Quezon City, which is called Fuel Up. “It’s my first time to do this, to engage in a business, specifically a bar. Lately I’ve been going out a lot because I really don’t know what the people are looking for. The crowd in Makati is different from the crowd in Quezon City, right?”

It is not only research that Angel is doing, as when it comes to her business, she is hands-on. “There are times that I go to the bar and oversee things. I even mix drinks. Of course it’s just a new business. I really have to assist my staff and we need to work hand in hand. We are like one big family there,” she says.

She fondly recalls one incident when she gladly helped out. “There was one time we were shorthanded, and our bartender needed assistance. Our customers wanted some drinks and to take pictures with me. Then, I thought, hmm… why don’t I help out? I asked them, ano gusto n’yo? Our sales went double that night. Every time someone would take a picture they would need to drink beer or take a shot first. It was fun, tapos na-enjoy naman nila, kasi ako ‘ yung nagmi-mix talaga,” she says.

Of course like any regular establishment, Fuel Up also encounters some dilemmas. She shares, “One time, there was a group who went on a field trip in our bar. We didn’t know what to do. Kasi ‘di ba, why would you have field trip in a bar? They were all minors. If we turned them away, they would be offended. Also, our regulars and walk-in customers were there. Even though they were so many-- a bus full! --they weren’t really ordering much. Probably because they were still minors. So we just talked to them and stated our rules. Of course some were offended. But we really needed to do that.”

“Success is not all luck. There are certain opportunities that pass us by, may mga tsamba, but then you also have to prove yourself,” Angel says. Of course we know that Angel proved herself well by not passing by opportunities such as the youth show Click, and in the fantasy series Mulawin where she played Alwina. Even more, she proved her acting prowess via an Emmy nomination for her role as she-wolf in the teleserye Lobo.

Up next for Angel is a movie with Aga Muhlach, tentatively titled Huling Sayaw, where she plays the role of a pole dancer ."When I was offered the role, my reaction was, ‘Are you sure that it is me you want to cast?’ In this movie, I had to do everything that I didn’t want to do, as in lahat.” Angel says. To prep up for the role, she had to take up pole dancing lessons.

“You wouldn’t be able to last in the entertainment industry if you don’t have the talent, proper attitude, and if you don’t work your fingers to the bone,” Angel says.

With this kind of outlook, it is no wonder why she has many projects and endorsements, among them top retail brand Folded and Hung and canned goods giant Century Tuna.

“Some think that showbiz is all glitz and glamour,” she says. “No, it’s not just that. There are days when you don't feel the emotion the director calls for, but you just have to emote it. That’s how draining the work is.”

Problems such as having minors in a bar you own or being cast in a challenging role may be a regular rough patch on the road, but this girl can seem to solve them well, with a dose of talent and a shot of perseverance. “It just takes hard work for you to do your job well. Research, be on time, and be professional,” she says.

Angel Talks Fitness and Money

What’s your daily diet like?

I have to have a cheat day, where in I eat whatever I want. Before, I chow down on a lot of junk food, but now, I don’t eat as much anymore. I stopped eating junk food this year.

Do you have a sports regimen?

I do biking and belly dancing.

How about your exercise regimen?

I jog. I work out. There’s a video called Insanity. You should watch it. The workout is super intense. It is not that new, but it is slowly gaining a following.

How do you budget your money?

I have an accountant who helps me with my budget. I don’t spend that much. I only treat myself with food actually and, oh yeah, shoes. If I don’t need something then I won’t buy it. I keep my payments in the bank and withdraw cash only if needed.

What is one thing that you are saving for?

I already have a house, so I’d like to have more investments.

Define Wealth

I am rich in family and friends. I consider myself blessed for having that kind of family who supports me. At the same time, they don’t tolerate the bad things that I do. They treat you as a normal person and not as a celebrity

Derek Ramsay: Dodging Rumors

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
MOD JULY 2010

A STAR’s popularity can be measured by the number of rumors floating around him. Derek Ramsay isn’t an exception, as he is hounded by rumors left and right.

“May issue na peke ang katawan ko, may issue din daw na may gay sex video ako,” says the Century endorser, used to all this brouhaha. “Wala akong tinatagong asawa sa ibang bansa, wala akong tinatagong anak that I know of, at wala din akong gay sex video.”

He adds, “’Yung pinaka-nakakatawa ay ‘yung peke daw yung katawan ko,” he says. Can’t blame him. After all, he worked out for his body? More than eating the right kind of food, he works on his physique through his passion for sports like ultimate Frisbee, and now mixed martial arts (MMA) in preparation for his role in the teleserye Magkaribal which started airing recently. "Nag-training kami sa URCC (Universal Reality Combat Championships). I had some good trainers sa Mojo Gym who helped me out. Parang crash course in MMA, which I really, really enjoyed. So when I get back from South Africa, I might step away from Frisbee for a while and strengthen my body through MMA. Parang wrestling, boxing, and ju-jitsu caught my interest," he says.

Derek’s calm approach to intrigues, however, stops once his family gets involved. And actress Angelica Panganiban, his longtime girlfriend, always seems to be dangled along, with some rumormongers insinuating she doesn’t get along with his family. According to Derek, not only him, but also his family, like the Rubi star.

“We’re not just partners, we’re also friends,” Derek says on what keeps his relationship with Angelica strong. “We help each other grow in our careers, given na ‘yun na you’re supposed to trust each other. Anyone can say that, but in our relationship, we let ourselves grow. I don’t set rules for Angel when she became my girlfriend, or when I became her boyfriend. I’m not going to set rules, if she wants to change for me, or if I want to change for her, we do that by ourselves. We don’t impose on each other. She’s growing as a person, as an actress. I’m growing as a person, I think. That’s the reason why happy ‘yung relationship namin.”