The birthday boy. On his 65th birthday, business magnate and sports aficionado Manny V. Pangilinan celebrated through a fun run, dubbed The MVP Run, which was participated by about 2,500 runners early today.

This guy has companies spread out in several industries, from energy distribution, telecom, healthcare, to broadcasting. With that in mind, you can imagine the number of participants that joined in the fun run. It was a well-attended event, with participants from the companies under his ownership. Aside from the run, there was a program that was arranged for him after, where several members from his companies and his family greeted him. There was also a raffle draw wherein a new Toyota Vios was given to a lucky winner. This guy sure knows how to celebrate.

Once again, happy birthday!

Picture 1: F 7.1, 1/500 sec, ISO 200, 100mm; Picture 2: F 6.3, 1/500 sec, ISO 200, 100mm

Jaq Dionisio of the band Kiss Jane. When I was traveling in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, I happened to pass by their mall. Coincidently, Filipino rapper Gloc 9 and Jaq were scheduled to perform later that afternoon. So, I decided to stay and watch.

When you hear the name of the band, you'd think that the vocalist's name is Jane. Well, I did (so I guess it's just me). Their band is composed of members Jaq (vocals), Jeff (guitars), Heinz (bass), and Sheila (drums... yes, a girl on the drums, which happens to be their songwriter as well). Their music is somewhat unique, though it reminds me of 90's OPM hits from bands with female vocalists on them (Moonstar 88, anyone?). Nostalgic. Some of their famous hits are Kahit Na, Baliw, and Lagi.

What was surprising was that the female voice on the songs Elmer and Kung Tama Siya of Gloc 9 was actually Jaq... Amazing! Original Pinoy Music has gone a long way since I was High School, listening to bands Rivermaya, Yano, and Barbie's Cradle. Long live our music!

Here a few more shots of Jaq. Her Facebook Fan Page can be accessed here.

Picture 1: F 5.6, 1/30 sec, ISO 800, 200mm; Picture 2: F 5.6, 1/30 sec, ISO 800, 171mm; Picture 3: F 5.6, 1/30 sec, ISO 800, 200mm; Picture 4: F 5.6, 1/30 sec, ISO 800, 171mm