Watch Out: Fear The Walking Dead

Zombie fanatics, specifically fans of AMC's The Walking Dead need not wait until the end of the year to get another dose of gruesome but something compelling TV series because its spinoff will soon hit the screen.

Here are some of the first things you might want to know about Fear the Walking Dead just to make you a little excited if you think it may be below par the original series because their is no Rick, Daryl or Carol to entrapped us and be glued on out TV sets.

1. Fear the Walking Dead will premier this August 23, 2015 (Sunday in the US). It will be aired via Fox TV Philippines (if they will follow the same day telecast they did with TWD) every Monday.

2. The first season of FTWD will only have six episodes. They call this a mini-season. So the future of this show will really rely on how TWD fans will welcome it.

Rodriguez

3. Three of the five stars are not Americans. US actresses Elizabeth Rodriguez and Kim Dickens will be joined in the lead cast by Cliff Curtis (New Zealand); Alycia Jasmin Debnam-Carey (Australia), and Frank Dillane (UK).

4. It is predicted that Rodriguez and Debnam-Carey will bring in the male fans to the show while Dillane will serve as the guy to attract the girls.

5. If you care to know, Dillane was Tom Riddle in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Excited? Share your thoughts about FTWD and let's see if it will be a hit or a miss from our favorite guys in AMC.

Tatay Momoy and his Good Old Hammer

I’ve met people who consider their nice-looking cars or thoroughbred horses as their prized possessions. Not my Tatay Momoy. For a simple man like him, his old but reliable hammer is his well-kept treasure. I want to share a story why I consider him as my unsung hero.

Tatay came here in Manila from Agoo, La Union in the late ‘60s as an innocent just-got-20-years-old man armed only with the tool he purchased using the money he have saved for years.

Good thing he easily got a job as a carpenter in Paco, Manila where he also met our future Nanay Conchit. To make the story short, they got married and had six children. I am the eldest and have witnessed how Tatay have raised this family for more three decades and counting, though thick and thin.

I still remember when time I got high grades when I was in third grade; he made me a wooden scooter that was the “in” thing during those times. When I was second honor in 2nd year high school, he built me a pigeon house for my pets.

Tatay Momoy: My Unsusng Hero with Nanay Conchit, son Charles and my wife Leah

Today, Tatay no longer works as a carpenter because he claims that he already lost his “carpentry skills.” I think that is just his way of denying rheumatism and arthritis.

But of all the great things Tatay has given me. The one that he did a few years ago, a month before my wedding, was the most memorable and touching of all. I just came home from work when Tatay approached me. He asked me to come with him and check something he made for the house I was building for my future family.

He led me to the kitchen and showed me a pink (favorite color of my wife) cabinet that he made under the kitchen sink. His voice sounded apologetic, “Pasensiya na anak ha? ‘Yan lang ang nakayanan ng Tatay. Wala pa kasi akong perang pambili ng wedding gift e.”

I know I wiped tears from my eyes that time but I did not show it to him because I felt it was kinda corny. Tatay Momoy, my unsung hero, personifies what we Filipinos call "husay at malasakit." I can’t help but smile when I saw a familiar fellow near the just finished cabinet --- the hammer that was used to build our home 30 years ago.

P.S. For the curious souls, below is a snapshot (almost) of the pink cabinet :-)

Dragon Edong to Bring Fiery World-Class Talent to Guam

For more than two decades, an internationally recognized artist popularly known as Dragon Edong has found a lair in Saipan, CNMI.

Edong Elenzano, an artist from Quezon City, Philippines has become synonymous to “tattoo” in the island that when people talk about the art of tattooing, his name is always top of mind.

He was given by the CNMI government recognition for his contribution to art and culture in addition to several awards he has received from different tattoo competition and festivals around the world. One of the highlights of his career as a professional tattoo artist is when he won first place in the “On The Spot Tattooing” category of the 2^nd World Tattoo Arts Festival and Exhibition in Thailand in 2008. He also topped the “Best Dragon” category at the same event.

Elenzano, like the mystical dragon, continues to expand his flare as he search for bigger and exciting adventures. In search for new challenges, Elenzano sets his sight in establishing a new shop in Guam. 

A tattoo is a true poetic creation, and is always more than meets the eye.  As a tattoo is grounded on living skin, so its essence emotes poignancy unique to the mortal human condition.  This is how the skin art was described in the book Modern Primitives.  Tattooing is believed to have been practiced since 3300 BC and it continues to etch a significant mark in the culture and history of many countries today.  This year, a new chapter in the art of tattoo in this side of the world will unfold. 

Elenzano aims to promote culture and traditions that includes tattoo.  He also hopes that the young ones can get inspiration to carry on their passion in the arts. Dragon Edong might not literally breathe fire but he can surely ignite anyone’s imagination with his mastery of the art of tattoo.  This will definitely be an exciting moment in the Guam to watch out for. 

To check out his works, visit Edong Elenzano’s Facebook page or the MegaVisionEl Drako Tattoo fan page.

Hugot Moments at iACADEMY

I've always believe that learning is a lifelong journey.

That's why if there is an opportunity to visit schools or any educational institution, most of the time I will find time to squeeze it in between my work schedule and daddy duties. Which I did when iACADEMY held another open house event last February 28.

I was a bit of excited when I got the invitation since I have heard a lot of great things about the school  and their programs/ courses especially with regards to animation and multimedia--- stuff that really amazes me since I was a kid.

When I set foot at the entrance of iACADEMY, it somewhat gave this youthful feeling because I was reminded of the days when I was just a fresh high school graduate looking for a university to be my home for the next four years. So it was like a senti o hugot moment already for me at the entrance of  the school.

Inside the campus, there was this homey atmosphere because I see people greeting just about everyone entering while I was registering at the reception area. Well that's one good thing about smaller schools, students will get a family-like interaction since you'll definitely see just about everyone on  a given day.

I was told to go to the library where a program will be held prior to the tour for parents and prospective students. I was impressed because even though the school boosts an innovative approach on teaching, they still have an area for people who are fans of books and hard copies reference materials. I was brought back again to the library days with schoolmates many many years ago.

We were welcomed by the Deans, Chairpersons and Professors of iACADEMY and no less than its President and CEO, Ms.Vanessa Tanco who will pass as a student or even the school's model-endorser with her beauty and wit (actually even a slot at the Bb. Pilipinas Pagent). She will remind us of our school's official crush ng bayan who melts us with a chance smile and "hi's." But Ms. Tanco is cool and approachable which is another check mark for the school.

After the presentations of the courses offered by iACADEMY (which will be enumerated after this sentence), we were invited to take a tour of their rooms and facilities.

School of Computing
    Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering
    Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with Specialization in Web Development
    Bachelor of Science in Game Development with Specialization in Game Programming and Design

School of Business
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Specialization in Marketing and Advertising
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Specialization in Financial Management

School of Design
    Bachelor of Science in Animation
    Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Arts and Design
    Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design and Technology

The MAC Room

School of Design Hall

Animation Lab Room

This room is for the future Michael Cinco, Rajo Laurel and Monique Lhuiller of this generation.

After that interesting half-day introduction about iACADEMY, I was convinced that it is indeed one of the better schools today that can offer courses that cater to the needs of the industry by combining theoretical and practical learning techniques designed to equip them with the skills they need to thrive in their chosen careers.

Plus! The school is located along H.V. Dela Costa St. in Makati City, the country's  leading financial and central and business district. This means that safety and great opportunities awaits every student who will enroll at iACADEMY.

And  as I was about to fetch a cab going home, I can't help but notice this tambayan area infront of the campus. I'm sure every one of us has great memories of after school happenings that we still cherish until today.  That and the chance to shape the course of your future is what iACADEMY is all about.

For inquiries and other hugot moments, please call (02) 8897777 or visit their official website at www.iacademy.edu.ph or visit their FB fanpage www.facebook.com/iACADEMY.