The Alog Ka-Partner Awards Night

So honoured was I to emcee for Alog & Co. once more for another unforgettable evening, this time for their 2016 Ka-Partner Awards Ceremony, held at the Alphaland Makati Place, where their most esteemed partners and clients came for a night of celebration and recognition, peppered with fun music and dancing!

The Alog & Co. group is also very special to me as they have been getting to host some of their events annually especially during the holiday season. I am very happy to lead their meaningful awards ceremony, a testament of their humility and grace in spite of being one of the largest and most respected names in their field... Congratulations to ALOG & Company! Wishing you and your distinguished industry partners many more years of success! 

Forgive my meagre and amateurish photos as I was unaccompanied during this evening, so I had to resort to asking waiters, random tech supplier guys or whomever I chance upon to take my photos during this event... 

Here I was above with the Chairman, Mr. Dionisio Alog, and below at the photo booth with one of their party guests, popular athlete and professional basketball player, Ali Peek... 

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- Marylaine Viernes Host Website (www.marylaineviernes.com)
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An unforgettable time as events host for this year's World Gamefowl Expo, Pigeon Congress & Exotic Pet Expo!

Again I am truly so thankful to be hosting for the big annual event of Worldexco (a big thank you to the amazing Romero family for their faith in me as a host) and Pit Games Media (hugs to Sir Manny Berbano and his wonderful daughters and superb media staff), presenters of the World Gamefowl Expo & World Pigeon Expo and Congress, for the 5th consecutive year now! Here I am with Kuya Kim Atienza, arguably the country's most popular educational TV host. He led the opening festivities for the biggest Pigeon racing and Reptile pet exposition this country has ever seen so far! And below, here I am again beaming like a little kid in the sea of other little kids who came to see gamefowl, racing pigeons, exotic pets and more!

 And in between breaks I made sure to pet as many reptiles as I can... I just cannot find my photo with the humongous Albino Burmese python, but I did it! Yes! Carried its entire weight wrapped around me. So I'm just here with a Caiman:

What made this year special was that my sister Natalie emceed in the other side of this event as it got so big already (but not as big as it will be next year). For that earlier post about my sister, events host extraordinaire, click: Mary & Natalie, Sisters and Events Hosts and below, my sister and I face-off not as events hosts but as Sulcata Tortoise whisperers... yes, that below is the real deal! 

Apart from the usual excitement I get when I go onstage and talk my heart out as events host, I also got to bring home our family's newest baby... one who really makes my heart sing whenever she munches on the fresh grass, weeds and veggies that I pick, Sammy! I just cannot get enough of her! I find therapy and utter gladness whenever I pick weeds and carabao grass for her to munch on... I can dedicate an entire post all about my tortoise, Sammy... look at her nice shell and them bright eyes! Or should I say, "TORT-EYES....?" 

 Note: Tortoises are different from sea turtles. Tortoises live on land and might drown if you make them swim. Our beautiful Sammy here, is a desert dweller, from a species known as African Sulcata. I personally gather grass for her, but it's also super amusing to watch her munch on carrots, apples and watermelon bites! 

Again, thank you for your continued trust in me as emcee this year's World Gamefowl Expo, and my heart continues to brim with joy from the fun memories with my sister who learned so much from it as I did, and the best part was bringing home Sammy, our adorable young tortoise... 

Thank you for dropping by and please don't forget to click on these two other links and resources about my life as an events host and event master of ceremonies too!

Marylaine Viernes Hosting Website: www.marylaineviernes.com

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Sister hosting act at the World Pigeon and Exotic Pet Expo 2016

I am very grateful that for the fifth consecutive year now, I get to be the emcee of the World Gamefowl Expo, which has grown to include the World Pigeon Expo and Congress as well as Reptile X, showcasing only the best exotic pets and reptiles in the world! But this post is not about me (save mine for a later post) this is for my younger sister, Natalie! I welcome her aboard as she becomes my partner for this year's event which has grown much bigger so it had to be two of us to emcee! 

My sister Natalie shares my passion for speaking, hosting and meeting new people! If you need hosts for your events, you know how you can contact her: through her big sister and manager, me. LOL. She can take on weekends only for like me she embarks on a meaningful day job. She is a business analyst for the healthcare industry by the weekday, and events emcee during the weekends! 

Here's my li'l sister Natalie emceeing for the thousands of enthusiasts who came to the Pigeon Expo & Congress plus Exotic pet showcase for all three days of this exhilarating expo event! 

But apart from the fact that I get to grow with this event as it continues to grow and more and more people come to join us each year (Thanks to my amazing Worldexco & Pit Games Media family), what made this year extra special was the fact that my younger sister, Natalie, got to emcee with me! She was on deck for the other side - for the World Pigeon Expo and Congress plus this year's highly-anticipated Reptile X shows! Working with my sister and seeing her enrich herself through such a meaningful event while having fun at the same time was truly a joy! I may even be more excited for her than she is! I am so proud of her because even if she has hosted for a handful of other events in the past - this is her biggest one so far, over a hundred thousand came for each of the three days of this annual activity!  

 Check out the cool pets from my sister's side of this event... like this fluffy little hamster that is just too adora-BALL !!! 

 And here's my lovely sister Natalie checking out the awesome exotic pets during her break time... We both went crazy over this huge Sulcata Tortoise... Yes, that ain't a sculpture it's the real deal! 

We brought home a baby one home too and my son named her Sammy. Our very own pet Sulcata Tortoise... we just love these gentle creatures... I will write more about our own pet tortoise on my next blog post. Note to the DENR, we got our cute and veggie-voracious little Sammy her paper requirements for exotic pets and we are taking good care of her.  Can't wait to write about her!

Thank you for visiting my blog today! May our blessings and our appreciation toward these blessings grow brighter and bigger each day. But most importantly, may we all be capable of and find joy in sharing these blessings out of love, gratitude and sincere generosity. My heartfelt thanks once more to my wonderful Worldexco & Pit Games family for giving this chance to my sister, and Congratulations to you, my dear sister Nate!!! More gigs and adventures to come for the both of us! 

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The Revenant: A beautiful take on allegiance, survival and retribution

As what is to be expected in a movie top-billed by the timeless Leonardo DiCaprio (who may have considerably aged but in whose eyes you'll still find the heartthrob from Titanic and from the Man in the Iron Mask) The Revenant, 20th Century Fox's latest hit blew me away with poignant and brutally enthralling scenes that still, all in all, make for an epic artistic rendition of life's often cruel realities. 

Based on Michael Punke's work, The Revenant is an immersive, Western-set film about the journey of Hugh Glass (DiCaprio) as he encounters one tragedy after another. After an attack, Hugh finds himself face to face with death who pursued him relentlessly, throwing on tragedy after another. He survives physical death, but walking through far more painful, recurring demise that somewhat fortifies his will to live further each time his physical self gets the best of death. Forgive me for spoiling the film slightly, but apart from the gruesome challenges, the movie boasted of heart, with the elements of Glass's character, who was married to a native-American. But then it took a turn for the worst again as alongside Glass, a helpless, dying father could only look on as his beloved son, Hawk, was murdered. For me, that scene was a bit too much to bear. And speaking of 'Bear,' I especially loved the scene with that grizzly bear mauling Glass (not because I am violent) but because if my mom didn't shake me to remind me that it was just a movie, I would have wept for Leo right then and there. The cinematographic experience is just amazing, even more realistic than how I perceive reality! 

It wasn't just DiCaprio and Tom Hardy's reunion that reminded me the movie Inception (which they both starred in), but also its hauntingly intriguing closing scene with Glass - after coming on top of the endless tragedies that had unraveled before him, finally finds peace as he sees his wife once more. This is, at least, my interpretation, that he finally finds peace after serving justice. And it had to take a bear to basically tear him up physically - in order for him to weave together all the brokenness around him. 

Indeed, The Revenant beautifully sculpts out an unexpected treasure after enduring grave, gripping tribulation. See this movie to understand why it's been nominated for several awards! 

To end, it is interesting to note that the word "REVENANT" is derived from the French term 'Revenir' which pertains to one who returns after a to return from a long absence or supposed death. Certainly, this movie will make you come alive!  

*****

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A wedding, a debut and a hip hop party!

So many hosting jobs have whizzed past; am still trying to find time to extract, edit and compose those posts; for now, let me just share about my latest three events: a mishmash of the most colourful experiences, where I offer endless thanks to God for the chance to be able to do something that I love, growing in more ways than one at the same time. I am so thankful that this festive season was also restful for me; to ponder on what truly matter in my life. I am able to set some of the things I have finally been longing to do, so let me just post three of my most recent gigs up in one release. 

Aren't sunsets divinely breathtaking? Here are a few of my photos of 2015 entries.

Let me first begin with this wedding I was truly honoured to host; this truly set the tone for the rest of my year... reminding me to relax and enjoy the moment. Most of my life I have been a road runner (at times even on a rampage), that I take what's essential for granted. My aimless speed, instead of truly taking me to where I ought to be, sometimes ends up in making the road far longer than it was supposed to be, had I chosen to take a step back and revel in the beauty of the moment. So below is my snap of the pre-wedding reception, with God's majestic sky as the backdrop... 

I was more than delighted to emcee for this breathtaking wedding, which wasn't tiresome for me at all. In fact, its majestic backdrop, a reminder of the Creator's love and magnificent providence, made me forget any pressures of keeping up with over a hundred guests. Not only that; I emceed this mesmerising event; the unforgettably magical Nacino-Arboleda nuptials, barefoot and toes digging in the sand!

Excuse the extremely rare (in fact this is my first time) bathroom selfie... I just well... felt like a mermaid in my gown. The crazy mind of an event host, when finding herself where she belongs... by the calming, alluring, enigmatic sea! 

My stealth shot of Mrs. Arboleda as she made her way towards the awe-inspiring cliffside where she exchanged vows with her husband. Isn't she a vision? Gorgeous at every angle! But what's most beautiful about her is what's within...

And of course, with the beautiful couple... Best Wishes, Alvaro and Bem! Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Nacino! I love the love you have for each other! Keep inspiring those around you with Your faith in God, your commitment, and your childlike admiration for each other! Thanks for your faith in me... I am excited for your journey as man and wife.

From memorable weddings, I also had the honour of taking part in such an enjoyable debut! Thank you, Angela and to your Mommy Milba Rutaquio for making me part of your very special night! Here I am below, squeezing beside the debutante... and yes, you can sit with us! Only, there isn't space anymore... LOL. I had a blast; felt as though I was 18 again... This was the 18 debut party I never got to experience back when I turned 18. You are such a beautiful lady, A!

From the long gowns, I step into totally different gear: hip hop, reminiscent of what you see on those Step Up flicks I can't stop watching! Had a blast emceeing for the EDL Group of Companies during their superb Christmas party! I was blown away with Hip-Hoppiness that night! Mary from the Block with my partner, Jay Z, Jay Monterola from TV show, Tukaan. Do I look badass enough?

I give thanks for such a phenomenal year 2015. What I would say is the year of emancipation, conservation of resources, and the year of aligning in gratitude, and Grace... Thank You Lord, and am I looking forward to a greater 2016! 

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Reliving my Magical & Royal Disney Journey with Frozen's Queen Elsa & Princess Anna! (Part 2 of 2)

Still cannot believe that I had another Disney dream come true, rolling with real live Disney Princesses: Queen Elsa and Princess Anna from the Hit movie Frozen, as we promoted Disney on Ice shows and more! After we posed and played with Princesses from the retail kingdoms known as Forum Robinsons and Robinsons Place Manila (Click here to see my earlier blog post on Disney Frozen Meet & Greet first 2 mall shows at Forum Robinsons and Robinsons Place Manila), we now venture into two other lands only brave souls dare go (as these are both awesome shopping havens) - Robinsons Magnolia and Robinsons Galleria! 

Let me start with our super memorable Robinsons Magolia leg. To view my Disneytastic Youtube video clip in action as the events host, click this link below: 

Disney on Ice Meet & Greet at Robinsons Magnolia

Now comes my Robinsons Galleria leg for the Frozen Meet & Greet, where I had oodles of fun playing games with the Disney Princesses-in-training, who played games with us before meeting and chatting the lovely ladies of Arendelle... I also shared the stage with the talented American ice skating superstar, Phoebe Flynn!

Even with my growing number of new friends and acquaintances, I still value my old friends very much. So happy to see my beautiful friend Karen. Her husband, DJ is a superb Chef who also takes part in cooking shows at Robinsons malls! 

Move over, Elsa and Anna: Meet Karen and DJ's lovely and loving daughters, big sister Kirsten Dana and Baby Kailee. These two beautiful faces are Princesses-in-the-Making! They can sing Frozen songs as great as Elsa and Anna!

 Fun time with these sets of Princess sisters; time to sing my all-time fave Frozen song: For the first time in forever... 

Speaking of Arendelle, here's another Trivia: This fictional kingdom is most likely based on the Norwegian town of Arendal. And it is nice to note that the "eternal winter" theme of the movie might pertain to the reality in Norway, where winter lasts for 8 to 10 months! Now here is another country I must see in this lifetime! I would love to see this new world, meet new people, dive into new cultures. Won't mind the eternal winter here, for I agree with Elsa that, "the cold never bothered me anyway..." Thanks for visiting; don't forget to click my other links below: 

Marylaine Viernes Events Host - Youtube Channel

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Marylaine Viernes Events Host Website (www.marylaineviernes.net)

Just like Anna and Elsa, may we all realise that we are Princesses, or even a Queen deep within! Just find your kingdom... I know where my kingdom can be found; it may be a long, arduous journey, with an "eternal winter" between me and this kingdom... but I know I will be there sooner than I hope as I seek out my relentless summer within... Cheers to such a wonderful and rewarding 2015, and I praise my God, who has revealed to me wonderful things this coming year. Praise be to my loving God the Father, the Source of my life's abundance... Praise be to The Word Incarnate, my Saviour, His Son, Jesus Christ... Praise be to my eternal guide and companion, the Holy Spirit now and forever. May God's Will lead me toward my hopes and dreams (both dreams I consider to be stepping stones and the dream that is my Destiny) through the intercession of my Mother, Mary. Amen.

My unforgettable Christmas with Disney featuring Frozen! (Part 1 of 2)

Let it snow... even if I wasn't able to spend my holidays in some distant wintery wonderland like what I have been dreaming of, I think I even had it better as I had a blizzard of blessings this cheery month, topped with the warmth of family, friends plus the newest addition to my hosting portfolio: Disney events! 

Finally, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck let me into their magical realm, and my first project is Disney on Ice, led by an awesome Meet & Greet in four different Robinsons Malls with no less than Queen Elsa and Anna of Arendelle from arguably one of the greatest Disney films of all time: FROZEN! Let it go... let it go... can't let go of the thrill! 

Above are two of my very few snaps for the first two legs, held at The Forum Robinsons and at Robinsons Place Manila! I was even part of the gang on tour, aboard the coaster as we headed to our next destinations... Queen Elsa and Princess Anna were actresses from the United States, and we also had some of the Disney Ice Skaters onboard too! They all flew in for this event. Can you see how much I am beaming with D-light? (Disney delight)

FROZEN TRIVIA: Did you know that this movie was based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale entitled, "The Snow Queen?" And well... the story wasn't such a magical tale as in the movie. Just like the original story of the Little Mermaid, which also written by Andersen, the Little Mermaid in his story didn't really have a Happy ever after... she just ended up as sea foam. But thanks to Disney Ariel has become one of my most favourite princesses of all time. But I am glad to have read the original story, when I was about 9 or 10. Yes, I grew up with tales (and tails) I will never outgrow the magic! 

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*****

Meet my newest buddies: Mickey and D, plus Queen Elsa and Princess Anna!