It is interesting to write about the Folk Arts Theater at this time in the midst of the preparations for the country’s 3rd stint to host the Miss Universe pageant that will happen on January 2017. That is because the Folk Arts Theater itself came into being because of the Miss Universe pageant, when the Philippines hosted it for the first time in 1974. Reportedly, then First Lady Imelda Marcos pushed hard for the country to host the pageant, especially after the country’s Miss Universe candidate, Margarita Moran, won the title in 1973, becoming the second Filipina Miss Universe after Gloria Diaz. With the hosting secured, Mrs. Marcos had the idea of holding…
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April 2016 Is Not Starting Out Well
The Urban Roamer is one of those who cringe at those “<insert name of month>, please be good to me” type of posts. But it is one of those times that we really, really hope it would be so for the rest of the month at least. Because, quite sadly, the start of April 2016 has been quite bad, and “bad” here may be an understatement. In any case, the beginning of April has been depressing, to say the least. Due to the nature of this site and its coverage, the Urban Roamer will not discuss here what happened in Kidapawan, North Cotabato last April 1. Do check out other sources online who…
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Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum: A Home to Philippine Aviation History
Let’s face it. One can’t help talking about the Philippine Air Force (PAF) without citing the current state of things there, notably the limited number of aircraft and equipment that has made it not readily equipped in the event of a possible catastrophe or threat to national security. Still, we have to salute the men and women of the PAF for their dedication in spite of these odds. And the PAF has a notable history to show it. That history is enshrined at the Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum at the PAF Headquarters at Villamor Air Base. Formerly named Nichols Field, (named after Captain Henry E. Nichols, a US Navy…
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Grand Spectacles at the Marriott Grand Ballroom
Recently, a new events venue was officially unveiled at the Resorts World Manila complex, the Marriott Grand Ballroom of Marriott Hotel Manila. And looking at the figures, it does live up to its “grand” name; in fact, it already holds the record of being the largest ballroom in the Philippines. The 3-level structure was designed by international hospitality firm Gettys Group with its interiors designed by notable Filipino interior designer Kenneth Cobonpue. With over 8000 square meters of function space, which includes the 3000 square meter main ballroom, it was designed to be not just a hotel events venue but a notable addition to the Philippine MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) scene…