Singer Dan Fogelberg Dies

NEW YORK (AP) -- Dan Fogelberg, the singer and songwriter whose hits "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne" helped define the soft-rock era, died Sunday at his home in Maine after battling prostate cancer. He was 56.

His death was announced Sunday on the singer's Web site.

"Dan left us this morning at 6 a.m. He fought a brave battle with cancer and died peacefully at home in Maine with his wife, Jean, at his side," it read. "His strength, dignity and grace in the face of the daunting challenges of this disease were an inspiration to all who knew him."

Fogelberg discovered he had advanced prostate cancer in 2004. In a statement then, he thanked fans for their support: "It is truly overwhelming and humbling to realize how many lives my music has touched so deeply all these years. ... I thank you from the very depths of my heart."

Continue reading story: CNN.com

Technorati Tags:music, nostalgia

Big Toy Sale! Nova Fontana's old stock of Action Figures, Role Playing Game Sets, and other Amazing Vintage Toys! Don't miss this one!

Ah yes, Nova Fontana! That was everyone's toy store wasn't it? I had so many fond memories of Nova Fontana, especially the Shoppesville branch. They had a really cool display window at the front with all the coolest toys. You went inside and on the left side they had a counter, and behind that was a wall covered with action figures! He-Man, G.I. Joe, Marvel Secret Wars, M.A.S.K, Centurions, Transformers, MR Mini-Robots (Japanese version of GoBots) and so much more, too many to list! On the other side they had these Barbie & Ken display shelves, along with some Playmobile playsets. And on the other side of the store, they had all the Role Playing Game sets and books by T.S.R Hobbies: Dungeons & Dragons, Marvel Super Heroes, Gamma World, Star Frontiers, and Top Secret! And on one side they had Remote Control car kits (most of them by Tamiya), and other sorts of model kits by companies like Revell.

Well, our favorite toy store has closed. I can hear the moans of a million 80's kids. But! You can own a bit of Nova Fontana history! Our good friend Toni has discovered that Nova Fontana's old stock is being sold at 2 venues in Greenhills! Toni reports:

It’d be best if you see it for yourself. Be prepared to say the following lines: "Oh my gosh!", "Hey do you remember this…?", "I had one like this before!" or "Uuuuuuuuuy!" (said in the tone of one hitting gold unexpectedly).

There's no time to lose! Check out Toni's blog for the entire scoop! She tells you exactly WHERE these two sales are at!

Many thanks to Toni for sharing this bit of news. I'm sure all you Nostalgia Fanatics would love to check it out. I'd buy everything if I was in Manila! ;)

Always,
--NM

Technorati Tags:blog, nostalgia

The 2007 Philippine Blog Awards

On behalf of the Nostalgia Manila Community, I'd like to thank our very good friend JJ Junio who was so kind to act as Nostalgia Manila's official Manila correspondent and representative at the 2007 Philippine Blog Awards. JJ wasn't feeling so well but he still went on to represent Nostalgia Manila with such pride and gusto. He took some cool photos, and you can see Nostalgia Manila up on the big screen.

JJ is our hero! Go and visit JJ's blog, add him to your blogroll, and thank him for a job well done. Maraming salamat Agent JJ!

And thank you to all the devoted Nostalgia Manila fans who continue to spread Nostalgia Fever!

Always,
--NM

Technorati Tags:blog, nostalgia

Nostalgia Manila Nominated In 3 Main Categories In The Philippine Blog Awards 2007

There are 12 Main Category Awards in the 2007 Philippine Blog Awards, and Nostalgia Manila has been officially nominated in three categories: Best Socio-Political Blog, Best Entertainment Blog, and Best Fashion & Lifestyle Blog.

Nostalgia Manila was conceived on September 10th 2006. A cathartic result of a person who refuses to be desensitized by today's hyper media culture, often projected and filtered throughout the rest of the world. Most do not realize that there are many people out there who share a common yearning for the past. The world has changed a lot in the last few decades, and there are those who feel somewhat alienated by the changes they've witnessed and experienced.

Nostalgia Manila's creator simply wanted to connect with these people who had similar feelings; and so Nostalgia Manila came to be. Since then, Nostalgia Manila has brought together Filipinos from all over the world. It is now possible for people to revisit those special moments in their lives. It is now possible for the older generation to share, and relive all the excitement of their youth. It is now possible for the present generation to step into a colorful world almost forgotten; and in the process, learn to respect and preserve a rich cultural history filled with wonder.

Nostalgia Manila's sole creator and publisher has been interviewed many times by magazines and newspapers (via telephone or email), but has always chosen to keep his anonymity (not even the writers who contribute to the blog know who this person is). A lot of theories have been drawn, and rumors have flown, about the true identity of who most of us in the Pinoy Blogosphere fondly refer to as NM (short for Nostalgia Manila). But there is a simple reson for all this, and it is that: Nostalgia Manila is for the people. It's a collective. The readers and fans of Nostalgia Manila are an integral part of this blog. Nostalgia Manila is a treasure chest that keeps all your fondest memories alive, and brings you closer to home.

So if Nostalgia Manila wins in any of these three main categories (or better yet ALL OF THEM), it is only fitting for EVERYONE (all the fans, all the readers) to go on stage and accept the award(s). I am Nostalgia Manila, and so are you. So is everyone! Thank you for this great honor, it is good to be recognized.

Continue to spread Nostalgia Fever!

Technorati Tags:70s, 80s, blog, nostalgia

The Decline of Pinoy Komiks & Slow Extinction of Traditional Filipino Games

Philippine Komiks Industry Collapses, Komiks Congress In Session

Our good friend, renowned comic artist, writer, and Komikero Gerry Alanguilan writes an insightful article about his thoughts on the Komiks Congress, in its attempt to revive the local Pinoy Komiks industry after the decline and closing of one of the Philippines oldest Pinoy komiks publisher, Atlas Publishing.

Atlas Publishing General Manager and representative Mr. Deo Alvarez states the reasons why Atlas Publishing was the last komiks company to close its komiks division, sadly ending the continuous run of several legendary comic book titles which began in the late '40s.

His reasons are as follows:

1. ALL OUT WAR ON MNLF IN MINDANAO.
Sales and gross profit have declined 30% during the all out war against the insurgents called Muslim National Liberation Front in the Mindanao region.
2. THE MOUNT PINATUBO VOLCANIC ERUPTION.
Sales and Gross Profit declined a further 30%.
3. UNCONTROLLABLE INCREASE ON PAPER COST.
4. TV CONSUMPTION AND OTHER NEW ESCAPIST MEDIUM.
5. DECLINE ON KOMIKS READING.

Gerry Alanguilan brings us clear analysis of the current situation, and offers helpful strategies that could help revive the komiks industry that brought us such memorable comic book titles we all loved growing up.

READ GERRY ALANGUILAN'S ARTICLE HERE


Traditional Filipino Games Almost Extinct
By: BusinessWorld Health

Today, a child’s idea of fun is spending an entire day at the mall, engaging in role-playing games (RPG) for hours over the Internet or getting the newest video game console.

The words PlayStation, Game Boy and Time Zone are more familiar to children than traditional Filipino games like sipa, luksong-tinik or tumbang preso. Traditional Filipino games no longer spark the same light of interest in children’s eyes nowadays. What is lost is the opportunity to preserve our cultural heritage, which is inherent in the hobbies and games, as well as the physical, psychological leadership skills that children get from playing structured games.

These Filipino games have been the delight of children over the past century. Neighborhood kids, cousins and siblings would gather on lazy afternoons and would be kept busy and entertained with an engaging game of garter. These games are reflective of our country’s recreational culture. We are fun-loving and highly-creative people.

But through the years, we’ve seen waning interest in all things local and cultural. Statues, monuments and documents that are extracted from the past are restricted to special exhibits and museums. National pride has been kept inside stone-walled buildings and structures.

"Gaming preferences have always been a matter of choice. Kids choose what they want to play. But in the past decade, these choices have become limited. We have become largely influenced by Western culture and have embraced technological innovations wholeheartedly," said Dr. Raul Pertierra, Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Mr. Pertierra added that there is inherent cultural value in our Filipino games. "In the next ten years, we can expect less than a thousand kids knowing the game mechanics of sipa."

Sipa is a local game involving the foot. "Sipa" means "kick" in the Philippine language.

It is a sad truth that Filipino games are becoming extinct. There is a call to action to inculcate interest in the children of today so that tradition will be passed on from this generation to the next.

Dean Hercules Callanta of the College of Human Kinetics in the University of the Philippines noted that nowadays kids spend more of their time for leisure and play inside their homes. "Outdoor play carries with it physical benefits, especially for children, whether they are toddlers or pre-teens. Muscular development is at its peek during these ages. Exercise and play help form healthy and strong bodies."

There is also significant research stating that outdoor play can increase and improve the respiration of children. Exercising outdoors is also a good source of Vitamin D for growing kids. "Filipino outdoor games like sipa, luksong tinik and garter are examples of games that develop muscular strength, flexibility and endurance," Dean Callanta said.

Outdoor play also encourages social interaction among children from different age groups. "Games help develop children’s gross and motor skills and promote healthy competition and challenge them to perform better not only in sports but in other future endeavors as well," said Melissa Fernadez-Abaya, child psychologist and co-owner of The Little Apprentice Pre-School.

Ms. Fernandez-Abaya said games are an effective educational tool for children. "Playing Filipino games will give them an idea of a nationalistic identity and will develop an appreciation for Filipino culture and traditions."

Reviving the love for local games revives the spirit of the Filipino and passes it on to the next generation who seeks what it means to be Filipino. "It is not too late," Dr. Pertierra added, "As parents and as Filipinos, the preservation of our culture starts with us and what we teach our children. We are in the position to shape the minds of the young and develop nationalistic, healthy, socially and mentally-sound next-generation Filipinos."



Technorati Tags:70s, blog, nostalgia

'70s Music As You Like It

By: Dot Ramos Balasbas-Gancayco
The Philippine Star

At Nonoy Zuñiga's recent Valentine concerts at the Metrobar and the Celebrity Club, I was amazed at the way the audience, composed mainly of professionals aged 35 and above, reacted to his folk songs portion. Nonoy, who unknown to many started as a folk singer, was able, with only his nylon guitar as backup, to lead the audience of more than 500 people at each venue to sing their hearts out to '70s songs like Father and Son, Danny’s Song, Vincent, You’ve Got a Friend, Birthday Song, Love Song and I Won’t Last a Day Without You.

It was such a great feeling - singing without care with strangers you felt bonded with through the music of the likes of James Taylor, Cat Stevens and The Carpenters. It was as if we were all a family, because we knew all those songs by heart. We kept pleading for more.

And so afterwards, I asked myself, if there are so many people like me who had a longing for this kind of pure, soft music so relaxing and pleasant to the ears, there should be a place where people could go to, to listen to and savor those songs. Contrary to what some people think - that '70s artists are a dying breed - I believe that this is their moment!

Consumers of this demographic category - around my age, at the prime of their careers, with extra cash for nights out, now very much into school homecomings, barkada and org reunions - are actually looking for these '70s singers! People who had their most unforgettable experiences in grade school, high school or college in the '70s are yearning for things that trigger memories of those good old days. They just do not know where to go.

Luckily for us, My Bro's Mustache, owned by successful entrepreneurs Boy and Gigi Vinzon, houses these most talented artists. Now located in its new address at 68 Sct. Tuazon cor. Sct. Madriñan Sts., very near Timog Ave., QC, the new My Bro's Mustache venue has gone further. Boy, with the help of artist Mon Espia and Jojo Robles of the Manila Standard, has come up with an album entitled Restrung: Lumang Gitara, Bagong Kanta, featuring My Bro's Mustache artists, who include folk and rock icons and upcoming artists doing all new original songs.

I could not believe it when I saw the names of the artists Mon, Boy and Jojo put together in one album through blood, sweat and tears. I would like to mention all of them here plus a few important details about some of them:

• Florante. He is the artist behind the undying songs Handog (which my St. Joseph's College batch sang for our high school teachers on our Silver Anniversary Homecoming with matching tears in our eyes!), and Ako'y Isang Pinoy.

• Heber Bartolome . He composed Tayo'y Mga Pinoy, which taught us to be proud to be Filipinos.

• Joey "Pepe" Smith. Who does not know Pepe Smith of the Juan de la Cruz band fame? Regarded as the Philippines’ real and original Filipino Rock Star, he shook the Philippine rock music with his Himig Natin.

• Lolita Carbon. She of Asin fame and her deep, husky voice has been described by world jazz champion Mon David as "waring nagmumula sa lupa." Her contribution to this album is said to be, undoubtedly, the sexiest.

• Wally Gonzalez. He has been introduced as the "God of Guitar" and the "Father of Rock Guitar." Need I say more?

• Rannie Raymundo . This pop icon's rhythm comes from the heart. He unselfishly lent his talent as a drummer to a number of songs in the album.

• Noel Cabangon. He is said to be "The Voice of Life," "The Voice of Hope" who mesmerizes people when he sings on stage.

• Lester Demetillo. Now the head of the UP College of Music Guitar Dept., Prof. Lester is my son Jonjon's former guitar teacher. I would like to sincerely thank Prof. Lester for introducing me to My Bro's Mustache, where my balikbayan guests and in-laws Annie and Lito, had their grandest time going down memory lane.

• Susan Fernandez . Her meaningful songs have made her the "Voice of Women" with all her meaningful songs.

• Paul Galang. One of the most beautiful and unforgettable voices I have ever heard, he composed the song, Salamat Pepe, also in this album, as a tribute to Joey "Pepe" Smith and to all the gallant men and women of '70s Philippine rock.

• Chickoy Pura. The lead singer of the group The Jerks, whom I had the pleasure of having personally interviewed, humbly says he is very honored to be with music legends in this album. He feels very nostalgic working with folk singers of the '70s.

• Mon Espia. The brains behind the album, Mon's dedication to music is admirable and unwavering. Despite the odds, he attained his dream of putting all these outstanding artists together in one project. His composition, Caleb's Song, is one of my favorites as it speaks of a parent's great love for his child.

• Jesse Bartolome. He is one of the three talented brothers known as Banyuhay.

• Bobby Mondejar . He was with the group Hiyas, and seduces you with his song Let's Spend the Night.

• Albert de Pano is a former schoolmate at the Kamuning Elementary School. Albert plays the guitar and sings very well. He gives justice to every song he performs. There are also very beautiful contributions from Corky and Kiko, Hans and Reagan, Joniver, Rey and Ernel Mendoza.

This rare, unprecedented album entitled Restrung: Lumang Gitara contains 19 songs from 22 artists. It is worth a hundred times its price of P299.

Exclusively distributed at My Bro's Mustache (with contact number 0917-8948129), the album offer from big recording distributors allows it to reach the artists’ countless fans all over the country and abroad. The album will surely form part of the collection not only of those fond of the '70s but also of our children and grandchildren.

Thank you, Boy and Gigi, for giving these Philippine music industry giants a place they could call home. Mon, Boy, and Jojo, thank you for making this album happen. This means so much to all your featured artists and to us, their admirers.

With all the good reviews and the encouraging sales, all the stress, tension, pressure and hard work are now paying off. I am praying for the widest distribution! I am looking forward to a big concert at a big venue.

And to all artists included in the album, borrowing the words of Paul Galang in the last featured song, I say: Salamat, Pepe at sa inyong lahat sa inyong awitin. Salamat Pepe, at sa inyong lahat sa himig natin…sariling atin!

Technorati Tags:70s, blog, nostalgia

Nostalgia Manila Featured On TFC

Nostalgia Manila Featured On DTour
This just in: Our friend Dio Baquir has informed us that Nostalgia Manila has been featured on DTour. DTour (for Digital Tour) is a 30-minute tele-magazine show that features he latest on e-news, gives reviews on the hottest gadgets and offers tips and suggestions on how to become more tech-savvy. DTour is your guide to technology, gadgets, websites and modern living. Catch Digital Tour only on TFC (The Filipino Channel).

Many thanks to Dio, to the hosts, and to the production staff of DTour for featuring Nostalgia Manila.

Technorati Tags:70s, 80s, tv, blog, news, nostalgia

Cannabis Stronger Now Than In The '70s

By: Ian Morgan

An increase in intensive indoor cannabis cultivation in the UK since David Cameron's schooldays is widely believed to have increased the availability of more potent varieties. Some high-profile reports have said that modern cannabis is now 10 or even 20 times stronger than that available in the 1970s. But, as with any illegal drug, finding reliable and complete information on what is on the streets is difficult.

A report by the European Monitoring Centre For Drugs and Addiction in 2004 rejected the idea that cannabis had become significantly stronger in most of Europe since the 1970s, with only "modest" overall increases. The strength of cannabis is measured by the percentage of a component called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A briefing paper by the UK charity DrugScope estimates that the THC content of most cannabis available in the UK has remained relatively constant at 6-8%.

The European study found that only in the Netherlands, where more than half of all cannabis is produced through indoor cultivation, was this significantly higher at 16%. While the potency of standard imported cannabis has remained relatively unchanged, indoor cultivation is known to boost THC concentrations two or threefold. This is because of both growing techniques themselves as well as the practice of cross-fertilisation to produce much stronger hybrid varieties such as skunk.

Last year 55-year-old David Wyler from Nottingham was jailed for five years after Derby Crown Court heard that plants with a THC content as high as 29% had been found at a house in Ilkeston, Derbyshire - thought to be among the strongest ever found in the UK. Although the indoor propagation is believed to be on the rise in the UK, recent estimates suggest it may still only account for around a quarter of cannabis in Britain. DrugScope spokesman Harry Shapiro said: "I would say that the fact that indoor cannabis growing on a commercial basis has definitely increased since the 1970s means there is the potential for stronger varieties of cannabis to be more widely available."

"Nobody knows exactly what the percentage of THC out there is in any given moment."

But he added: "What I don't want to be saying is that cannabis in general is a lot more strong than it was."

"However you could say the increase in indoor cannabis growth in the UK on a commercial basis has the potential for increasing the amount of strong cannabis in circulation."

Technorati Tags:70s, blog, nostalgia

Nostalgia Manila Inspires Mass Comm Students

It's always great news whenever we hear about people (especially the younger generation) take notice, and are inspired by this blog. It has always been Nostalgia Manila's vision to connect and bring together generations of Filipinos, though a fun and entertaining way; which in return teaches the younger generation to cherish, preserve, respect, and learn from a rich, colorful past. We hope that what started as an itching curiosity for them, turns into a lifetime obsession.

Anne is a 20 year old college student taking up AB Mass Communications. She recently posted a story on her blog about how Nostalgia Manila inspired her in coming up with a theme for her VJ Hunt 07 school presentation.

Here are a few things she said about it:

yesterday we made a new mark in the history of college of arts and sciences. we, the mascomIII hv produced "the best vj hunt EVER" - ma'am virgie bautista.

that msg made my day.made my every sweat,ideas,sleepless nights,tears worth. i dont even know what to say. am still overwhlmd and my emotion is still on its highest. if only i could let this blog hear my scream..

it all started with the theme... "that retro theme" i was so facinated with nostalgia manilas blog back then, all the memorabilias showed made me-nostalgic. then, i began creating 70's inspired images. they looked good so i kept on doin them. then gean will ask for help "anong ggawin sa vj hunt?" shempre.. whad i say? "lets go retro!"

Read the entire story at her blog: http://reformed-rebel.blogspot.com

Technorati Tags:70s, blog, nostalgia