Google crowns Facebook king of Internet visits

SAN FRANCISCO - Google on Friday released Web traffic data indicating that Facebook is king when it comes to online visitors despite criticism about privacy at the social-networking service.

Facebook.com is visited monthly by 540 million people, or slightly more than 35 percent of the Internet population, according to Google Ad Planner worldwide data gathered using recently-acquired Double Click.

Approximately 570 billion pages are viewed monthly at Facebook.com, more than eight times as many pages as are viewed each month at second-place Yahoo.com which gets 490 million visitors, according to Google.

The figures support word from Facebook that it has not been abandoned by members despite carping by politicians, consumer groups and privacy advocates that want tighter safeguards on personal information at the website.

Only 23,515 people had signed up as of Friday at a "We're Quitting Facebook" website as "committed" to dump the social-networking service as part of a campaign to stage a mass protest on May 31.

That number represents less than .006 percent of Facebook's more than 400 million members.

Facebook is overhauling privacy controls in the face of a barrage of criticism that it is betraying the trust which has made it the world's biggest social network.

Facebook redesigned its privacy settings page to provide a single control for content and "significantly reduce" the amount of information that is always visible to everyone.

Facebook also said it is giving users more control over how outside applications or websites access information at the service.

"This is a pretty big overhaul to the system we already have," Zuckerberg said while outlining the changes during a Wednesday press briefing at the social network's headquarters in the California city of Palo Alto.

"Now we are making it so there is less information that has to be public. People want a simple way to control the way information is shared with third parties, so that is what we are doing," he said.

The revamped privacy controls began rolling out Wednesday.

Facebook last month sparked criticism from privacy and consumer groups, US lawmakers and the European Union by adding the ability for partner websites to incorporate data regarding members of the social-networking service.

Critics continue to call for Facebook to make all user information private by default and then let people designate what they want to share case-by-case in an "opt-in" model.

Facebook has rejected such a model, saying the service is based on a premise that people want to connect and share with friends and people around them.

Running: As basic as it gets

MANILA, Philippines -- Running is a natural skill to man. In fact, aside from walking, it is the only other means for any two-legged creature to move on foot.

Our forebears used it as a necessity in hunting for food. We naturally use it to scurry away from danger.

So why has this basic skill become so popular in the country today?

“[Because] it’s the simplest form of physical activity with minimal investment… All you need is a road, trail, or any running surface, and a pair of shoes,” said running coach Rio de la Cruz.

Running is a great workout for the whole body. Credit: Fotosearch

Coach Rio, a veteran in organizing local race events, said more and more people who realize the value of regular exercise find running as one of the most convenient ways to get into shape.

One of his latest events was Century Tuna Superbods Fun Run last February.

“Running is a workout for the whole body and requires minimum time, instruction, equipment, and planning. It’s also something you can enjoy whether you are alone or in a group,” said Coach Rio.

The surge in running’s popularity can also be credited to the healthy competition among race organizers.

Organizers have now become more creative in offering runners other things aside from the sport itself.

Rio dela Cruz is a running coach and organizer of local running races.

“The recent running boom started when the race organizers themselves became more competitive, aiming to be the ‘better’ race, one after the other,” said Coach Rio.

“Aside from the good reputation of the event and its organizers, it’s the ‘fun’ and ‘party’ atmosphere of the event that seems to entice runners,” he said.

With offers other than the actual run, organizers like Coach Rio have attracted people into the sport while providing more avenues for enthusiasts to test their physical limits and mental strength.

What you get from the sweat

Long distance running is no easy feat especially for beginners. But just like any other endeavor, you reap benefits for the time and effort you invest in it.

Numerous studies show that running is among the best aerobic exercises for conditioning your heart and lungs. It therefore decreases the risk of heart problems and other stress-related illnesses.

Running also greatly helps improve stamina aside from increasing your bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis.

Running increases bone density. Credit: Fotosearch

Those who engage themselves in this sport also enjoy reaching the "runner's high" or that calm state one feels after a long run. This makes running a great stress-buster.

Running also burns about 100 calories per mile for a 150-pound person. Combined with a healthy diet, running is one of the most efficient ways to lose the excess weight.

Jayson Deuna, a 27-year-old software engineer, is among the thousands of enthusiasts attracted to the sport. He lost 20 pounds of unwanted weight through long distance running.

Software engineer Jayson Deuna lost 20 pounds through long distance running.

“I was an overweight office employee for three years. I weighed 165 pounds at 5-foot-7,” he said.

During an annual physical examination in their office last year, he was advised by doctors to modify his lifestyle to reduce weight. Thus he decided to invest his time in running.

“I trimmed down to 145 pounds. I am now well under the healthy weight range for my age and height. More than that, I feel stronger and faster,” he said.

Before hitting the road

Although running (just for the heck of it) seems to be a simple task, doing so for a considerable distance (think of kilometers) is a different matter.

Coach Rio stressed that there are things needed to be done first before hitting the road, especially if you’re a beginner.

1. Have a health check.
You need to have your health checked first before starting any exercise program. “As long as you have a sound body, mind, and heart, you can get into running,” said Coach Rio.

2. Set a realistic goal.
“Whether it’s just to finish or to achieve you personal record, you should give yourself enough time to prepare physically and mentally before an event,” said the coach.

Start with base training and focus on form by doing running drills. Gradually build up your endurance by adding no more than 10% training mileage per week in terms of time or distance.

“For beginners who are interested to sign up for their first race, they should start with shorter distances such as a 3k or a 5k to allow their muscles to gradually adapt to the physical demands of running,” said Coach Rio.

3. Equip yourself.
You need to equip yourself with the proper basic running gear. “This includes running shoes based on your foot type (overpronator, neutral, or supinator) and running style (forefoot, midfoot, or heel-strike), comfortable sports bras for women, sports watches, shorts, tops, and socks,” he said.

Optional equipment include heart rate monitors, sunglasses, running cap or visor, apparel for rain and cold, and hydration systems for carrying water or sports drinks during longer runs.

Risks and how to avoid them

Running injuries are an unfortunate, but all too common, occurrence. It is a high impact sport involving body parts from your waist and below.

Among the areas likely to be injured due to improper training habits are the hip region, the knees, the ankles down to the feet.

“Majority of injuries are caused by improper training habits such as running too far too soon and wearing old, worn-out shoes or new ones that are not the right type for your feet,” said Coach Rio.

Here are some of his tips to prevent injury:

· Reduce training mileage.
· Train smart, preferably with a reliable and knowledgeable coach.
· Stretch lightly, not up to the point of pain.
· Take painkillers with caution.
· Cool it off or ice the painful or sore area.
· Consider seeing a physical therapist.
· Cross-train with swimming, biking, indoor cycling, yoga, pilates, core stability exercises and weight training.
· Resume your training slowly, with no more than a 10% increase in training mileage per week.
· Adjust your expectations and don’t pressure yourself to get back in shape right away.

As long as you keep yourself from overdoing and complicating things in your workout, the physical and mental rewards that go with the sport make running a worthwhile experience.

Jobert Sucaldito: I respect ABS-CBN's decision on Willie

MANILA, Philippines – Entertainment columnist and host Jobert Sucaldito said Tuesday he respects the decision reached by the management of ABS-CBN and Willie Revillame after their closed-door meeting Monday.

“Ako kasi ang laging posisyon ko dito is that whatever ang maging desisyon ng management, we will have to respect it kasi they know better,” Sucaldito said.

Sucaldito’s alleged constant criticisms were the source of Revillame’s latest ire that led to the controversial “Wowowee” host resigning from the program.

In their Monday meeting, Revillame apologized to the ABS-CBN management for his on-air outburst on May 4 over his rift with Sucaldito.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by ABS-CBN, Revillame also apologized for his failure to report to work since May 5. In turn, ABS-CBN management accepted Revillame’s apology.

Both parties also agreed that Revillame would take an indefinite break effective immediately, but his contract obligations with ABS-CBN will hold. This disallows him to perform similar work for any person or entity in direct competition with ABS-CBN.

The statement said that at some point, ABS-CBN management and Revillame will discuss what will be in the best interest of the viewing public.

ABS-CBN News asked Revillame for an interview, but the host declined.

Robin Padilla has temporarily replaced Revillame, but he is set to step down as host on Friday. When sought for reaction, Padilla said: "Tayo po ay nandito para huwag pong maapektuhan [ang saya] na dinudulot ng ‘Wowowee.’”

On Tuesday, Cesar Montano told abs-cbnNEWS.com that he has received an offer to host “Wowowee” for 2 weeks, similar to Padilla's stint. ABS-CBN, however, has not made a final decision on whether Montano would take over as host.

Judy Ann expecting a baby boy

MANILA, Philippines - It's a boy for celebrity couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo.

Santos' mom, Carol, confirmed in an interview with TV Patrol World on Friday that her daughter will be giving birth to a baby boy in October.

"Juday called me up, sabi n'ya...lalaki."

However, she said the soon-to-be-parents have yet to decide on the baby's name.

"They're still contemplating on a Filipino-sounding name," the teleserye queen's mom shared.

Santos has been taking it slow at work since she discovered her pregnancy early March.

The young superstar tied the knot with Agoncillo on April 28, 2009, and had since prayed for a baby.

Agoncillo and Santos were first paired in the teleserye "Krystala" where their romance blossomed. They made two movies together, "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo" and "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo" -- both of which were box office hits.

The couple also recently starred in an ABS-CBN weekly show "George & Cecil".

Gary Coleman dies after brain hemorrhage

LOS ANGELES– Former child star Gary Coleman, who shot to fame on TV sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes" but suffered personal troubles as an adult, died in a Utah hospital on Friday, after suffering a brain hemorrhage. He was 42.

Coleman gained stardom as the sharp-talking, adopted son Arnold Jackson of a wealthy New Yorker in the hit sitcom that aired on U.S. television from 1978 to 1986 and in syndication around the world. His line, "What you talkin' 'bout Willis?" when talking to his brother, became a pop culture catchphrase.

But when the show was taken off the air, Coleman saw his Hollywood star fade, and he found himself suffering through financial, legal and domestic problems.

"We are very said to have to report Mr. Gary Coleman has passed away as of 12:05 p.m. mountain time," (6:05 gmt), his manager, John Alcantar, said in a statement.

Alcantar said Coleman was removed from life support, and "he passed quickly and peacefully" surrounded by his wife and other close family members.

The diminutive Coleman, who suffered from a congenital kidney disease that halted his growth, was hospitalized Wednesday night after suffering an intracranial hemorrhage at his home in Santaquin, Utah. Media reports said he had fallen and hit his head.

On Thursday, he was conscious and lucid in the morning, but in the afternoon his condition worsened, he slipped into unconsciousness and was placed on life support at the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, according to a statement issued on Friday by the hospital.

"Gary is now at peace, and his memory will be kept in the hearts of those who were entertained by him throughout the years," Alcantar said.

Small but mighty

Born February 8, 1968 in Zion, Illinois, Coleman was an adopted son who suffered a condition known as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, an autoimmune disease that alters the kidneys. As a result, Coleman stopped growing at a height of 4 ft. 8 in. and underwent two kidney transplants in his life.

But his size, coupled with his age, made him the perfect fit for the role of the funny, sassy and often emotional Arnold Jackson on "Diff'rent Strokes."

The show revolved around a 12-year-old girl and her rich white father who adopted the two black sons of his housemaid after she died. Arnold was 8 years-old and his brother Willis was 12 when they came to live with the Drummonds in an upscale Manhattan apartment.

Coleman's cute face and smart mouth -- he played the role of young Arnold when, in fact, he was roughly 10 to 18 years-old -- quickly put him at the center of the show. He made millions of dollars from "Diff'rent Strokes" and from guest appearances on TV talk shows and other programs. U.S. cable television channel VH1 ranked him No. 1 among a list of "100 Greatest Kid Stars."

But Coleman never recaptured his fame after the show ended. As an adult, much of his work went straight to video, and he became a symbol of faded Hollywood stardom.

In 1989, he sued his parents and former manager for mishandling his finances, and for a time, he worked as a security guard. In 2003, he made a failed bid to become governor of California in a recall election that eventually saw Arnold Schwarzenegger become the chief executive of the state.

Coleman also suffered legal troubles. In 1998, he was charged with assault after hitting a woman who asked for his autograph in one of several instances of disorderly conduct.

Just this past January, he was arrested in Utah on a charge of domestic violence. But he and his wife remained married.

'Willie, ABS-CBN may talk legal issues in Monday's meeting'

MANILA, Philippines – The lawyer-friend of controversial television host Willie Revillame on Sunday said legal repercussions might probably be discussed in Monday’s meeting between the “Wowowee” host and ABS-CBN bosses.

Lawyer Dexter Licuanan explained in his interview on radio dzMM’s “Chismax” that since Revillame is asking the Kapamilya network to release him from his contract, both parties might discuss if this is “legally feasible.”

“Meron iyang legal repercussions kasi ang services ni Willie as talent ng ABS-CBN, covered ng isang kontrata yan. I can imagine ang pag-uusapan nila, halimbawa po as far as Willie is concerned, to express his desire to be released from the network and to be released as a talent,” he said.

“I’m sure din concern din naman ng ABS-CBN kung ‘yong kanyang request ay mapagbibigyan within the parameters of the contract,” he added. “Halimbawa pagbibigyan nila si Willie…. baka mag-impose din ang ABS ng mga condition sa kanya. Hindi malabong mangyari ‘yon.”

Licuanan surmised that both parties will probably look for “a legal remedy to solve their problems.”

Licuanan refused to give further comment on the legal aspect of the controversy, saying it is up to the TV host and the management of ABS-CBN to settle the issue and reach an agreement.

He added that at this point the controversy is still “very sensitive.”

Willie’s letter

Almost 2 weeks ago, Revillame wrote ABS-CBN chairman Eugenio Lopez III and president Charo Santos-Concio a letter to ask them to release him from his contract in light of the controversy involving him and entertainment journalist Jobert Sucaldito.

A copy of the letter dated May 12 was leaked to the media.

Licuanan said it was the TV host, who is on leave from “Wowowee,” himself who prepared the letter.

After reading it, the lawyer admitted that his impression was that Revillame was already feeling “frustrated” by controversies hounding him, especially those concerning his popular noontime show.

“Hindi mo rin siguro masisisi kasi kung iisipin mo ang personalidad ni Willie, he takes things too personally lalo na when it concerns ‘Wowowee.’ Kasi talagang mahal na mahal niya iyang programang ‘yan,” he said.

He noted that this is why Revillame becomes too sensitive when his show is being criticized by the media.

“Since he takes things too personally, ayaw niyang ilagay ang network in bad light. ‘Yon ang exact phrase na ginamit niya. Ayaw na niya [na dahil sa] ganitong controversy nagkakaroon ng strenuous relationship ‘yong programa niya at siya sa network at sa mga bigwig ng ABS-CBN,’ he said.

The lawyer noted that Revillame’s health is also at stake. “Dahil araw-araw niyang ginagawa ang programa niya, meron na siyang heart blockage. Siguro dahil sa stress at pressure din na kailangan niyang mag-perform.”

He said delivering the same amount of energy everyday “is bound to take its toll on any person.”

He said: “And I’m sure another underlining reason, there is the fact that he’s no longer happy. In the sense, ayaw niyang nagkakaroon ng samaan ng loob siya at ang mga management ng ABS-CBN.”

Seclusion

Licuanan said Revillame is now “in seclusion” to take a much needed rest.

As his friend, Licuanan advised Revillame to weigh all his options and to take into consideration all the legal implications of his decision.

The lawyer also reminded Revillame that he may have many critics, but he also has many supporters who are waiting for his return to “Wowowee.” He also urged him to pray in order to be enlightened.

In making his decision, he said what’s important is for Revillame to follow his heart and “to think what is best for you and your heath.”

“And kung anuman ang decision ni Mr. Willie Revillame, tulad ng maraming fans niya, I will also stand by his decision.”

John Lloyd, Luis, Billy host Wowowee after Robin

MANILA, Philippines – Robin Padilla’s exit from his temporary hosting of popular noon time show "Wowowee" opened the doors to the show's hosting on Saturday by the “Kanto Boys."

Actors Luis Manzano, John Lloyd Cruz and Billy Crawford took over from Padilla, who was asked to host Wowowee for 2 weeks after Willie Revillame took an indefinite leave from the show following a tiff with "The Buzz" co-host Jobert Sucaldito.

Wowowee co-hosts Valerie Concepcion and Pokwang were delighted with the way the Manzano, Cruz and Crawford handled the hosting.

“Para silang nakawala sa hawla, super kulit nila, I had fun!” said Valerie.

“Ang kulit nila Lloydie, Billy at Luis, enjoy kami kanina sa show!” said Pokwang.

On Friday, Robin thanked ABS-CBN management and the show's staff for giving him an opportunity to host Wowowee. He said he will forever treasure his experiences on the show.

"Isang napakalaking karangalan po ang maging bahagi ng Wowowee. Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa ABS-CBN, sa staff, maraming salamat sa inyo. Sa mga dancers, musicians, technicians, sa guards, sa ating crowd control, at siyempre po sa inyong lahat," Robin said.

Some of Wowowee’s viewers said they prefer Robin’s style of hosting over the Kanto Boys.

“Mas magaling pa rin si Robin, mas gusto namin siya,” said a Wowowee fan.

Valerie said it was Robin’s character that attracted more followers to the show.

“Mabait kasi si Binoe, mga 1 hour nagpapa-picture lang siya sa mga fans, talagang we're grateful he shared his time with us,” she said.

The trio of Luis, Billy and John Lloyd, however, refused to be affected by the comments on their hosting style.

“Kung iisipin namin na higitan yung ginawa ni Robin, hindi namin magagawa ng tama ang trabaho namin. Pumunta kami dito para magpasaya ng tao,” said John Lloyd.

“Pumunta kami dito para mapasaya ang mga fans ng Wowowee,” said Billy.

They also joked about how long their stay on Wowowee will be.

“Si Luis nga nagdala na ng kontrata na mag-hohost na raw siya ng Wowowee,” said John Lloyd with a laugh.

“Gusto talaga namin, pero hindi pa namin alam talaga, inaayos pa mga schedule namin,” said Billy.

Grace Kelly's dresses go on show in London

LONDON – The spectacular wardrobe of Grace Kelly, the glamorous Hollywood film actress and princess of Monaco, goes on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London on Saturday.

The collection of dresses and accessories includes items from her acting career, her fairytale marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco and her life as a princess, showcasing the style that made her a fashion icon.

"She's one of the few people who deserve this title of style icon. It's very hard to find anyone else today who can be remembered in the same way 50 years from now," said Jenny Lister, curator of the exhibition.

Lister said Kelly preserved her clothes very carefully, treating them "as old friends", so they could now tell her story, 28 years after her death.

Among the clothes on display are a pink chiffon evening gown with flowers embroidered down one side and a Grecian-style bathing robe, both of which Kelly wore in the film "High Society" in 1956.

They were designed by MGM designer Helen Rose and would normally have stayed with the studio, but as it was her last film, MGM made them a wedding gift.

The V&A also has the lace bodice and skirt Kelly wore for her civil marriage ceremony in 1956, and the off-white silk belted dress with gold threads that she wore after the official announcement of her engagement.

"She liked beautiful fabrics, she always accessorized it very carefully with plain white gloves and jewellery. She enjoyed jewellery but she used it just to add a little touch of detail," Lister said.

When she became a princess, Kelly stepped up the fashion stakes and began buying haute couture outfits by everyone from Christian Dior to Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel.

An emerald green wool dress by Givenchy that she wore to meet the other fashion icon of that age, Jackie Kennedy, at the White House is also among the 40 dresses on show here.

Jewellery by Van Cleef and Arpels and the handbag by Hermes that Kelly made famous -- and which later took her name -- complete the collection.

Travel diaries: The best time to visit Sagada

MANILA, Philippines – During the Holy Week, tourists flock the lackadaisical town of Sagada carrying digital cameras, backpacks, a few bucks, and their most adventurous behaviors. The peak season, however, is the worst time to find yourself in this picturesque town.

The locals will agree. As a matter of fact, the groups started a campaign to encourage visitors to come to Sagada on non-peak seasons. Inns are full and have been reserved as early as four months ago, tables are hard to find, and most of all, sites are shared with, let’s say, 20 or more other people.

“We advise people to avoid visiting Sagada during the peak season,” Gareth Likigan of the Sagada Genuine Guides Association said. “There’s heavy traffic everywhere, not just on the roads but also on the sites. Kaya hindi masyado enjoy.”

The main town of Sagada can be explored in less than 30 minutes. With an more than 5,000 tourists visiting on the same dates, this ideal holiday can easily become a nightmare.

The best times to visit Sagada are on less harried days, where you’re sharing the town with very few backpackers. Guides are not hard to come by, buses are not crowded, the streets are hushed, and there are no lines in Sumaging Cave.

It’s a travel cliché but if you want to enjoy the solitude, avoid the crowd.

Long, long road

Even before the call of tourism reached Sagada, it has been a secret getaway for artists and writers. Although Halsema Highway had long been cemented to ease the trip from Baguio, its rustic allure remains as some roads still cover visitors in dusts and sweat and sun.

“Some locals don’t want to fix the road because it comes with the thrill. If you noticed, some parts are cemented while some remained potholed and dusty. Sagada is not Sagada without the long jarring trip,” Percival, our hired driver, explained as we moved on another dirt road, the wheels of his FX barely a few inches from the cliff not barricaded from the road.

Tucked between the Cordillera and Ilocos mountain ranges, Sagada is an oasis after a 12-hour long craggy trip on squiggly roads sandwiched between pines and gorges.

Un-airconditioned provincial Lizardo buses ply the route from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. On peak seasons, buses disappear as early as 9 a.m. And if you still want to get to Sagada, like my group, the best option would be to hire a Baguio taxi for a larger sum.

Full house

When my friends and I decided on Sagada as a Holy Week destination, a colleague advised me to call inns ahead for a reservation. I listed down more than 20 establishments and it took me more than 3 hours to find a vacant room—and the one I found requires a 15-minute walk from the main town.

“Most rooms have been reserved as early as December,” Derrick Piluden shared as he ushered us into a room in Yabami Lodge, a ranch-style inn.

Outside, vehicles whizzed by, scouting for free rooms before the sun settled for the night. There are inns that don’t accept reservations and instead prefer walk-in tenants.

Homestays are popular options, too popular that almost all residents have extra houses they rent out for willing visitors at cheaper rates. Most inns have restaurants but better dining choices are still in the main town.

Less dining choices

Sagada is a food-lovers haven, one that will not disappoint even the pickiest eaters. Vegetables are still crunchy, coffee beans and tea leaves are picked from backyard farms, and almost, if not all, establishments serve the staple Sagadan red rice.

During peak seasons, however, tables are very hard to find. One of my trip’s biggest disappointments was not finding a place to eat at 2 p.m. right after our 6-hour trek on Mt Ampacao. We literally had to walk around town in search for food!

My special favorite is Shamrock Café, a small inconspicuous hole-in-the-wall dining area located under the city hall. Cooked by Manang Graal, the hearty Shamrock Meal comes with adobo chicken, rice, stir-fried vegetables and desserts.

Another interesting spot to hang out for karaoke is Rock Café, a dining area hidden under large boulders. To enter, guests have to literally walk down a dimly-lit stone stairway that leads to a bohemian-inspired den. They don’t serve lunch, though.

One of the most-visited is Log Cabin but you have to call months ahead to reserve a table especially on peak seasons. They have Saturday night buffet where the bread, the cheese, the pasta—everything—are made from scratch. They also offer a vegetarian plate and Chef Aklay personally cuts the meats for you, in exchange for a few stories. The place shuns the cold and it’s easy to exchange pleasantries with the other guests by the fireplace.

I also found some bizarre food choices you should not miss. During my visit, strawberry shakes are served warm and the local halo-halo (mixed sweets in shaved ice) has steamed macaroni. I have yet to try the Sagada Lemon Pie House for its famous lemon pies, which according to some friends, takes days to make!

Lines ruin the fun

Every visit to Sagada includes caving in Sumaging but the downside on a peak season visit is you have to literally line up in the caves. Sometimes, you have to wait for 15 minutes just to climb down a rope!

Some groups are also too noisy, you’ll literally hear them screaming while crossing a limestone formation, while avoiding bat feces, while taking a dip on the pool of freezing water, while taking photos—what a nightmare!

Sagada was one of the few areas Spanish conquistadors failed to reach in their conquest of the Philippines, giving it the leeway to preserve its culture and traditions. Hanging coffins are the must-visit areas in Sagada. No trip to Sagada is complete without the coffins.

“They are hang so they are close to the heavens and close to the earth to help the locals,” Vien, our local tour guider, shared as he point to a group of coffins a mile away. Below the limestone cliff where the coffins are placed, a large group had been taking photos.

“The ritual is no longer being practiced but there are still some—especially the elders—who want to be buried that way,” he continued. “There are many requirements and corpses had to be sit for 15 days before they are finally brought to the cliffs.”

Pinikpikan

On our last night in Sagada, we did the pinikpikan, a ritual of killing chicken to foresee the future. It's done by the tribe leaders before the harvest season to predict if the harvest would be good or bad.

Pinikpikan shows omens through the innards of the chicken, whether the liver had been cooked or not, or the gall bladder burst through the beating. Very few locals knew how to translate the signs although guides usually help visitors replicate the ritual on their visits.

Covered in the thickest jackets we brought and with cotton bonnets bought in town, we watched as Percival taught us how to do the ritual. He pulls the chicken wings back to cover the head, and with a 20-inch stick, started to beat the different parts of the chicken.

“We call this ritual ‘Killing me Softly’ because you beat the chicken until it dies, it’s a very slow and long process,” he hit the chicken in the head and we stared aghast as the chicken convulsed and clucked, struggling for life.

“You hit the chicken in the neck and in the wings—these are the most delicious part once you cook them because the blood clots in these areas,” he explained. It took him another five minutes of continuous beating before the chicken finally died and it was thrown into the fire.

Once the feathers had come off, the thin native chicken was brought inside the house to be later boiled with cabbages and smoked pork and served to a group of trembling visitors not used to a Sagada night.

But before the chicken lands on the table, Derrick’s wife cuts the lower part of the chicken with a paring knife, careful not to sever the innards. As she cracked open the lithe body, our video cameras rolled and we awaited the prediction.

“The liver is half-cooked but it’s still in good shape, though it would have been better if its facing the other way. The gall bladder did not burst which is a good sign,” she said while scrutinizing the chicken with her thumb and fore finger. “This means your trip back home will be uneventful but good news will wait for you in Manila. These news will change your lives.”

The reading seemed general and we laughed it off as we ate. But true enough, our lives changed drastically when we returned home.

Indie actor Coco Martin gets first mainstream film

MANILA, Philippines - The Prince of Indie actor Coco Martin shared his excitement about his debut mainstream film, "Sa 'Yo Lamang" under Star Cinema.

At a press conference, Martin said he is excited to work with one of Kapamilya's princesses, Bea Alonzo.

"May inaayos po ang Star Cinema, sana ay matuloy po. Nae-excite ako, kung baga, ito ang first time kong makakagawa sa mainstream na pelikula," Martin said.

The actor admitted that he hasn't read the script, but he looks forward to working with Alonzo, whom he described as a great actress.

"Hindi ko pa kasi nababasa ang script, pero sobra akong naglo-lookforward na maka-trabaho si Bea Alonzo kasi alam kong napakagaling na artista, sana ay matuloy nga ito. If ever na ma-sure na kasali ako sa proyekto ay sobrang paghahandaan ko ito," he said.

Aside from Alonzo, grandslam actress Lorna Tolentino is also part of the cast.

"Siyempre, nakakatakot kasi LT 'yon, sana maging maganda ang pelikula at maging maayos ang pagta-trabaho namin," Martin said.

"Sa 'Yo Lamang" will be directed by Laurice Guillen, who also directed the hit movie, "Tanging Yaman."

"Sa 'Yo Lamang" will also include the love team Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales.