Mikaela Bilbao

We heard that Mikaela Bilbao, one of the serious contenders in the third season of GMA-7’s “Celebrity Duets” was hospitalized last Saturday. She reportedly fainted after her performance in the show’s episode and was brought to the hospital.

Mikaela’s health is very volatile it seems. Last Thursday, we also heard that she was again brought to the hospital. The last word is that the doctors advised her to quit the singing contest altogether as the pressure is aggravating her condition. She needed complete rest and is undergoing medication.

We hope that Mikaela gets well soon.

In the meantime, this Saturday’s “Celebrity Duets” will have “Icons” as theme. The celebrity contestants and their ka-duet are as follows: Gina Alajar with Pinky Amador, Niccolo Cosme with Tuesday Vargas, Nonito Donaire with Kris Lawrence, Joel Cruz with Verni Varga, Jomari Yllana with Anton Diva, Akihiro Sato with Geoff Taylor, and Maxie Cinco with Wally Bayola.

Top bands at ‘Rockatropa’ event on Saturday

The youth concert dubbed “Rockatropa” featuring popular bands Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sandwich, Itchyworms and YouTube’s sensation Moymoy Palaboy is happening on Saturday, Sept. 26 at the SM Mall of Asia grounds. It will be hosted by “Wowowee’s” Valerie Concepcion and FHM sensation Cristine Reyes.

At the press conference held last Tuesday at the Laurel House in Mandaluyong, Camille Villar, together with Valerie Concepcion and Nacionalista Party’s young and dynamic politicians Atty. Adel Tamano, Congressmen Timmy Chipeco and Gilbert Remulla, announced the details of the event happening on Saturday.

They said that they thought of this musical concert because they know that rock events are a way to communicate with the young. “Rockatropa” is part of NP’s “Akala Mo” advocacy which aims to empower Filipinos to make informed decisions rather than relying on the unfamiliar.

It will also be an event to launch “BDaBoss (Be The Boss)” campaign to encourage the young to be entrepreneurs. Cong. Remulla said they have been  encouraging the youth to come up with a sound business idea and if chosen, they have the chance to go through with it with the R25,000 grant that BDaBoss is giving as a prize if that idea is chosen.

“Rockatropa” is a free concert, anyone can go there, register and go in to have fun. Registration starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Or you can also go online, www.akalamo.com and click on to get your ticket link.

Nickelodeon wants kids to get out and play on Saturday

“Let’s Just Play,” a Nickelodeon pro-social initiative dedicated to empowering kids to engage in healthy, active lifestyles, continues to promote fun, sportsmanship, fitness, and general well-being for all kids.

Now on its fifth year, the show holds a grand day on Saturday, Sept. 26 as it enjoins everyone to go “dark” from 2-4 p.m. This is to encourage all kids to switch off their televisions, get out of the house, and play with friends. And the best place of play on that day is at Nickelodeon’s “Let’s Just Play” event happening at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field in Taguig.

To create a unique outdoor ambience, Nickelodeon will turn the Bonifacio Global City Open field into one big playground. Kids will have a chance to play games both onstage and on the field. There are several obstacle relays and inflatables where they can do all the running, romping, jumping, trekking, twisting, swinging, climbing, and sliding in a super active afternoon of slime and grime. A special appearance from their favorite Nicktoons will highlight the affair. This year, they will say “Hola!” to Dora the Explorer and her cousin Diego!

So kids, make your way to the Bonifacio Global City Open Field on Saturday, bring your water squirters, and prepare to play the day away the Nickelodeon way. The first 1,000 kids to register at the event will get free “Let’s Just Play 2009” t-shirts. For more exciting information, just log on to www.nicksplat.com.