Ka Popoy’s Bakery: Home of Famous Kalabasha Rolls and Pan de Popoy

Ka Popoy’s Bakery recently opened their store for business within the heart of Villa Florencia Subdivision in Barangay Talipapa, Novaliches in Quezon City.

The bakery name was derived from Ka Popoy, The homegrown bakery attracts several customers, Some are from as far as University of the Philippines , Diliman, Marikina, Novaliches, North Caloocan and even residents of Valenzuela City.

sales clerk with Ka Popoy’s signature pan de popoy and kalabasha rolls

The logo’s color is quite modern and catchy . It had a simple black and orange background. Orange being the color of kalabasa or squash.

Ka Popoy’s Bakery

portion of the bakery

Ka Popoy’s Bakery logo had some similarities with Ka Tunying Coffee and Bakeshop, The sales clerk told me that the proprietor was one of the business partner of Mr. Anthony Taberna.

pan de popoy or squash pan de sal

They had a soft opening held last January 18, 2021, Among the instant favorites were their Spanish bread,kalabasha rolls ( squash rolls) , banana cake, pan de popoy, pianono rolls, ensyamada, monggo rolls, monggo pan de sal, ham and cheese stuffed bread, cheese bread, brownies, crinkles, caramel bars among others.

Aside from pastries, They also have sandwich spread, canned goods,peanut butter, coffee, bottled water for sale.

kalabasha roll or squash rolls

Kalabasha rolls have vitamins A, B6, and C, folate, magnesium,riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium which is healthy and goof for one’s health.

Their pianono rolls is also good but not baked in pugon style unlike those in Concepcion Bakery in Malabon.

banana bread or banana loaf

One can also pre- order cakes or other pastries. We tried their banana bread for Php 75, pan de popy for Php 29 per pack and their well -loved kalabasha roll for just Php 39.00.

We also have tried their ensaymada, pianono rolls and caramel bars a couple of weeks ago.

Celebrity Customers

Some of the celebrities and well-known personalities who have bought pastries included Coach Misfune Kuribayashi, DOST-NCR Regional Director Jose B. Patalinjug III, sir Voltron “The Barefoot Rock Star” among others.

They can also deliver within a specific vicinity ( usually within 4 to 6 kilometers radius) Kingspoint Subdivision, Goodwill Homes 1, Goodwill Homes 2, Kasiyahan Townhomes, El Pueblo One condominium, San Pedro IX Subdivision, Jem 7, Saint Charbel Subdivision, Congressional Avenue areas and within Barangay Talipapa, Quezon City for a minimum order of just Php 200.00

Note: All price quoted in this blog are subject to change without prior notification.

Ka Popoy’s Bakery

Address: # 3 Lukaria Street, Villa Florencia Subdivision, Barangay Talipapa, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Business hours: Mondays to Sundays. 6am-8pm.Dine in, Take away or if you like it delivered right at your doorstep.

Contact : 0921-3812912 / Landline :7092-1578

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Timely bloom of Cymbidium finlaysonianum

It is the height of the dry season in most of the western part of the country. It is also the  blooming season of one of the most common Cymbidium species in the country.

The inflorescence of Cymbidium finlaysonianum is pendulous, can reach lengths of over one meter or so, bears up to 30 well-spaced blooms about 5 cm in diameter. This is one of the most commonly seen orchid species, anywhere in the Philippines.
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Cymbidium finlaysonianum -pale yellow form
The one featured above is a Cymbidium finlaysonianum grown in our backyard for about 30 years. ( probably given by a distance relative or neighbor). While a smaller form is growing on another Manila Palm ( Adonidia merrillii) for several years was bought from an ambulant vendor some 25 years ago.
The orchid species was originally collected by an Englishman named Mr. Finlayson and Company in Cochin- India in the early part of the 19th century. The species was dedicated to him by Lindley who described the plant in 1832.
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Cymbidium finlaysonianum naturalized on a moringa tree (malunggay) Samonte road within Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches, Quezon City.
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Cymbidium finlaysonianum naturalized on a narra tree within Quezon Memorial Circle.
Cymbidium finlaysonainum commonly grown in the country had at least 3 to 5 color forms. The common ones have yellowish-brown sepals and petals, and a white labellum with red blotches and two yellow ridges. The flower had a slight fragrance especially during the first few days of its opening.
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Cymbidium finlaysonianum and probably Cymbidium atropurpureum naturalized on a kalachuchi tree in University of the Philippines ( Church of Risen Lord chapel) in Diliman, Quezon City.

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Cymbidium finlaysonianum naturalized on a coconut palm in Tanza, Cavite province.

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brownish pale green form

Another form is the brownish greenish color form found in an old ancestral house in Tanza, Cavite province.

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Cymbidium finlaysonianum with large petal and darker color ( photo courtesy of Plantchaser)

There was another dark yellow colored flowering type with fuller petals and sepals collected in the provinces of Nueva Viscaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Quezon and Ifugao.

I featured Pozorrubio Orchidarium Farm of Mrs. Remedios “Remy ” Rodis Santelices in 2009 which had a couple of blooming Cymbidium finlaysonianum variety flava ( yellowish form) in Pangasinan.
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Cymbidium finlaysonianum variety flava ( photo courtesy of PlantChaser)
 The more sought after form was Cymbidium finlaysonianum variety flava or yellowish sepals and petals with pure white labellum. I think i have seen some being sold before in Pangasinan and there are some orchid growers in Metro Manila, Antipolo, Bulacan, Laguna, Davao and Bukidnon regions.
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Cymbidium finlaysonianum with Davalia fern in Liliw , Laguna province.
Cymbidium finlaysonianum used to be commonly cultivated in many areas until few years ago when gardeners grew tired of growing these orchid species.
There were a lot of folklore surrounding the growing of this species in many parts of the country.
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Cymbidium finlaysonianum grown on tree fern slab in Santa Fe Orchidarium in Nueva Viscaya  province.

Timely Bloom

This is a timely season for the blooming of the Cymbidium finlaysonianum, It had rained for almost 8 times and This specimen plant rewarded us with 3 spikes with between 25 to 30 flowers.

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Cymbidium finlaysonianum naturalized on Manila Palm within Chapel of the Holy Sacrifice within University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

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Cymbidium finlaysonianum featured by Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPOST) in 2004

Cymbidium Species

There were at least 11 known species with some color variations found in the country and is divided into epiphytes /lithophytes and terrestrial growing.

Cymbidium aloifolium, Cymbidium atropurpureum, Cymbidium chloranthum and Cymbidium finlaysonianum, Cymbidium bicolor  Lindl. subsp pubescens. which are found growing on trees, while i have seen some orchid grown or mounted on rocks, man-made grottoes, adobe rock or even on hollow block walls.

We got Cymbidium finlaysonianum and Cymbidium atropurpureum grown on a Manila Palm for several decades.

Cymbidium aliciae, Cymbidium dayanum,Cymbidium cyperifolium, Cymbidium ensifolium subsp. haematodes , Cymbidium lancifolium, Cymbidium macrorhizon are classified as terrestrial.

While Cymbidium macrorhizon had a special relationship with symbiotic fungus, the only time it is ever seen is when it flowers.

Bibliographies and Sources:

Plant Chaser

Personal communication with growers

Philippine Journal of Systematic Biology ( issue June 2007) : http://asbp.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/907-3032-2-PB.pdf

The Complete Writings on Philippine Orchids Vol 1 Quisumbing 1981; The Complete Writings on Philippine Orchids Vol 2 Quisumbing 1981 drawing

Second Print 1982, Manila pages, 86 to 91: Davis S. Reg and Steiner Mona Lisa: Philippine Orchids ” A detailed Treatment of Some One Hundred Native Species” printed by M& L Licudine Enterprises, Dongalo, Parañaque, Philippines 

Orchidiana Philipiniana Vol 1 Valmayor 1984
The Orchids of the Philippines Cootes 2001
Teo, Chris K. H. Cymbidium Pages, 44 to 49; Native Orchids of Peninsular Malaysia 1985, 2001, Times Media Private Unlimited.

20 Spooky Places in Quezon City

Quezon City is a large sprawling city which had her own share of spooky places, haunted buildings, heritage trees, creepy tales tucked in her colorful history.

We came up with at least 35 places within the city that people had experienced or find some paranormal activities or haunted stories. We decided to narrow down the list to 20.

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20 Spooky Places within Quezon City

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Sacred Heart Novitiate -Novaliches (photo courtesy of Ms. Jo Quimpo)

20.) Sacred Heart Novitiate. Retreat House and Seminary 1118 Quirino Highway, Novaliches –  Sacred Heart Novitiate was erected in 1932 as a chosen site for seminarian and priest who wanted to have a peaceful retreat under the cool weather and simpler lifestyle away from hustle and bustle of the city life.

In the 1930’s, Novaliches is primary an agricultural town with few people living beyond the northern part of Bayan ( town proper).

Jesuit retrieval team from the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Novaliches, Quezon City, spent two separate days in December 1945 gathering all the remains from the niches, for transfer to the Jesuit Cemetery at the Novitiate.

The haunted stories in this seminary started way back in the 1960’s, when some people reported seeing some headless priests, nuns and even people dressed in Katipunero within the cemetery compound in unexpected manner.

Some people would recall that they would refer the place as ‘ masukal‘ densely covered with trees or vegetation even in the late the 1970’s. Some residents would recount that there might be unseen spirits who might have been disturbed when Quirino Highway was widened. Another expert recount that some of the long dead priest wanted some prayers.

19.) Saint Paul University of Quezon City – In some portion of the comfort rooms inside the university. They say that a girl who committed suicide is known to show herself to students. An alumni would also recount a Japanese soldier who lurks within the old building of the university.

Another alumni recounted that she would get lost within some parts of the buildings during her stay in the campus.

18.) Poveda College -The school had a black garden behind the chapel in which a former student who hanged herself spirit. Another story is of an old friar who is spotted in one of his favorite classrooms during early morning.

17.) Flos Carmeli Institution – The school was conceived in 1972 the Catholic school—the name of which literally means “Flower of Carmel” within Fairview, Quezon City.  It is located 12 Carmel Street, Fairview Park.

The owners of Fairview subdivision Mr. and Mrs. Bonifacio Regalado offered a land to be manage by the first superior of the Sister of Mount Carmel in the Philippines. The school got their first graduates in 1975 and had a large sprawling campus of about 1.4 hectares.

The school closed down in 2012 due to dwindling number of enrollment and bankruptcy. Eerie sound of children reciting were still being heard by some residents who lives near the abandoned school.

16.) Camp Crame– One of the spookiest place within the camp is the main building. Some former military personnel would be spotted marching around the campus, while Japanese sentry guards are sometimes spotted even in noontime.

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Saint Joseph College

15.) Saint Joseph College – One of the oldest building and structure constructed along E. Rodriguez Sr. avenue. Students, employees and security guards would cite some stories.  Among the most popular is the headless nun, Japanese sentry guard which guards the old building and American gentleman are spotted jogging.

14.) Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center– The villas and small quonset huts were popular to photographers,film crews shooting at the lush man made lagoon and big trees within the sanctuary. There were reports of sightings of ethereal beings which dwells in some decades- old balete trees and villas located within the sanctuary. There were also reports of orbs spotted by a couple of well-known photographer.

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NCBA compound along Aurora Boulevard

13.) NCBA compound – some of the students, employees and security guards would swear that sounds and creaking voices at the upper portion of building.

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tamarind tree

12.) Tamarid Tree in Narra street, Barangay Amihan, Project 3, Quezon City- The tamarind tree is considered heritage tree of the district.

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heritage tree marker

The tree is said to be home of several enkanto, tikbalangs and ethereal beings.

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narra street

There were several attempts to cut the tree in the past,Those who would try to attempt would risk getting sick or died in a mysterious way.

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tamarind tree which grows along narra street and molave street

There are two tamarind trees located within Narra street. Another tamarind tree also had reported some sighting.

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According to one jeepney driver which ply the Project 2 and 3 route, recounted that as long as people would respect the tree like saying “tabi-tabi po” or excuse me when passing underneath its trunk.  It is polite way to request unseen spirits to move to the side. One way is not to harm the tree like cutting the branches, hammering nails unto the branches.

11.) Q.C. Ville near Central avenue – The area used to have a lot of large trees and there might be spiritual beings disturbed during the construction process and development of of the subdivision. There were reports of dwarves, white lady and ghouls that have been spotted in some of the houses.

10.) Miriam College – ghost of a nun in the ladies’ restroom at the 4th floor of the Caritas Building.

9.) Quezon Institute compound- used to be known as Santol Sanatorium. There were several art deco buildings located within the compound. The old buildings were host to lot of ghostly stories. One recounts that a Japanese sentry soldiers would bow down to passers-by and patients. Another story is of hauling sounds during wee hours were heard by guards.

8.) Capitol Medical Institute– According to some feng shui experts, the main entrance of the hospital is facing the wrong direction hence attracts bad elements unto the hospital. Another expert say that, the hospital location is the problem.

There are certain times that one of the elevators would malfunction despite being in good working order. There were also some reported sightings of shadows and former employee on some floors.

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Benitez Hall

7.) University of the Philippines campus – There were several buildings within the campus that had some ethereal spotting among which is the Benitez Hall (College of Education) had its share of haunted stories. One of which claims that former Dean Francisco Benitez is seen observing classes.

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Melchor Hall

Some of the buildings which had their own share of haunting tales also included the Quezon Hall,College of Music,Vanguard Building, Palma Hall and Guerrero Theater.

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Quezon Hall

6.) Ateneo de Manila University – Employees, students, professors and those with strong psychic vibes would say that the old Communication Department Building is the most haunted place in the university. Ghost sightings includes a mother and child figure climbing the stairs to the second floor, a deceased Jesuit priest,old janitor and several Japanese soldiers.

Other spooky place within the campus were the Cervini, Eliazo dormitories, Rizal library , Jesuits Retirement House and Old Mango Tree at High School Oval. According to old time residents which lived near the present day campus, it was formerly a military camp during World War II and had a cemetery before the remains was re-interred somewhere.

Paranormal experts would say that the campus were home to some unseen spirits that were disturbed during the construction of the campus. While another spirit questor advise that there were some people that got emotionally attached to the place that their spirits would dwell on these buildings long after they were gone.

5.) Balara Filtration Plant – It is a 60 hectare property which houses filtration plant, several art deco style building and Balara Filtration Windmill.

According to some paranormal experts, parts of Balara, Ateneo, UP campus, Miriam College and La Vista Subdivision used to be forest areas during the Spanish and early American colonial regime. Many areas were home to these spiritual beings who were disturbed when development took place. The spirits which dwell on trees and surrounding areas were not properly cast away. Hence some of the elemental spirits have moved to the buildings and built areas with ease.

4.) Children’s Hospital – There are some reported ethereal sightings of children at the 3rd floor of the hospital. Some say that it was the spirits of the unborn babies who died without proper burials or blessing that still lingers some of the rooms of the hospital.

3.) Veterans Memorial Medical Center (formerly known as Veterans Memorial Hospital) was established in 1955. Nurses, employees,security guards and even visitors would gave some accounts of stories. One retired employee say that a well -known gentleman who dress in a period dress is General Emilio Aguinaldo. Some say that it was the former president Sergio Osmeña Sr. seen walking in the hallways.

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Goodah

2.) Ozone Disco now Goodah -On March 18, 1996 a tragic fire in which 150 people died  inside Ozone Disco, a go to club located in the corner of Timog and Tomas Morato Avenues in Quezon City.  Despite the new management, new building employees can still hear voices during wee hours of the night. Residents from nearby townhouses and condominium units can still hear faint ghostly disco music and faint apparition of teens.

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Balete drive

1.) Balete Drive derives the name from Balete or Ficus trees which used to be abundant within the street. Balete tree is believed to be the dwelling place mythological creatures like kapre, tikbalang or any ethereal being. The narrow road is about 1.4 kilometers long which intersect major thoroughfares like E. Rodriguez Sr. , Aurora Boulevard and Nicanor Domingo street.

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Balete drive corner 9th street

There were several takes of white ghost, tikbalangs and Japanese era soldiers lurking on some ancestral houses and along the street.

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Balete drive

 The white lady story started in the early 1950’s with at least 3 to 4 versions. Some say that the tales were magnified in films, taxi drivers and urban legend.

A more detailed story came from a distant relative who lived near E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue said that there were local gangs who would victimized unsuspected passersby and maybe carjacked private vehicles coming from Highway 54 (now EDSA). The area used to be dimly lighted in the 1950’s. This is also to deter people from passing or taking that route.

There were also some skeptics who told us that it was real estate agents or companies who would magnify the story so that the land value within the area would not increase.

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Balete drive also host to several old mango trees, acacia tree and frangipanis (kalachuchi) in which many parts are poorly lighted. Most of the walls had Ficus pumila growing. There were parts of the street which had blind spot which are accident prone to motorist and drivers.

Some residents and even taxi drivers say that the white lady tends to be spotted after heavy downpour, full moon or during intense heat between 12:00 midnight to 4:00 am in between Mabolo, Sampaguita and Bougainvilla streets.

Note: This is an incomplete list of spooky places in Quezon City in which were given by relatives, friends , paranormal experts,stories from employees, students, alumni and other personal accounts.

Native Tree Walk at University of the Philippines-IB EDC Binhi Project

Philippine Native Conservation Society Inc. (PNPCSI) together with University of the Philippines -Tourism Institute conducted a whole day tour and walking tour at the Institute of Botany-Binhi Tree Park last September 22, 2019 sunday.

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University of the Philippines- Institute of Biology building

The aim of the project is to train tree walk guides on the basics of tree walk and familiarization of the site.

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UP- IB atrium

flora and fauna, historical event, public arts, architecture and historical buildings highlight the Lakad-Gunita walking tour which was initiated by the University.

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Institute of Biology

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However, PNPCSI members are already conducting tours at the University of the Philippines campus as early as 2008 which includes old buildings and in partnership within different organizations and Wild Bird Club of the Philippines.

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University of the Philippines-IB EDC-Binhi Arboretum

University of the Philippines- Institute of Biology EDC-Binhi Arboretum

https://photos.app.goo.gl/iLSTtKbK9V17h3vNA

UP-IB EDC Binhi Arboretum map

University of the Philippines -Institute of Biology Arboretum project was funded by Energy Development Corporation is about 1 hectare site which aims to preserve indigenous, endemic, native trees and plants.

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President Menie Odulio -PNPCSI President

The training started past 8:30 am with short introduction of the mission and vision  and projects of the society.

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University of the Philippines-Tourism student trainers

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creeks are still found within the site

The arboretum is a living repository of more than 100 species of native trees and plants.

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 Philippine Native Plant Conservation Society members and trainers

The group was able to have a mock tour within the arboretum area and finished the short training by 4:00 pm.

G na G at 33 with Live AIDS at the University of the Philippines

THE LEGACY LIVES ON WITH LIVE AIDS: G na G sa 33

Live AIDS (Ang Istoryang Dinebelop ng SAMASKOM ) or Acts, Improvisations, Dances and Songs, is an annual musical-comedy series mounted by UP SAMASKOM. What started as a mere applicants’ batch project back in 1983 has grown into one of the most awaited events in the entire Diliman community.

G na G had a lot of meanings. It can be Gigil na Gigil, Great na Great or Ganda na Ganda at 33.

With each successive installment, the team behind Live AIDS continues to step up its game, and raise the bar both in terms of audience size, and on how sharp and relatable, yet satirical and enjoyable Philippine comedy can be.

Now on its 33rd year, the longest-running comedy variety show in the Philippines is set for its funniest, most endearing, and most memorable installment yet! Taking place on June, 21, 22, and 23 of 2019, Live AIDS: G na G sa 33 is sure to give every audience member their time’s worth within the first couple of acts alone!

LIVE AIDS: Celebrities

Kaladkaren Davila

Live AIDS has continually garnered fanatics and avid viewers who have regularly flocked to the show over the course of three decades of production. These include big names such as Vice Ganda, Bianca Gonzales, Ricky Lee, Lani Misalucha, Icy Mendoza, John Lapus, Rajo Laurel, BJ Pascual, and Tim Yap.

The annual stage play kickstart the careers of comedy stars like Giselle Sanchez, Ate Glow, Michelle O’ Bombshell, Tuesday Vargas and KaladKaren Davila to name a few.

The 33rd edition of Live AIDS will be quarterbacked by Director Deo Divinagracia. A bona fide veteran of the show both in terms of performance and production. He looks to incorporate both classic and modern methods of direction, stage production, and writing in order to create an even bigger explosion of social commentary and parody combined.

Mounting this show yearly comes at the cost of blood, sweat, and tears from the members. Director Divinagracia stated that, “The biggest challenge in directing and staging a LIVE AIDS production is staying relevant and meaningful while delivering the laughs that our loyal viewers are always expecting.

Director Divinagracia

Logistically, gathering students and alumni who have different priorities, interests, sensibilities, and schedules is also a huge challenge for a director.”

Mr. RS Francisco – stage actor, alumna, entrepreneur

Promising to be nothing less than the most fun and memorable nights of your life, LIVE AIDS: G na G sa 33 is an event not to be missed!

For tickets, log on to ktx.abs-cbn.com.

For more updates on UP SAMASKOM and Live AIDS 33, please follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @upsamaskom, and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/upsamaskom.

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