Author: chuckiechavez

Vapid musings from a self-deprecating child-at-heart.
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Mission Accomplished in LA

chuckiechavez

1 down, 1 more to go. Thank you so much to our Kapatids who graced the venue with their presence last night. The reception was quite overwhelming, actually. Everything’s been quite a blur after the first show. From the Shrine, we went straight to our hotel to have a mini victory celebration. I say “mini” because it was quite subdued and relax on account of the collective post-event exhaustion. But despite the lack of energy, everyone was happy. Here are some post-event shots I took: Fernando Carrillo of “Rosalinda” fame flanked by Ms. Jane Walker of TV5 Marketing and Ms. Divine Yap … Continue reading Mission Accomplished in LA

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Early at the Shrine

chuckiechavez

This is the Shrine Auditorium where tonight’s show will be held. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because ten (10) Academy Award ceremonies were held here – the most recent one being 2001 before they made the big move to the Dolby (Formerly Kodak) Theatre. Knowing that the likes of Russell Crowe, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, and Hilary Swank once set foot in this 86-year-old structure already makes me star-struck. While taking a break from the set-up, the caretaker took me and Ms. Georgette on a quick tour of the basement (or shall we say, it’s own version of the Walk of Fame) where I learned more about the venue’s impressive and extensive pedigree. Displayed … Continue reading Early at the Shrine

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So what’s the dish?

chuckiechavez

After only 12 hours in the city, we already set out to an 8:00am call time at the Celebrity Centre. Waking up was not much of a hassle since my body is still operating on Manila time. I did manage to salvage some shut-eye on the way to the venue; turns out it was at least 2 hours away from where we’re staying. First in our agenda today was a press conference with TV5‘s official direct-to-home satellite partner in North America, Dish Network. There, Jennifer Leslie, Dish’s General Manager for International Marketing spoke about their recently-launched brand exclusive for the Filipino … Continue reading So what’s the dish?

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Told you it’s going to be jam-packed.

chuckiechavez

A few scenes before boarding the plane back in Manila:  Big Time Girls Bea (left) and Lovely (right) snuggling in the boarding area.  Talentadong Pinoy’s Daniel Darwin (AKA “Astroboy”), low profile without his hula-hoops.  Halfway through the 12-hour flight, Willie took a stroll around the plane and surprised the passengers in our area: Upon our arrival at the Hyatt House in El Segundo, Willie wasted no time briefing the entire production team on everything that will happen within the next two weeks. Also managed to shoot a couple of quick video greetings before heading to our room: Derek Ramsay Astroboy  So, … Continue reading Told you it’s going to be jam-packed.

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In the words of LL Cool J…

chuckiechavez

…I’m Going Back to Cali!  More specifically, in less than 12 hours. And as I want to join majority of the Filipino community in lamenting Jessica Sanchez‘ defeat. (Augh, might as well rename that show White Dude with Guitar Idol), I am way too overcome with excitement to focus on that topic. It was only last week when my friend Krizzia informed me that I’m joining the TV5 International team for the grand U.S. launch. Yes, after the long wait, the Kapatid network is now ready to make its presence felt in North American shores and this will be highlighted … Continue reading In the words of LL Cool J…

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A Serbian Sausagefest

chuckiechavez

Yes, I was being literal when I said “sausagefest”. FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Hefty servings of Cevapici, Batak, and Stuffed Pljeskavica (Loose English translation: Sausages, Grilled Boneless Chicken Breast, and Stuffed Burger Steak, respectively) from BALKAN Yugoslavian Home Cooking. Located in Perea Street, Legazpi Village, Makati. Last night, I came to the impression that Eastern European cuisine are an acquired taste. Some of the dishes may seem bland at first, but with the right combination of condiments and sidings, the gastronomic experience actually packs a wallop. Pretty interesting cuisine from a country that no longer exists. Looks like somebody’s happy with his batak.  Continue reading A Serbian Sausagefest

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Gemini: Another Collaboration by Glasnost + Alati

chuckiechavez

It’s safe to assume that fashion is a foreign concept for perpetual frumps like me. I’d pick comfort over couture any day. But since I support my friends’ endeavors (and free booze), there I was at Prive last Thursday to attend the launch of Gemini, the latest collaboration by Glasnost and Alati. Inspired by the mythology of Castor and Pollux, this summer collection represents the two sides of every woman, namely her “well-mannered graces and untempered passions”. These traits are present in every female, and while they are polar opposites, they are not mutually exclusive. And these are the very traits that … Continue reading Gemini: Another Collaboration by Glasnost + Alati

Books, TV1 Comment

End of an encyclopedic era

chuckiechavez

I was a socially awkward kid. When I was 10, my “best friend” was the family World Book Encyclopedia set. I would bring a different volume to school almost every other day, just so I have something to browse through during breaks. It made me instant bully magnet. Then again, homework was a breeze. Encyclopaedia Brittanica, you put up a good fight. Now rest in peace.  +++++++++++++++ Speaking of encyclopedias… Long before The L-Word,  the all-girl group Betty sang about atoms (among other things) in HBO/ Children Television Workshop‘s Encyclopedia: I miss this show. Used to watch it every day during summer … Continue reading End of an encyclopedic era

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Hot Like Laava

chuckiechavez

My film school friends Tess and Vitte tagged me along to Relik, The Fort last night. Just to give a backgrounder, Tess and Vitte have the most awesome shooting gigs. Within the past year, they have done assistant camera work for a number of international productions. Last night was one of their wrap celebrations. Before going there, Tess had already given me the heads up that they’ll be with this female Brazilian model who they worked with in the shoot. It by-passed me at first, knowing that Brazilian models frequent this country anyway. In a few years, Brazilian could be the new … Continue reading Hot Like Laava

Film1 Comment

My Oscar 2012 Wish List

chuckiechavez

Oscar season is here again, and for the first time ever, I made an effort to watch all the Best Picture nominees before the big day. This also means that, for the first time, I have a clearer idea of who to pick in making my annual Academy Award winners wish list. Of course, the roster of nominees isn’t without its share of eyebrow-raising upsets: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is up for Best Picture and Transformers: Dark of the Moon scored more nominations than Drive and The Ides of March combined. Then again, I’m sure the ceremonies will also have its … Continue reading My Oscar 2012 Wish List

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A Day of Whines and Roses

chuckiechavez

It goes without saying that being single is not the worst thing in the world. There are a lot of other means to fulfill yourself other than having a main squeeze. What is Valentine’s Day after all, but a capitalist attempt to part the blissfully partnered from their money and subject the rest of us to gridlocked traffic. Why limit the celebration of love to that orchestrated holiday when you can observe it all year round (Holy crap, that sounded bitter)? But being the Happy Network that we are, we believe that everybody should be happy, every single day (A mindset that … Continue reading A Day of Whines and Roses

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#KungMayMagnanakaw

chuckiechavez

Don’t you just wish that escaping sticky, perilous situations was as easy as shooting fireballs and transforming into superhuman beings? Well, here’s a more decent alternative. PXC Commentator, Fight Analyst and MMA champ Erwin Tagle teaches us how to apply mixed martial arts techniques in practical self-defense in this 3-part instructional video series we produced to promote PXC 29. Watch and share!     REMINDER: As Mr. Tagle mentioned in the videos, martial arts techniques should only be your last resort. When push comes to shove, your best weapon is still presence of mind. Keep safe all the time!  PXC 29 … Continue reading #KungMayMagnanakaw

Beauty Pageants2 Comments

Bonus birthday wishes from a beauty queen

chuckiechavez

The closest thing I’ll have to a birthday surprise came during lunch today: A completely spontaneous photo-op with Mafae Yunon-Belasco, who still looks every inch the stunning, foxy woman who represented our country in Miss World 2003 (She finished 5th). She was seated next to our table in TGI Friday’s, Bonifacio High Street along with her hubby and two kids and it was my friend Barny who approached her and arranged this whole thing. 🙂 Here’s to more pleasant surprises today. Thanks, Barny! 😛 Continue reading Bonus birthday wishes from a beauty queen

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27

chuckiechavez

It’s my birthday. So please excuse this attempt at profundity. When I was 12, I wanted to fast forward to 26. I don’t know why but for some reason back then, it seemed like a cool age to be. I thought I’d be more in control, living on my own. You know, independent. Now that I’m 27, I realized that I’m still no different from that wishful 12-year-old. I’m still overweight, still cartoonishly neurotic, and still trying to figure things out. (Stop me before I start to sound like the 4 Non-Blondes). Not much has changed, really – save for … Continue reading 27

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Rest in Fins

chuckiechavez

Our long-time “receptionist”, Angelina the Pouty Flowerhorn died this morning. “She” was, more or less, 7 years old. Not bad for a fish. We bought “her” at a nearby pet store in 2005 when “she” was only slightly bigger than a danggit. In less than a year, she ballooned to 3 times “her” size, thus, we had to replace “her” aquarium. Now, about the name. See, we never really bothered to know “her” actual sex and “she” remained nameless all this time. It was only early last year when my cousin from Australia came to visit, saw the fish and said, … Continue reading Rest in Fins

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Sugod Mga Kapatid sa Sinulog

chuckiechavez

Last Thursday wasn’t just a whirlwind trip for me but for the TV5 talents who participated in the activities as well. Upon their arrival in Cebu, the stars had quick lunch then it was straight to a quick press conference. Upcoming young talents such as JC De Vera, Danita Paner, Ritz Azul, Arci Munoz, Nina Jose, Morisette Amon, and Eula Caballero joined the likes of established names like Ruffa Gutierrez, Zoren Legaspi and Wendell Ramos in tackling questions about their current projects and their personal lives. After the press-con, the stars immediately flocked to Fuente Osmena Circle later that afternoon … Continue reading Sugod Mga Kapatid sa Sinulog

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The Idol has landed

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Today’s the day for Archie fans all over the country! New Kapatid star David Archuleta arrived in Manila this morning to shoot his upcoming miniseries with homegrown TV5 stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Eula Caballero. Upon stepping out of the airport, the 21-year-old pop star was immediately greeted by enamored chants and screams by his eager fans and supporters. He is no stranger to warm Pinoy reception, of course as this marks his 4th trip to the country. After that, it was straight to EDSA Shangri-La Hotel for his official contract signing and a press conference (the first out of many, to … Continue reading The Idol has landed

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Hello again, Cebu.

chuckiechavez

Currently in Cebu to cover the TV5’s Sugod Mga Kapatid Sa Sinulog event. We arrived in the city at 7:00am. Which means I didn’t have enough time to get ample shuteye. Actually, that one-hour flight was my one shot at salvaging some sleep. Unfortunately, I was seated in front of that one-man snore-chestra. Could have sworn he was almost as loud as the engine. Breakfast was hardly Cebuano: Breakfast platter from Bo’s Coffee. …Either way, this should be enough to keep me up and about within the next few hours.  Today will be jam-packed with activities. I’ll be covering a … Continue reading Hello again, Cebu.

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A bemused film snob’s letter to Liz Taylor

chuckiechavez

Dear Ms. Taylor,  I was first introduced to your unspeakable radiance when I was 9. In, of all movies, The Flintstones. Needless to say, the movie was terrible, but you were its only saving grace. You epitomized style and elegance, even in makeshift mammoth fur coats. You had a wattage that could light a thousand towns.  It was only when I graduated from Saturday morning cartoons and evolved into the self-confessed film snob that I am when I fully understood why you’re a modern-day legend. You had the qualities and presence of a goddess. You were amazing in A Place in the … Continue reading A bemused film snob’s letter to Liz Taylor