And a glutinous, MSG-filled morning to you too!
I never had the chance to try out Tim Ho Wan, the Dim Sum Specialists when it landed on Philippine shores last year. The queues scared me. But, I’m glad I finally managed to do so today – in its place of origin, no less!
Continue reading “And a glutinous, MSG-filled morning to you too!”
Touchdown HK yet again
Here we go again, Hong Kong.
This is my second visit in a span of six months, fourth in total. This time, I’m here to accompany my friend and fellow Southern B Marga. We are loving the weather. It’s the ideal balance between chilly and balmy that we’ve come to associate with this region during this time of year.
Whereabouts for the next couple of days (or so)
Hello again, Puerto Princesa! It’s very fitting that my eldest paternal first cousin Paolo chose to celebrate his 40th birthday here in our Lolo’s hometown. I never got to meet my paternal grandfather (he died before I was born; same as my maternal grandfather), but from the stories I heard, well, let’s just say he led quite a prominent life here – even if he wasn’t necessarily Palaweño in origin. Consequently, this is also where my father and his siblings spent some of their formative years. As for me, this marks my second visit to the island since 2003. I … Continue reading Whereabouts for the next couple of days (or so)
The Cosmo Hunk Formerly Known as Gerard Sison
We got to know him as Gerard Sison, the Australian-raised model-surfer who played shady suitor Miguel Asuncion in JasMine the Series. Now, the Kapatid hunk is ready to conquer the scene anew with a bolder attitude and a brand new moniker. Introducing: Gerard Garcia! His rebirth (so he calls it) couldn’t come in more proper timing: The 25-year-old TV5 contract artist was selected to grace the pages of Cosmopolitan Philippines’ 69 Hottest Bachelors 2014 insert as one of the Top 10 Centerfolds. As per tradition, he is slated to make his Cosmo Bachelor Bash debut in the corporate-themed “Cosmo Tower … Continue reading The Cosmo Hunk Formerly Known as Gerard Sison
Valeen the Movie Max Vixen
TV5 has added a fresh face to liven up your daily movie-viewing experience. Introducing: VJ Valeen Montenegro! The spunky Tropa Moko Unli mainstay has been selected as the official video jock (or VJ) of the Kapatid Network’s rebranded Tagalized movie block, Movie Max 5. You can now see her every day sharing fun facts and perky commentary before and after each featured blockbuster. Being a movie fan herself, Valeen shared her own diverse preferences: “I like comedy and chick flicks; mga no-brainers. Pero I have days na I wanna think (laughs). Gusto ko rin iyong tipong after the movie, [sasabihin … Continue reading Valeen the Movie Max Vixen
My Oscar Wishlist, Part 2: The Big Leagues
Here’s how I think the major awards will play out: BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM The Croods Despicable Me 2 Ernest and Celestine Frozen The Wind Rises Frozen might not necessarily be the best bet here, especially with Miyazaki in the mix, but don’t forget, the most popular nominee usually prevails in this category. And if the victory of the middling Brave last year was any indication, expect Disney to leave the other nominees in the ice. PICK: Frozen BEST WRITING – ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY American Hustle – Eric Warren Singer and David O. Russell Blue Jasmine – Woody Allen Dallas Buyers Club … Continue reading My Oscar Wishlist, Part 2: The Big Leagues
My Oscar 2014 Wishlist, Part 1: The Technicals
It’s that time of the year once again. In less than 24 hours, golden naked men will be handed out to esteemed people for their cinematic achievements during the previous year. I’m talking about the Academy Awards, of course. I’m not exactly doing cartwheels over Ellen DeGeneres hosting the ceremony once again. Not yet, at least. Her first stint in 2007 had its bright spots, but her talk show schtick could barely sustain three hours. Then again, it’s a common birth pain most fledgeling Oscar hosts go through. Many fall, few are forgiven. (Franco *Cough*; McFarlane, *Cough, Cough*). Let’s see what she’ll have … Continue reading My Oscar 2014 Wishlist, Part 1: The Technicals
“Azul” being the operative word
No, this isn’t a lost outtake from The Healing, that Chito Roño horror flick with a not-so-discreet penchant for color coordination. This azure explosion happened last night during the opening of SKK Mobile‘s Metropoint Pasay branch, and Ritz Azul was their celebrity guest. Gotta give this girl props for keeping her radiant disposition intact amidst the horrible payday traffic. Amidst the hustle and bustle of EDSA-Taft, at that. Anyway, the brand name may not ring a bell at this point, but I bet it will soon enough. SKK is deeply committed in its goal “to reach out and provide quality and affordable accessories and mobile phones“. … Continue reading “Azul” being the operative word
Ritz Azul’s Thoughts on the “For Love or Money” Finale
Ritz Azul stepped out of the powder room with her usual bubbly demeanor. Given how exuberant she was at that moment, it was hard to believe that she came from taping (on-location, at that). She’d just finished freshening up for her appearance in PLDT Home’s internal launch, held last January 10 at PLDT’s main office in Makati.
She was escorted into one of the boardrooms, where event host Mr. Fu was going through his spiels. The two Kapatid stars exchanged quick besos and the committee immediately began preliminary briefing. At that point, it was explained that the event is held every year to showcase PLDT Home’s expanding line of products and services. Its magnitude would be later on reinforced by the attendan
ce of PLDT chairman Manny V. Pangilinan.
Definition of terms and jargon ensued. Turns out, the name “Technomarine”, mentioned prominently throughout the script, refers to an in-house training program designed to make employees more tech-savvy (Or as the script put it, arm them with the “weapons to win the multimedia revolution”). Fu couldn’t help but quip about its synonymy with the timepiece brand: “Akala ko pa naman may libre tayong watch. Echos!” Ritz chuckled in the sidelines.
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The Schwarm Next Door: Mark Neumann on his most daring role yet
It was a bright and sunny December morning – which was strange, since we don’t normally associate those adjectives with December. But for Mark Neumann, it was just another day in his increasingly hectic calendar. Nevertheless, the atypical warm weather echoed his mood, and with good reason.
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Vin Abrenica’s Post-Cosmo Bachelor Bash Musings
Vin Abrenica stepped into Nolita that afternoon with an amplified aura of self-fulfilment. He was with Sophie Albert, his love team partner and Artista Academy co-winner, and they just came from a meeting at our Marajo office.
I could only surmise why the 22-year-old Kapatid hunk was being extra giddy that day. Less than 24 hours before that, he made his first appearance at this year’s Cosmo Bachelor Bash, an annual event mounted by Cosmopolitan Philippines to showcase their 69 Hottest Bachelors. This year also marked Vin’s debut in the aforementioned list, and with decent exposure at that. He appears full page, right before the Top 10 Centerfolds.
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To Greenfinity and Beyond: Tidbits from my first LSGH Alumni Homecoming
Before everything else, let me say it first, just to get rid of the patently obvious: “Wow! 10 years!” It’s actually been 10 years since I graduated high school from La Salle Green Hills, a place I called my second home for 13 years. That’s kindergarten to high school, if you want to delve into specifics. And yes, that’s pretty long for somebody who’s as geographically-displaced as I am. (I live in Paranaque; why I was never sent to Zobel will forever remain shrouded in mystery. So stop asking why I was never sent to Zobel.) Prior to last Saturday, … Continue reading To Greenfinity and Beyond: Tidbits from my first LSGH Alumni Homecoming
Breakfast for Lunch and Dinner
I know a lot of people who consider breakfast as their favorite meal. I also know a lot of people who don’t wake up early enough, but eat breakfast food all day anyway. For those who fit into either category, this new place in Fort BGC, Taguig may just be your instant foodie Mecca. The Early Bird Breakfast Club offers interesting gourmet twists to your favorite morning entrees all day, every day. With its picturesque, cozy interiors and inviting facade, it’s impossible to miss. I ended up visiting the place 3 times during this past week – once with my teammates Sheena, … Continue reading Breakfast for Lunch and Dinner
Faces of 5: The Music Video (TAKE TWO!!!)
Let’s do this again, shall we? Last month marked a highlight in my brief soon-to-be-made-official tenure as an artist relations officer for TV5. I can go on and on about how honored I feel to have been part of this campaign; how it empowered me and gave me the experience I didn’t expect to get. Putting this thing together was no walk in the park. It involved contacting handlers, bargaining with schedules, thoroughly choosing best photos out of hundreds of nearly-identical shots. And that’s only scratching the surface. So when the behind-the-scenes music video started airing last December, it felt like a milestone, … Continue reading Faces of 5: The Music Video (TAKE TWO!!!)
This week in fairy tale bastardization: Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
HANSEL AND GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS D: Tommy Wirkola S: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen, Peter Stormare RATING: * FACT: Fairy tales were meant to be scary, especially the ones by the Brothers Grimm. Most of us know by now that Little Red Riding Hood was about rape, Snow White was about necrophilia, and Cinderella’s stepsisters went as far as severing their toes to fit into that goddamn slipper. This makes any attempt at a more gruesome reboot a redundant exercise, to say the least. Norweigan director Tommy Wirkola (Dead Snow) must have missed that memo. In Hansel and Gretel: Witch … Continue reading This week in fairy tale bastardization: Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters
Anna Litvinova, 1983-2013
Sad news on the pageant circuit yet again. Anna Litvinova, a former Miss Russia and Top 20 semi-finalist in Miss Universe 2006, died last January 22, 2013 after battling a yet-to-be-specified form of cancer. According to reports, she was diagnosed only one year ago. She sought further treatment in Germany, where she would spend her final hours. She was only 29. Anna is notable for bringing her country back to the Miss Universe semi-finals 4 years after Oxana Fedorova’s dethronement. During the Top 20 swimsuit round, she was fondly called “From Russia With Legs” by commentator Carson Kressley. She also made a memorable … Continue reading Anna Litvinova, 1983-2013
Farewell, Sensei
If only you knew how much you changed me. Thank you, Direk. MARILOU DIAZ-ABAYA March 30, 1955 – October 8, 2012 Continue reading Farewell, Sensei
“Magic Mike”: Frothy fun, but not much more
Magic Mike D: Steven Soderbergh S: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Cody Horn, Matthew McConaughey RATING We all have our problems, that’s for sure. So, a heavily-chiseled hunk who lives in the lap of faux luxury won’t exactly fit everyone’s “embattled hero” prototype. That’s the challenge at hand for director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter Reid Carolin in making Magic Mike. Inspired by Channing Tatum’s brief career as a stripper, this edgy but uneven drama explores the blood, sweat and tears that go with the strip club business. Tatum plays Mike Lane, a wannabe furniture designer by day and a strip dancer … Continue reading “Magic Mike”: Frothy fun, but not much more
The “Rock of Ages” movie: All Swagger, No Soul
ROCK OF AGES D: Adam Shankman S: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand, Malin Akerman, Paul Giamatti, Brian Cranston To adapt a stage musical into a movie is a Herculean undertaking. It’s not easy to expand what’s originally envisioned for a limited space (that being the stage) into an infinitely broader landscape. Yes, there are successful transitions, like West Side Story (1961) and The Sound of Music (1965), but apart from those aforementioned classics, many musicals flunked in their foray to film. Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) was campy, Yentl (1983) was a … Continue reading The “Rock of Ages” movie: All Swagger, No Soul
It’s a wrap.
And so it ends. For now, at least. Today marks the conclusion of the two-week whirlwind of events celebrating TV5‘s U.S. launch. Some of the Kapatids already started flying back home, while some will be on extended vacation (including myself). To say that I’m grateful to be part of it would be a glaring understatement. But honestly, that’s the only adjective I can think of that will encapsulate the onslaught of positive emotions I’m feeling right now. I’m especially to come to know the folks at TV5 International, who chose to take me with them in this adventure and for putting their … Continue reading It’s a wrap.
Planet Chuckie 