Highlights from the WTBT San-Fo Show
As expected, the venue’s wi-fi connection conked out as the evening progressed. So I focused mainly on updating the TV5 International Facebook page. Here are some of the highlights from the show earlier: Astroboy may be covered in silver paint, but his opening number was golden! The main man makes his entrance. Everybody Baile! Lovely of the Big Time Girls donning a colorful costume during the opening number. No Other Woman, Part 2? Derek Ramsay is joined by, not just one, but two lucky fans during his song number. The ever-exuberant Aga Muhlach hits the stage. A few inspiring words … Continue reading Highlights from the WTBT San-Fo Show
Another Round of Dish
And the deal is sealed. Executives from TV5 International and Dish Network met up once again to formalize their partnership through a press conference and contract signing held at the Mandarin Oriental in San Francisco. Present, this time, was our Big Boss Manny V. Pangilinan who arrived in the city just this morning. Filipino Dish subscribers can now see their favorite TV5 programs on Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International. Subscribers of other cable providers need not worry. TV5 International is exploring partnership with them as well. So keep posted! 😉 Continue reading Another Round of Dish
The Great Supermarket Raid
Jollibee on the foreground, Red Ribbon Bake Shop on the far end and bandelitas dangling the ceiling. One glimpse at this photograph and you’d think this was taken in Manila. If not for the occasional Caucasian customer, you would even think that this was on our end of the Pacific. But actually, this is Seafood City, Concord, California, the second of two stops of the Supermarket Tour held earlier this afternoon. With Derek, Ruffa, Nora and the Big Time Girls in tow, we surprised the unsuspecting Filipino shoppers of two supermarkets (The other one being Island Pacific Supermarket in Vallejo) to promote Saturday’s show. … Continue reading The Great Supermarket Raid
Work (semi-)officially resumes today
Welcome to SFO! 😉 I’ve been on standby here at the lobby the whole day waiting for the Kapatid stars to arrive from Las Vegas. Derek Ramsay was the first to arrive. Superstar Nora Aunor is also already here, but preferred to keep it low profile. We’re still waiting for Ruffa Gutierrez and the Wil Time Big Time posse. Our estimate is that they’ll be here by 11. One thing’s for sure, they’re all going to need rest before tomorrow’s mall tour. Continue reading Work (semi-)officially resumes today
Back to Masonic
Curse my unpredictable sleeping patterns. I woke up past noon today and discovered that everyone had gone to lunch at the Fisherman’s Wharf. Apparently, they were trying to call me up, but I was probably sleeping like a log. Once again: Free Day Fail. So, I spent the early afternoon making additional updates on the TV5 International Facebook page. Luckily, I eventually got in touch with my cousin Andrea, who picked me up from the hotel lobby after learning about my predicament. After wrapping up on the day’s work, we boarded the bus to their apartment in Masonic. Which is … Continue reading Back to Masonic
Return to Frisco
Hello again, San Francisco! Told you I’d be back! This is only my third time in the city, but I’ve always felt some sort kinship with it. If Frisco were a person, it’d be like that really close friend or relative I don’t see often, but whenever we meet, it’s like we’re always together. That’s what I feel about San Francisco. And that’s why I’m so thrilled it’s part of the Big Launch itinerary. We arrived in the city at around 2:30 this afternoon. Upon leaving the airport, the entire TV5 contingent (sans Willie and his crew, who went on … Continue reading Return to Frisco
Mission Accomplished in LA
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
Early at the Shrine
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
So what’s the dish?
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?
Told you it’s going to be jam-packed.
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.
In the words of LL Cool J…
…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…
A Serbian Sausagefest
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
Gemini: Another Collaboration by Glasnost + Alati
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
End of an encyclopedic era
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
Hot Like Laava
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
My Oscar 2012 Wish List
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
A Day of Whines and Roses
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
#KungMayMagnanakaw
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
Bonus birthday wishes from a beauty queen
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
27
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
Planet Chuckie 