SPRING IN PRAGUE: A Love Story Without Boundaries!

Just got off the press conference of the upcoming Borracho Films movie called Spring in Prague, romantic comedy film starring Paolo Gumabao and Sara Sandeva.

This is produced by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio who says "Newcomers in the industry always have challenges, Mamasapano was one of them during MMFF, but we in Borracho Films love making films and we do it for the love of the craft. Not necessarily high gross, but lately you have placed it in the hands of people who don't know anything about movies. It should be reformed,  with people that are from the industry so we won't have mediocre entries. It's a festival, give us the best, not just commercially viable."

He adds "Spring in Prague I think can try to be a catalyst to make better films, the competition online is really tough, the movies also cost much. The industry should show it is irreplaceable, folks who think radio was gonna die still listen to it now. Same with visual arts, the cinema experience still is the best which is why we have a good cinematographer, bringing better vistas on the screen, something you can't see on a small phone. The difference is big in cinema, and this is new which can't be done in other platforms. I got Paolo Gumabao because his face is expressive, each gesture has something to say, and not all artists can be like that."

Lead actor Paolo says "I do my best with the characters I have to portray, I really aim to the best actor that I can be. I give what the director asks for me, and I did that here in Spring in Prague."

He adds "I guess one of the things that challenged us is showing the difference in culture, Alfonso and Marushka come from different countries, different habits, like mixing ketchup and soy sauce, but they still clicked. I try to see if the director is open to work with other artists, mine was very open hearing our ideas and concepts which is a good thing. They gave us their blessing if we need changes in the scene and story."

He also told us how easy it was to work with Czech Macedonian actress Sara Sandeva. He also described how different the working ethics were in Prague when they needed to shoot everything in one and a half week. He mentioned how they were really time centric, not relaxed, and when they go on set, they're really prepared. One instance was when they asked her to go to the location, she went back to her room because there were some left to be fixed at the location. They really mean business I guess.

Although it's been a long time since this was done, they're going to have a public viewing this coming February 4th in theaters nationwide! Included in the film and production are some of the BORRACHO Artists/Talents who sang the theme song and did the music video for it. Some of the artists appearing in the movie are under Tyrrone Escalante's Artist Management, both of whom are excited to have this movie come out since it's also their first time to be part of one. I've seen the trailer and it's quite nice, especially the majestic views they shot in Prague, you'll also love their story. Here's a bit of the media conference on video:

Again, if you fancy views (of Prague and Puerto Galera), a good laugh and a romantic love story, watch SPRING IN PRAGUE this coming February 4th in theaters nationwide!

Ginebra Honors Real Life Heroes with "Tatak Ng Tapang, Tatak Ginebra" Campaign

Inspiring stories from real life heroes take the stage with Ginebra San Miguel's recent campaign called "Tatak Ng Tapang, Tatak Ginebra" (Seal of Courage, Brand of Ginebra) that tells the story of 4 folks, real, unadulterated stories of heroes. The videos are now up on Ginebra's social channels since December 31st, with real people as subjects which Filipinos can relate to. The Never Say Die spirit still lives in this era, with the lives of Filipinos, including educators, jeepney drivers, medical professionals, and people who work each day to make a living. They're quite sure you experienced meeting these heroes during the pandemic where we had to live under closed doors, but still made a point to be of help for your countrymen, no matter how big or small it is.

Folks have endured one of the most challenging times of our lives, like Miguel Mapalad who scaled Mount Everest, talented artist Aughie Fontanilla, PBA'S Sonny Estil, and Billiard Phenom Chezka Centeno. They wear their scars as badges, this is their "Tatak ng Tapang", and won it. We all have this, our struggles can be a thing of the past, we do it for ourselves, our family, and our country. No matter what it is, we can conquer them! Like the highest peak in the world, where Miguel braved the cold and difficulty, shared a bottle of Ginebra with other mountaineers and their Sherpa, and did it greatly!

Auggie on the other hand left her comfy job in publishing, to get into her real passion, doing graffiti work, and now earning recognition for it. She now also manages her clothing brand with the Pilipinas Street Plan Collective. Meanwhile, Sonny Estil is now part of the Ginebra Kings. He's also the top draft pick and became part of the most popular team in the PH pro league. He had to go through hard work as a farmer and carpenter prior to that, carries his courage up his sleeve like a Ginebra King should! Same with Billiard champ Chezka who did so well in 10 ball. She hails from the streets of Zamboanga, used to battle veteran male players, some of which she lost, but she never gave up. It was her dream, and even if it was economically impossible at times, she did it. This is what Ginebra San Miguel wants to celebrate, the never say die spirit has now bared real life heroes and that's amazing!

MANILA's FINEST: A Period Film That Discusses Current Issues

Just watched Manila's Finest last night and from a viewers standpoint, it was a cinematographic masterpiece. It's a period film, set in the late 60's, that tells the story of what transpired during those years with the Manila Police District. While life was simple, it wasn't any less complicated as the atrocities of love, family, relationships and politics become real and present danger. 

Piolo Pascual plays Homer Magtibay, a very optimistic cop who's got his own demons to vanquish. He's got his own crew that includes Enrique Gil who plays Billy Ojeda, Romnick Sarmienta who plays Severino Meneses, Joey Marquez as Rogelio Liwanag, and Dylan Menor as newbie cop Efren Taguyonon. He will begin most of his challenging life when Cedrick Juan who plays PC Metrocom Danilo Abad comes into the picture, and makes his once tranquil life into something a lot problematic. 

They made us see the causes of Martial Law lengthy, of what intricate things were done to make it happen. Fact or fiction, this makes them question loyalties, principles, betrayal, how corruption blur the lines of what's right and wrong. While it is set in the 60's, it still discusses something that is sadly happening til now. Piolo Pascual has always been an excellent actor, and a nomination for Best Actor award would not be surprising. Another notable performance would be for the role of his daughter in the film played by Ashtine Olviga. Her role might not have appeared much in the movie, but it is pivotal for the rift between characters, and her endearing ways of communicating emotions is unquestionably brilliant. Enrique too is another, but I think he would've needed more dialogue and grit, but that's just me.

What I'm loving is that they're absolutely BRAVE in doing this film during this regime. That alone deserves something, including the quality of work in post production which might get them a nod. They deserve 4 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮/5. I'm a little sad that though realizing how the problems in the 60's are still present, like corruption to it's core.

If you want to see the film this coming Christmas, be ready for something a little cerebral. This obviously has been made with higher production value, and that's because of MQuest and the MVP group. Hopefully they'd be able to create more of this even after MMFF 2026!

JOSEPH MARCO at his PEAK, Celebrating His 3rd Year with HANFORD

Took the trip up north to cover the contract signing of actor/model Joseph Marco. The well loved man is on his third year with Hanford. 

The contract signing was witnessed by Dr. Victor N. Te the President, Ms. Sincerely C.Te the Executive Vice President, Ms. Sheena Ann Te-Tan the Vice President, Ms. Angelica Sangco the Sales And Marketing Manager, all of Mansfield International Incorporated. Present in the occasion was Ms. Katherine M. Liclican the President/ CEO of JKast Management Productions, Inc. (Joseph's management).

Dr. Victor N. Te welcomed us to the occasion. He said "This is the 3rd time we are signing Joseph Marco with Hanford. He is very intelligent, capable, dashing, fun, fearless, fresh, genuine and handsome. He's also very personable, quick witted, radiant, stylish, talented, unique, versatile, wholesome, has an x factor, youthful, and zesty. He is special, and our collaboration with him will have great success!"

Joseph replied "They chose to believe in me and that means everything to me. If you invest in me, I give back, I will always do my best. It's about comfort, confidence, and this is what Hanford stood for. For believing in me once again, thank you so much!"

Here's our conversation with him after the contract signing with the executives of Mansfield International Inc., the entity that owns HANFORD.

Joseph added "With HANFORD, every year our connection grows deeper. They made me own my craft in terms of the business, they really teach me the ropes. When you're given difficulties in life, you discover so much with yourself. Every year, I prepare a lot for them and the campaigns they include me in. I am bulking right now, last year, it took me months to get ready and I learn a lot doing that including nutrition, food, my lifestyle and working out. Soon, I want to have my own designs and I think it's the perfect time to do that. It's been amazing to spend 3 years with them, I am thankful, grateful and it's a powerful to be with a brand that trusts you. I feel like I'm at my peak, when you reach maturity, most of the distractions are muted. Right now, I don't waste time anymore so I make sure to work out and watch my diet. I have a personal cook, she cooks for me, it's part of the process because I want to challenge myself, to improve this time, stretch myself in setting the bar high!" 

Asked if he's wishing for anything, he says "I really think that the most valuable things in life are family, friends, self fulfillment, and finding your purpose. I am just grateful that I've passed that phase. When you learn how to be content, it's amazing. Always maintain your mental peace."

Congratulations Joseph Marco! You're killing it, and we can't wait to see what HANFORD is planning for your campaign this coming 2026. So far, it looks amazing from here!