See ANNE HATHAWAY Differently in MOTHER MARY

Just had the opportunity to watch MOTHER MARY, the Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel artsy psycho drama thriller made for the cinema by David Lowery. This will be out in Philippine cinemas on April 22, but I'd love to tell you more about it before you'd dive in on the movie.

Anne plays the role of MOTHER MARY, an artist that's like a cross between Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, who went bonkers and stopped in the middle of her success, and tried to find out what's making her lose track of her life. The film is like a hodgepodge of poetry lines + a visual feast of music, fashion, boldness, curses, artistry, confusion, weirdness, on being lost, style, fantasy and gore. Michaela Coel plays top fashion designer Sam, also MOTHER MARY's best friend and go to person for everything she wears on tour. The movie concentrates on their relationship, on finding out why she couldn't see that former spark that made her who she is as the pop star. This film is very cerebral, might scare some of how deep it is. You'll be a little uncomfortable on some scenes but I think it is essential on how it is presented. You'll hear some music from this generation's pop stars, intertwined with the story. My favorite line was when Anne's character said "I'm being dressed by everyone but it doesn't feel like me" and then Michaela replied "Tell me what you are feeling and I'll make that into a dress!"

It's a fashion spectacle, like fitting in a whole day of the Met Gala into the screen. It may take a while to get digested, but you'd be glad they took time to do it. I love Anne Hathaway in her previous roles, but this persona is certainly different even compared to her other dramatic roles. 

After seeing it, I get it. You'll also get to question your understanding after a few minutes which I think is the whole point of this movie. You won't be sticking to your realities, and might ask yourself very often (OMG WT* DID I JUST WATCH!). 

This is produced by A24 and released in the country by Creazion Studios International. I'd give a strong 4/5, and might suggest this for more mature fans of Anne Hathaway. It ain't Princess Diaries alright. It's like a living long form fashion editorial which I love. Go watch it!

MIDNIGHT GIRLS: Excellent Depiction of Social Issues and Family Relationships

Just by face value, this new film called "Midnight Girls" felt like a dream come true. Imagine putting together some of the country's best actresses who's work speaks largely on their previous projects like Jodi Sta. Maria, Jane Oineza, Sanya Lopez and Loisa Andalio - and then have blockbuster Director Irene Villamor do it at the the beautiful Nagoya, Japan. 

For those who don't know, a lot of entertainers (mostly singers, performers and dancers) went to Japan for work since the 80's, 90's... and it still is happening today. The film gives a glimpse of not just working conditions, but the actual dynamics of family life, of how little appreciation they get from working there, and how their relationships happen in dire conditions because they still want to survive... and take care of the folks back home.

Here's the Mediacon which happened at Gateway Cinemas:

Jodi Sta. Maria is her old self, doing easy work on dramatic moments especially the scenes with Zaijan Jaranilla (where you'll probably cry). I like the character of Sanya Lopez because she's so extra as Trix. Loud but quirky, she absolutely loves to fall in love and wish for the prince charming she deserves. The person playing the Japanese partner of Sanya in the movie is super attractive, but in real life changed the whole conversation they made for the film. Since he's doing theater, he was alarmed that the script contained non conversational Japanese, so they had to do everything from scratch in just 3 days. The whole cast also needed to learn Japanese (hence the long production), but it was essential to understand how they got to talk with their patrons. Jane Oineza's character is interesting, and you'll need to figure out why she's doing a lot of the unnecessary stuff while she's figuring out who she is in the movie. Loisa on the other hand also did good as Bea, and the manner she treated her boyfriend (Miggy Jimenez) made me realize how corny people get at times when we fall in love. Her story was also intense, when people realize the need to work to put food on the table, but this doesn't equate to who you are as a person. A lot of this will be seen on the film when it comes out May 13 nationwide.

This is produced by TJAV Films (who's got a very young producer behind it) and is released in the Philippines by Warner Brothers. This will also be part of the Far East Festival in Italy, so your support is needed for that too. I'd gladly put this at 4/5, for it's excellence in discussing social issues. I'm sure you've got OFW's who've gone through the same and would easily connect with them individually.

Crazy Deal: Mulach Ensaymada To Pay for Diamonds?

Filipino actor and Ensaymada mogul Niño Mulach just got the itch to get himself a prized piece from Maddox Jewelry. So he headed off their main showroom at  J.P. Rizal Street in Marikina City. This was intended as a gift for his wife and he wanted to make sure to get his money's worth so he met with Maddox Jewelry owner Madame Charo Cordial. 

During the meet, Niño suggested he could barter with the jewelry item with his very own Mulach Ensaymada, a delicacy known the world over made in his apartment complex in Cubao, Quezon City. Surprised with his terms, it might actually need a ton of the products to swap with the diamonds, but of course he said he was just kidding. 

Niño actually bought pieces that amounted to PHP 200,000 which he immediately paid for. All these to spoil his wife of course! Ms. Charo on the other hand sees this as another moment to see how she always made the price FIXED for all the pieces she laid out for her streams and avid viewers. People have always loved how her diamonds and gold prices have been appropriately priced (not too expensive). Niño also got his son Sandro during the small talk, they touched largely on the promising actors experience in showbusiness and how the case is still in court. Niño promises how he's going to be behind his son all the way, together with his whole family. 

You too can visit the Maddox Jewelry showroom located at 1011 AZDM Building  JP Rizal Street in Concepcion Uno, Marikina City. See this episode on their YouTube channel on Maddox_Jewelry. They also have it posted on their Facebook page where they do the streams too. 

Meet the Expert: The "Nose Fairy" Dr. Ruthlyn Pecolera-Salvosa

Meeting women that have done remarkable feats is always a good thing. Her story is inspiring, one that could mirror an ordinary Filipino who's life depended on OFWs, pure hard work, and overcoming challenges. She is Dr. Ruthlyn Pecolera-Salvosa, an ENT, a facial plastic surgeon, and a rhinoplasty expert dubbed as "The Nose Fairy" by many. She also did several complex revision surgeries successfully which I deem is important in the industry. 

Dr. Salvosa says "If you look good, there is social advantage. You enhance something, people are naturally drawn to that. The positivity is there, and other things follow."

She adds "Ideally when we see patients, we'd have consultations even before. With social media, they want it to happen immediately but I try to do it the conventional way. Patients appreciate this so they grasp achievable results with the proper treatment plans. I have broken a lot of hearts because it has to fit your personality and anatomy, with your nose, skin and the realistic outcomes.I took a bit of interior design, highlighting focal points, if you fix the nose, you can see everything else is going to be easy. It makes a LOT of difference."

Here's our blog conference organized by the good people of Verde Creatives.

RPS Aesthetics is located at J & S Building, 104 Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. They also have branches in Sto. Tomas in Batangas and Angeles City in Pampanga. 

At their clinics, they also have procedures that utilize Galderma products such as Sculptra (collagen stimulators) and Restylane (fillers). So if you're interested, give them a call (02) 7001 3150. Or simply inquire via her Facebook page (search her name) to book appointments. 

It was indeed a pleasure meeting you Dr. Salvosa!