The 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (2025) First Best Picture called "I'm Perfect" just represented the country in the Lucania Film Festival held annually in Italy. This is one of the biggest festivals in Europe and will be attended by indie film makers, artists and producers, to basically showcase their best in the international arena. This will also be introducing the Filipino story, one that's very unique from Nathan Studios.
This is the 27th edition for the film festival and would be a great platform to show what Filipino film makers and artists can do. During the MMFF, Krystel Go got the Best Actress win, marking history for PWD's and the movement for those who have down syndrome. This truly shows THEY CAN DO IT.
Currently, the cast is in Italy for the festival. Here's hoping they get nods for their work!
Good news for people in Quezon City as INOUE Health and Wellness Clinic finally opens its doors today, August 2 at their premier branch at the 2nd Floor of Casswyn Building in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. It sits right in front of GMA Network's main gate so you wouldn't miss it. This place is classy, very pleasing to the eyes and very comforting (I could say that because I've had treatments done during their soft opening). But overall, I'm glad they're finally opening their doors for the general public.
INOUE isn't just for aesthetics (which they've got in the bag) but more of health and wellness, so the vibe you're getting here is YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF (if you haven't been doing that for ages). CEO Jiane Yu and COO John Mark Calinao says "We wanted this to be in a holistic approach so when you do come here, you will do something for your wellness. It's also about skin health, cellular health, something you could do overall. Before we even put something on the services, we tried it ourselves. We have something for aesthetics, resurfacing peel facials (without downtime), which you can do today and just go out the same day. We also have laser treatments, hair removals, botox, wellness drips, where you can go about your daily routine after it."
They talked about it lengthy on this video:
They are FDA approved and also have doctors on site for most of their procedures. They also have hair procedures which I've done a couple weeks ago, and for those who are still contemplating of going to a place for pampering, you definitely should give this a try. They're accessible but feels very private since they're at the back of the building. The grand opening had Mayor Joy Belmonte's representative Councilor Vincent Belmonte, former PNP General Rommel Marbil and his wife, a few artists, suppliers, partners, all who wished them well in this very new venture. They know what they're doing, have the latest machines to do it, and do consultations before doing it. I feel comfortable there.
Now it's your turn to do the same. Congratulations! :)
When I heard from the grapevine that Ms. Charo Cordial was holding a fashion show in posh EDSA Shangri-la, it would be epic. She sought the best fashion show director there is Robby Carmona, and a list of celebrities unprecedented, all of whom have been part of the growth of her diamond jewelry brand MADDOX.
Her success didn't come overnight, and we were treated to a very lovely interview and got to understand her humble beginnings. Imagine doing business during the pandemic, changing business models because of necessity, like fate and achieve success that she couldn't even imagine. She attributes this all from the people around her, who helped her with the business and also the clients who have given over and beyond the love for diamonds.
Ms. Charo says "We are holding this fashion show to make sure Filipinos know that diamonds can be affordable, we have small margins but hope the Philippines becomes well known in the industry as a mecca for it. I'm so happy that even in international trade, they now know we love them and appreciate jewelry. I used to sell agricultural machinery, and people didn't know I'd land in this industry. I am a Bicolana, born and educated there. I went here for the board exam and worked for an international company. I only started selling jewelry during the pandemic. I sold bags, and it was so fun to talk to people. It was hard to ship them, so I looked for other things to sell and started with gold. Then diamonds later on. Maddox came from my son's name, named after Angelina Jolie's first born. Now people know us by that name. I am super happy, I didn't dream of this but talking to you now, I still can't believe it. I am so blessed, I could attribute it to my employees and friends, the people around me who helped me reach this."
She adds "Last year while doing vlogs, they had celebrity customers who also went to their shop. There's a lot of them, so you'll see them all at the show. The idea was made by Robbie Carmona, and icons are involved so you will see them all in different segments."
One pretty thing I learned from Ms. Charo was something she said before we went to see the show. She said "You have to love what you are doing, your employees, your customers and give them what they want. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, we all do, I also went bankrupt, in a different business, but I never gave up. It would have been nice to have a lot of artists here but it was hard to manage their schedules."
If you want to see the show (and the celebrities too), here are some highlights and videos from the runway.
More videos are posted on our Facebook page, just search for KUMAGCOW on FB :)
Thank you and congratulations Ms. Charo! MADDOX is just beginning, and seeing this makes me want to see another next year yeah?!
We just witnessed the International Assembly Commemorating the 75th Charter Anniversary of the Knights of Rizal at the historic Manila Hotel this evening. Amidst Rizalians (members of t the civic and patriotic organization honoring the life and teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal) and dignitaries, we also witnessed the men from The Rainmakers perform on stage as they celebrate their grand GALA NIGHT, a night of music and camaraderie. The media and attendees were welcomed warmly by Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, the Supreme Commander of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.
Jojo, Ramon and Joel sang Binibini to end the evening.
The Rainmakers hail from University of Santo Tomas' High School, a band known for the Manila sound played in the 70's and 80's (remember Binibini, Ale Ale, You and Me?). We saw them last performing their hits in TV5's Vybe weekend show in the OG portion. Chapters from Western USA, Hawaii and other international ones enjoyed their set the most as they reminisced about their time in the Philippines. It felt so nostalgic to hear them sing these songs especially for KOR guests.
PPOP group NOVA also did a couple of covers which guests enjoyed at the end of the event. They're very good singers, while still pretty new, they also did their new single "ALL IN" and folks enjoyed their performance. Former Senator Joey Lina who was part of the elders also pushed for help they provide for mothers, early childhood nutrition and other projects that target families and the elderly. He sang a very beautiful OPM song, and got a standing ovation from his brothers in Knights of Rizal.
Other performers such as Asia's Got Talent phenom Gerphil Flores, Allison Gonzalez, and the Philippine Navy's very own Lady Chatterly Alvaro Sumbeling brought world class singing to the event, all appreciated by the audience.
The organization also made arrangements to fund training for the youth, so they too can learn and inspire others to do the same. Their Western USA and Hawaii branches provided USD 5,000 to continue their efforts, together with local ones during the event. They also made sure the cause they call MILK Program will be brought to the forefront, so they can continue feeding the poor and at risk pregnant mothers, to get rid of malnutrition in the country (which they do in partnership with LGU's).
Truly, it takes a lot for Rizalians to make sure they do their best for the organization, for others and the Philippines. Yet they do it with lots of gusto an fervor. They're a pretty incredible bunch, I'm so glad to have witnessed that. Congratulations!
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