WILBERT ROSS and ERIC EJERCITO on Korean-Filipino Produced Film "THE GUARDIAN"

Good news to those who love KDramas, action flicks and worthy series as the film called "THE GUARDIAN" will be shown this September 2nd in cinemas nationwide. This film by Jeong Jang-Hwan stars KPOP Idol Nam Woo Hyun, Park Eun-Hye, Han Jae-Suk, our very own Yassi Pressman, Wilbert Ross and Eric Ejercito. 

This is produced by GV Labs and Will Studios of Korea, and Ovation Productions, Parallax Studio, Robosheep Studios and Viva Films of the Philippines. The film will be distributed by Noori Pictures in South Korea and Viva Films here in the Philippines. In a nutshell, this is BIG!

What's good is that this film is entirely shot and made in the Philippines which means we are more than capable of doing it. The film tells a story of a son (played by Nam Woo Hyun) who sacrificed going to the Philippines to be with his mom who then got kidnapped by Korean gangsters. He needs to save her within 48 hours, a feat that may prove to be difficult within that time frame.

Actor Eric Ejercito says "They work on Korean time and they accomplish everything they have on paper. It's a different system but Filipinos could adapt to it. I've done a few action films but we switched with Wilbert, I did the romcom part. We are both nerds and we got to bond off cam. I am also very organized going to this character because it needs a month long shoot, I prepared for it. We also had them try Filipino food, sisig. They had fun here "

Wilbert says "In the action role, I had to go to Davao but I couldn't because I had to train for it. I worked out and did training, had to push my self because I had no martial arts background. The action sequence went smooth. We went out with the Korean actors, even though there was a language barrier, we got to let them experience night life. The character was new to me, I always play dumb roles but being a villain was so much fun."

Here's the media conference on video:

Producers Wesley Villarica of Parallax Studio Inc. and  Micah Fernandez of Robosheep Studios just confirmed today that the film will also be released by Lionsgate for international distribution. They also shared some appreciation on both sides as they learned a lot on this opportunity to not only line produce, but become actual producers of the film. They also mentioned some issues regarding some issues with other LGU's (which they kept secret) who made the production experience miserable. Good thing Quezon City gave them help, a place to do their work more liberally, and an LGU that really cares when they needed it (permits and locations included) which they hope won't happen if they plan to do movies here again soon. Yes, they plan to do more of these productions now that it has been done. Hopefully, it'll be easier to do (with them in the cast maybe?) but who knows, they might be making one already. 

THE GUARDIAN will be out on theaters this September 2, make sure you watch and support them! 

Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence Finds Perfect Platform and Teases Episode 3

I distinctly remember seeing the first two episodes back in May when we got to talk with Ian Veneracion, a couple of the cast members and the director (who was still finding a platform at that time). To this day, they already know their goal was to spark conversations. It wasn't to tell what was right or wrong, or manufacture truth, or sway a political stand. They are now on the Rein Entertainment YouTube channel (found on https://www.youtube.com/@reinentertainment) which means folks can comment, talk, share their thoughts on the topic the limited series discussed. This time, we had the pleasure of watching episode 3, and it was amazing to say the least.  

Direk Shugo Praico says "We want to start conversations, understanding and healing when they watch this film. We are not in the business of changing minds, it's complex and could be just anyone in your own community. Our guiding truth is still there." 

Writer Jonathan Guillermo says "We used research and it started with stories that we can create characters that are fully alive. We throw them into situations and they in turn give human reactions, no villains, no heroes, fully immersed in the story. We pivot on a few plots, to make coherent and enjoyable stories, we had to tone down on some instances. Like Reb, the real story is a bit outlandish, but we made it easier to swallow. That one weird thing doesn't take away from the larger story." 

Here's the talk back session after the screening:

 

 

Harvey says "I was watching episode 2 last night, reading questions about it, I feel his perspective was his emotions of having no choice, he death with his cards, he did not have support, went to hiding and even the system designed to protect him is not there. It is happening to people, you could picture how much we would pity him. The only thing in my head was finding out the truth from my father. I witnessed it, the aftermath. Before I got the episode script, you have to believe that he still had hope, even if it may not happen, you will see it in future episodes." 

"Lydia is a role, no matter how small, people will see themselves in you. She represents mothers, people who care for their children, and in episode 3 you can see how characters still fought for their lives. Some of them know they are wrong, but they still did it. Ian's role also stood for truth, and not when it is too late for them to speak." 

Miggy Jimenez says "I couldn't just sit here and say I like peanut butter, but after that, umay na! The final output portrayed a kid who didn't have anybody with him, no comfort, who just asked friends for help. I didn't have a background for Reb, but we had to study withdrawals, it's tiring, dirty and fun. I like the process and I wanted to fight for it too, but I'm scared too."

You need to watch Episode 3, and make sure to form your own opinion after seeing the scenes based on true stories, actual people who lived to tell the tale. It's on YouTube and comes out on Thursdays. This is produced by Rein Entertainment. 

 

Rap/Musical Artist GAT PUTCH Featured on "Listen Ka Sa KYCH" Podcast This Month

Just got off the Makati studios of Kych Minemoto, and his podcast "Listen ka sa Kych" streamed on platforms (of course Spotify). His guest was Gat Putch, rap and musical artist with millions of subs on Spotify, plus a cult following in the same genre. Gat Putch used to be a DJ, did production, even did bartending, and later on had producers work with him. He also made sure to work with different people so he could make a variety of music. His experiences made him an even better artist now. He also mentioned how other artists take fame into their head, but his advice is to still listen to your parents, your loved ones because they care for you.

I've only seen Kych do hosting gigs on TV, sing and dance on shows but never a podcast. He's been doing this for a while now and by all means, he's doing remarkably well talking to artists, some of his close friends in the industry, and very interesting folks.

Gat Putch says "Not all the things I write came from real life, I do fictional things, even Cerveza Negra, it depends on the style I feel that time. I also get inspired from other peoples stories, I need to do that to make sure they get involved in the song. I also do on the spot things, build the chorus first then just freestyle. I really had to work hard because it wasn't instant. I had to work first so I could support my family, save a little before I went full time in rap. I also did clothing, it was hard at first but since I've got friends, I was able to support myself."

He adds "I did everything online and started a business, had a brand and all, but couldn't maintain it and work. You can't just be bleeding all the time, I had to make sure I put food on the table together with my family, friends, you have to prepare for that. It's teamwork for me,  they even have that in sports. I was able to release my singles, back in 2018. I was still selling clothes too when I did music. I built connections, collaborated with other artists and some requested to also work with me. My music is timeless, I also consult my wife if she likes my music and like how it becomes all so natural sounding. You should listen to the songs we did, everything is on Spotify. You always have to experiment, don't stop learning, even small things may have worth with other people."

GAT the Brand

Gat was something he built while watching documentaries. The luxury brands inspired him to do his own line of clothes. GAT came from the term used with national heroes line Gat Jose Rizal and Gat Andres Bonifacio. 

Gat was released in batches. When he did marketing, half of it was given to his popular friends in the industry. Now he is also releasing limited edition shirts which people now fancy. Some are very unique, and will stay one of one, something you wouldn't see with other people. He says it's not for everybody, he wouldn't force it to those who would not like it. He's glad it's being worn by other artists in music videos, as he designed each item with an attached story.

He also thinks he hasn't failed yet because he was always been doing the grind religiously. He needed to continue it and keep going because he was not just supporting himself but his family. He also knows life isn't perfect. He is thankful for his partner because he knew someone was believing in him, supported him and even invested in him (used life savings for his business) despite getting pregnant early. People have been so kind to him, and he is so thankful for that!

Gat Putxh also said "You don't need to promote on conventional means because there's social media. You can also use your presence so you could market yourself. You also need people you can trust especially if you are an independent artist. Don't be swayed by millions of pesos in contracts. Remember, I started in a small room in La Loma, and look at us now!"

Green House Records

He sends his thanks to the people and artists who are part of GHW and the community!

Kych lets the interviewees talk, and tell their stories. I am quite sure he's going to get more people in Q Studios and use his knack for talking into something that people can learn from, just like what he's doing in "Listen Ka Sa Kych". Make sure you listen and sub on his podcast today!

History, Good Food and Entertainment at THE TRIBUTE HOTEL

Quezon City is my hood. I've known the people and history here because of our familiarity with the families who live here. For us, Tomas Morato wasn't just a name for a street, but the first Mayor of Quezon City 1939 to 1942. He was a loyal friend to President Manuel L. Quezon, and we heard he never divulged his location to the Japanese back in the day. Today, his family lives in a compound in the middle of Tomas Morato. The property is huge and they now dedicated a part of it for The Tribute Tower, a mixed use building that houses THE TRIBUTE HOTEL, the DON TOMAS restaurant and condominium units meant for the Morato family.

To tell you honestly, I haven't heard of The Tribute Hotel prior to this visit. This was built and delayed during the pandemic (understandable). But just hearing there is one made me so excited because there are little to no hotels here despite the popularity of the area. The actual building sits almost at the corner of Scout Gandia and Tomas Morato Avenue (99 Scout Gandia Street Quezon City). It's pretty huge, so you wouldn't miss it. 

I wanted to stay here merely for a "Staycation", I wanted rest and refuge as it's been a while since I got sleep. Checking in was a breeze, the lobby was enough to fit people before going to the room and they served a welcome drink. There were no lines, so when they handed me my key I went up and connected to WIFI because I still had work LOL.

Here's a reel to immortalize that!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

We also got to talk to the GM Christian Guballa who also is part of the Approche Hospitality Management Corporation who manages The Tribute Hotel and several other Sta. Lucia Realty properties.

After a good nap, we headed on to have dinner at the hotel's very own restaurant called "DON TOMAS". It was also a Friday which means they've got an acoustic band to play for patrons who choose to have dinner and a few bottles at this place. Food is good as they've got international dishes served at this place named after the Mayor. Thanks to Chef Erwin Rarugal who made arrangements for us to dine with sampler dishes since we couldn't make our mind choosing what's good for dinner. Take a look at this!

 

If you plan to dine here, I'd suggest Beef Rendang, Chicken Saté, Beef and Tendon (sweeter and soy based), the Chefs Burger (burger patty is pure beef). They also served us Cuapao Sliders, Calamares Fritos, Soft Taco Mussel Sisig, Squid Bombs, Salmon Kimchi, Chicken Biryani, Nasi goreng, Braised Pork, the Carbonara de Tomas (light carbonara salty bacon strips) and their pizzas. For desserts, I would highly suggest you get the Ube Langka Mochi (It must be eaten whole) and the Basque Cheesecake. If you're a matcha lover, get the Tiramisu Matcha.

Here's how it looks like at Don Tomas!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

Here's our short interview with Chef Erwin Rarugal. He also does the food in other properties of Sta. Lucia Realty, experience is good.

 

There are 2 Room Types in The Tribute Hotel, but you can always merge rooms for groups.

They have conference rooms that could fit over a 100 folks, and stay here too.

 

What's good is that they have an INDOOR POOL which you can enjoy even on rainy days! Plus a gym in front if you need it.

Plus a really good view of the neighborhood and nearby attractions in Tomas Morato!

If you like what you see, go head on and take refuge at THE TRIBUTE HOTEL. They can be contacted via their social pages (facebook.com/thetributehotel) or their website thetributehotel.ph. This property is managed and operated by the Approche Hospitality group. They currently have good rates and I'm going back soon!