A Glimpse of the Sparkle Prime Workshop

I've had my bout with acting back when I was a kid. During those years, my workshops were done privately and the system was pretty much unscientific, it was mostly putting ourselves in scenes. You could say it was something I'd do on occasion... and since I wasn't doing roles anymore I was so excited I'd get to experience the "Sparkle Acting and Empowerment Workshop" through the partnership of Philippine Entertainment Bloggers Association (PEBA) and Sparkle GMA Artist Center which happened a few days ago.

This was going to be conducted by THE Ana Feleo (Certified on Eric Morris System) whom I've had the opportunity to interview in the past (especially during the pandemic). This was also the first time I'm meeting her (in a physical sense), so I was quite excited about that when we arrived at the rehearsal studios. To tell you honestly, I've been overthinking a lot about this event and what I think I'd be learning from the workshop. Participants in our group were from different blogs and social channels. With Sparkle they had artists Jennifer Maravilla, Mitzi Josh, Zonia Mejia, Lauren King, Aidan Veneracion and Bruce Roeland whom all had previous experience of doing workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo.

After pleasantries, Ms. Ana took us to a plethora of exercises that would help us be more open about ourselves, our emotions, and feel what's possible. Ours was like a teaser of what she's been doing for 3-day workshops, so we get a gist of what artists usually do. This I'd say made me feel like I'd be more susceptible of absorbing what she taught on the red mat. Mind you, tons of Sparkle and GMA actors have gone through a lot in the same place, and if the mat could talk it'll probably tell a lot about their life, their pain and agony as it's been primarily used for motivation on scenes. They'd learn how to control how much of it will be used when they need to on projects, which makes sense with the nature of their work.

Knowing how huge of a roadmap this is for people undergoing the same training made me realize how it could impact their skills, especially for new actors. Since this was also an empowerment process, we learned how to communicate, express ourselves with no inhibitions, which would help us navigate the things we plan to do with our organization. It's not only leadership, but how we would be able to put our points across when we meet people. It's a skill we all have to work on and it was so nice we get to touch on that. There were a lot of things that we got to experience during the short time we spent that afternoon, and we even got to know each other even more. It was different than just looking at our blogs, our different backgrounds, because we saw how we learned as people. I bet that will be beneficial for a lot of individuals, and I'm so glad they're taking these workshops all over the country. 

Here's how you can enroll in the Sparkle Prime Workshop:

I'd like to take this bit to thank the men and women of Sparkle Artist Center, Ms. Jenny Donato the Sparkle AVP for Talent Recruitment and Development (who was quite fun to talk to on the sidelines!), Ms. Rochelle Tuazon-Chavez the Sparkle Senior Manager for PR, Events and Digital , and good guy Mr. Chester Singian (who I think is also going to be an artist soon!). Also, to the Sparkle artists Jennifer Maravilla, Mitzi Josh, Zonia Mejia, Lauren King, Aidan Veneracion and Bruce Roeland who were all so kind and game during the session. We also got to know you a little bit during the exercises that Ms. Ana executed that afternoon.

I'd also like to personally thank Ms. Ana Feleo who braved through her migraine just to make sure we had an unforgettable experience during the workshop, I really learned a lot in such a short time. I get it why the artists you previously worked with talk so highly of you. Thank you for being there to help us all throughout the workshop!

If you wish to join, just get in touch with them via the art card we added above. It'll change the way you think about actors, and you'll learn a lot about the craft.

Time to "Feed Your Cravings" with foodpanda

Things have been so busy lately, not just because of work, but managing time with family, friends, even trying to stay away from the sun has been a chore... But fret not, when it comes to your food cravings, there's always foodpanda to rescue you.

It's really convenient to have a place to go to in case there's no more time to cook, to get hot meals, and have them delivered in a jiffy. You don't even need to make it rocket science since there's a lot of things recommended, and even get a few things bought if you're running low in the pantry.

Don't worry too if you're like me who spends the midnight oil writing, then suddenly go hungry in the wee hours of the morning because chances are, they'll have a few establishments still open and accessible, so no one gets hungry. Your cravings certainly need to be satisfied no matter what time of the day, and your cupboards and pantry need to be filled to the brim especially on weekends, or if a lot of people choose to stay at home.

If it feels like you need some good old comforting food, don't deprive yourself because you've worked hard all day. Some good old care and quality food would certainly make you feel better... And that party even more convenient at any time of the day! Go to foodpanda.ph or their social channels to know more on how you can save a lot more than what you thought was possible.

You've got to thank Pau Pau for that!

Luxe CEO Anna Magkawas dons Renee Salud Runway in Mindanaoan Couture

The who's who of the fashion industry took to the grounds of Okada Manila on May 9th for a runway show by esteemed fashion designer and legend Renee Salud. The show was a hodge podge of glitz, glamour, culture and a heavy concentration on Mindanaoan influences. It was a sight to behold!

One of the highlights of the show was when the CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group Ms. Anna Magkawas went on stage wearing Mama Renee's Mindanao Tapestry II. After the show, she shared what it felt like being on stage adorned with one of the best creations that evening and said "It just felt so surreal , I was so nervous, but at the same time quite proud seeing all that happen. This is the first time for me to wear a gown designed by him, and walk for the show at the same time. I had no idea it would be that grand, but I guess you can expect that in a Renee Salud show. I had a very tight schedule, and only did fit late because of work. I was the last one to do so a day before the show, I was just thankful we were able to rehearse on the day itself, I managed to pickup a few things about the flow of the show."

For those who don't know, Ms. Anna Magkawas is the woman behind Luxe Slim which is a famous brand of health products in the country. Her thrust fashion wise is to stay with the classics, those that exude elegance. She doesn't wear pieces that may be too revealing, and stayed with very neutral colors. 

The show also had pieces that mix the traditional and modern while utilizing our home grown materials and native textile. They also got to showcase unique pieces, which Renee Salud could only execute. It's why Ms. Anna is always at awe of Filipino fashion designers and find how each region is quite different, something she's eager to wear in future shows and events too.

If you want to know more about Ms. Anna Magkawas and her empire, follow her social channels @anna_magkawas on IG, @annamagkawasofficial on FB and LuxeSlimPH for her products. 

Congratulations on this show Ms. Anna! 

Over 2000 Ka-Pandas Onboard with foodpanda

Those who rumor mongered a few years back might be biting their lips a lot by now as foodpanda concluded their onboarding caravan for hundreds of delivery partners, providers, and logistics personnel in Pasig City. This was after a very successful one that was held in Pasay City.

They also stand to benefit from different bonuses and perks that will be given to them as qualified partners, and Ka-Panda fleet. Mr. Ron Sanders the foodpanda Logistics Rider Experience Lead says "foodpanda continues to provide livelihood opportunities for folks who want flexible work while we  get to increase and enhance our delivery capabilities and better our customer experience for all."

He adds "These are 2000 Ka-Pandas and partner fleet members we've opened up as riders, bikers and even walkers. Different individuals who also have other careers and backgrounds. Some do this part time or also have other platforms. Others make this their primary source of income, but still give them lots of flexibility in work or work hours. We are so glad to have them onboard!"

In the event, they also have Rider Support Express to help with existing partners who may have a question, concern of two. They will be doing this in different cities via pandaPatrol: Hub on Wheels where they get to directly give help in different regions. They also get to give training sessions for those who recently joined and provide needed safety and delivery training. Some receive Bamboo Rewards and have them exchange it for foodpanda merch, a welcome perk aside from their insurance and health support for Ka-Panda partners.

Surely, there will be more of these soon in other areas. If you wish to know when and where, make sure to follow their social channels and download the app as everything will be announced there. 

Congratulations foodpanda! Cheers to more opportunities for your Ka-Pandas from here on!

Kiana's "Sweet Release" to be seen at Gary V Pure Energy: One Last Time Concert

The upcoming Gary V Pure Energy: One Last Time concert that has been extended this May 10th will be extra special as his daughter Kiana will be performing her newest single called "Sweet Release" on the same night. The last time I saw Kiana performed was during the Avon event where she stamped why she's a force to be reckoned with on stage. She's quite unique, has a different set of vocal styles, and is pretty talented in songwriting too. This particular single though is co-written by Rosemarie Tan and Philippe Dela Pena, and made sure it'll be danceable, more catchy, which will be quite a feat to perform on stage on the 10th. 

Kiana attributes this to her best friend and stayed very personal, and wanted this to be more pop, done in Filipino, which she's been doing recently (so watch out for more Tagalog songs from this lady). Kiana says "With this recent Tagalog songs I've been making, I'm really having so much fun! If all else gets done smoothly, I might be able to release a few this year or in 2025."

Currently, Kiana is based in the US and has been successfully performing in different events abroad. She's been heavily cheered miles away by Mom and Dad, and still won a few awards in the PH.

Dad Gary is so proud of what she has accomplished and how she got to draw her own path in the industry. Her performing on stage in the concert would be a good time for him to bond, and miss her, he gets to perform with her while celebrating 40 years in the entertainment industry.

The May 10th date was just something that was teased during the April 27 date, as there were still a LOT of people who wanted to watch it. Proceeds from this will go to Shining Light Foundation and will benefit the needy through this christian organization. There's lots of things you can look forward to in the concert, which I can only describe as WORLD CLASS!

Back to Back with BEKO and Hitachi Appliances

It's a nice day to celebrate comfort at home with two of the most impressive brands in home appliances, Europe's number 1 BEKO and our favorite, ever reliable Hitachi.

Arel Atakol the Regional Director for Beko Asia Pacific welcomed us and said "I would like to tell you a few things about Beko. Our new line of free standing cookers, and our new jewel Hitachi Refrigerators and Washing Machines. Please feel free to check out what we have in our showroom. By the way, we have recently acquired Whirlpool EU, Russia and Africa. New brands means we are getting stronger. Hitachi is also the leading Japanese brand in the PH. This gives us a strong presence in the region, we hope to have your help to continue and introduce us in Filipino homes."

Signature Series in both gas and induction versions

Becca Aguilar from Beko Philippines adds "We all love to cook, to eat and want a Beko cooker. Throughout history, the way we do things has changed the way we keep and cook food. Beko is one of the largest manufacturers of cooking appliances. Last year, we have been able to get 4.6 Million orders, and since food and family is important in the Philippines, we know Beko can improve the cooking experience in every household. Our Signature Series has Gas Safety Device that automatically turns off when things happen, it also has a multi glass door for safety, it also has a telescopic pull out shelf so you can take food out with ease everytime you need to cook. Our Pro Style Series can even do more especially in the modern kitchen setting. It has highly efficient burners, accommodate cast iron pans, multi function ovens with twin fans, consistent flames, a rotisserie and digital touch control. You can choose models that have what you need in the kitchen because Beko has different types and features. The top cavity for much of their new stand alone cookers are electric grills, but other ones can function individually as ovens.

Here's a short tour of the showroom this morning!

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For those who don't know, Arcelik Hitachi has over 50 years of experience in appliances across the globe. They live by quality especially for refrigerators because they want detailed designs, efficient products coming out of their manufacturing plants. They want convenience and ease which is why they made it automatic to open and close refrigerator doors (the new models). Their appliances make food stay fresh, by the power of vacuum. It also keeps nutrition in, energy efficient and operate on low noise. The dual fan cooling also makes it efficient in consumption of power and keeps your refrigerator cool longer. It also has a fresh select case so you can keep fresh products or meat fresh. 

Hitachi also has washing machines, front load or top load, the Eclipse series is angled for easy and convenient use. It has hygienic programs to make it easier for you to wash your clothes, the machine maintained, and help prevent molds. It also eases work overall because clothes turn out with less wrinkle and less tangle after drying. 

If you're looking for new home appliances, Beko and Hitachi has a lot to offer. Go follow their social channels for more information about their products and see why Filipinos and other countries trust them.

With BEKO, you get more what you pay for!

Get To Know Your PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil

With word getting round that he's getting a lot of unnecessary detractors (and fake news), the humble PNP Chief took time to talk to the media over coffee this evening. This was certainly an opportune time to get to know PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil, and his plans for the police force.

The PNP Chief reiterated the role of the PNP, particularly to enforce laws and prevent crimes before it even happens. He also added the importance of public safety, giving us security, and the need of the support of LGU's... and the whole community.

At this day and age, cyber crime is quite rampant. He is adamant that your PNP still is relevant at this time. He treats these not as problems, but challenges that can be overcome by the organization by facing it head on. Syndicates are different now, which is why they continue to improve the way they do things in the force.

Here's the short talk we had with him over coffee and Beef Turnovers (made by the good people of Dark Roast Coffee House).

He also wants to further improve response times, a relatively improved 911 emergency network, have CCTV connections also centralized so they could also prevent crimes with it. He also doesn't believe in the term "War on Drugs", a war has an end and his is a continuous system to fight it instead. He deems this isn't just a problem for the Philippines, but other countries too, and they're not letting them off easy.

The PNP Chief and the whole organization would want you and your family to go home safe after a day's hard work. You also need to be protected even in your sleep as cyber attacks happen at any time of the day.

We often just see him in police beat interviews, and this way to get to know him was a good way to know how personal he's treating things are in the PNP. Change don't come overnight, but from what we're seeing, he's making efforts to do it for Filipinos. 

He knows we have a lot of concerns right now, but here's hoping the good man and the whole Philippine National Police get to resolve things... one issue at a time.

Andrea Brillantes for Dear Face - Beauty Milk Melon

 

I first saw Dear Face CEO Jonah Sison-Ramos on TikTok actually selling her products months ago. I had the impression of a hard working woman, no doubt, because she was personally selling the products, which says a lot about her as an entrepreneur.

She's successful, and with the way her products have reached people have been really surprising. She heard Senior High star Andrea Brillantes was already consuming a lot even before she got this endorsement. Andrea apparently was already manifesting it, and got word she's the one to show you how Beauty Milk Melon has become part of her lifestyle.

Blythe was always into self care, and her love for drinking milk was something she never got out of. Beauty Milk Melon was something she adored having before she sleeps. If she didn't get to have it night time, she'll have it in the morning of the next day. She swears it gives her a different feeling before a shoot because of the collagen, vitamins and minerals this contains. Here's the event on video, please enjoy!

Andrea and Dear Face would want you to take wellness a go now that they've got Beauty Milk Melon out in the market. If you would want to get one, there's various channels of Dear Face on socials that you can get it from. Albeit being sold out most of the time, be patient, because a healthy lifestyle awaits with the Beauty Milk Melon. 

Congratulations Andrea, you really deserve this!

HONOR Launches Pad 9 and MAGIC6 Pro

Fun day to launch a few more devices plus a new flagship smartphone from Honor Philippines. 

First is the Honor Pad 9, crafted with good eye protection, dynamic display, less eye fatigue for users. It has a large screen, 12.1 inch narrow bezel and HD resolution, has over 1 Billion colors. It's all metal, comfy feel, with an immersive audio too. Those movies will certainly sound good. 

It uses a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, increased GPU performance and perfect for work every day. You can also have it connected with your smartphone so you don't miss any call if you are working on something. Seamless workflow on connected apps, has smooth transition especially the HONOR Notes. It also has multi window capability, you can use different apps at the same time. The batter is also 8300mAh, that's hours upon hours of work and entertainment. It costs Php 15,999. If you prefer the keyboard bundle, you can get it for Php 17,999.

The HONOR Magic6 Pro on the other hand is the top AI Camera phone. AI makes patterns recognized where the Honor ecosystem works. MagicRing gets you connected across devices, file sharing is just drag and drop, content, and UI does it all in one step. There's also quick access, with the new Magic OS 8.0, the phone has the best display, immersive audio (Dolby vision), making those videos crisp, bright and detailed. It also a nano crystal shield, drop resistance like no other, they even pit them together and crack the opposition literally. It also uses silicon carbon battery, at 80w via their SuperCharge process. It takes 40 mins to fully charge it from zero.

It also utilizes an Honor Falcon Camera system uses 50MP front camera at F 1.4/2.0, 180MP AI Motion Sensing feature, which makes it number one in its class.

This is the phone they sent to space, imagine what this can do in your neck of the woods. It only costs Php 59,999.

Beat the Summer Heat with Mr. Hat Gulaman!

Things have been on record high temperatures and the Philippines is experiencing El Nino right front and center. Our dreams of just spending summer in the beach may have to take the back seat, or just proceed with caution... perhaps do something else and make it sweet and refreshing!

Your summer should still be colorful, whether it be in a glass full of your favorite Halo-Halo, or a bright Sago't Gulaman, you can only think of one thing in the grocer, and that's Mr. Hat Gulaman!

I've been using this for years now and even got my sibling in Europe some of it so he could remember home. It's a sweet reminder of time with family, with friends, and is a versatile ingredient in various desserts that we often do as sweet tooth's. It comes in different flavors like lychee, orange, strawberry, and I've done so many recipes with this over the years.

It's Local!

For those who don't know, Mr. Hat Gulaman is actually a local product. This is made by Seanluc Inc. known for making quality food and beverages for the Philippine market. It's also au naturelle, as it's from seaweed extract combined with sugar, flavorings and different colors. They also have unflavored Mr. Hat Gulaman so if you plan to make other desserts that require that, there's always options! This comes in 7 flavored and 6 unflavored versions, so if one doesn't fit your recipe, go with a different one. Imagine the things you can do with a pack of Mr. Hat Gulaman!

You can do Mango Tapioca, or Buko Pandan, or do Coffee Jelly on a hot day. If it's a recipe that has been passed on through generations or a new one (because you're a genius!).

Here's a recipe that's been tested great, one that you could try!

Coconut Gulaman Coolers by Mr. Hat Gulaman

The ingredients are a pack of Mr. Hat Gulaman (get the Buko Pandan Flavor). 2 cups of water, a quarter cup sugar, 250ml of Coconut Water, a quarter cup Condensed Milk, a quarter cup of All Purpose Cream and crushed ice.

Dissolve the gulaman pack and sugar in the 2 cups of water you prepared. Turn the stove on low and simmer, then put it on a tray to cool and set. Cut it up to small squares to make it pretty. On a separate bowl, mix the All Purpose Cream, Condensed Milk and Coconut Water. Put the Mr. Hat Gulaman, then crushed ice on a tall wide glass, put in a few of the milk mixture. Use a pandan leaf on the side and serve to your guests, they'll surely love it!

If you want a softer gulaman, just add a bit more water. If you prefer a firmer one, adjust the gulaman powder you put in on boiling water. Mix it thoroughly so you don't get lumps. You can follow @mrhatgulaman on social channels to have more experts help you with your recipes. They also post a lot of content there to beat the summer heat. I've been a solid user of Mr. Hat Gulaman, and have seen my family, my friends enjoy it!

Now it's your turn!

Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines at WTC This May

The biggest and most popular livestock and aquaculture event in the country will be happening on May 22 to 24 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. This is organized by Informa Markets in the Philippines, and heavily supported by the Department of Agriculture. This year's theme is about "Harnessing Innovation and Technology for Sustainable Farm Development", and this comes at an even better time when the country is vying for sufficient food production.

There is a huge potential for growth in these sectors and these would also increase employment, rural development, to also use the latest technical machinery and skills in livestock and aquaculture. They want to make this a knowledge sharing platform, to arm farmers with the best, to utilize advancements and grow their respective markets.

Rungpech Chitanuwat the Country General Manager for Informa Markets says "This year, we are the exhibition organizer, and this is our third one for the year. At the event, we have the Department of Agriculture to support us, and it will be on innovation, bio security, especially on outbreaks that happened recently. With Usec and us in Vietnam, we got the ASEAN associations to come to the Philippines and make them part of the event, we are looking forward to host farmers from all over and attend the conference and seminar. Hope we can share this to the farmers which will benefit with the show."

Dr. Jonathan Vergara Sevillano adds "The theme this year is perfect for livestock development. The importance of innovation and technology is important, as droughts and typhoons happen in the country, there's also the changing landscape especially for livestock space which are affected greatly. We are going to find ways, hopefully, introduce tech that would solve those problems and apply them in different parts of the country. There are also applied research, to have this be more than an exhibit, be an exchange of ideas especially in farming. This will happen with government help, and help us explore , in hopes to have farmers benefit from best practices in the program."

Kabsat in Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano says "We planned for this Livestock Philippines 2024, we will be showcasing tech including those for ASEAN partners, and the Department of Agriculture fully supports this. In our livestock programs, we invited regional directors to participate in this expo."

He adds "The ASF really affected us, we have plans to implement next and we are just waiting for our papers in the livestock sector. We have strategies, interventions, and how we can get cooperatives avail of it. They can email us or contact me directly for it. The ASF vaccine is still being processed, they are on the second stage of trials, while waiting we are doing the bio security programs and trainings for backyard raisers."

Here's a snippet of the press conference this morning:

More of these discussions will happen at the event, so make sure to head on to the World Trade Center on May 22-24, no need for tickets as admission is free. Go learn how to harness technology for your farms, and share the good news to others who you feel might need it too.

See you then!

10CM Set to Perform "CLOSER TO YOU" Concert in Manila This August

This afternoon, we've had the chance to interview one of the hottest idol singers from South Korea. They're called 10CM, and he's set to perform in Manila this coming August 31st at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta City, Cubao QC. The event is produced by Cornerstone Concerts (a subsidiary of Cornerstone Entertainment) and South Korea based Magic Strawberry Sound.

For those who don't know, 10cm is an indie pop project that is being led by Kwon Jung-yeol. They were initially debuted as a duo (with Yoon Cheol-jong), but split in 2017. His songs are now part of various KDrama shows like Queen of Tears, Crash Landing On You, Start Up, Hotel de Luna, Lovely Runner and a whole lot more. He still carries the same name 10cm which they got from the difference in their height. His idea of fun is still staying in the studio and creating music, so if he's tasked to make one for a drama, he just needs to know the plot and put it all in the lyrics (pretty good process). This makes it custom fit the feel and actual story, which makes it easier to connect with... and his fans.

Here's our exclusive interview with him yesterday 

He wants to be able to connect with you especially with his music, so the content of his upcoming concert will be more of your favorites. He teased some of it during TJ Monterde's sold out concert a few days ago where he performed a medley of his KDrama hits, much of which will be done in full versions in August 31st.

While TJ Monterde loves 10cm's music, Yoon also fancies his too. It was mutual admiration and seeing them perform in TJ's concert was like a dream for all.

10CM has also won various awards from Melon Music, for Best Collab and Best Folk and Blues in different years. This tour is also going to be done in SEA countries such as SG, Malaysia and Thailand. In East Asia, there will be Taiwan, hopefully more countries soon.

Tickets are being sold in Ticketnet, so make sure you get them while it's still available. This would be perfect for those who love his music, the KDramas it's in, so you could get all the feels all over again!

Inifinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G: What Can You Do in 22 Minutes?

It's been a luxury to have a phone years back, but with the age of smartphones, it became part of our lives. Sometimes, it's a life line where you get the news, anything you need to know in the world as you access the internet on it. You can also connect to social networks to talk to friends and family. Add to that the convenient apps so you can buy stuff, shop, or go from point A to point B.

That's all fun though, til you see the battery turn red when you need it the most. This would never happen with the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G, because from the start... you get charging taken cared of. The wired connection gets you 100W Fast Charge while if you prefer, you can use the 20W Wireless Charging instead. Best of all, it can get the batteries charged til 100%, all in 22 minutes.

22 minutes is a cake baked, a whole restaurant order served, or a few drinks prepared. Else, it's time to watch your favorite actres, Vlogger and YouTube star, Ivana Alawi. She's got over 17.7 Million subscribers, and still represent Infinix as their brand ambassadress.  

Ivana can relate as she says "These days, I do almost everything with the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G. I love that I don't have to worry about charging because it does it fast. Takes only a few minutes!"

 

 

22 minutes is the same time you spend in making a one pot rice meal, or even putting on make up before you go out. It's also the same time you spend listening to Taylor Swift, or maybe run around to get your 10K steps you've set as a goal last year LOL! If you get the Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G, you also get a MagCase and MagPad as part of your MagKit.

The Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is priced at Php 13,999. The Infinix NOTE 40 on the other hand is set at Php 10,999. You can get them now via TikTok Shop, Shopee or Lazada. If you want to know more about it, just go to the Infinix Philippines Facebook page. They also announce promos in the same place, so if you're in the look for your next phone, give Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G a try!

Shot in SEOUL: KELVIN MIRANDA and KIRA BALINGER for "Chances Are, You and I"

There are still a lot of stories to be told and this one is both romantic, heartbreaking at times, and could pull heartstrings. It also talks about love, friendship, taking chances, and dreams... this of which will be discussed lengthily in this movie by Pocket Media Productions Incorporated. This stars Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger, some of the country's most promising stars.

A Little Backgrounder:

This is the first project of Director Catherine Camarillo under her production outfit PM Productions Inc. This was during the pandemic, and when the franchise of ABSCBN wasn't renewed. This was a family decision, more or less, and since her daughter had this script for a while now, they wanted to do this specific one and offer it to streaming services pre-prod. The scenes were all shot in 2022, and a little during the latter part of that year because production ceased when restrictions came during those times. 

The film had to be shot in two locations, one in Manila and the other in Seoul in South Korea. It was mainly due to the look they wanted to portray especially during winter time, which they find perfect, and hellish when they got so cold after scenes were cut.

This is also the first time that Kelvin and Kira are being paired on screen, but they've got quite different first impressions when we interviewed them yesterday. It was essential for them to not only wear 3 layers of clothing, have heaters, and several heat packs underneath just to survive all of that. They were so grateful the crew from Manila and Seoul stepped up and made sure they were comfortable as arrangements were made during filming.

Director CC says "It was really the perfect weather to shoot in the snow because of the visuals. We might have had a hard time shooting because of it but really, I was so impressed with how Kevin and Kira held up in that temperature. They knew the vision of what we were doing and really understood the script. They knew their lines, so I really didn't have a problem with the scenes we had to shoot in Korea. I was happy how they really portrayed the roles, and I hope you appreciate how it felt during our teaser drop (check @catherineocamarillo on IG) because that is made with pure love, passion and hard work."

She adds "I may have had problems securing artists in my home network, but I told my staff I needed a new pairing. It was an audition, I pitched it with Kelvin and Kira then profiled how they both speak, or see how they could add to the characters/role they needed to do... and I appreciate how they interpreted it."

Director CC also holds several hit projects under her belt including "Halik" and "Wildflower" on TV. Her real orientation is film, so this is the caliber of what you're about to see in CAYI.

Here's our interview with Kelvin, Kira and Direk CC yesterday, please enjoy!

 

About Sol and Gabi

Kelvin says "My character was more or less an opposite of me. Sol is quite happy, with a loving family, and might have bottled up angst which would surface when he's dealt with a very huge scare later on. It made him look at life differently, but manages to deal with it like it's not a big thing. He takes these challenges easy, and learns from it. He's also quite adventurous and tough, a man's man and is fond of extreme sports which you'll see in the film. That's where he feels that he exists, and I think that's who he is in a nutshell."

He adds "Maybe I gave a lot to my character because I felt like an actor in this film. It's a big concept, and the trust given to me is no joke. I really felt like I was Sol when we made this."

Kira told us "Gabriela Sinag is a hard worker, she volunteers and is so bubbly... severely a person for others. Behind that, she's hurt, and will perhaps get through things with the help of Sol. That's where the fun starts. Honestly, I don't know if I'm crying because of the emotions or the cold, but it gives you a sense of focus so you could do the role and not just because of the environment. It was a different experience for me. The Korean team were so professional, so you really need to step up, and they take care of you. It was so wonderful with our short stay, it was memorable. Personally, I thought he was a bad boy because he was always wearing black, he had earrings, the works! He showed me that under all that machismo, he's a nice person and very devoted to his craft. He is such a giving actor, and it was so easy to work with him."

Flip a coin and take a chance in CHANCES ARE, YOU and I when it comes out in theaters this May. Official release will be done by Regal Entertainment in theaters nationwide!

PS

It was such a joy to talk to Kelvin and Kira, and the stories of Direk may just be the tip of the iceberg. Hope to get to interview them about this film before it shows soon!

There's More Fun at TIMEZONE U.P. TOWN CENTER

Whenever I go to UP TOWN CENTER, I often just eat and buy photography stuff since it houses a lot of restaurants and my favorite photo supply center. There are also clothing shops inside so if I need to pick up a shirt or trousers, it's easy to get off the rack. It makes me so excited that there's a new thing to do in this joint because yes, the new TIMEZONE UP TOWN CENTER just opened its doors to the public last April 26th. This is located at the 2nd Floor, back side of the 2 floor structure so you can alight from the last entrance where H&M is. 

The grand opening was attended by Timezone executives headed by their President and GM Raffy Prats. Celebrities like Maui Taylor, Andrea Del Rosario and their kids also joined the fun. They even teamed up with us in a few games we did later on. We also managed to do a cheer in 15 minutes, but the fun is just starting! 

Albeit loving fighting games, they have new machines to make your experience even more awesome. They have Virtual Reality games, HALO, Minecraft Dungeon, Sailor Quest, Asphalt 9DX and tons of ticket pouring machines which you can save and exchange for food, drinks, teddy bears, toys, and small appliances.

They also have a TIME TO PARTY section where you can hold small events, your birthday celebrations, and make it even more intimate for a few hours and arrange food, party favors, the options are endless! They also have a few bowling lanes (good for groups), plus some Billiard Tables and Bump Cars, so imagine the things you can do here, hours and hours of fun! Don't even talk about the Karaoke rooms!

Here's a short tour and a few highlights on what transpired during their opening, please enjoy!

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They also had the Arellano Chiefs (NCAA Cheer Champs) to perform for us, we saw how they well deserve those trophies they've been collecting for years. Aside from that, GMA's PPOP boyband CLOUD7 and some of the Sparkle Teens also joined in the fun. They also took photos with us which made our fun day even better. 

Now, it's your turn to to have that when you visit UP Town Center. This place needed it, and now that you've got a place to do it, bring your friends and family because there's more fun where that came from!