"NASAAN SI HESUS? Showcases Humanity and Touching Ways of Faith

Screenings (the advanced ones) have already begun for the movie musical "Nasaan Si Hesus?". It is a story about folks, their community and their unending thirst to find the reason for their existence, slated to show in SM Cinemas this December 3rd, nationwide! 

It was cool to see several iconic 80's and 90's stars be part of the cast. It's a musical, so the caliber of singers must fit the characters of the original stage production. From Janno Gibbs, to Rachel Alejandro, Geneva Cruz, Jeffry Hidalgo (I almost thought they would complete Smokey Mountain), comedienne Ms. Marissa Sanchez, the well loved vixen Salome Salvi, Ms. Via Antonio, Chloe Jenna, Cecil Paz, new stars Rachel Gabreza and Giani Sarita. Not to mention multi awarded actor Bembol Roco and musical mainstay Jerald Napoles. 

Much of the songs were made by Mrs. Lourdes Pimentel (Bing for her closest friends in the industry). This is also directed by Dennis Marasigan (including screenplay). The project is an adaptation of the original work done by Ms. Pimentel and Nestor Torre who wrote and directed the piece.

Much of the story delves on a community trying to find answers on everyday struggle. They eventually find out how God took care of things, and how it changed their lives. It's also interesting how they managed to show how faith comes into play, not just having someone to believe in but how blessed they are despite their circumstances. This film is the handy work of production firms Balin Remejus Inc and Great Media Productions Incorporated. If you want to know more about it, follow the social channels of Great Media Productions and Management (especially on FB). It's time you see how talented Filipino singers and actors are, and this might be a sure fire way to prove how faith helps in anything.

Try to find yourself in the characters, and connect with it!

EASTWEST and FOODPANDA Launches ULTIMATE FOODIE CARD

Looks like the folks from foodpanda and EastWest Bank are making your foodie adventures even better as they give you the ULTIMATE FOODIE CARD that has got ton of perks, something that's never been seen in the food delivery or restaurant and banking scene. Foodies are definitely special, and what this means for all of us is better benefits on top of the convenience owning an EastWest Bank Credit Card. 

For starters, there's CASHBACK on every foodpanda transaction like 10 percent til Php400 is reached, 3 percent til 3 percent is reached, 1 percent on Overseas spend, and 3 percent on domestic. 

Dani Jaramillo the Managing Director of foodpanda Philippines says "Thank you to our local partner EastWest Bank, Visa, as we now have a shared commitment for our digital first customers. We want to give more deals for our customers to make sure they get their instant cravings. You will get weekly Cashback, as we work hard with our partners, especially the ones who do small purchases very frequently. This just amplifies what we do, and hope you love the benefits the card brings. This also supports NFC and Google Pay."

Jerry Ngo of EasyWest Bank says "Food, Easy and Free, we are now celebrating the launch of the ultimate foodie card. We are pushing the boundaries for Filipinos, positioned for the millenials, so they can spend and get rewarded immediately with the things that they like. Food, experience and entertainment, hopefully with foodpanda and Visa, can be used not just here, but abroad. It's a celebration of food, being easy and free!"

It's super easy to apply via their QR codes, which only requires you IDs and a selfie video. 

Visa also said that it wasn't easy to bring to life but there's value to partnerships with people and entities you can trust. This is the 4th product to launch with the bank and the need to change is increasing because payments are changing, it starts today with the GenZ who wants things given now. The partnership with Foodpanda and EastWest Bank makes it easy.

This really fits the need of their consumers. Time to get rewards with those foodpanda purchases huh?!

VOLTME Expands Presence: Opens Kiosk at SM City North Edsa Annex

While most businesses are closing down in the Philippines, VOLTME is still growing and making their presence felt in some of the biggest malls in the country. As one of the leading charging solutions brand in the country, they have set up shop in SM North Edsa - Annex's 5th Level facing with other electronic brands that the mall carries. They are at the middle part of the floor, with a kiosk showcasing some of the power banks, useful cables, and other accessories.

They've been very well received especially for customers who have  needs for not just city usage, but travel, trying to look for something compact, light, but still powerful. I personally am using a VOLTME Powelink Yoyo that can be long at times, but easily retracts so you can keep it handy in bags when I'm out for coverages and events. 

They also have showcased several products like the 65W REVO EVO Wall Charger which you can fit on walls, utilize it's different ports especially when you've got lots of phones and gadgets to use at one time. For those who want something small factor, the 20000mAh Hypercore Power Bank can be your best bud when you don't like running out of juice for home and office work, and still comes with dual ports as well. The VITO EZ Travel AC Desktop Power Strip on the other hand makes it easy for you to manage cables, use for your bigger items like laptops and desktops, but still have space for your other devices because it also has other ports available. Good thing is that they come with warranty so if ever you have issues with the device, you can go back to the store and get help. They are available on Shopee and Lazada, which will have special sales coming since it is the 12.12 season! 

Congratulations to the men and women of VOLTME who promised they'll be continuing their growth in other parts of the Philippines very soon!

RK Rubber Enterprise Corp. Launches 6th CINEGOMA Film Festival

If you're in the look out for indie films, there's a lot being showcased at the CINEGOMA: RK Rubber Film Festival. It's an open film festival hosted by RK Rubber Enterprise Corporation to feature student and non-professional films that tell stories of resiliency, grit, determination and the Filipino spirit. They are also making sure the film makers are going to be featured in several locations across Quezon City.

This is their 6th installment, so far from the initial 6 films independently produced when they started, they now have a little over 50 films shown in several locations. They also have some of the films released in other provinces like Olongapo City prior to this launch in Quezon City. They also did a parade to promote the CINEGOMA Film Festival around Quezon City Circle grounds with a full on band, street dancers, participants and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. 6th installment not only means film, but workshops and several mainstream works that are exhibited for the filmmakers and the public.

Xavier Cortez the CEO of RK Rubber who heads the festival says "I feel pressured because of the introduction but this is the 6th year of the CINEGOMA Film Festival. Thank you to the organizers, to the employees of RK Rubber, the production department of the same corp, the logistics department and operations, to RK Rubbers Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, the RK Rubber Davao and to the media who went here for the opening of CineGoma. You are giving them voice, to those who volunteered and supported CINEGOMA and provided expertise and experience, to help make sure we get to understand how go organize this show and emman dela Cruz. We also have the sales department of Manila who got us huge projects to contribute here. If we are this big and do this every year, there will be more than 40 films that will benefit from it. Folks have never got tired of CINEGOMA because the independent and small filmmakers are being given experience, so they too can tell their stories. Each of you have stories, unique ones that can change the lives of others. Because if we do that, there will be a huge impact on communities, and I hope this 6th CINEGOMA becomes bigger in the next few years as we imagined it to be."

He adds "I feel proud that my once schoolmates are now cheering for a person who wants good things to happen with filmmakers. I get teary eyed, because they're so proud of me too. For all who participated, full length or shorts, congratulations to all of you! I'll do my best to make this better, give more opportunities for filmmakers and this is all for you!"

Here's what happened at QCX that morning:

This year's categories are separated into Student, Commercial, Pro, made with AI and RK which are meant for RK Rubber Enterprise employees only. As mentioned by Sir Xavier, prizes amount from 5,000 pesos to 25,000 pesos depending on the award category. This will run from November 24-29, and the awards will be given at the Quezon City University on the last day. Make sure you watch the films at Sine Pop and exhibitions around Quezon City during this time because after all, it's the City of Stars! (Please check schedule on CINEGOMA social channels).

This is certainly a great way to showcase their talents, and hopefully, the ones who have a lot of promise gets noticed especially the students. They were very eager to showcase their work during the festival launch. Congratulations to RK Rubber Enterprise Corporation for mounting this every year!

LADLAD PL, STRAP and VERDE Creatives Issue Statement of Support and Call for Action

A few days ago, we got to participate in a talk amongst some of our trans sisters, Ladlad Partylist, Verde Creatives, STRAP, and Commission on Human Rights, about the real issues they go through in life, and even in death which have marred their gender identity, done personal or otherwise especially by media practitioners and government workers.

Using their preferred pronouns should be fundamental, and while I don't forget this part when I write, a lot of tabloid and newspaper writers and editors continue to do that which not only feels hurtful for them, but severely invalidating. 

This is why Verde Creatives, STRAP, Ladlad Partylist and trans organizations have issued a statement about this. It's time we change things to not only promote inclusivity, but put respect especially for transpinays. Not to force, but to consider and put a spotlight and give what is due them. 

In 2025, oppression has no place in society. I'd like to send my support for not jus their cause but simply their human rights. I am also for the passage of the SOGIESC Bill, which has been filed over 26 years ago. That's an adult, and they only ask for equal rights, nothing special, which is mind boggling to say the least.

The talk was certainly a nice venue to explain procedures, on media, social media and the choices we make. I fervently hope people would NOT turn a blind eye about what they are fighting for. Be aware of Live/Dead names, understand that Transpinay lives are also human lives. All they ask is to be treated as equals.

A Plea to Get Movie Goers Back to Cinemas: SRR Evil Origins Showcase Stars for MMFF

Just got out of the Gateway cinemas to cover the grand press conference of Shake Rattle and Roll Evil Origins, a Regal Entertainment entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival. The producers Ms. Roselle Monteverde and Atty. Keith Monteverde went up on stage and told us about this big project and how it was mounted despite several challenges in doing another Shake Rattle and Roll movie. 

They required it to be not just different, but connected as far as episodes go. They needed 3 writers and 3 directors to do this and separated them like period films, one takes place in 1775, 2025 and 2050. They also had an ensemble of actors to portray the various characters included in the film. During the press conference, they introduced themselves and expressed how thankful they were just by being part of the iconic horror franchise. Speaking of iconic, one of the films original actress was making a comeback particularly Ms. Manilyn Reynes (who appeared in the Aswang episode of the second installment). Popular loveteams JMFyang, FranSeth is also a part of this film, which would be a litmus test to see if they'd carry the film in its entirety. People were screaming in the cinema with the mere mention of their names, not surprised and hope this equally means they're going to rush to theaters this Christmas too.

FranSeth felt pressured to do good especially since they were able to surprise folks with last year's MMFF entry from the same production. This project is also one of many movies that Richard Gutierrez will be doing with Regal, so staty tuned for the next ones to be released soon. Ms. Annabelle Rama and Zion was in the audience to support him, a touching sight (as I was at their back during the talk).

Here's what happened on video:

While the movie and the rest of the entries are preparing for battle on Christmas Day for the Metro Manila Film Festival, their goal always has been to make sure people would go back to pre pandemic levels of people watching local films. They have the material, the star power and production that can do good, and they hope you'd give them the attention they deserve on MMFF season, and beyond on digital!

ION PEREZ and VICE GANDA are Fitting Endorsers for BELLE DOLLS

I've been covering Beautéderm events for a while now but this has been the most secretive event so far that I didn't know who the new Belle Dolls brand ambassador would be til the last minute. 

Belle Dolls has been a really bullish health and beauty drink brand under Beautéderm corp and I've personally consumed bags of the Beauté Secret Collagen Juice Drink (Strawberry and Lychee flavor) and the Beauté Secret Stem Cell Drink which the new personality will endorse, no other than the Unkabogable Superstar Vice Ganda. Her husband Ion Perez on the other hand will be handling Beauté Secret Black Coffee and the Beauté Secret Healthy Coffee which has Caramel Macchiato flavors in it. 

These products have healthy ingredients that would take care of your gut health, skin, aid in mental clarity, and your lovely nails. The coffee line also has stevia for sweetener, and is healthy which Ion wants so he could take care of himself and Vice too. 

Ms. Rei Tan talked lengthily about how even before this endorsement came, she and Vice have been working together to make sure those who have no access to education will be given the opportunity to go to school and finish their courses. Ms Rei and Vice are very passionate about it, and if this means they'll be helping less fortunate kids gain education, they would be glad to do so. Vice has been taking notes of people who genuinely care for others and he's seen what Ms. Rei has done not only to those who are in the north (as a proud Ilocana) but also those in Pampanga since Angeles City is where the Beautéderm Headquarters is located. Vice also knows how genuine Ms. Rei is because of the several instances they worked together, without any hitches or issues. 

Ion on the other hand may have been nervous knowing about this endorsement, but he became very comfortable because of the fact that owner Ms. Rei spoke Kapampangan, a dialect that they too used in Tarlac where Ion is based. Ion is super into healthy stuff, and told the press that he's been encouraging Vice a lot by changing her lifestyle especially getting enough sleep and watching what she eats and drink. These days, they are prioritizing themselves, because they realized they wouldn't be able to help others if they don't take care of their own health.

Ms. Rei knows that Vice and Ion are real genuine people, and exactly would represent their Belle Dolls brand. She also lauds them for being so confident and very ready to motivate other people using their influence for good. It's also their authenticity that she admires, which she finds on and off camera. With the brand, they could now start seeing the benefits of products where Filipinos would have careful choices and find it available all throughout the Philippines.

Congratulations to Ms. Rei, Belle Dolls, to Ion and Vice too! It just fits like a glove, definitely!

VIBEPH Powers 38th Awit Awards

The recent 38th Awit Awards was one for the books. It's the most excellently produced awards show I've ever seen in recent years. This was powered by the same folks who produced VIBEPH which is under MQuest, an entertainment subsidiary of the MVP Group. When they announced their partnership with Awit Awards and PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) a few weeks ago, that was when we knew they'll be working with them for the Awit Awards. This is also presented by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Awit Awards remains as the premier award giving body to honor OPM artists, songwriters, Producers, industry pros and music professionals. Ours is a rich and diverse one, so with a multitude genres, it's just apt to recognize them during this evening. 

Hosts of VIBEPH or Vibe Jocks also hosted the event, with their fun banters and fun chat in between, it made the long hours bearable. But the Purple Carpet started getting full with OPM artists, they were so generous in posing for photos. I had so much fun being their in the afternoon!

As expected the internationally acclaimed PPOP groups SB19 and BINI got much of the awards, including individual awards for the boys since they have other singles made, my bias FELIP included! SB19 copped Best Global Collaboration Recording (with Gloc9), Best Rap Hip Hop Recording, Best Cover Art and Best Music Video. BINI got People's Voice Favorite Album and Group Artist, and Best Dance/Electronic for the single Salamin Salamin. 

Usual suspects Ben & Ben, Lola Amour, Cup of Joe, Dionela also won awards, plus special ones for rock god Ely Buendia and Viva head Vic Del Rosario. Congratulations to PARI, MQuest Ventures, VibePH, PCSO who all helped make this happen. It was so nice to see Regine Velasquez and that tribute to Ely Buendia, can't wait to see your next partnership!

AWIT AWARDS 2025 Powered by VibePH Shot on Honor 400 5G

VibePH jocks all looked so gorgeous and handsome at the Purple Carpet

It's my first time covering the Awit Awards who has partnered with MQuest and the folks from VibePH. They also have partnered with Honor Philippines who lent us their newest phone, the Honor 400 5G which we used to take videos on the purple carpet before festivities began inside the newly revamped Meralco Theater. We needed to be there early to make sure we had time to see the artists arrive around noon, and they were quite generous posing for us at the VibePH Purple carpet. Awit Awards is an annual event where the PARI (Philippine Association of the Record Industry) honors some of the remarkable musical artists in the country. Even before the event began, I heard PPOP greats SB19 and BINI were receiving awards which I'm super happy about! 

Saw Lolita Carbon, Donita Nose, Ben and Ben, Tutti Caringal, Iñigo Pascual, and a lot more musical artists at the Purple Carpet

Here's some of the scenes at the Purple Carpet, this was in front of the Meralco Building which houses the theater. 

This event was certainly one of the grandest ones I've ever seen. I could see the dedication and work they put in to honor the bands, the groups and individual artists who received awards. I specifically love the part where I saw my own idol Ely Buendia who received the "Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Award" for his contributions to the music industry. They also gave awards to SB19, their collabs, individual members (including my bias Felip!) and femme PPOP artists BINI. 

This was something that was expected, and they definitely delivered. Hosts Joao Constancia and Ryle Paolo Tan also.gave something extra for this hosting stint. I'd like to send our thanks to MQuest Ventures, PARI and HONOR Philippines for letting us cover the Awit Awards 2025 Powered by VibePH and shot entirely during this event with the Honor 400 5G.

You are not just a business, but passionate people who want to further help the music industry and these artists. May your tribe increase tenfold!

Congratulations to all the winners!

SPARKLE TRENTA: Stars and Launch of CLICK KINDNESS

SPARKLE GMA Artist Center recently just concluded their 30th Anniversary via Sparkle Trenta at the MOA Sky stage in Pasay City. And yes, stars took much of their time to perform for their fans, get nostalgia (especially for the folks from Starstruck) and love for the loveteams, singers, spirited dancers, and executives who made Sparkle what it is today.

PBB Celebrity Collab Edition's AZ Martinez, Charlie Fleming, Shuvee Etrata, Josh Ford, Vince Maristela and Michael Sager sang and danced the theme and had fans screaming on top of their lungs. 

Mika Salamanca had her own song number, and her screaming fans didn't hold back, they were also looking for Brent I think LOL 

Good looking hunks Anthony Constantino, Royce Cabrera, and our well loved Tuns aka Kristoffer Martin sang for the fans on stage. Quality men for primetime no?

Miguel Tanfelix showed why he's one of Sparkle's go to guy for dance, he's unbelievably charming. 

Super funny hosts Amazing Betong Sunaya, Jayson Gainza, Pepita Smith and Boobay talked and smoothly bantered with Concert Comedy Queen Aiai Delas Alas (who sang a new single btw!).

Rodjun and Rayver Cruz did handy work of the dance numbers, and Rayver's girlfriend Julie Anne San Jose did several songs, jaws were dropped the minute she stepped on stage.

The ladies and gent from hit show Sanggre charmed folks to watch their show and thanked all those who supported them all these months.

Crowd drawers Ms. Rita Daniela and the iconic Michelle Marquez Dee also sang, they of course thanked their fans for being there. 

There were tons more that happened but what's even more important was what Alden Richards discussed about that evening. Tons of artists have experienced bullying, mental anguish online and he talked about a campaign they are launching called CLICK KINDNESS, it's a call for you to think about what you post and publish online, to spread positivity and make experience online a good one instead of adding toxicity and bad things on the internet. I have a few videos on my page so just search KUMAGCOW on Facebook to see it on my reels. 

Congratulations SPARKLE! Continue to shine!