CARITAS MANILA Starts SEGUNDA MANA Grand Bazaar at TRINOMA

Had the chance to visit the Caritas Manila led SEGUNDA MANA Grand Bazaar 2025 at the Ayala Malls Trinoma's 4th Floor in Quezon City. This is the social service arm of the Philippines Catholic church and has been running a couple of years already. 

It was packed but people were eager to help because where else would you be able to purchase really great finds of food and products and in turn help the causes that they support particularly the education of the poor and their livelihood. This was witnessed by leaders of Caritas Manila, our lovely Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, several beauty queens and kings too. 

Rev. Father Anton Pascual the Caritas Manila Executive Director says "For 72 years we have been doing Caritas Manila efforts and there are a lot of people helping us in Segunda Mana. Second Hand Items, new ones, toys, we monetize them for nature and community projects and we hope this would be sustained with your help. This is patterned from the US's goodwill stores and we thank Ayala Trinoma, PMG, Miss Universe PH and Misters Pilipinas, our Mayor Joy Belmonte who has helped social enterprise. We want to thank you, and hope this gets sold in 3 days so we can help the poor. The poor are not lazy, they just need opportunity so they could help themselves. Please spread the good news, may God bless you!"

Mayor Joy Belmonte says "I was lucky to have been able to work after graduation with Caritas Manila. At QC, our values are aligned and have worked to give scholars to lift themselves and not just rely on dole outs. We have 40k now and hopefully have 80k after our term. Thank you to Caritas for doing environmental efforts, textile is another waste we need to address in this economy. Every year we have tons of it in our landfills and in a circular economy we hope to recycle these. I wish people stop a consumerist lifestyle, balance it with new and second hand items to help, declutter and live simple lives to donate in Caritas Manila. We hope to host a lot of social enterprises in the city, it's my dream to do this. Let's all shop for a cause today!"

Miss Eco International 2025 Alexei Brooks says "Coming here I asked what to talk about, but recycling is an important part of it. I am an athlete, and was poor to afford shoes. My grandma went to buy a 500 peso pair which I eventually would win in Palarong Pambansa. I still have it, it's a reminder of who I am, to take care of the environment and climate change is happening. This organization is partnering with international ones and it is a good cause. If you want to achieve great things, please donate so you can make a difference in someone else's life."

PMG GM Agnes Magallanes adds "I rallied our team to donate and went on to do 3 years of helping this cause. We want to be part of the solution, meeting with them, we got to have social engagements and urge corporations to give back. We need to be part of the solution, not just clothes, but plastics, it's part of our sustainable efforts and we thank Caritas Manila for making us part of it. We hope to sell these and have nothing to send back to our warehouse."

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The event will be from today til June 8 so you have about 2 days left to go there and help. Make sure to visit and buy so we can help families send their kids to school through Segunda Mana and other Caritas Manila projects. They also have vendors from communities, as they want them to be self sufficient later on. Hope you can help!

CARLOS MORALES Takes On Directorial Hat in WILD BOYS

Actor Carlos Morales aka Carl Woodruff Jr. in real life just made an impression with his movie WILD BOYS during its premiere night last June 3rd at Gateway Cinemas. This is a totally different hat from his sexy film stints in the 2000's with titles like "Laro sa Baga" which he did with Chito Roño, "Babaeng Putik", "Red Diaries", "Bigasan" and more. His directorial debut was in 2015 for the film "Piring" and it has gotten screenplay and 2nd best picture nods at the World Premieres Film Festival. 

He took a hiatus in 2020 because of the pandemic and practiced his nursing profession in the US. He wanted to go back since he's done film making at the New York Film Academy (2016) knowing that he's so passionate about the craft. He finished filming WILD BOYS and then sought a July-August play date.

This is his passion project, and together with his friends, a throng of very supportive actors, he was able to quench his thirst for music and dance. WILD BOYS had all original tracks and several dance numbers included in the film. Think of it as a Filipinized version of Magic Mike, which had a great spin in building individual characters. I thought I was going to hate it, but no, it was super entertaining! 

The film includes hot brothers Aljur and Vin Abrenica, excellent character actors Martin Escudero, Kristof Garcia, Nico Locco (who did his character crazy), Hashtag Jimboy Martin,  former PBA Pro Arwind Santos, Christian Ty, Billy James, super hot Christian Singson, Rash Flores, and new guy Pedro Red. The film also includes Paul Alvarez, Rolando Inocencio, Cataleya Surio, Mariposa, CJ Garcia, Ms. Krista Miller, Ms. Ina Alegre, the funny Atak Araña, and new comeback comedy queen Inday Garutay. 

Story wise, the film tend to be a bit raw. They have made the effort to introduce each one, and since it's an ensemble cast, it took a huge chunk of the play time. I felt it was necessary and folks in the cinema appreciated it. If the plan was doing a series, it begged a sequel because they definitely could do a lot with the WILD BOYS.

The film also talks about poverty, resilience, reaching for their dreams. Since this is WILD BOYS, you'll see them get naughty at times and slowly make the wishes of matrons and gays a reality. The film is R-13 and will be shown in cinemas very soon.

VALERIE TAN Brings You to HONG KONG Adventures on I❤️PH's 10th Season

We're a little envious with Valerie Tan as she takes another season of I ❤️ PH to the beautiful sights of Hong Kong. Together with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, she's going to take you to the territories best spots, food destinations and the reasons why folks love Hong Kong. Season 10 will start this week, particularly this Sunday June 8th on GTV at 10:30am.  

It will also be streamed on Kapuso social channels and GMA Pinoy TV. Valerie says "PMPC gave us an award for travel and lifestyle. This is our 10th season and we are leveling up, it's time to rediscover Hong Kong. When I toured around the places you've might have never seen. We're excited to show you this 3 part series that shows the unique Filipino perspective. From the Giant Pandas, to the street markets, to a far island, you'll see it here!"

Valerie also mentioned another event called IRunPH which will be at the UP Oval in 3, 5 and 10K segments which they organized for their chosen charities. They will also be giving away Sharp appliances and gift bags for lucky runners. This will be on July 13 so make sure to register on this website https://tv8mediaproductions.myruntime.com/register/irunph2025. 

Liew Chian Janof the HKTB says "We have many friends in the Philippines and Valerie had many experiences in HK which coincides with HK Summer Viva, a campaign we are doing currently to promote various events happening this season. From parties in the theme park, the twin pandas anniversary, HK Disneyland's 20th anniversary, bringing parties like no other. There will also be sports events, food and drinks, merch that you can only buy during this time through their mobile app. HK Ocean Park will have 6 pandas in July and August. Horse racing is also a hit with locals, every Wednesday we have parties, games and prices included in the event. Please make sure you visit Hong Kong during these dates."

She adds "We are also doing Wine and Dine festival across cities in October and the whole month of November amidst Victoria Harbor. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope to see you in Hong Kong soon!"

Here's the press conference on video this morning:

Valerie actually felt this show was really challenging because they had to compete not just TV content but those that are on the internet. TV8 Productions has become much like family now and they are pushing for more years, to partner with more folks for the benefit of the Filipino viewers. She's so happy going to even more places, it opened up a lot of opportunities for her even if there are challenges. People are looking for more immersive experiences when visiting a country, and they hope doing these activities that are not so popular yet would open their minds in the east region of Hong Kong. You've got to look forward to the first episode because a lot of them will be there.

Make sure you watch I❤️PH on GTV this coming Sunday at 10:30AM. It will be shown on GMA Pinoy TV and other social channels a day after premiere broadcast.

FATIMA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER Announces Availability of ZEISS SMILE PRO Laser Vision Correction

Went to far flung Antipolo City at the Fatima University Medical Center. It's a private medical facility and campus for people of Rizal and nearby cities. This has been founded in 1967 and it has grown to give medical services for communities too.

Dr. Vicente Santos MD, DPBO welcomed us and was proud to announce that they are now 6 campuses and 2 hospitals strong. Change is happening and now, they are dubbing their hospital as the home of expert eye care.

They had Kuya Kim Atienza and Vice Mayor Reynaldo San Juan Jr. as guests who congratulated them on a significant milestone for acquiring something big, they call it SMILE. Their doctors explained this new procedure and the difference it makes in surgery.

In a nutshell, it is safer, more precise, this is a flapless laser vision correction using the VISUMAX 800 machine. This is what they use to do incisions, reshape eyes to achieve better vision. Now, they can perform a wide range of correction from -0.75D to -1000D. Doing this is again, minimally invasive, very gentle, and takes 10 seconds of laser ablation per eye. This gives patients short recovery times because of minimal corneal disruption and is suitable for patients with high refractive errors, thin corneas, and dry eyes.This is part of Zeiss Smile technology used in over 10 million eyes worldwide. There are only 2900 doctors/surgeons who can practice this and we're so lucky to have then at the Fatima University Medical Center in Antipolo City.

According to a patient who had undergone it and said "Lasik and Zeiss Smile Pro is different as the latter doesn't have flaps done. The recovery time is better and I can do work the next day. It had no pain. I went to Fatima because my family went here for different procedures and surgeries. My brother underwent Smile 10 years ago and the Smile Pro is better. It is very effective and I trust them."

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This is good news for those who need it. This new procedure will benefit a lot of Filipinos who want lower down time, even shorter than getting a hair cut or a dentist appointment. Zeiss Smile Pro can be done for patients 18-50. It is also an out patient procedure where you can to in and out of the clinic. If you want to know more about the Zeiss Smile Pro Laser Vision Correction and what it can do for you, call 02 8291 6583 local 206 or message them on social channels, just search for Fatima University Medical Center on FB and IG.

The procedure is in an introductory offer, approximately 99K for the Smile Pro. Go ask about it! 

JM DE GUZMAN and SUE RAMIREZ Define Love Differently in LASTING MOMENTS

Took a break from events and watched a movie premiere last night as one of my favorite actors JM De Guzman and talented actress Sue Ramirez star in a Director Fifth Solomon project called Lasting Moments. This is under PASSION5 Studios.

Before we went to the red carpet, we took the chance to interview them and Director Fifth bared how it was a little problematic to release a film like this because of the recent line of foreign films that are showing also in the same dates they planned. They had to adjust and had to compromise doing it in July 30th to make sure enough theaters could carry them, not the fault of theater owners as he said. 

Direk Fifth told us "The struggle of Filipino films is obvious, to see change, we need to talk about it so we could see what we need to help the industry, and its workers. I want to throw the question on how we can compete with foreign films. I understand the business, the malls on how they choose things where they could earn. We need the government help to not only survive, but have ample screens to show our work. We hope they could trust us, July 30 is going to be the date we are showing our work, this is a call for help. Lasting Moments needs to be seen."

Here's a glimpse of the red carpet where several friends of the lead stars and director also supported. We saw several Drag Race Philippines alumni and rumored Slaysian Royale cast. There were also several influencers and artists at the venue, and watched with us later in the evening.

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I've watched Fifth Solomon's previous films and I must say, this has definitely outdone those. He also wrote this, and evidently, this has been researched a lot because of the several things you would see in the movie. He took time to establish characters, but they'd give reasons later on about sudden outbursts between JM and Sue's roles. It questions your tenacity, of what lengths you would do when it comes to love and emotional impediments. The film also takes a jab on how one would quantify happiness, contentment and one's ability to measure it. 

Sue says "The topic is very sensitive, it's about silent battles. I hope people would be able to relate and understand this is a crisis. I hope the weight comes across the screen and the character. I'm so nervous, but the deeper meaning will be shown when you see the film. This is really a good film and we enjoyed making it, I hope people would go to theaters because I'm nervous if it didn't have days on the theaters."

JM says "I didn't really have a hard time doing this because I did a lot of research and I'm working with Sue. It's going to be relatively easy to understand what they are going through, without spoiling.. it's about remaining with the person and love. Sue doesn't act, she lives the character."

Here's the press conference on video:

JM and Sue really took their characters to heart. You'll have a bout of trying not to cry when they show closeup shots of them on screen. If there's a flaw, probably audio because there were several instances when I heard lengthy supposed quiet times that had high pitched sounds interfering (either from the movie theater or the actual edit).

Again, LASTING MOMENTS will show in theaters this July 30th. JM and Sue are phenomenal actors and there's no question, films that include them must be seen. See why folks beside be cried on some scenes. Congratulations to the cast, Direk Fifth and PASSION5 Studios!

AI Powered VISION EXPRESS Opens BIGGEST Flagship Store in Mall of Asia

Leading eye wear retail giant Vision Express just opened their newest flagship store at the 2nd Floor Entertainment Hall at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. As of date, they have over 80 Vision Express stores all throughout the country and their success has been driven not just by doing well curated designer eyewear, but using AI technology to further enhance their services. 

 

Vision Express CEO Ms. Neelam Gopwani says "We have our new AI driven Virtual Styling Studio that can check your face shape, your colors and can pick the best pieces for you so your experience is better, easier. No more guesswork if you are overwhelmed with the eyewear displays because it can choose for you. We also have a really cool machine called Vision Plus which can check hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes risks from your eyes and do it in 30 seconds. It can give you a full scale report, and recommend through AI what you can do for your health. We're so proud of that technology. We started this about a year ago, we are taking advantage of that. The value of your eyes and protecting it over time. At the moment the Virtual Styling Studio is exclusive in the Mall of Asia branch, and we plan to roll it out in other stores very soon. It curates and customizes it for you."

Here's our interview with Vision Express CEO Ms. Neelam Gopwani

They have a dedicated section for Ray Ban, and have the largest collection of eyewear from them.

If you are a fan of brands like Loewe, Gucci, Mont Blanc, Prada, Miu Miu, Tom Ford and so much more (40 brands), they have already selected pieces that would best fit you by curating the eyewear selections. They did the best sellers world wide, you will find the perfect pair for you. This store also warm, very comfortable and has lots of seating. It's very chic and minimalist which makes it more attractive even from the outside.

I looked around and tried to find the perfect one for me, I seldom find eyewear that would fit me because I'm literally a big guy. Lo and behold they have Mont Blanc on the shelves which fits my style and size. I love the first one on the left, so if in case I'd get prescription glasses soon, I'd be glad to do it in that pair. I bet you'll find one easy when you visit their stores too.

See... it looks good on me!

If you are looking for hard to find ones, the latest model of eyewear from the reputable and premium brands, Vision Express is the place to find it. 

SEGUNDA MANA Set To Hold 3 Day MEGA BAZAAR 2025 at TRINOMA

Looks like stars are taking out their well loved things and outfits to make sure you get the chance to have it, but proceeds will support youth education and in some way, you'll practice sustainability when you participate in the MEGA BAZAAR 2025 at Ayala Malls TRINOMA's 4th Floor at the Cinema Lobby this coming June 6-8, 2025.

This event is under Caritas Manila which is the social arm of the Catholic Church and it'll include donated goods to finance the education of countless guys and gals who benefit from the program. Some are pre-owned and some are brand new, and as someone who frequent thrift stores, this is something that I've been looking forward to all year.

I took several plushies the last time and this year, celebrities and companies will be participating to get their apparel, home products, all donated to fund the Youth Servant Leadership Program. They also are partnering with Caritas Margins that does projects with marginalized communities and micro businesses, you can be sure this is inclusive too. They are also getting help from PMG, one of the country's leading marketing agency to get the message out there, and also organize the event.

Father Anton CT Pascual the Executive Director of Caritas Manila dubs this as the new way of giving. By buying these goods, you are repurposing and helping causes like education and the environment. But be reminded, this will only happen for 3 days, make sure you drop by early so you won't run out of items in the store! The event will be graced by Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, and celebrity donors include beauty queen Winwyn Marquez, hearthrob Donny Pangilinan, Jiggy Manicad, Donna Cariaga, Jackie Lou Blanco, Suzi Entrata-Abrera, Maxene Magalona, DJ Robin Sienna of Love Radio, Mr. Fu, Imago Band, Stephanie Sol, Kapuso singer Julie Anne San Jose, Gretchen Ho, Camille Prats, Ms. Jamie Rivera, Ariella Arida, and Blackwater Elite Players.

This is the handy work of Caritas Manila who has been doing charity work since 1953. If you want to be part of their efforts, you can donate or participate in this event. Yes, you can drop off donations too during this 3 day event. You may check their official website caritasmanila.org.ph or their social channels Segunda Mana on FB and TikTok.