VARGAS Issues Statement on Recent Legal Letdowns

Actor and QC Councilor Alfred Vargas just released a statement after learning recent legal results of their filed complaint (him and his wife) against those who bullied their son on supposed several occasions. 

On his official Facebook page, he thanked those who have been getting in touch with them and shown support. He also showed his dismay and felt his world is crumbling, saying how he feels so sad for his kids, and him unequivocally failed as a parent. He has also shown concern about the avenues of help he could go to if they would have the same fate as his kids who experienced bullying, repeated trauma while in the midst of a lot of people. This experience (undergoing the case) has taught them to never give up, and will continue to fight against all forms of bullying. 

Here's what they published a few hours ago: 

He has also sent his thanks for those who have sent their support and says he is still overwhelmed by your messages. He wishes to let you know that they will continue to fight this, and believe the cause is all worth it. 

Here's wishing they get justice they deserve.

COCO MARTIN and JULIA MONTES The Perfect Match with REGASCO

A Perfect Match, words that describe the country's premier actor Coco Martin and actress Julia Montes. This is something that REGASCO.also believes in and yes, they are the face of Republic Gas Corporation. They are also signing with the company, together, as one. 

REGASCO President and CEO Arnel Ty says "We wish to welcome all of you here today. REGASCO has been in the industry for 28 years now, and we are now nationwide as we enter Mindanao this year. Our special guest, are proof that we are continuing to cater to household consumers, as partners in kitchens everywhere. We thank General Torre, Ms. Shirley Kuan, Mama Ogie Diaz and you for being here."

Also at the event are executives Anson Robin Ponce the Marketing Head and Ms. Lesley Yiu the managing director for REGASCO.

Coco says "This is the first time that we are signing something together so this is very special for me. I am excited for what's about to happen in the next few years with REGASCO. This is not just because they are helping us, but we go places and promote together. I can be with her even more. Sigabo by the way will be out on June 22, we have rested and recharged and I'm happy that it is better than Batang Quiapo and our other series. It will give happiness and inspiration. Julia has been studying culinary thrice, and I feel that. I'm an HRM graduate and I also cook for her. She requests Pares, Cochinilio, which took me a lot of time to perfect. Cooking takes time, but if you include a lot of love, bonding, it's quality time spent together. We are very private when it comes to our relationship, but we get respect out of that. When our relationship lasts this long, the more love we have. She's always the person beside me, I get a lot of courage when I'm with her. We will be doing a film very soon, and the Lord blessed us with REGASCO and a lot of brands that trusts us still. Respect is part of our culture, we grew up with our grand parents and help each other, support each other and I hope people get inspired with that."

Julia says "To be completely honest, REGASCO has always been supporting us in our businesses and our family. I want to reinvent Kare Kare because that's Coco's favorite. A perfect match is like having God at the center of everything. I am blessed with him, I am blessed with Coco. There's no perfect relationship but ours is solid because of him."

From its humble beginnings in Malabon, to over 30 refilling stations, 4000 dealers nationwide, the one that makes sure the weight is correct, only REGASCO has that!

Coco and Julia will be going around the nation so you will also get to know who REGASCO is. They're making sure you hear it from them personally, and they send their thanks for making them a part of the family, while they are being treated like family. Congratulations Coco and Julia! 

Stressful, Creepy and Totally Crazy: Watch BACKROOMS on June 3!

CreaZion Studios International and A24 brought the highly anticipated movie "Backrooms" to the Philippines. Got the chance to watch it on an Advanced Screening event at Megamall's SM Cinemas this evening, and it did not disappoint!

First off, it immediately gave us that 90's vibe folks love. We got to feel how it is viewing stuff through a VHS tape.  Fair warning, the flow of the movie would be quite torturous for claustrophobics. While it remains a slow burn (on some instances), it's super immersive like you'd feel like YOU are in the story. You also get conditioned that you are safe at times, then get your heart racing when you least expect it. I'd liken it to a psychiatric session, driven by various emotional baggage (of the characters), then a little tense... a little scary... inside a furniture store in the middle of nowhere. 

Then folks just find themselves inside a weird room, that slowly just becomes smaller, tighter, creepier, which you don't even know how you even got involved in it. I like the premise, the way things were introduced, and the manner it became scary (sometimes without blood and gore). 

It's stressful, interesting, and got lots of jump scares. You'll catch folks screaming in the cinemas (go ahead!). One minute you're okay, then get unaware you're already trapped a room you're unfamiliar with. It will be double hard for folks to even spoil this movie because much of the story remains psychological. Folks would ask if what's happening is already crazy, or is it just you? 

By all means, experience all of these by watching Backrooms which will premiere on June 3 in Philippine cinemas. This will also be shown in other Asian regions. Are you scared something might happen to you?! Don't let your curiosity lead you here! Or you'll be sorry! 

It's one heck of a creepy movie (an expected Kane Parsons masterpiece). The rush will keep you going. Just don't say I didn't warn you though! This gets a strong 4/5 cows 🐮🐮🐮🐮.

Golden Haven Zamboanga Bags Laurels from FIABCI Property and Real Estate Awards

Looks like the good people from Zamboanga have a lot to be happy about this week as accolades came for Golden Haven Zamboanga Crematorium. They are the Gold Winner for the Outstanding Developer Category (Specialized/ Purpose Built) which was given at ceremonies held at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City. Because of their work in modern but culturally sensitive properties which addressed the needs in the region, they were given the award by FIABCI. The project was completed in 2024 and has become a center for services that accommodate families, spaces they need, rooms and crematorium services that Filipinos need. 

This is just one of many locations they cater for, which now makes the burial services needed for others a primary service they can do. Their division head Ms. Emelia Lustado proudly said that they are so proud to service families and their loved ones in the most difficult circumstances and appreciate their trust with the Golden Haven brand. They promise to always uphold standards, and innovate even more in the coming years. They hold this as their responsibility for their clients, and the community they belong to around the country. 

Congratulations on this win! May your trihe increase!

A Reformed ANTHONY JENNINGS: Stars in Crazy KYUKYU Ramen 99 Brand Film

It's been a while since we've seen Anthony Jennings. The actor might have faced real life challenges in the past few years, but being a good man after that time surely has given him opportunities he deserve. One of which is an endorsement for popular ramen chain brand KYU KYU Ramen 99 which has now amassed over 95 branches, and still continue to grow. Their formula is knowing what they serve (learned to make ramen), making sure everybody could afford it (whether you are a CEO, day laborer or what not) you can afford their 99 peso ramen. 

Anthony being the endorser for this brand also added his acting chops as part of the Kyu Kyu Ramen 99 fam. They released a new commercial to be used for their digital platforms, made by the folks by GIGIL who's known for doing out of the box stuff. 

Talking to them (the executives) and Direk Lester Pimentel felt like knowing how they made this brand into a very successful venture. But what hit me the most is their genuine care to make sure each bowl they put out can be consumed by every Juan. 

Here's what happened during the press conference:

The Brand Film really caught my attention, and surely people will too. It is weird to say the least, but weird fun as the creatives are known for. If you happen to catch these on their social media platforms or on TV, you'll probably have the same reaction as I did. I'm quite familiar with their work, but I bet you'll see why Anthony Jennings fit the bill. He's funny, good looking and very pleasant to see on screen. The brand knew he's the perfect guy to wear the bowl (and the crown), and use it for ramen too. 

Congratulations Anthony Jennings! Your work really speaks for you, undoubtedly one of the most underrated actors in the country. I hope people will love you even more after this gig. Because the way you presented it, they're about to run to KyuKyu Ramen 99 stores and get those bowls for themselves. It's comforting, and makes you feel you deserve one at the end of the day. 

JOJO MENDREZ Rendition of OPM Classic "YAKAP" Lauded by CLAUDINE BARRETTO and Director Ronald Carballo

The country's one and only "Revival King" Jojo Mendrez is at it again as he releases his own version of the OPM classic hit song "YAKAP" originally done in 1979 by Junior aka Antonio Barretto Morales, a Spanish Filipino singer and actor based in Madrid and written by George Canseco. 

Popular YouTuber Director Ronald Carballo dubs this as something hair raising, deeply exciting when he previewed it on his online show DireKwentuhan with Ronald Carballo. He told Jojo how he felt this version was something that he could feel from the heart, and would resonate during this generation. He also mentioned how much this has recall, and relatable for ordinary folks. 

Jojo laments "You've got to be in the mood to sing songs like these, but initially, we thought this wasn't going to be released. I didn't have the voice or appetite that time to work on it, but I got to do the first few lines and managed to do it after that. I know of a Charice Pempengco version, but this arrangement is different. After recording, we had to re-do some of the lines and perfect it with the help of Jonathan Manalo of Star Music."

He adds "They have plans and so many songs to do in the pipeline. It just takes time because of the meticulous ways of recording it. I feel their love and care when we brainstormed about it. This includes the work we did with Tamis ng Unang Halik originally done by Tina Paner."

Jojo also furnished a copy of the song to Optimum Star Claudine Barretto, who immediately sent her reactions and love for his rendition of the song. Here's the screenie of that shared on socials: 

Loved by his friends, the media and pinoys who adore his OPM versions, he's also excited to announce that the track is now out on streaming platforms. Just search for his name Jojo Mendrez or the track title Yakap on platforms today.

The Backrooms BREAKOUT Experience

Took a Sunday off and got with some of my blog friends to experience BACKROOMS at the 5F of ShangriLa Plaza mall in Mandaluyong City.

Yes, this is a new BREAKOUT room created by CreaZion Studios International and A24. It's a limited one that will only exist from May 23rd to the 7th of June that features the scary and viral horror movie set to be shown in Philippine cinemas on June 3, 2026. They want you to feel the experience felt by the folks in the movie and for horror fans, this is something you should look forward to ahead of the much awaited movie in June. 

The room is not that complicated, and if you're pretty experienced in these Breakout rooms, you'll manage to get ahead of the pack. Remember though, to make sure to look for clues how to get on to the other task, which is a pretty familiar thing in these activities. Is it scary? Maybe, but of course, we can't spoil things like that! 

The Backrooms Breakout themed room can be accessed by buying tickets at Shangri-la Red Carpet Cinemas via the box office which can get one person in Breakout too (only for this room). If you're a group or more, you need to purchase another ticket as it is per person. You can reserve for it for 24 hours by going through their customer service channels (breakout.com.ph, from 11am to 8pm or mall hours). 

The film is directed by Kane Parsons and star Chiwetel Ejiofor and actress Renate Reinsve (who's got an Academy Award and one from Cannes). So if you want to experience this, take that tough stance and see if you can get out of the room before it's too late! 

Project Baby Star SUE RAMIREZ Loves Kids, Believes in True Love

Sue Ramirez has been in the industry for years now, and the roles have certainly shaped her into a more well rounded actress capable of doing any character, any intensity, and we're not even surprised by her caliber.

A few days ago, we got to interview her for her film called Project Baby under Regal Films. This is together with an ensemble cast and rock icon Rico Blanco. What we've seen during the talk is how nervous they were acting with one of their idols, and that includes Sue too. She's actually celebrating her 16th year in the industry, so it has been a journey for her. She auditioned as a singer but was made to do acting roles a lot more instead. She says "I would like to explore more to be a singer, and I'm always game for anything. I'd love to do Rock and Roll, I used to sing a lot on karaoke with my family and have varied preferences, I enjoy it a lot including rapping."

Sue Ramirez has 8 Dogs. She says "I yearned to take care of a kid and I wanted to do it early on, that's why I have 8 dogs because I took care of them like my own children." (hence the topic really connects with her).

She adds "My Dad had a stroke when we were swimming, and when we went home, I saw my Mom from Day 1 take care of him, that's when I saw what True Love is. I saw that everyday for 11 years."

Talking about the film, it's about an empowered woman, a girl boss who wants to have a child. She is not keen on relationships but she wants to do wanted one, she had to find the perfect Daddy and need no involvement for a man in her life, sort of a one time thing, and want to make sure the kid grows up with her (as Sandy). She also says she didn't feel it was hard to play the role because she can really take care of kids, and personal experience having a good partner. 

Project Baby was actually something different, but she could do it. She mentions "This was pitched to me last year but I really wanted it to happen with Eric Quizon and Direk Joey Reyes who wrote the script. The concept was timely and doesn't only talk about the woman, but the man's perspective. Rico told me it was the hardest topic that men go through."

Sandy (Sue's character) is also going to be an extreme freak, complete with PowerPoint presentations just so she could send her point across. Stay tuned for that scene!

Here's the whole media conference on video:

This film will be in theaters on June 10th (their premiere night will be on the 9th). Prices for tickets have been reduced so a lot of people can watch it! This is directed by Eric Quizon and written by Direk Joey Reyes for Regal Entertainment. 

Go try different things if you haven't seen a Filipino movie yet, I feel this is special.

Unveiling The Future Of Trusted Solar Energy with INTEGRA R.E.

The energy crisis is happening and one of the most affected countries is of course, the Philippines. With the one of the highest rate of electricity in the world, people are left finding solutions like in renewable energy. In recent weeks, the discussion about Solar energy has been very heated. Aside from the problems of permits and regulation, the acceptance of it has been very slow. 

Despite that, the market and need for it is continuously growing, and we met the folks from Integra RE who's been in the industry since 2022. Their relaunch has been done as they've become part of Singapore based Tai Sin Electric Limited. They now serve the whole Southeast Asia and will benefit businesses in the Philippines as they do B2B work. They supply, design end to end products and devices to get that Solar energy journey started in plants, manufacturing and your own homes. 

Junrhey Castro the Regional Manager for Integra RE says "We are a B2B renewable energy supplier, some of you experienced power outages, red and yellow alerts and suffered diesel and gasoline prices. We have been in the Philippines since 2022, but have now rebranded as Integra RE. At the show, there are various suppliers and focus on batteries and solar panels, and our role is to integrate it all so it makes more sense for the Filipino household."

Here's more about our interview with him this morning:

The situation in energy has really hurt a lot of nations including the Philippines. The gap is huge, and we don't have enough buffer to make energy available and affordable for cities and it has been seen in recent yellow alerts. You could also feel the price increase in gasoline, and your bill has even shown the increase. Trust that Integra RE will push for standardization of all things solar so you could lower your electricity bills, protect yourself from fluctuating prices, become energy independent, have very low maintenance devices (to easily manage it) and have higher environmental impact overall. 

If you want to know more about Integra RE, visit their website integra-re.com. Catch their display at SMX Convention Center as they are participating in the Solar Storage solar event til the 20th (today). 

SUE RAMIREZ and RICO BLANCO on PROJECT BABY

If your age is almost at the end or way last the days of the calendar, and you've exhausted yourself with work (and fame) then getting a boyfriend, husband or peer to make things happen, would you take on an ingenious project of making a baby?

This is exactly what Regal Entertainment is offering this June 10th as Sue Ramirez and Rico Blanco take on the characters of Sandy and Migo in a movie entitled PROJECT BABY. 

Sandy is a 30 sumthin lady who's got everything in life. She's successful, a girl boss, and owns an advertising agency. She only lacks one thing, and that's a baby. She only wants a baby though so she tried to look for a person who could do it, but only to be a baby daddy, and nothing more than that. 

Migo on the other hand might be the perfect guy to do so, but as soon as they figure things out, feelings got involved. Will she succumb to LOVE you think?!

The trailer has already garnered 6.5 Million views, and surely, there are lots of folks who might be in the same situation. Will it be the smart choice?

This script was the handy work of Direk Joey Javier Reyes and directed by Eric Quizon. Stars include Alice Dixson, Matt Lozano, Charuth, Arra San Agustin, Yasser Marta, Kimson Tan, Jazzil Sarina's and Alex Calleja, wouldn't that be interesting to see?

IN THE GREY: An Action Flick Asking for a Sequel

Just got out of cinemas after watching the Henry Cavill and Jake Gyllenhaal film called "In the Grey". 

The title may have been a dead giveaway but no, they managed to be really more than that. While the tale would pretty much revolve around Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal and Eiza Gonzalez' characters, it's still pretty much an ensemble movie. This was brought to the Philippines by the good folks from CreaZion Studios International and is now showing in theaters. 

The plot is pretty good by any standards, it's a Guy Ritchie film after all so we expected that. It felt like a more modern take on Miami Vice because of how cool each character was. This includes all their compatriots, some of who they asked for services before it all went down. They do it like clockwork, calculated and overpowered that the action scenes felt clean, like nothing could stop them from reaching their goals. This is also about money matters, lies, loyalty, organized crime and the thirst for power. 

It's well choreographed, and you'll feel good for how they deal with the villain, plus the manner they did it, which will be lengthy and build most of the story. Was it worth all the trouble to watch? ABSOLUTELY. I'd give it a soft 8/10 and will vouch for its entertainment value. It lacks a bit more action, but it did have that don't get me wrong. You'll also feel it's asking for a sequel because much of the result in the end asks for it. 

Go watch it on theatres, it's a Cavill and Gyllenhaal flick after all, and that alone deserves a reason to watch it.  Women would love eye candy, and men would be thirsty for action, it is sufficient. It is also asking for a sequel. 

Shining Bright, Star Magic Artists on Movies This May

If you've been noticing, the artists from Star Magic are shining even brighter in cinemas as their movies get released this month. 

This includes Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, Fyang Smith, JM Ibarra, Jane Oineza and Loisa Andallo. JMFyang for starters did good on Almost Us which I had the opportunity to watch a few days ago. It was produced by Regal Entertainment and handled by Director Dan Villegas. Jane and Loisa on the other hand did Midnight Girls which I got to see through advanced screening last week, which is a pretty good nod to the stories of OFW's and the things they sacrificed to earn for their family. Donny and Belle's last project together (sans announcement) is "Tayo sa Wakas" which was done by Direk Cathy Garcia Sampana. It will be shown on the 27th and I'm looking forward to see it too. 

This is quality we can only expect from Star Magic. Make sure you support your artists because it matters, more projects for them all, hopefully!