VIBE PH Knows How to Party

VIBE PH Jocks and Manny Pangilinan

Took the trip down Reliance street to visit VIBE PH as they take their awesome party at their newest place, the MVP STUDIO. It's their biggest one to date (I heard they've got bigger plans), but seeing them enjoy their new home was something I didn't want to miss. I could see the hosts excitement before the opening number and I managed to document parts of that and talk to them about it. When I asked if they were nervous about performing in the show, they told me they were more keen to give their viewers the best OPM performances they can dish out.

Elmo Magalona performed with the Vibe Jocks, they did several songs of his Dad Francis Magalona which I kinda miss seeing on TV. It's been a while since we've seen Elmo too, and I hope they get to do more with him in future shows. Aside from that, they also did a tribute to well loved all girl 90's band Prettier Than Pink. They performed the hit song "Cool Ka Lang", something folks in those younger years actually bopped with. It's so good to see them happily playing instruments again together, like a reunion of sorts and VIBE PH made it happen. 

Prettier Than Pink performing Cool Ka Lang

VIBE PH Jocks and Elmo Magalona

PPOP Group VVINK

Shaina Magdayao and JM De Guzman

Enrique Gil and Andrea Brillantes

The Juans with Vibe Jocks

We also saw VVINK perform one of their hit songs, which was young, fun and fresh sounding. They're pretty good dancers too as with any good PPOP group would do. They also had The Juans, Earl Agustin and the band Lily for the Main Vibe stage, can't help but notice because they've got lots of fans screaming their lungs out. To end the evening, they had Salbakuta on stage, who performed their hit songs. They had the crowd up on their seats, and the Vibe Jocks also did a few Basil Valdez songs which they also loved. Enrique Gil, Andrea Brillantes, Shaina Magdayao and JM De Guzman then surprised people, then promoted their two shows A Secret in Prague and My Bespren Emman. 

Imagine, these folks have been doing these performances every week (and good ones at that). They also try to do new things, play those OPM songs you love and make a huge effort to present it to you the way you love. The sheer number of talented artists each week baffles me, because production must have cost a ton to do this. New artists on the other hand can also promote their songs, it's a really nice platform for them. They also can rally their fans to vote so they could watch them on stage. It's a full blown entertainment hub, and it'll be a better one since they have a new home in Mandaluyong. It sits beside the Launchpad Building in the same street.

See, they're just starting, and soon they'll have more icons, great performers in the show. I think VIBE PH is doing a good job. I can't wait to see what they would come up with in the next few weeks, months or years!

Spark Creative Shots with the LUMOS EVOKE Digital Camera [Review]

My passion for photography started at a young age as I've seen the work of masters here in Manila. Not divulging my age, I've seen them use film for most of the time and in 2010, I picked up my own digital camera to shoot runway and lifestyle events in the city. In the past, we had to go to establishments who have dark rooms to develop shots and print on photo paper. I still have a few cameras in my arsenal but if I'd want to experiment on filters, I usually depend on post processing with software for that. Good thing there's a new vintage style digital camera called LUMOS EVOKE.

I've had several LUMOS projectors in my home to watch movies and videos in off times (and it's all too pleasurable IMHO). The brand has seriously made technology accessible, but this new camera just fits right in my alley. I'm in that era of experimenting in shots. For me, taking a photo without a "look" defeats the purpose of being a photographer. 

In film, I had to use a slower shutter speed and lower exposure to use lights and have streaks in my portraits. To achieve the vintage look was a bit of an effort because you have to combine what you use as a camera, the film, the settings and the way you develop it. Although there's some in digital, much of it depends on post processing to achieve that "look" you want to see. The LUMOS EVOKE makes it easy because it's got 16 filters built in, which means all you need to do is shoot and transfer the shot to your laptop or phone to enjoy it.

Unboxing the LUMOS EVOKE

The LUMOS EVOKE comes in a classic white box that's got the image of the actual cam in front. Aside from the unit, this camera comes with a USB C charger, a micro USB adapter, the camera strap, neck strap, a card reader, a felt wipe and the user manual.

Here's what it looks like on video:

The LUMOS EVOKE Features

This is a thing of beauty. The color of the body is simply monochrome, but you can feel how they took time to design this chap, The grip naturally fits on the hand, the flash can be turned on with one button, as this also can take 4K at 30 FPS videos. The camera can take 64MP shots, and the built in 16 filters I mentioned gives you a ton of options if you want something different to come out of it. 

The LUMOS EVOKE also has a flip screen so you don't have to put in guess work when you're shooting in front of the camera (oh vlogging would be a cinch!). I would suggest to turn on the anti shake and auto focus functions especially if you've got shaky hands. It also has sufficient battery life, which means it'll last a long while if you're covering an event or traveling like I am too. When I'm with my family, I take a lot of photos which don't end up on social media. I usually keep it on albums for personal use, and show it to those who are very close to me. With the LUMOS EVOKE I get to have artsy looking shots and do that, including those that I use for coverage for the blog (including the celebrities you love!).

Now if you're keen to own one, they've got this on promo for only Php 4,999. Take the time to visit their site www.lumosprojector.ph/evoke to know more about this camera. I've got this in my bag ready to get creative, wish you get to experience what I've been doing lately. It's awesome!

Jarlo Base, BGYO Akira Morishita, Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna on Star Magic Spotlight

The recent Your Face Sounds Familiar season has just ended but that doesn't mean Jarlo Base, BGYO Akira Morishita, Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna won't be busy as they become the artists featured on Star Magic Spotlight. It's an opportunity to finally ask about what happened during the show and the fun things they did in between takes. 

This is my first time to meet Jarlo but I'm quite aware about the work he does for other artists as a songwriter. Now that the YFSF show ended, he's taking his sweet time to create more music and do it himself. His music was always RnB but YFSF taught him to be more flexible. Doing other artists means realizing they can do anything they put their mind to. This goes the same with BGYO Akira who felt a little bit uncomfortable performing alone since he's always been with his brothers in a group. He also mentioned how he became the life of the party because he talks a lot, especially to the folks who often are introverts, shy or too quiet (which Jarlo was). Now you can't stop them from having fun when they're together. Check out our interview with them on Spotlight!

No stranger to singing contests, Marielle Montellano and JM Dela Cerna have made some of the viral performances in the show. Their final song "And I am Telling You" done by Jennifer Holiday and Jessica Sanchez was absolutely crazy. JM didn't only switch genders, but held that raspy fun voice Ms. Holiday is known for. Best of all, they had so much fun doing it despite Marielle being under the weather that particular day. The two are also being shipped as JMielle on social media and are quite happy being supported wherever they are in the country, where their fans follow them in remote islands without hesitation. This love is something they hold dear, and is always thankful for it. Here's more of that talk with them on video:

JMielle actually has plans to release new music and is eager to also do acting jobs of permitted soon. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as they have more things in the pipeline they couldn't divulge yet, but it will all be revealed soon!

Thank you to Star Magic for letting us interview them! Hope you sub on our YouTube channel so I could reach my goal of getting a Silver Play button :)

TV5 Brings More Shows on Primetime!

Primetime will never be the same as TV5 starts their newest shows "A Secret in Prague" and "My Bestfriend Emman". Topbilled by Andrea Brillantes and Enrique Gil, they'll be telling the lives of an OFW who's goal is to earn a living and make sure to provide for his own family back in the PH. Andrea Brillantes plays the role of Kiara as they unveil their complicated past as they showcase the beauty of Prague and the historic city. The film also includes artists like Kim Domingo, Cedrick Juan, Joel Torre, Edu Manzano, Arlene Mulach, K Brosas and a whole lot more. 

"My Bestfriend Emman" on the other hand is about the various stories of folks who learn how to forgive, and accept things. It is also a story about love, hope and one's faith. You as a viewer would need to find out who Emman is and how their story becomes intertwined with their past, it is also very emotional so there will be lots of drama included. This will also be largely talking about the role of friendship + their relationships. These shows will be premiered on Netflix this April 24th and will be shown on free TV come 27th. The cast also includes Sid Lucero, Donna Cariaga, Kiko Thompson, Elyson de Dios, TJ Valderama, and Iven Lim.

Here's what transpired at the media conference: 

Although they have worked together in the past, this is actually the first time that they'll be on screen partners. You'll see romance, drama and action set in the lovely streets and goth structures. The drama powerhouse that is JM, Shaina and Ms. Aiai brings will be making you question a lot of things, including your loyalty to your faith, the drama in your own homes and might make you question your life choices. 

Remember, it all happens this April! I hope this starts an avalanche of more shows in the network.

EYE MO Launches EYE MO COOL RED EYES with DUSTIN YU

Just got off the EYE MO event at the Monet Ballroom of Novotel in Quezon City. They got us experience redness and irritation when we arrived at the venue, and we know, something must be done to make things better. They introduced a new eye drop variant, the new EYE MO COOL RED EYES and did it with PBB Celebrity Collab Edition star DUSTIN YU!

Mr. Weitarsa Hendarto says "Our brand is the most trusted one in Filipino homes. We deeply value this and inspires us to innovate. In humidity, Filipinos find ways to get refreshed and recharged, and we are launching the new EYE MO Cool Red Eyes to improve the quality of life of our consumers. We also want to connect with our younger market, and this is our response to that. This helps consumers to find relief, and launching a new campaign "#CoolNgEyeMo". By making eye care accessible and relevant, ww are not only introducing products but leadership. Thank you!"

Eye Mo Senior Marketing Manager Earl Jayona adds "Refresh and recharge your eyes with Eye Mo. Our consumers are living a stressful life, simple lives, and this is where Eye Mo comes in. Dustin Yu represents the brand and he brings it closer to his generation. With Eye Mo, each day is a refresh and recharge day!"

With the summer making its presence felt, this comes with dust, smog, the wind, the sun and just about anything that can make you irritated in the eyes. Eye Mo Cool Red Eyes was made to address this as part of their portfolio. It's cooler than the usual, and will be part of their REFRESH and RECHARGE Your Eyes with Eye Mo Cool campaign. You will see this extra visible with your favorite KOL's as part of their awareness campaign plus their man for the brand, Dustin Yu! 

The company also wants to continue innovating their brands as more will be in the pipeline of the eye drop brand including some that would be safe for contact lens wearers.

Make sure you follow their social media channels by searching Eye Mo Philippines on different platforms. They're here for a reason, and will continue to serve the Filipino consumer in years to come!

Vargas Files 20 Counts of Cyber Libel

It disheartens and extremely bothers me to see kids suffer because of bullying. I've gone through the same in elementary and high school, and even though I've turned out okay, it is still not right for situations like these to be treated as a norm. I remember not telling my parents about it because I felt it was going to be an additional burden for them to go through that. It's already 2026, and certainly, it SHOULD STOP.

A few weeks ago, the Vargas family chose to stand up for their child and file a case formally. With various efforts beforehand, they've exerted and exhausted various ways to have this settled, but it has not stopped. A few days ago, they released this statement:

The message is clear, they do not want "bullying" to proliferate in the community. They wanted to do this silently, and never wanted confrontation to begin with. They also reiterated their call to choose kindness, to put a stop on hurting people with defamatory words especially online. They thank those who sent their support as they admit they wouldn't be able to do this alone. They also added that they want this to go through the process, with evidence, and believe the truth will come out, and justice be served. 

They filed 20 counts of cyber libel, to protect not just her husband, the kid, but their whole name and family. This certainly is a hard thing to see in public, but I see they are doing this for their boy, and standing behind him is all worth it.

Ask yourself, what would you do if you were in their shoes?

See ANNE HATHAWAY Differently in MOTHER MARY

Just had the opportunity to watch MOTHER MARY, the Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel artsy psycho drama thriller made for the cinema by David Lowery. This will be out in Philippine cinemas on April 22, but I'd love to tell you more about it before you'd dive in on the movie.

Anne plays the role of MOTHER MARY, an artist that's like a cross between Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, who went bonkers and stopped in the middle of her success, and tried to find out what's making her lose track of her life. The film is like a hodgepodge of poetry lines + a visual feast of music, fashion, boldness, curses, artistry, confusion, weirdness, on being lost, style, fantasy and gore. Michaela Coel plays top fashion designer Sam, also MOTHER MARY's best friend and go to person for everything she wears on tour. The movie concentrates on their relationship, on finding out why she couldn't see that former spark that made her who she is as the pop star. This film is very cerebral, might scare some of how deep it is. You'll be a little uncomfortable on some scenes but I think it is essential on how it is presented. You'll hear some music from this generation's pop stars, intertwined with the story. My favorite line was when Anne's character said "I'm being dressed by everyone but it doesn't feel like me" and then Michaela replied "Tell me what you are feeling and I'll make that into a dress!"

It's a fashion spectacle, like fitting in a whole day of the Met Gala into the screen. It may take a while to get digested, but you'd be glad they took time to do it. I love Anne Hathaway in her previous roles, but this persona is certainly different even compared to her other dramatic roles. 

After seeing it, I get it. You'll also get to question your understanding after a few minutes which I think is the whole point of this movie. You won't be sticking to your realities, and might ask yourself very often (OMG WT* DID I JUST WATCH!). 

This is produced by A24 and released in the country by Creazion Studios International. I'd give a strong 4/5, and might suggest this for more mature fans of Anne Hathaway. It ain't Princess Diaries alright. It's like a living long form fashion editorial which I love. Go watch it!

MIDNIGHT GIRLS: Excellent Depiction of Social Issues and Family Relationships

Just by face value, this new film called "Midnight Girls" felt like a dream come true. Imagine putting together some of the country's best actresses who's work speaks largely on their previous projects like Jodi Sta. Maria, Jane Oineza, Sanya Lopez and Loisa Andalio - and then have blockbuster Director Irene Villamor do it at the the beautiful Nagoya, Japan. 

For those who don't know, a lot of entertainers (mostly singers, performers and dancers) went to Japan for work since the 80's, 90's... and it still is happening today. The film gives a glimpse of not just working conditions, but the actual dynamics of family life, of how little appreciation they get from working there, and how their relationships happen in dire conditions because they still want to survive... and take care of the folks back home.

Here's the Mediacon which happened at Gateway Cinemas:

Jodi Sta. Maria is her old self, doing easy work on dramatic moments especially the scenes with Zaijan Jaranilla (where you'll probably cry). I like the character of Sanya Lopez because she's so extra as Trix. Loud but quirky, she absolutely loves to fall in love and wish for the prince charming she deserves. The person playing the Japanese partner of Sanya in the movie is super attractive, but in real life changed the whole conversation they made for the film. Since he's doing theater, he was alarmed that the script contained non conversational Japanese, so they had to do everything from scratch in just 3 days. The whole cast also needed to learn Japanese (hence the long production), but it was essential to understand how they got to talk with their patrons. Jane Oineza's character is interesting, and you'll need to figure out why she's doing a lot of the unnecessary stuff while she's figuring out who she is in the movie. Loisa on the other hand also did good as Bea, and the manner she treated her boyfriend (Miggy Jimenez) made me realize how corny people get at times when we fall in love. Her story was also intense, when people realize the need to work to put food on the table, but this doesn't equate to who you are as a person. A lot of this will be seen on the film when it comes out May 13 nationwide.

This is produced by TJAV Films (who's got a very young producer behind it) and is released in the Philippines by Warner Brothers. This will also be part of the Far East Festival in Italy, so your support is needed for that too. I'd gladly put this at 4/5, for it's excellence in discussing social issues. I'm sure you've got OFW's who've gone through the same and would easily connect with them individually.

Crazy Deal: Mulach Ensaymada To Pay for Diamonds?

Filipino actor and Ensaymada mogul Niño Mulach just got the itch to get himself a prized piece from Maddox Jewelry. So he headed off their main showroom at  J.P. Rizal Street in Marikina City. This was intended as a gift for his wife and he wanted to make sure to get his money's worth so he met with Maddox Jewelry owner Madame Charo Cordial. 

During the meet, Niño suggested he could barter with the jewelry item with his very own Mulach Ensaymada, a delicacy known the world over made in his apartment complex in Cubao, Quezon City. Surprised with his terms, it might actually need a ton of the products to swap with the diamonds, but of course he said he was just kidding. 

Niño actually bought pieces that amounted to PHP 200,000 which he immediately paid for. All these to spoil his wife of course! Ms. Charo on the other hand sees this as another moment to see how she always made the price FIXED for all the pieces she laid out for her streams and avid viewers. People have always loved how her diamonds and gold prices have been appropriately priced (not too expensive). Niño also got his son Sandro during the small talk, they touched largely on the promising actors experience in showbusiness and how the case is still in court. Niño promises how he's going to be behind his son all the way, together with his whole family. 

You too can visit the Maddox Jewelry showroom located at 1011 AZDM Building  JP Rizal Street in Concepcion Uno, Marikina City. See this episode on their YouTube channel on Maddox_Jewelry. They also have it posted on their Facebook page where they do the streams too. 

Meet the Expert: The "Nose Fairy" Dr. Ruthlyn Pecolera-Salvosa

Meeting women that have done remarkable feats is always a good thing. Her story is inspiring, one that could mirror an ordinary Filipino who's life depended on OFWs, pure hard work, and overcoming challenges. She is Dr. Ruthlyn Pecolera-Salvosa, an ENT, a facial plastic surgeon, and a rhinoplasty expert dubbed as "The Nose Fairy" by many. She also did several complex revision surgeries successfully which I deem is important in the industry. 

Dr. Salvosa says "If you look good, there is social advantage. You enhance something, people are naturally drawn to that. The positivity is there, and other things follow."

She adds "Ideally when we see patients, we'd have consultations even before. With social media, they want it to happen immediately but I try to do it the conventional way. Patients appreciate this so they grasp achievable results with the proper treatment plans. I have broken a lot of hearts because it has to fit your personality and anatomy, with your nose, skin and the realistic outcomes.I took a bit of interior design, highlighting focal points, if you fix the nose, you can see everything else is going to be easy. It makes a LOT of difference."

Here's our blog conference organized by the good people of Verde Creatives.

RPS Aesthetics is located at J & S Building, 104 Kalayaan Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. They also have branches in Sto. Tomas in Batangas and Angeles City in Pampanga. 

At their clinics, they also have procedures that utilize Galderma products such as Sculptra (collagen stimulators) and Restylane (fillers). So if you're interested, give them a call (02) 7001 3150. Or simply inquire via her Facebook page (search her name) to book appointments. 

It was indeed a pleasure meeting you Dr. Salvosa!