ALDEN RICHARDS Celebrates 15 Years with MOVING FORWARD Concert

15 years must have been a tall order for most people, but for Alden Richards... it's like he's just starting. The talented and multi awarded actor is celebrating this milestone with some of the most important people in his career, HIS FANS, which he deem deserves this concert, a way to thank them for supporting him this long. 

Watch him arrive at the red carpet in Shang Mall!

 

Alden says "I'm very excited this coming December 13th as we celebrate my journey, my learnings, the things I learned and how we keep on Moving Forward. I thank C@$in0 P|us, Bench, Belo, CDO, White Flower and Oxycure for all their help. The purpose of this event is for my 15th Anniversary, and how I want to give back and pay it forward. I want to highlight the people that have been part of my journey in the last 15 years, and that's the fans. Why Sta. Rosa Laguna as the venue? Because I've been in the industry so long but I haven't had a big event in a place where I grew up. With the help of the people of Sta. Rosa, we were able to mount this event. And I'm very excited because now I could give back to the place where I grew up in. Since Day 1, they've been always there for me. It's our little way of saying thank you to them, and I'm doing it all in this one event."

He adds "In the 15 years, there's been a lot of fan interactions that have happened. I get surprised about news, the most memorable one of which the folks that I have helped in the past would suddenly come up to me and say how their lives have changed because of that. I was just there to help, but to actually see how it has changed their lives means a lot to me. It gave them comfort, I think those are the ones that really touch me in fan encounters. I remember in 2019, a girl standing in the crowd was looking at me intently. She was holding a diploma, looking at me the whole time, smiling, so I wondered what it was about. She approached and told me that she already graduated, and that I was responsible for it. I learned that it really isn't about the volume of people that you help, it's the effect you have on people, it gives me more passion, grounds me, that because of all the things I'm doing in my own way, it creates ripples of kindness. It's why I continue doing the things I'm doing today.That kind of platform and reach, it's what keeps me going."

Here's a video of the media conference, please enjoy!

One of the highlights of the concert is the inclusion of PBB artists Will Ashley, Bianca De Vera and Dustin Yu. He will also have popular band CUP OF JOE performing a song or two in the event. This is produced by Myriad Events, and for tickets you can get them at https://arxv.helixpay.ph/. There are only a few seats left as Diamond and Platinum sections are sold out. This is a once in a lifetime experience to be with him at this locale so if you're a big fan, it's time you take the trek down south to see Alden Richards in the flesh!

Alden Richards is MOVING FORWARD and there's no stopping him anytime soon! Congratulations Alden! :) 

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!

See a More Daring KATHRYN BERNARDO and Vulnerable ALDEN RICHARDS in HELLO LOVE AGAIN

After years of missing these two on screen, we finally have HELLO LOVE GOODBYE's sequel, HELLO LOVE AGAIN. 

Ethan and Joy's story continues in Canada. This film discusses about their love story continuing in a different place, and circumstances after the COVID-19 outbreak which has affected us all. This time, after all those things that happened in Hong Kong, Joy and Ethan went through the reality of long distance relationships, and suddenly become strangers.

Their story is much like a lot of OFW's out ther, trying to find new life in an unfamiliar place, and Direk Cathy Garcia Sampana easily intertwines their love story in it, to later find the need to fix themselves and their lives. 

The story also discusses how they became so insanely hurt in the process, and prioritize how to look for a better life for them, and their respective families. 

The movie definitely needs to be seen because the story becomes extra interesting compared to the first blockbuster movie. Aside from that, this second installment is full of things that you can learn about with family relationships, love, the trials, and those that go through the life of someone who chose to work abroad so their families back home can live comfortably.

The movie will also give you a bit of a shock because Alden and Kathryn gave a different life to Ethan and Joy. Their characters became bold, tough, and matured over those 5 years. Their performance elicited tears from the audience, including guys who wouldn't admit what they did inside the dark theater. One should note of Joross Gamboa's quirky dialogues which made the dramatic scenes a bit funny than usual because his role as the common friend had the apt punchlines needed to keep it light and realistic.

You'll also get to see what the real TRUTH brings, if it hurts, or if it becomes the source of their bliss. Ethan and Joy needs to decide about their fate, is this the end? Or will this be the start of a new life? Or will this be the start of their FOREVER?!

I'd like to take this bit to thank the folks from realme (Kathryn's current phone is the one I'm using, the realme 13 pro). They brought us to the cinemas to watch the film, but they suddenly brought out the two lead actors to surprise us at the cinema! Check this out!

This is Alden's best so far and Kathryn's most feisty role. The changes alone should automatically be a reason to watch this movie. The story and direction comes a close second, because if the first one made waves here and abroad, this should catapult them to elsewhere after seeing their performance. 

The pairing is relatively young, but they definitely gave more of themselves in this movie, head on to theaters and make this an even bigger hit than the first one!

Congratulations to GMA Films, ABSCBN Studios and Star Cinema. It's out on theaters now!

"Hello Love Again" Star ALDEN RICHARDS for THE HUNGRY PITA

Ventured a bit north in the province of Bulacan for a momentous occasion of homegrown brand The Hungry Pita. They started with a corner kiosk in 2012 called Khaddison's Shawarma (named after their son) which they set up in the historic town of Malolos; prepping, testing, and creating recipes using the freshest ingredients, perfecting the recipe later on and started franchising branches across the country. They believe it's the perfect time to get their first endorser, and consequently the 117th Franchisee for The Hungry Pita... you guessed it right, it's ALDEN RICHARDS.

Asia's Multimedia Star is one of the most trusted endorsers in the country but he attributes his personal success to the good people around him who never took advantage, ones that he trusts because you need that in the food industry. 

 

Alden says "I am vey honored and privileged to be the first brand ambassador of The Hungry Pita, and I'm very excited, looking forward to this partnership with them. Thank you for welcoming me into your family. I hope you already have tasted their products, solid right?! This is a milestone not just for their brand, but for me, being now an owner of a franchise. I was so surprised when they said that I'd be owning one. I didn't know it was official till they said it today. Trust that I'd do my best to support the brand, here's to more years on hopefully fruitful partnership. Thank you!"

The owners (husband and wife team) were very young newly weds and wanted to earn a living for their family. They started from scratch, and rebranded in 2018, then started having demands for franchising. They started doing that a year after, this was after they carefully studied how to do it. Needless to say, it was successful because sales suddenly went tenfold. Later on, they introduced new products, making sure everything that comes out of their kitchen is made fresh, hot and delicious til now.
 
Alden adds "What I really love about the product is that it's really authentic. It's very affordable, and can be reached quite easily. When it comes to taste and packaging, they made it friendly, and can be appreciated by a larger demographic. The Hungry Pita answered a lot of my requirements for a food business. They have quality, consistency and taste. I'm excited about what other milestones I'd be having with them."    

The Hungry Pita never had a brand ambassador before, and it's one of the reasons why Alden said YES to this endorsement. He wants to discover, and help each other grow. Alden noticed how good the owners were not just to guests, but also their staff and people they worked with. He also mentioned that reaching 117 branches is not an easy feat, and wouldn't happen if they're doing something wrong. They also hire people based on character which is one of the reasons they flourished. It's the same reason why they got Alden Richards as brand ambassador.

Here's the event on video, please enjoy!

 

We also had the chance to interview Alden after the event, he divulged a lot of things about working on set in "Hello, Love, Again" which they shot in Canada. He also talked about their recent magazine cover with Kathryn Bernardo. They really never lost their chemistry. He also discusses The Hungry Pita, his work ethic, how he does businesses and the secret to being successful in it. 

If you want to do business with them, call +63 945 695 2720 or email thehungrypita.sales(at)gmail.com. Congratulations Alden! And thank you for the opportunity to talk with you!

Several Actors Shine on GMA's "PULANG ARAW"

I've been trying so hard to keep mum about this series, I'm talking about GMA's biggest series yet, "Pulang Araw".

See, I think I've heard about it a few years ago and thought that it was going to be shelved. I'm so glad to be proven wrong today as it does the world TV premiere, right after it's launch through Netflix a couple weeks ago. 

When I heard of the story, I really felt how quite promising it would be. Delving in history, the war, the Japanese, and the personal/family complications... there's just a lot of things you can pull off from that. 

Here's a video of the red carpet event:

Then there's the artists portraying the role. Coming from the very successful "Maria Clara at Ibarra", GMA wants a continuation of the #BarDa pairing so they got David Licauco and Barbie Forteza in this show. Then a little about 10 years ago, they already told Alden Richards about it. This is also the first time he is being paired with Sanya Lopez, so there's a lot to see where their stories would go.

 

The first episode I could say had no SHORTCHANGING in the acting department. Since this is a backgrounder, the young versions of these four gigantic stars of GMA would take the spotlight. Aside from them, this is the time you'll notice how underrated RHIAN RAMOS is as she plays the mother of Barbie and Alden's characters (Adelina, Eduardo). Rhian Ramos as the mother of young Alden and Barbie is EXCEPTIONAL. She's feisty, didn't hold back raising arms for her son and daughter who got beat up, teased and bullied by other kids. She's a gem in this series albeit short-lived, it was enough to showcase who she IS as an actress. I'd give her a trophy today just for that, and I'm not even joking.

Aside from Rhian who stole the show (first episode), another person decided to tell us during the preview that he's a force to reckon with. His name is Aidan Veneracion, whom I often see in workshops under Ms. Ana Feleo (with or without reason, he comes voluntarily). Albeit new to the business as a Sparkle Teen, he's really outstanding in the first salvo. Another star is Cassy Lavarias who played the young Barbie Forteza. She has this innate charm to pull you in on her struggles. She cries like a legendary actress, but she's still a child... so imagine the things she can do in a few years. Heck, she'll give a lot of veterans a run for their money. She's that good. They could be the reason you'll love PULANG ARAW on the first episode, and  follow these individual stories through.

Here's the press conference on video, please enjoy!

 Here are some of the other stars to join the show!

See, this is not normal. I could just have seen the first episode to be just another episode, but no. PULANG ARAW deserves the attention NOW and in the next few episodes. The sweetness of relationships, friendships, and nationalism, mixed with the star power of the lead stars they've managed to put together in one show, how can you not love a story like this?! 

You need to watch the show, PULANG ARAW is now streaming on Netflix. The episodes will be out early in the platform, a few days before the one shown on TV and GMA subsidiaries. You don't need to deeply think about the story, you just have to have the heart to love it just like what they did to the people in their lives and this story. Imagine if it's going to be Alden, Barbie, David and Sanya's turn, they actually were phenomenal in the short instances they appeared in the first episode (Alden made the war scenes in the forest quite a visual feast!)

Make sure you watch it, because as far as I'm concerned, it's one WELL MADE series that deserves to be seen. It's realistic, excellent graphics (especially the planes during the war), funny in some places, and you'll love how.. in a way, shape or form, impress you even if you don't like it. It's that impressive!

Showcasing Hard Work and Brilliance: The Brilliant Awards 2023

Just got off the Brilliant Awards 2023, The Brightest of All Time. Brilliant Skin Inc. holds events like these annually to honor the regional leaders, franchisees, distributors of their cosmetic products in the country. Clad in their most gorgeous white and pink shimmering outfits, they were all welcomed at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre in Pasay City by Brilliant Skin CEO Glenda Dela Cruz.

Ms. Glenda says "This night is all for you, I know there are a lot of people who came from the Cordilleras, Region 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, Bangsamoro and NCR. You are the ones who are really brilliant."

She adds "We have been able to weather through the challenges of 2023. We had fears, uncertainty, and I thought everything would be gone. I learned to be grateful, and to tell you honestly, I'm a better version now. My life is an open book now, I let go of people that I loved and accepted it even though it was difficult. We made waves when we started our Pinakamakinang events in Araneta, and now we are in Malaysia with our TikTok shop, and with our online platform in countries like Dubai (UAE), Malaysia, and soon in Singapore. We did this because of you. We continue to work hard, and I hope this goes the same with all of you. This proves that no matter what they say, you stand behind me all the way. I won't be wasting your trust. I thank God for saving me so many times, and he has done so much for me."

 

After personally thanking the "Brilliants", a term she coined for those who support her, she began showing her gratitude with the tons of celebrity performers she prepared for them. With the likes of Mariel Padilla and Luis Manzano as their hosts, model and actor Daniel Matsunaga, song and dance numbers from international stars 4th Impact and talk of the town Andrea Brillantes, everyone was just so glad to be in the midst of their endorsers who went there to just perform for them. Add to that singers JK Labajo, Kyle Echarri, Jason Dy, good looking actor Paulo Avelino, our golden boy Alden Richards, rock phenom Kean Cipriano and KZ Tandingan brought the house down as each of the winners were announced on stage. It was really nice to see how the crowd reacted when people from their own region was called, and how proud they really are.

Ms. Glenda was so thankful that despite her recent health challenges, they were all able to gather in one place so she could personally spend time with them, to take photos, talk and thank them for the hard work they put in for Brilliant Skin.

Here's some scenes we caught on video that evening!

@kumagcow 4th IMPACT at the BRILLIANT AWARDS 2023 doing Crazy In Love by BEYONCE @official4thimpact #tiktoktainment #music #4thimpact ♬ Here We Go - 4th Impact

@kumagcow ANDREA BRILLANTES at the BRILLIANT AWARDS 2023 #andreabrillantes #brilliantskinessentials #music #tiktoktainment #brilliantawards2023 ♬ Happy to Be Me - Andrea Brillantes

Congratulations to the men and women who received awards and those who also won the generous raffle that was done for them that evening. You deserve the accolades and incentives you got from Brilliant Skin Inc. and I hope you start to do start paying it forward just like what Ms. Glenda is doing for you!

ALDEN RICHARDS Opens Own Bar STARDUST, Reveals Projects in 2024!

 

Do you have a specific memory of your interaction with Alden Richards? I do, let me tell you about it before I start this story.

He was already popular at that time, and as a blogger covering his events, it was doubly hard for me to separate work and being a fanboy of sorts. I was also super shy to ask for photos with him as some part of my brain think it's unethical (in some way, I think it still is). 

Security was tight, and I've wanted to ask him for a simple video greet for my twin cousins in the US who were even more die hard fans of this boy. I quickly asked him and he obliged, but he got called to go out for photos. 

Since this is was an event, he was asked to go outside for more pictures. He went out and I thought, oh... it's not gonna happen anymore because he was being asked to go out too after the event. He stopped mid way and went back inside because he remembered that I asked for a favor. He gave me a short smile, and did the video greeting I asked for, I never forgot that moment. My cousins  and I were so happy of course!

See, there are tons of these small things happening in between press conferences and fan meets, but I can tell from the times I've been able to talk to him.. that he is genuinely a very nice and kind person. I'm sure a LOT of people would say the same. Why is he blessed? Why is he so successful? I think his kindness and selflessness plays a BIG part of it.

Alden's personal friend Father Jeff officiated the thanksgiving mass at his new bar, STARDUST

The successful shows and subsequent movies tells how much he's adored by many. He's also got a film this month for the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 with the one and only Megastar Ms. Sharon Cuneta called "FAMILY OF TWO" and we're all raring to watch it. It'll be shown in theaters on Christmas Day, make sure you support him by watching the film. It's got lots of scenes where you'll find comfort, as it talks more about FAMILY, relationships, and you won't have a dry eye in sight.

A few days ago, he invited us for lunch at STARDUST (located at 58 Jupiter Street in Makati). This is a thanksgiving event, a thing he does annually. It's an opportunity to talk to him, so of course I went. He's always done this for different people, and a lot of fans think we're not worthy, I understand, but he really wanted to do this for us (I felt that). We didn't even know that HE owned the place... yes, this is Alden Richards very own bar. He's got some private partners, but bares they are somehow his mentors who wants to teach him the ropes in running businesses. In a way, he's diversifying his portfolio... and we're certain, this will be a good place to go and have fun in the evenings.

Here's a short tour of STARDUST

 

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A post shared by John Bueno (@kumagcow)

 

STARDUST is pretty nice. It's got comfy velvet laden seats, bar stools and tables where you can park a few drinks on a single night. The bar is huge, and the variety of drinks they serve is equally humongous. They have specials (which your bartender can serve), and food is marvelous. The display reminds me of a galaxy, with lit LED's in a dark sky, you'll feel like you're in space after a drink or two. It definitely feels cozy, I could reckon it being like a speakeasy and perhaps, a little bougie. The lights reflect much on the wall, the lobby laden mirrors and the disco balls in different sizes. It was monochrome heaven, and the glistening lights are not bothersome, you just feel relaxed, and be in the opportune time to listen to music. 

Speaking of which, Alden shares how they have spent much of their capital with sound equipment. The bar can actually project sound quite loud, but not bother any of your conversations. So if you're amongst friends, peers or family in this place, you don't have to shout. That's some technology applied in acoustics, and that's something they wanted to do in this place. It's a plus in my dictionary.

Here's our full interview with Alden Richards which happened right after the thanksgiving event he held for the press:

I'd like to take this bit and say THANK YOU to Alden Richards for always being so nice whenever we see each other. Same goes to Sam, Ms. Roche and the entire SPARKLE Artist Center fam who welcomed us there. For those who would want to experience STARDUST, you can get in touch with them via 0917-167 5800 or email them at reservations@stardust.ph so you can hold your parties there.

Congratulations on the milestones Alden! I'm sure you'll be achieving more in 2024. Watch out for his international projects, his upcoming directorial debut, and the project with Anne Curtis. Sub to my YouTube channel if you feel like it :)