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.

FANEY: A Fitting Tribute for the Superstar and Adoring Fans of NORA AUNOR

 

Sitting with a throng of screaming Noranians inside a full cinema was certainly not what I expected to see in the screening of FANEY (The Fan) at the Gateway Cineplex just this evening. This is a film by Director Adolf Alix Jr., made as a tribute to the one and only superstar Ms. Nora Aunor who passed a few weeks ago.

This is the handy work of producers RS Francisco, Frontrow International, Intele Builders, Noble Wolf and AQ Films. It is written for cinema by the Director himself, and quite hard to do since it's election season and the energy is pretty down because of our loss, she's a national artist of course!

They coincided the screening with the superstars birthday, which is today May 21st. Editors surely had sleepless nights just to make sure it got shown on this date. Laurice Guillen is good at her craft, uttering iconic lines of Nora Aunor, she made it felt how it is to be a loyal fan. Doing it on screen was no easy job, but she took us along for the ride.

She was flanked by Direk Gina Alajar (who played her daughter) and Kapuso Actress Althea Ablan (as her grandchild) in the film. Direk Gina's character was more of a protective one, who didn't understand how becoming a fan of Nora Aunor meant you would need to have lots of sacrifices including your own family. 

If you are a fan of the Superstar, you'll really have to pay attention to the references of this film because a lot of it will be based on Nora Aunor's movies.  You'll get moments to ask yourself if what you are watching is real, or a line from another project of hers. It's like every scene would become a test if you know this movie they are referring to or not. Add to that their family dynamics, how they unleashed their anger because they couldn't believe her passion, her loyalty to her idol, and how it has affected their families too. It also showcases the bond, the reasons on how a Noranian is built different and why they remain and adore her to this day.

 This film also has gems, like Bembol Roco who brought Nora centric romance in the movie. There's also Roderick Paulate who did several scenes that would rival his fun movies in the 80's, Ms. Perla Bautista who at 85 still felt sharp with her character. You will also get to feel the rivalry between Ms. Nora and Vilma Santos, as there will be bouts of it in the movie. Althea Ablan on the other hand did good as she represents a generation who understands why Noranians are still Noranians. Bring lots of tissues if you are a fan, because this is all about Ms. Nora Aunor and YOU as a fan. The real stories they shared are all incredible, and told by the people themselves, front and center.

It's a well made piece, stay for the ending because you'll feel the nostalgia that her life brings. It is a proper tribute for the Superstar, the National Artist we all adore and love.

IVANA ALAWI Enters Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition House

It was a nice afternoon to see Ivana Alawi right before her PBB stint which none of us was aware of. It was a simple thanksgiving event which she arranged for the support she's getting from the press and bloggers, so it was certainly a surprise to see her in the famous house days after.

Were there any clues?

None at all, because much of the talk that transpired that afternoon revolved around her success, the brands she's representing, and getting married among others.

The YouTube star will certainly be seen in a more "personal" way now that she's in the ABSCBN and GMA partnered celebrity edition of the show which they dubbed as COLLAB, something she's quite used to.

She mentioned during our small talk that most of her content didn't really have scripts and just happens when it happens. She was very witty, down to earth, and doesn't mind answering even the most controversial of issues thrown at her. She confirmed some jewellery endorsement woes are on trial which prohibited her from speaking about it. 

Will she do good on the show?

Definitely. Her personality shines in her recent YouTube episodes and her hunger to even create interesting talk with Barbie Forteza (which she deems is still the same person she was with years ago) is a testament for the kind of person she is in or out of the cameras.

She also shared how she wanted to work with previous winner Fyang soon. Maybe that'll happen when she gets out from the house of Kuya.

Here's our interview with her a few days ago:

I'm rooting for her.